Abstract: A system by which an electric power utility can selectively limit power supplied to homeowners or other users to conserve electricity in periods of higher usage/shortages. Each home that is participating in the system has “smart switches” installed at outlet locations, for example, a stove, clothes dryer, television sets, lamp, etc. The power utility sends communications either through cell phone technology, telephone, or other communication link to the home to signal the various smart switches to limit electrical output (either blocking current flow totally, or periodically). The electric utility sends its communication to a monitoring and control computer which in turn controls the various smart switches. Also, information of power usage is transmitted to the smart switches back to the utility company so that bills can be prepared, with savings also specified in the bill.

Abstract: An anemometer that visually indicates the speed of the wind by the position of a float housed within a first chamber. The first chamber is in communication with a second chamber through a vertically extending conduit system. The second chamber is in communication with a low-pressure zone of a push differentiating system preferably a Venturi.

Abstract: A crimping and cutting apparatus having upper and lower die members, with each die member having matching crimping surfaces and matching cutting surfaces which define a crimping region and a cutting region. A cylinder and piston assembly moves the first die member between upper and lower positions to accomplish the crimping and the cutting. The apparatus can be grasped manually, and it is particularly adapted for use in an operation where a cable is placed around a bundle of logs, and the ends of the cable are connected by crimping, and one end of the cable being cut from the cable leading to a spool.

Abstract: A fault-monitoring system for a large industrial conveyor belt to detect rips or other faults. There are fault-sensing units in the belt, each comprising a conductive loop extending across the belt and a sensing circuit. First and second frequency signals are directed to the fault sensor and the fault-responsive circuit sends a response of a frequency to indicate either a fault condition or a no-fault condition. Thus, the response from the fault sensor is either an “I am here and I am okay” or “I am here, but there is a fault in the belt” signal.

Abstract: A method of repairing a leak at a branch pipe location in a manner that it is not necessary to drain the water or the liquid from the main pipe at which the repair is being made. The end of the existing branch pipe is removed from a connector at the main pipe, and a temporary plug with an elongate handle is used to branch the connector opening. With the opening remaining closed, an intermediate connector is placed over the elongate handle and welded to the connector, after which the plug member is taken from the opening and a permanent plug put in the upper end of the intermediate connector.

Abstract: An automated cleaning system, where dairy cows pass through a foot bath region. The foot bath is periodically changed by implementing an agitation phase where high velocity water jets agitate the waste material in the foot bath and causes these to be discharged, followed by a drain phase where the liquid flows out an outlet. Then, a flushing phase removes the further debris, with the foot bath then being refilled with water and chemical disinfecting liquid for a subsequent cycle where another group of cows would pass through the foot bath region.

Abstract: A method or system by which two or more people can improve communication, understanding and/or relationships. The persons engage in a game or other activity where there are triggering events, such as completing a hand of a game of cards, or expiration of a time period. When there is a triggering event, one person selects an item of information at random (e.g. by drawing a card from a stack of information cards). The person reads the information and expresses a thought relating to the same. The other participants are then also able to comment. If this discussion becomes objectionable in some way, one of the participants can activate a “defuser” to either divert the line of discussion or terminate the discussion, after which the activity phase (e.g. a card game, a counseling session, etc.) is continued.

Abstract: A cow indexing and positioning system comprising a first and second actuating systems where the first actuating system repositions a cow brisket bar assembly in the horizontal plane to index the cows located in a stall to be milked. When the cows are finished being milked the first actuating system then disengages from the cows' briskets and the second actuating system vertically raises the cow brisket bar assembly to allow the cows to pass thereunder.

Abstract: A support apparatus having support members attached to a snowboard. The support members having handles that are adapted to be grasped by a user where the user exerts a vertical force upon the handles and a manner to create a downward force upon a support surface that is attached to the snowboard. The user is not bound to the snowboard.

Abstract: A towel that is adapted to be mounted to a chair where the pouch region of the towel functions to hold the main body portion of the towel in a mobile configuration, and the pouch region further supports the head region of the towel onto the upright portion of the chair. The towel comprises a handle attached to the perimeter opening of the pouch portion and the handle is adapted to carry the towel.

