Abstract: An open loop current control system for regulating the flow of electrical current in an inductor that utilizes two methods of monitoring the current flow in the inductor. The open loop control system maintains the level of current in the inductor between two boundary levels by switching a boost transistor between an on and an off position based upon the level of current in the inductor. The control system measures the level of current in the inductor when a boost transistor is turned on. When the boost transistor is turned off, the control system determines the time period that is required for the current in the inductor to decay from the upper boundary level to the lower boundary level based upon the measured voltage difference across the inductor.

Abstract: A double-pane window houses solar cells and dichronic mirrors. The dichronic mirrors reflect a portion of light onto the solar cells for the generation of electricity while transmitting the remainder of the light through the dichronic mirrors so that the interior of buildings is illuminated and the occupants of these buildings can have an outside view.

Abstract: A helical pier assembly having a helix mounted on the end of a pier shaft. A pier-cap stabilizer is driven with force down over the pier shaft until the top of the pier meets a stop pin secured in the pier cap. A platform screw jack is placed op top of the pier cap under the footing or foundation. The jack screws are extended down onto the pier cap until the platform jack comes into contact with the bottom of the footing or foundation. The jack screws are turned until the required support contact is achieved between the pier cap stabilizer and the footing or foundation. A bag of concrete is placed between the screw jack and the bottom of the footing to prepare the footing.

Abstract: An electromechanical device that provides a spot to a weightlifter performing a weightlifting exercise. The device has a metal frame that supports two arms, called spotter arms. The two spotter arms extend out so as to be able to support a barbell. The arms raise and lower on the frame, remaining parallel with the floor and perpendicular to the frame and are powered by a motor driven lead screw. The operation of the motor is controlled by a computer control system. The input to the control system is provided by a load-cell mounted in one of the two spotter arms. When the control system is operating in the spot mode, the load-cell measures the amount of force that is placed on the spotter arm by the barbell held by the weightlifter. The control system then moves the spotter arms in accordance with the amount of force on the load-cell in order to provide a safe spot thereby increasing the effectiveness of the exercise. The load-cell is mounted within a hollow interior of one of the spotter arms.

Abstract: An automated spotting device for use with free-weight barbells that is comprised of a mechanical device operated by a computerized drive controller. The mechanical device is comprised of a frame having a vertically movable center section that supports two horizontal spotter arms, which spot the barbells. The movable center section is mechanically engaged to an electric motor by a lead screw. The computerized drive controller regulates the operation of the electric motor, thereby moving the spotter arms between upper and lower spot positions, to increase the safety and effectiveness of free-weight training.