Abstract: A micro-electromechanical capacitive strain sensor. The micro-electromechanical capacitive strain sensor comprises a first bent beam, a second bent beam, and a straight center beam. The first bent beam, second bent beam, and straight center beam are aligned in the X-axis with the straight center beam located between the first and second bent beams. The first bent beam, second bent beam, and straight center beam are disposed between two anchors. The two anchors are aligned in the Y-axis. The first bent beam is bent away from the center beam and the second bent beam is bent towards the center beam to provide a set of differential capacitors with respect to the center beam, wherein the center beam serves as a common reference with respect to the first and second bent beams.

Abstract: A baby carrier which is adjustable as to width at the hips of the baby. The baby carrier may comprise a body covering panel from which may project a right strap and a left strap for engaging the torso of an adult wearer. An arrangement of fasteners which may be located near the bottom edge of the body covering panel provides a selection of connections one of which will cause the body covering panel to form a first closed loop for encircling the baby at the hips, and another of which will cause the body covering panel to form a second closed loop for encircling the baby at the hips. The respective circumferential dimensions of the first closed loop and second closed loop are different, so as to accommodate different hip dimensions, for example for babies of different ages and body sizes.

Abstract: A fish lure break away system, having a lure attachment member, a hook section with at least one elongated shank, an eyelet, an eyelet guide, and a least one curved bend terminating in a tip section. The eyelet defines an eyelet gap having a predetermined width. In one embodiment the lure attachment member has a predetermined breaking strength in combination with a selected thickness and a selected flexibility such that the lure attachment member can be squeezed by a user through the eyelet gap and thereby attached to the eyelet.

Abstract: A dual-use automobile-boat storage pallet, having a structural support framework of generally rectangular shape with first and second side members and a plurality of cross-members. The storage pallet includes an apparatus for holding a boat that is width adjustable and height adjustable and includes a plurality of folding bunks that are mounted on and supported by two or more of the cross-members. The storage pallet includes an apparatus for holding a car, which includes a first automobile tread plate and a second automobile tread plate supported by the first and second side members of the structural support framework. The dual-use automobile storage pallet can include an optional pair of forklift tine guides.

Abstract: A systematic method for detecting trends based on outcomes generated by a first process, comprising: (a) determining all possible outcomes associated with the first process, wherein the first process is associated with a range of possible outcomes; (b) coding the possible outcomes to provide a plurality of separate groups, wherein each possible outcome is systematically allocated to one of the groups; (c) allocating an identifier to each of the groups; (d) monitoring in real time the first process such that actual outcomes generated by the first process are mapped to an identifier in accordance with coding step (b); (e) providing a matrix comprised of a plurality of cells arranged in rows; (f) allocating each identifier generated in step (d) to said matrix in accordance with the exeleon allocation procedure; and (g) repeating step (f) until a trend of duplicating identifiers becomes self evident.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing polystyrene. The method includes the steps: using at least one scrapped surface heat exchanger (160) to heat a solution of polystyrene dissolved in an organic solvent to provide a heated solution of polystyrene dissolved in the organic solvent, and separating the dissolved polystyrene from the organic solvent. The apparatus includes: a holding tank at least partly filled with a solution of polystyrene dissolved in an organic solvent, at least one scrapped surface heat exchanger (160), and a separator.

Abstract: A tool holder. The tool holder includes a back plate and a tubular tool support assembly. The tubular tool support assembly has opposite first and second ends. The first end is attached to the back plate such that when the back plate is held in a vertical plane the tubular tool support assembly extends at a downward angle away from the front face surface of the back plate. The tubular tool support assembly defines upper and lower downward sloping sides of which the upper side comprises a plurality of handle bar sections each comprising upper and lower tube sections and a middle tube section therebetween. At least one lower tube section is aligned in a horizontal plane when the back plate is aligned in a vertical plane, and at least one lower tube section forms part of a tool support hook.

Abstract: A submersible water pump and a dewatering system comprising the submersible pump. The submersible water pump includes a housing and an outer tube. The housing includes a housing dividing wall and a cylinder head having a bore therethrough through which the outer tube fits. The housing is in slidable engagement with the outer tube and the housing dividing wall. The dewatering system with the submersible pump is used to pump water from vertical coal bed methane wells.

Abstract: A kit for laterally spacing and supporting a plurality of roof trusses, comprising at least one spacer bar for laterally spacing roof trusses and at least one truss support stand.

Abstract: A micro-electromechanical capacitive strain sensor. The micro-electromechanical capacitive strain sensor comprises a first bent beam, a second bent beam, and a straight center beam. The first bent beam, second bent beam, and straight center beam are aligned in the X-axis with the straight center beam located between the first and second bent beams. The first bent beam, second bent beam, and straight center beam are disposed between two anchors. The two anchors are aligned in the Y-axis. The first bent beam is bent away from the center beam and the second bent beam is bent towards the center beam to provide a set of differential capacitors with respect to the center beam, wherein the center beam serves as a common reference with respect to the first and second bent beams.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing polystyrene. The method includes the steps of: receiving a solution in the form of polystyrene polymer dissolved in an organic solvent; and separating the polystyrene from the solvent by applying heat to the solution to provide a heated solution and then spraying the heated solution to separate the polystyrene from the solvent. The apparatus includes: a holding tank at least partly filled with a solution of polystyrene dissolved in an organic solvent; at least one heat exchanger (170); and a separator in the form of a sprayer unit.

Abstract: An anti-backlash device for a fishing rod includes a retaining member mounted on the fishing rod. The retaining member has a slot for receiving a pointed tip portion of the anti-backlash device, to secure the anti-backlash device to the fishing rod. The slot in the retaining member receives the pointed tip portion of the anti-backlash device, so that the tip portion can be retained in the slot. In use, the anti-backlash device applies a retarding effect on a spool of a reel mounted on a fishing rod by application of pressure, preventing backlash and preventing knots and tangles of a fishing line. The anti-backlash device is sufficiently resilient and flexible so that it is disposed in tension against the reel sufficiently strongly to prevent knots and tangles but not so strongly as to prevent rotation of the reel during use thereof.

Abstract: A beverage cup holder. The beverage cup holder has a housing with a top and bottom, and includes first and second opposing arms for gripping the sidewalls of a cup or beverage container. The first and second opposing arms each comprise a plurality of telescoping chain-links. A retractable bottom support arm extends from the bottom of the housing for supporting the base of a beverage container. A retractable cup holder support arm extends from the top of the housing.

Abstract: A hybrid boat hull. In a first embodiment, the hybrid boat hull comprises a first and second outer elongated hulls each curved inwards to respectively define first and second keel fins which provide buoyancy and act as inclined hydrofoils when the hybrid hull is run at high speed. In a second embodiment, the hybrid boat hull further comprises an elongated central hull, which serves to dampen the effect of slamming of waves on the underside of the hybrid boat hull.

Abstract: A cartridge loader for inserting cartridges into a gun magazine. The cartridge loader fits onto a person's thumb and more particularly fits onto the distal phalange of a person's thumb. In one embodiment of the invention, the cartridge loader includes a thumb protecting member and a cartridge-pushing member. The thumb-protecting member defines interior and exterior surfaces and an interior open cavity of sufficient volume and shape to accommodate a distal phalange of a person's thumb. The cartridge-pushing member defines opposite first and second ends. The first end of the cartridge-pushing member is attached to the exterior surface of the thumb-protecting member. The second end of the cartridge-pushing member defines, at least in part, a concave surface to suit the exterior shape of a cartridge casing.