Abstract: A nail extraction tool comprising a head portion and a shaft portion where the head portion has a contact surface that is adapted to engage a wooden surface to extracting nail without leaving an indentation upon the wood surface. The nail extraction tool further is adapted to hang from the loop of the belt where the shaft portion extends therethrough the loop and the tool is supported by the lower surface of the head portion.

Abstract: A locking device assembly to connect two sections of cable together. The locking device assembly has a body with two chambers with two wedge members that each have base portions that are each positioned on substantially opposite sides of the body in the chambers. Each wedge member and chamber can hold a cable therein and each cable can have tension place upon it without slippage. The cables can be easily removed by hitting the front end portions of the wedge members.

Abstract: A two piece vase adapted to house flowers or a floral arrangement. An insert is adapted to be mounted in a chamber of a vase structure. The insert is not readily visible when inserted into the vase structure and provides a watertight seal. The insert is further easier to clean and provides a more convenient method of mounting the flowers into the vase.

Abstract: A venting closure assembly for and milk tank where there is an outside stainless steel cover and a venting closure member positioned beneath the cover. The venting closure member forms a circumferential seal around the periphery of the cover and in one form has a downward and outward flaring flexible skirt, which forms a peripheral venting channel. When there is a surge of product in the tank (e.g. caused by acceleration of the tank) the surge of liquid is forced upwardly against the closure member and takes a circumferential path to slowdowns the surge of milk. In another form, a two-piece closure member is employed.

Abstract: A transport apparatus to launch a boat into the water and retrieve the boat from the water. There is an elongate main frame having forward and rear main frame sections pivotally connected to one another along a transverse axis at approximately a mid location along the length. At the forward end of the main frame, there is an operating station and also forward wheels which are capable of turning a full ninety degrees in either direction, and there are at the opposite end rear support wheels which can be raised or lowered. When a boat is being taken out of the water, the apparatus is moved so that its rear end moves into the water, the rear wheels are raised to lower the rear frame section and the two main frame sections are articulated relative to one another to lower the pivot location. In this configuration the boat can be brought onto the rear main frame section, the rear section raised, and the boat carried out of the water.

Abstract: A subwoofer cabinet having a volume less than 1 ft3; axially aligned openings in opposed cabinet walls; first and second cages mounted on respective ones of the walls in alignment with the openings; a voice coil driven driver including an annular 225 oz. magnet affixed to the first cage; a stationary pole piece extending through the magnet and defining a magnetic gap therebetween; a voice coil mounted on a cylindrical voice coil former positioned within the gap; a cone affixed to one end of the former; a first flexible surround secured to the outer end of the cone and attached at its periphery to the first cage; a flexible spider secured to the former and at its outer periphery to the first cage; a drive amplifier capable of delivering 2,700 watts to a nominal 4 ohm resistive load and swinging 104 volts for delivering (+)&Dgr;v and (−)&Dgr;v drive signals to the voice coil for driving the voice coil driven driver through a peak-to-peak stroke of about 2.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention 1) holds percussion mallets for transportation or storage, 2) converts any concert music stand or desk into a trap table for holding mallets and small percussion instruments such as tambourines, triangles, and claves thereon, and 3) provides a pocketed surface disposed below the surface of the music desk to hold mallets in an easily accessible manner. The upper portion of the trap bag has a sleeve which slips over the shelf or edge of the music desk, securing the trap bag to the desk. A padded portion rests on the surface of the desk to sustain small percussion instruments and mallets. The stick or mallet holding segment hangs below the desk to contain the mallets in a performance ready posture for the percussionist. When the performance is over, the trap bag is lifted off the edge of the desk and closed for easy transit or storage.

Abstract: A picture frame adapted to hold pictures in a stored position and with minimal effort and time convert the pictures in the stored position to a presentation position for viewing.

Abstract: A system for providing a simulated gravitational environment in a weightless or low gravity environment to enable a person to be in different physical positions, such as a rest/sleep position, a more upright position, a sitting position, and other positions. There is a support platform or platforms mounted to a support structure for rotation about a main axis of a base structure. The platform is movable about a transverse axis to various positions relative to the simulated gravitational force so that the person can transition from different positions either while sleeping or being awake.