Abstract: A light array for illuminating the circular opening in the platform of a bag toss game includes a circular frame and mating cover that define a hole, at least equal in area to the opening. A plurality of lights (LEDs) is positioned in the annular enclosure formed by the frame and cover. The cover includes a transparent wall through which light is projected to the opening in the platform. An annular printed circuit board is supported in the annular enclosure and mechanically supports and electrically connects the LEDs to a switched battery source. Different embodiments for blinking and sequencing the LEDs are shown. A laser diode arrangement for producing a cross hair pattern of beams in the platform hole is also described.

Abstract: A Style A PAPI system comprises a plurality of identical lamp housing assemblies, each with one or more lamps and each housing assembly including a tilt circuit. A master control includes a microcontroller that supplies an inverted 1 KHz, 50% duty cycle pulse signal to each tilt circuit through a corresponding blocking diode. Each of the tilt circuits includes an optical pendulum tilt switch that responds to tilting of the housing assembly. DC power is developed in each tilt circuit from one phase of the pulse signal. A pair of steering diodes and a voltage divider network enable return pulses to be supplied back to the microcontroller via the same wires that deliver the pulse train. The returned pulses exhibit different voltages corresponding to tilt and no tilt conditions of the tilt switch. Visual indications of the status of each tilt circuit are presented at the tilt circuits and at the master control.

Abstract: A glider device includes a pair of swingably mounted foot platforms pivotally supported by links at their heel ends. A spring cage, in one embodiment, includes a tension spring in each link to resiliently support the heel end of the foot platform. The spring cage limits displacement of the tension spring and includes a compression spring that cushions the displacement of the tension spring. In the a second, preferred embodiment, a stack of rubber bushings is supported in the spring cage and compress and decompress to provide a cushioning action to the foot platform.

Abstract: A Style B PAPI system comprises a plurality of identical lamp housing assemblies, each with one or more lamps and each housing assembly including: an electronic bypass circuit with first and second oppositely poled SCRs coupled across the terminals of each lamp; a zener diode; and a diode bridge for developing a first trigger voltage across the zener diode in the event of failure of a lamp. The first trigger voltage causes alternate conduction in the first and second SCRs from the AC voltage developed across the failed lamp. A lamp control circuit includes a third SCR that is coupled across the zener diode for developing a second trigger voltage for similarly driving the SCRs. The lamp control circuit is operated by a microcontroller-controlled common lamp control circuit that activates all of the lamp control circuits and disable all of the lamps in response to a tilt condition for the lamp housing assembly.

Abstract: An airport strobe lighting system includes a BCD source of pulses generating trigger voltages for a plurality of strobe lamps and a sensor circuit for comparing confirmation signals with the trigger pulses and generating corresponding return pulses indicative of the operation of the strobe lamps. A microcontroller is supplied with conditioned 5 bit address inputs from the BCD source of pulses and conditioned confirmation signal outputs from the sensor circuit and compares each confirmation signal with the 5 bit address of the corresponding strobe lamp. The microcontroller controls the illumination of dedicated LEDs to indicate the status of each of the strobe lamps.

Abstract: A support system for cleaning mini blinds includes a pair of end supports and an intermediate support, each support having a back portion and a lower portion extending at right angles for supporting the spine of the mini blind. A pair of suction cups is affixed to each back portion for securing the back portion to a smooth surface. An alignment indicia is provided on the back portions for aiding in horizontal alignment of the supports. The two end supports each include a side portion and a front portion for restricting movement of the spine of the supported mini blind.

Abstract: A fry pot includes a burner tube that is secured to the walls of the fry pot with front and rear end welds. A front end weld shield consists of a stainless steel clad first molded ceramic positioned between the gas burner and the front of the burner tube and a rear end weld shield consists of a second molded ceramic having a brim shaped portion positioned in the rear of the burner tube. Both end weld shields have grooves within which the respective end welds are received.

Abstract: A weed and impact resistant outboard motor drive system includes a motor and a small diameter metallic propeller. An elongated flexible shaft is coupled between the motor and propeller. The flexible shaft is encased within a curved tubular housing that is secured to the motor at one end and carries a propeller shaft at its other end. The drive system is clamped to the boat with the motor above the boat and the propeller axis parallel to the water surface. A tangent to the curved tubular housing, as it enters the water, forms an acute included angle with the water surface that is no greater than 55°. The small in-the-water profile of the drive system and the angle of entry of the tubular housing into the water minimize weed pickup. The high speed rotation of the small diameter propeller facilitates cutting and churning through of any weeds that are picked up, while enabling proper trolling speeds.

Abstract: A stable, low speed, powered tricycle with traction steering, includes a pair of freely rotatable traction wheels and corresponding pairs of friction rollers and braking surfaces that are selectively engageable therewith to effect propulsion and steering of the vehicle. A caster wheel supports the front of the vehicle frame. This forms a tricycle rolling system that maintains stability by automatically broadening a turn to obviate tipping.

Abstract: A lightweight, easily maneuverable and transportable power chair, that may be manually propelled, includes a pair of freely rotatable wheels and a corresponding pairs of friction rollers and braking surfaces that are selectively engageable therewith to effect propulsion and steering of the chair. A pair of toggle levers are operated by a corresponding pair of control handles for selectively engaging the friction rollers and brake surfaces with the wheels. A single caster wheel is vertically rotatable at the front of the power chair frame. This forms a tricycle rolling system that always maintains a load on each of the driving wheels.

Abstract: An adapter for a model railroad flat car enables the carrying of axled model vehicles on model railroad flat cars. The adapter is a thin rectangular block with a transverse groove at each end for engaging the axle, axle housing or axle encasement of a model vehicle being carried on the flat car and facing in either direction. The adapter is secured to the flat car by any suitable means and has minimum visibility when the model vehicle is being carried.

Abstract: A powered surgical tool includes a battery-operated motor that has an eccentrically mounted drive wheel for engaging a longitudinally movable drive wire that operates to incrementally rotate a ratchet wheel. A work wheel in the form of a cutting blade or a grinding wheel is mounted for rotational movement with the ratchet wheel at the distal end of the surgical tool. In another version, the cutting blade has a periphery of cutting teeth, which are driven directly by the longitudinally movable drive wire. A grinding wheel version discloses two grinding wheels that are incrementally driven in opposite angular directions by a pair of longitudinally movable drive wires.

Abstract: A top side cooker includes a cooking head that is counterbalanced by a pair of gas cylinders. A lift arm couples the gas cylinders to the cooking head. A compression spring is fitted on the rod of each gas cylinder to provide a positive force at the end of the rod travel for precluding the heavy cooking head from crashing into the grill surface.

Abstract: A deep fat fryer includes a housing having a door and a removable access panel that shields a frypot, one or more gas burners and gas and air regulators. A control panel supports user controls and includes vents for channeling air over the user controls during burner operation. A drain valve for emptying the contents of the frypot extends through an orifice in the access panel and has a handle that prevents closure of the door unless the drain valve is fully closed. The blower version of the gas burner includes a removable restrictor plate for determining the heat characteristics thereof.