Abstract: A locking mechanism for a folding knife includes a thumb post which longitudinally moves along slots in the handle of the knife. The thumb post is urged by a spring loaded locking lever into a notch in the base of the blade of the knife. When so positioned the thumb post retains the blade in an extended position. When the user pushes the thumb post out of the notch, the blade can be folded into the handle of the knife. In another embodiment the thumb post is an integral part of the locking lever, and it is a tab on the locking lever rather than the thumb post engages the notch in the base of the blade.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mitigating bearing failure in an AC induction motor includes installing a high frequency mechanical vibration-absorbing material between various components of the motor. With the vibration-absorbing material in place, the number of premature bearing failures caused by the presence of bearing current is greatly reduced.

Abstract: A jewelry ring and associated method includes a shank, and a cross member having ornamental elements which is received by the shank. The shank has two upwardly directed slots which accept the cross member and allow it to slide upward toward the ends of the shank. When the ring is worn the finger holds the cross member in the slots of the shank. The cross member includes ornamental elements which rotate around a rod. End members on the rod retain the ornamental elements, and prevent the rod from sliding transversely through the slots in the shank.

Abstract: A connector for connecting a bicycle having a frame member to a bicycle carrier includes a frame rest which is shaped and dimensioned to receive the frame member of the bicycle. A line is wrapped around the frame rest and the frame member of the bicycle. A coupler connects to the frame rest, wherein during the connection the coupler urges the line toward the frame member of the bicycle thereby tightening the line around the frame rest and the frame member of the bicycle.

Abstract: A tool and method for developing a web page includes a sheet which is the same shape as the screen upon which the web page will be displayed. The sheet has a usable area which has a grid. Web page elements are hand drawn on the usable area. The sheet also has an unusable area which represents the area taken up by elements of the web browser. The hand drawn elements provide immediate layout feedback based on the size of the grid. The hand drawn sheet is then imported into web development software to effect the web page development process. In an embodiment of the invention, a plurality of sheets are contained in a tear-off pad.

Abstract: A device for connecting a placard to the rearview mirror of a motor vehicle includes a hanger which connects to the stem of the rearview mirror. A placard holder has a first jaw and an opposite second jaw, the first and second jaws are shaped and dimension to removably receive the placard. The placard holder is removably connectable to the hanger. In embodiments of the invention, the placard holder is magnetically connected to the hanger, and the jaws of the placard holder are magnetically urged together to hold the placard.

Abstract: A device for providing traction for a tire of a vehicle includes a pad which is fabricated from non-woven fibers which include an abrasive material. When the pad is placed in abutting relationship with the tire and a slippery surface of snow and/or ice, the abrasive material enhancing friction between said pad and the tire. Because the pad has an open non-woven construction, the snow or ice penetrates the pad and tends to hold it in place. In an embodiment of the invention, one end of the pad is convex and the opposite end is concave.

Abstract: A system and method for viewing an object in a visually obscured environment includes a laser for generating a beam of light which is directed at the object. A pulse generator generates a reference pulse which triggers the laser and also a triggers a range generator which generates a range window positioned at a desired range. A gated optical detector (1) receives reflected light from the object, (2) receives the range window from the range generator, and (3) produces a gated optical output which contains reflections from ranges corresponding with the range window. A display is connected to the gated optical detector for displaying the gated optical output. In one embodiment, the transmitted light beam is polarized, and the received light beam passes through a selectable polarizing filter. In another embodiment, a plurality of received reflected light returns are integrated into a combined image.

Abstract: A vehicle for use on the snow or other surfaces includes a frame and a fork assembly pivotally connected to the frame. The fork assembly is pivotally connected to a front board, and the frame is connected to a rear board. An inverted and reversed skateboard truck is used to connect the fork assembly to the front board. A biasing member urges the front board into a nose up angle. The frame is connected to the rear board by a U-shaped stay mount, and a shock absorber is connected between the frame and the stay mount. The combined front and rear boards have the shape of a snowboard.

Abstract: A clamp for perpendicularly connecting two elongated members includes first and second interchangeable half clamps. The half clamps are placed in opposing relationship and tightened around the perpendicular junction of the two elongated members. In one embodiment, the clamp is designed to connect a beam (such as an I-beam) to a ridge (such as that found on a standing seam roof). In another embodiment the clamp is designed to connect two beams together.

Abstract: An alignment method and system for connecting a tractor to a steerable trailer includes a connection roller which facilitates the connection by accommodating a variance in fifth wheel to kingpin alignment. The method and system also includes an alignment guide which visually assists the tractor driver in properly aligning the tractor to the interface member of the trailer.

Abstract: A method for opening a smoke passage in a cigar includes using a tool which has a tube which is connected to an air supply. The tube has an air exit aperture(s) which exhausts air delivered by the air supply. The tube is inserted into a cigar and the air supply is operated. The air blows out a passageway within the cigar so that the cigar will draw when smoked.

Abstract: A device for monitoring outside sound through a closed window includes a housing positioned inside the window. The housing contains a filter, a squelch circuit, an amplifier, and a speaker. A microphone is positioned outside the window and connected to the housing. The housing includes a volume control, a sensitivity control, and a mode control for bypassing the squelch circuit.

Abstract: A device and method for dropping a first drinking vessel into a second drinking vessel includes a holder which outwardly projects from a support member. The holder releaseably suspends the first drinking vessel over the second drinking vessel, so that when the second drinking vessel is pulled away from the support member, the first drinking vessel detaches from the holder and drops into the second drinking vessel.

Abstract: A temperature probe for measuring the temperature of an airstream containing ice particles includes a fin which is positioned upstream of a temperature sensor. The fin causes the ice particles to be directed away from the temperature sensor. Both the fin and the temperature sensor are disposed in an unsheltered location where they are directly exposed to the airstream.

Abstract: A system for attaching an article to a roof having shingles disposed on top of a structural member includes a flashing member which is rotatably connected to a stanchion. The flashing member includes a sheet of flashing which is slid up under one or more shingles. A hole is drilled through the shingles and into the structural member. The stanchion is then bolted to the structural member.

Abstract: A method and system for attaching an article to a roof having shingles disposed on top of a structural member includes a flashing member which is rotatably connected to a stanchion. The flashing member includes a sheet of flashing which is slid up under one or more shingles. A hole is drilled through the shingles and into the structural member. The stanchion is then bolted to the structural member.

Abstract: A check valve is shaped and dimensioned to be installable inside a conventional pipe coupling, thereby reducing the amount of length required to install the check valve.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing a stanchion on a tile roof includes a tile which has an aperture and a stanchion which fits through the aperture. An existing roof tile is removed and the stanchion is connected to the roof sheathing at the place of removal. The tile is then placed over the stanchion so that the stanchion project through the aperture. In an embodiment of the invention, a sleeve surrounds the aperture and a seal provides a weather proof seal between the stanchion and the sleeve.

Abstract: A narrowband filter with a wide acceptance angle which utilizes two holographic filter elements connected in series. The filter blocks light outside of a narrow spectral band of interest, while enabling light to be seen over a wide range of angles incident on the filter.