Abstract: A torque damper motor connected to the output side of a mechanical gear system. The damper motor, along with its associated control system, mitigates backlash problems, reduced torsional resonance, and provides improved output torque control. In the preferred embodiment, the damper motor is powered by a power electronics-based variable speed drive. The damper motor can be significantly less powerful than the overall rating of the gear system (typically 5-10% of the overall rating) while still providing the enhanced performance.

Abstract: A container for dispensing dosages of multiple medications over time. The present invention includes a container which has a plurality of compartments each configured to contain a plurality of dosages of a different medication. A rotatable lid is attached on top of the container such that an opening in the lid may be selectively positioned in fluid communication with each of the plurality of compartments. A lid position detection device is provided for identifying which of the compartments the opening is presently addressing. A programmable computing device is provided to track dosages administered from each of the plurality of compartments. A display, controlled by the programmable computing device, conveys information regarding the medication contained within a selected compartment.

Abstract: Drilling jigs consisting of a first substantially rectilinear bar (2) having a plurality of through holes (4) through which holes can be drilled in a surface, and a plurality of locator members (6, 7, 8) which are rotatable relative to one or other of the surfaces of the bar (2) other than those through which holes are to be drilled, the jigs further including a second substantially rectilinear bar (17) with a plurality of through holes (17) through which holes can be drilled in a surface, and securing means (12, 13) for securing the first and second bars to each other, the holes in the first and second bars through which holes are drilled being substantially in alignment when they are secured together with the securing means.

Abstract: A modular hand grenade design that permits the use of compressed powders such as A-5. The hand grenade body is split into two main components—a base/sleeve and a nose cap. These two main components contain the explosive. They are loaded with explosive while still separate. The explosive is loaded into the base/sleeve and compressed to form a solid. A core sleeve is attached to the base to form a void inside the explosive where the detonating portion of a fuse assembly can be placed. Explosive is likewise loaded into the nose cap and compressed to form a solid. The nose cap is attached to the base/sleeve assembly. A fuse assembly is then attached to complete the grenade.

Abstract: A method of securing a bolt to a concrete structure without the necessity of turning the bolt during the installation process. A first set of hardware is provided for use during the forming and casting phases of creating the concrete structure. The first set of hardware is used to embed a bolt retainer in the finished cast concrete with a passage leading from the bolt retainer to the exterior of the cast concrete. A bolt is then placed in this passage and a portion of the bolt is driven through the bolt retainer to secure it.

Abstract: A model train coupler which can be opened using a remote signal. The coupler design includes an upper arm and a lower arm, both of which pivot around a common axis. The two arms are mounted in a coupler box which is attached to a piece of rolling stock. One of the arms includes a knuckle located outside the coupler box. The other arm includes a latch positioned to open and close against the knuckle. A linear actuator links the two arms together. When an electrical current is applied to the linear actuator, the latch is rotated away from the knuckle, thereby opening the coupler.

Abstract: A drilling template for use in jointing workpieces, the template consisting of a substantially rectilinear bar with through holes through which holes can be drilled in the workpieces to effect said jointing, a locating device for locating the template relative to the workpieces when the though holes are being drilled, and spacers for spacing the locating device from the bar to enable the position of the through holes to be adjusted relative to the workpiece.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine employing a valve regulating the passage of a fluid between the hollow interior of the combustion chamber and the atmosphere. The valve includes a valve body having a valve opening and a blade track passing around the valve opening. A guillotine blade slides linearly along the blade track between an open position in which said fluid may pass through the valve opening and a closed position in which the fluid is restricted from passing through the valve opening. A reciprocating driver moves the guillotine blade along the blade track when actuated by an electronic control signal.

Abstract: An improved filter capable of operating in a backwash mode that creates an upward swirling flow in the hollow interior of the pool filter container. During the backwash cycle, water or air and water are injected into the pool filter container at an angle. In the preferred embodiment, a mixture of water and air are injected into the filter container through exit jets located within the hollow interior of the filter container proximate to the bottom of the filter container. This causes the filter media to swirl upward mixing thoroughly with the backwash water promoting the separation of the mineral deposits from the filter media.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a mounting pedestal for a device, such as a laser scanner. The mount is generally comprised of a base, a triangle bracket and an attachment screw. The base has a base plate and a support attached to the top of the base plate. The support is hollow, preferably cylindrical in shape, has an access opening on the side and a central opening on top. A triangle bracket is bolted onto the top of the support, covering the central opening on the support. The triangle bracket houses a pivot bracket. The attachment screw fits through and is engaged by the pivot bracket on the triangle bracket. A device, such as a laser scanner, is supported by the triangle bracket and is fixed in place by the threads on the attachment screw. The attachment screw is accessed and can be tightened or loosened through the access opening on the support.

