Abstract: Several embodiments of martial arts practice assemblies are described involving variations spanning from apparatus permitting movement along a single translational axis and about a single rotational axis to an embodiment mounted on a robotic arm enabling translation in all three axial directions and about all three rotational axes. A dual-lockout circuit requiring simultaneous activation by an operator and a user is used to activate the pneumatic system powering the assembly.

Abstract: A rectangular box closure clip engages the two top flaps of a shipping container holding them securely without damaging the carton enabling the boxes to be reused without the need for being reformulated. The closure clip includes a pair of lower surfaces and a pair of upper surfaces interconnected by a central web that extends substantially throughout the length of the clip. The edges of the two upper surfaces are set back to facilitate insertion into the box. In a second embodiment, a vertically extending endstop is provided to prevent a box stacked atop the clip from sliding axially relative thereto. In still a third embodiment, a recess allows a binder strap to be installed around the clip to retain it in place. A programmable, scanable chip may be incorporated into the closure clip to facilitate tracking and/or to tamper-proof the package.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for pumping molten metal from a reservoir into a preferably bottom-filled mold includes a pair of graphite pump crucibles partially submerged in a reservoir of molten metal. Check valves in the bottom of each crucible enable them to be filled to the same level as the reservoir. A high pressure inert gas supply operating through a pressure regulator, forces the molten metal from one of the crucibles up a riser tube to a horizontally extending runner and through a fill port into the mold. The pressure supply is then connected to the other crucible while the first refills.

Abstract: A support for a water heater is constructed of a plurality of component elements including four stacks of two elements each. The first base elements can be positioned to form an approximate cylinder with the second upper elements stackable thereupon. Diametrically opposite pairs of elements are secured in position by steel bands. An elongated trough fits between pairs of adjacent stacks of elements and has laterally extending flanges which engage and support the weight of the trough upon inwardly directed ledges on adjacent component elements. The trough is designed to fit extending laterally or transversely so that it can be extended to lie beneath the spigot on the water heater to facilitate draining, as needed.

Abstract: A wind turbine for generating electricity is configured as a drum with a housing that has adjustable shutters to control the amount of wind reaching the turbine blades. Alternatively, the turbine blades can be pivotably mounted and opened and closed using a cam follower, cam track system to minimize wind exposure to downstream turbine blades.

Abstract: A cap, jacket, shirt, or sweatshirt displaying the logos of two rival adjacent a field, court, mat or rink depicting the sport in which the teams vie. These logos may be readily ripped-off, being attached by hook-and-loop fabric, or the like, to enable the following week's rivalry to be displayed on the same item of apparel. The wearer's preference is displayed on that item of apparel by means of a team name/logo/exhortational message displayed elsewhere on the item than in the display region and by a red ‘DIS’ cord stretched across the team the wearer wishes to lose in a manner reminiscent of the international NOT! display.

Abstract: A training assistance device capable of significant height adjustment has at least one adjustable, and preferably, two adjustable arms to allow it to simulate a defender in a variety of sports including baseball, basketball, football, hockey, soccer, and volleyball. Structure facilitating transport of the device from place to place is included.

Abstract: A neutral starter interlock for motorcycles, a form of electronic safety circuit, is disclosed. The interlock is designed as a retrofit especially for Harley-Davidson® Big Twin and Sportster® motorcycles manufactured prior to model-year 2007 and factory equipped with an electric starter and a neutral indicator light. The interlock circuit interconnects the neutral indicator circuit (between the battery and the transmission neutral switch) and the starting circuit (between the battery and the starter solenoid) of the motorcycle, and includes an electronic relay that bars current from flowing from the battery to the starter solenoid unless the motorcycle's transmission is in neutral. This prevents unanticipated movement of the motorcycle if an attempt is made to start the engine with the transmission in gear.

Abstract: A leash for a baby bottle or other food/beverage container has a padded band with a redundant attachment to the shoulder harness strap of a car seat, or the like. Similarly, the second attachment strap for attaching to the bottle has a redundant set of latches to ensure that the bottle is held thereby. The strap suspending the bottle has a dangle length of 3? to 5? to maintain the bottle within easy reach of the child obviating intervention by the parent to restore control of the container to the baby. The second attachment strap is provided with a non-slip fabric for engaging the surface of the container.

