Abstract: A connection apparatus utilizes a structural element made of fusible material supported directly in the connection load path of the device. A carrier mechanism is axially translatably supported in the device and utilizes a connecting member to connect two desired structures. The connection mechanism engages and holds the connecting member in a first axial position. In one embodiment, the connection mechanism releases the connecting member when translated to a second axial position. In another embodiment the connection mechanism tensions the connection when translated to the a second axial position. The fusible member is heated to transition from solid to liquid. In the liquid state, the fusible member no longer opposed axial load on the carrier mechanism. The fusible alloy comprises a low melting temperature alloy, such as bismuth-lead or bismuth-tin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separably connecting a first surface to a second surface. The apparatus includes a connecting member provided with a threaded end. A rotatable body threadably engagable with the threaded end is rotatably supported against the first surface for rotation about the threaded end to separably connect the connecting member. The rotatably supported body and the connecting member are restrained from rotation. The connecting member and rotatably supported body further have a selected matching thread geometry such that a tensile load applied to the member when connected with the rotatably supported body is resolved as a torque applied to the rotatably supported body sufficient to urge the body to rotate. When the rotatably supported body is released and allowed to rotate, the threaded member translates and threadably disengages the rotatably supported body to separate the connection.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for steadily holding a container with reduced stress to the thumb, hand, and wrist are disclosed. The container has a bottom, a side and a bale handle downwardly pivotable against the side. The apparatus includes engaging means, releasably engagable with the bale handle of the container when the bale handle is downwardly pivoted toward the container's side, for stabilizing the container relative to a palm of the hand when the container is held with the fingers of the same hand against the bottom of the container; and means for securing the engaging means about the palm of the hand in a fixed position generally adjacent to the palm of the hand. The securing means includes a first and a second surface which form a hand compartment, like a glove's, for a hand to slide within. The engaging means includes a base and an extension with a hook on its distal end for releasably engaging the bale handle. A wrist strap is also provided to adjust the hand compartment and support the user's wrist.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing water consumption and preventing damage to a fluid supply system in a house or structure is disclosed. The water management system includes a water management device coupled between provided fluid flow, pressure, and temperature sensors, and a shut-off valve and a drain valve. The device includes flow control means for opening the shut-off valve when flow is detected at any flow sensor and closing the shut-off valve when flow is undetected. The device also includes flow timers which have a selected operational period for each flow sensor and which close the shut-off valve if the operational period of a flow sensor is exceeded. The device also includes temperature timers for closing the shut-off valve and opening the drain valve when a temperature at or below a minimum temperature is detected by the temperature sensor for a selected maximum temperature detection time period.

Abstract: A combination golf ball lift and ball mark repair apparatus is disclosed and mounted to a handgrip end of a golf club. Ball mark repair means extends from the handgrip for lifting and turning dirt and turf to repair a ball mark with the gofer holding the golf club substantially at the clubhead end of the golf club. Ball lift means, releasably mountable upon said ball mark repair means, is provided for lifting a golf ball from a surface upon which the golf ball rests when a with the golfer holding the golf club substantially at its clubhead end. The ball lift means also acts as a protective cover for the ball mark repair means when mounted thereon. Internal mounting means is provided to rigidly mount the ball mark repair means within the hollow shaft to the handgrip end of the golf club. The ball mark repair means and ball lift means are entirely contained within an imaginary cylindrical boundary extending from the outer surface of the handgrip at parallel to a longitudinal axis of the golf club.

Abstract: A necktie of the bolo type style is disclosed. The necktie includes a tie member disposable in a loop including first and second display portions and an interconnecting central portion. The display portions, sized with a larger diameter than a conventional bolo cord, are generally cylindrical and have a relatively smooth surface. A covering sheath snugly covers the display portion core and may bear one of any number of patterns and designs, including designs requiring larger surface area than provided by a conventional bolo tie cord. The necktie also includes a retainer element in a Windsor knot shape which encircles and releasably slidably engages the display portions. The retainer element includes a tapering sheath having a planar guide surface for maintaining the display portions in side-by-side relationship within the tapering sheath.

Abstract: A dynamo having an improved three piece stator system is disclosed. The dynamo stator system includes a physically continuous center winding located between two outer windings such that the configuration provides a strong series magnetic axis across the stator system to generate increased power output. The dynamo further includes a rotor system having a lateral offset mount which enables the rotor poles to rotate about the center winding. The dynamo further includes electrically coupling between the stator system elements to further increase the efficiency of the dynamo during operation and to reduce operational losses. In addition, magnetic insulation means is provided to insulate the rotor and stator elements. Brush means having a plurality of successive brush elements wherein each element has greater resistance than the previous element to further decrease operational losses is additionally provided.