Abstract: A projectile launcher for launching soft projectiles. The projectile launcher features a pump assembly having a cylinder and piston. The piston includes a pump grip so that a pressure charge is generated when the user moves the piston. The pressure charge is released into a chamber which contains a soft projectile. The chamber includes a radius bend joining a projectile receiving orifice to a projectile discharging orifice. The pressure charge is introduced proximate the apex of the radius bend.

Abstract: A method for using a standard cable to replace the proprietary cables currently used to connect radio components. The invention also includes the hardware provided to carry out the method. A pair of jumper boxes are provided. Each jumper box contains a control jack, a microphone jack, an audio jack, and a VGA jack. The control and microphone jacks are not directly connected to the VGA jack. Instead, the control and microphone jacks are connected to certain pins within a jumper pin array. The VGA jack is connected to other pins within the same jumper pin array. The user can place jumpers within the jumper pin array to connect selected pins within the control and microphone jacks to selected pins within the VGA jack. The two jumper boxes are connected using the VGA cable. One jumper box is connected to the radio, and the other jumper box is then connected to the remote components.

Abstract: A method for locating phase to ground faults in DC distribution systems. The method includes utilizing wavelet analysis using Multi-Resolution Analysis (MRA) as a signal processing tool for recognition of characteristic features in the voltage signal. The voltage signal contains characteristic information in the high frequency range above the switching frequencies of the PE converters which allows for localization of the fault.

Abstract: A process for forcibly infusing liquid potting compound into the exposed strands of a cable prior to forming a termination. The process uses a mold that encloses the exposed strands. Potting compound is then pumped into the mold, where it runs around and through the exposed strands. A second venting passage is preferably employed, so that the liquid potting compound flows through the mold without trapping any air pockets.

Abstract: A heat pump HVAC system with an integrated pressure reducer which reduces the head pressure of the system when operating in the cooling mode and thus reduces compressor workload. The heat pump HVAC system includes a compressor for compressing a refrigerant, an exterior coil positioned outside of a building, an interior coil positioned within the building, and a reversing valve for changing the flow direction of refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit. A heat exchanger is provided between the outlet of the exterior coil and the thermal expansion valve. The heat exchanger cools the refrigerant flowing between the outlet of the exterior coil and thermal expansion valve using refrigerant exiting the interior coil.

Abstract: A slide which slides along a retainer attached to the bed of a pickup truck. The slide has a rearward end proximate the tail gate and a forward end proximate the cab of the truck. The rearward end preferably has gripping features allowing a user to easily grasp the slide and pull it rearward within the fixed retainer. The slide's forward end has an upstanding foot which engages cargo within the bed and propels it toward the tailgate. Two or more such devices can be installed in parallel and used simultaneously to unload cargo.

Abstract: A selectively removable exhaust baffle which can be placed within an exhaust pipe to muffle the emitted sound. The removable baffle preferably includes a frame having a pair of legs joined by a spring portion. One or more transverse occluding plates are mounted on the frame. The frame is sized so that when it is pushed into the exhaust pipe it must be compressed. This compression holds the frame in place. The transverse occluding plate or plates lie against the interior wall of the exhaust pipe. The gas flow must therefore pass around the plate or plates, thereby attenuating the sound.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a cart for collecting, moving and storing folding tables. The cart is generally comprised of a front panel, back panel and two side members. The two side members connect the front panel to the back panel in a rectangular frame shape. The front panel has a receiving edge that is shorter than the height of a conventional table top. Each side member has an outer table bed runner and a backrest runner that meet at a wedge. The outer table bed runner slopes downward from the receiving edge of the front panel to the wedge.

Abstract: An entertainment lighting system for an automobile interior. The invention is configured to be mounted to the interior of an automobile's roof in the position customarily occupied by the dome light. Power is preferably provided by the automobile's electrical circuitry intended to power the dome light. The invention includes a dome which projects an array of lighting effects. Flashing strobes are also provided. The strobes are preferably synchronized to the beat of music playing within the car. A black light and low power laser are optionally provided.