Abstract: A series of channels formed in the bow portion of the deck create both a series of wave breakers and a plurality of footrests inside the passenger compartment of this sit-in kayak. The kayak is integrally molded in a single piece and has a contoured seat with a downwardly sloping, rearwardly directed portion. A combination of the footrests and the downwardly sloping, rearwardly directed portion increases leverage available during paddling.

Abstract: A set of rulers for teaching the concept of measurements includes a first ruler having a first group of incremental division lines corresponding to a first group of measured lengths, each line of the first group having a first length and a first color. A second ruler in the set adds a second group of incremental division lines corresponding to a second group of measured lengths, each line of the second group having a second length and a second color, the second group of lines extending from an distal end portion of the first group where the second group of measured lengths corresponds to the first group. A third ruler of the set adds a third group of incremental lines corresponding to a third group of measured lengths, each line of the third group having a third length and color and, where the third group of measured lengths corresponds to the first and second groups, extends from the distal ends of the second group of lines. A method of using the set of rulers to teach is also disclosed.

Abstract: A protective helmet of the type used in football has an external soft elastomer layer to absorb/dissipate some of the energy of an impact. Other features include a quick disconnect face guard, carbon fiber face guard with Kevlar wrap at junction points, a soft foam inner shell inside the intermediate hardened shell, and a head fitting structure including a plurality of pads, visco-elastic cells and at least one inflatable bladder. In addition, the hardened shell may be formed as a lattice frame of strips having a plurality of fibers impregnated with resin. The resin may have a dye added that will indicate if and where an impact exceeding a predetermined value is incurred by the helmet to assist a physician in diagnosing a possible head trauma injury.

Abstract: A hermetic package for electronic components which is made of metallic silicon is disclosed. The package includes a plurality of silicon elements which are bonded together. A metallic layer of platinum or gold is bonded to an internal surface of the hermetically sealed enclosure. While either metallic layer may serve as a heating element by subjecting the electronic circuit connected thereto with a large current, the platinum layer can also be used as a thermal sensor by passing a lower current there through. An internal heater is included to stabilize the performance of the electronic components.

Abstract: A spring clip having integral, self-penetrating attachment tangs and an orientation tab can be manually installed in a window opening formed by a foam core sandwiched by a pair of OSBs. A first planar surface has a second planar surface attached along one lateral edge thereof and oriented at an angle in the range between 60° and 85°. This spring finger deflects out of the way permitting the window's insertion, snapping back to engage a vertically extending flange on the window to retain it in the opening. A modified spring clip for use with solid wood headers and sills utilized with multi-unit windows is also disclosed.

Abstract: First and second C-shaped clamping members are provided to engage a ladder and a roof rack. One of the clamping members is mounted on an actuator rod, the other on an actuator housing. A pistol grip handle and trigger mechanism enable the two clamping members to be ratcheted into secure clamping engagement with the two items. A quick release plate allows the clamp to be easily opened for disengagement. In a second embodiment, a compression spring draws the two clamping members together when the quick release plate is engaged.

Abstract: An insulative block of foam insulation has interspersed on an upper angled surface, a series of ridges and valleys. The valleys afford passageways for air circulation through the soffits and out the attic vents, be they ridge vents or attic turbines. This eave insulation prevents/reduces the thaw freeze phenomenon resulting from heat escaping in the vent region which results in the formation of ice dams which often produce roof damage.

Abstract: A work-holding chassis is constructed of at least one lower manifold/bracket and at least one upper manifold/bracket with fixture plates attached thereto. An optional center manifold/bracket can be included for additional strength. This chassis is light-weight since the center is essentially hollow. In addition, the modular construction allows the components to be reconfigured and reused for sequential applications. The manifold/brackets have any of a number of differing geometric shapes to which the fixture plates may be attached. The manifold/brackets and fixture plates may be customized to have internal plumbing to afford fluid pressure to activate hydraulic clamps, components, etc.

Abstract: A hermetic package for electronic components which is made of metallic silicon is disclosed. The package creates a cavity for receiving the electronic component, preferably a piezoelectric device, which provides a evacuated environment in the range of 1×10?5 to 1×10?11 torr. In a first embodiment, the single crystal metallic silicon is p-doped to make it electrically conductive, obviating the need for lead wires which could compromise the hermeticity of the package. Silicon-to-silicon bonding is preferably accomplished using brazing of the cover to the base member using gold indium eutectic alloy at 495° C. A method of making a surface mountable electronic component having an internal hermetic environment is also described.