Abstract: A spindle is provided, comprising a spindle body having a first end, a second end, and a channel extending from the first end to the second end; a first end cover and a second end cover, the first and second end covers being releasably securable to the first and second ends, respectively, for defining a sealed space within the channel; the channel being configured for receiving at least one ball bearing assembly, a shaft, and a fluid; such that the at least one ball bearing assembly, a portion of the shaft, and the fluid are contained within the sealed space when the first and second end covers are secured to the first and second ends.

Abstract: According to embodiments described in the specification, a support spine for a wind turbine blade is provided, comprising an anchor member having a proximal end and a distal end, a transition member extending from the distal end of the anchor member, the transition member having a distal end, and a blade support member extending from the distal end of the transition member. At least a portion of the anchor member can be configured for coupling to a rotor drum. The support spine has a reduced cross-sectional area at the distal end of the transition member than at the distal end of the anchor member. The support spine can support one or more wind turbine blades.

Abstract: A brake assembly for use with a wind turbine. The brake assembly comprises a movable wind flap for attachment to a tail assembly of the wind turbine, the wind flap being configured to assume a first closed position during normal operation, and a second open position when incoming winds exceed a predetermined velocity threshold. Provided on the wind flap is a trip rudder assembly for cooperating with incoming wind to urge the wind flap into the open position. A counterbalance assembly is also provided for biasing the wind flap into the closed position. The wind flap in the open position effects a redirection of a portion of the incoming wind, urging the wind turbine to assume an oblique position relative to the incoming wind, effecting a reduction in rotational velocity of the wind turbine.

Abstract: According to embodiments described in the specification, provided is a rotor drum for use with a multiple-rotor wind turbine, the rotor drum being mountable on a generator shaft of a generator. The rotor drum comprises a plurality of rotors, each rotor being configured to permit a mounting of a plurality of blades. The rotor drum further comprises a plurality of cross straps affixed to the plurality of rotors for maintaining each of the plurality of rotors in a predetermined spaced-apart relationship. The rotor drum is provided with a mounting coupler provided on at least one of the plurality of rotors for affixing the rotor drum on the generator shaft.

Abstract: A curved blade for use on horizontal wind turbines, the blade comprising a substantially semicircular tip portion, a substantially semicircular counter-tip portion opposite the tip portion, and a body portion extending between the tip portion and the counter-tip portion, the body portion being further defined by a concave curved trailing edge and a convex curved leading edge.

Abstract: A brake assembly for use with a wind turbine. The brake assembly comprises a movable wind flap for attachment to a tail assembly of the wind turbine, the wind flap being configured to assume a first closed position during normal operation, and a second open position when incoming winds exceed a predetermined velocity threshold. Provided on the wind flap is a trip rudder assembly for cooperating with incoming wind to urge the wind flap into the open position. A counterbalance assembly is also provided for biasing the wind flap into the closed position. The wind flap in the open position effects a redirection of a portion of the incoming wind, urging the wind turbine to assume an oblique position relative to the incoming wind, effecting a reduction in rotational velocity of the wind turbine.

Abstract: A curved blade for use on horizontal wind turbines, the blade comprising a substantially semicircular tip portion, a substantially semicircular counter-tip portion opposite the tip portion, and a body portion extending between the tip portion and the counter-tip portion, the body portion being further defined by a concave curved trailing edge and a convex curved leading edge.

Abstract: According to embodiments described in the specification, provided is a rotor drum for use with a multiple-rotor wind turbine, the rotor drum being mountable on a generator shaft of a generator. The rotor drum comprises a plurality of rotors, each rotor being configured to permit a mounting of a plurality of blades. The rotor drum further comprises a plurality of cross straps affixed to the plurality of rotors for maintaining each of the plurality of rotors in a predetermined spaced-apart relationship. The rotor drum is provided with a mounting coupler provided on at least one of the plurality of rotors for affixing the rotor drum on the generator shaft.

Abstract: An infant swing comprising a seat, at least one upwardly extending arm secured to the seat, and a pivot housing having an axle for rotating the at least one upwardly extending arm. A support frame supports the pivot housing and enables the seat to rotate freely about the pivot housing. A drive assembly housed within the pivot housing includes the axle which is rotatably mounted in the pivot housing and coupled to the upwardly extending arm, an abutting member fixedly secured to the axle, at least one drive member pivotally mounted on the axle, and a motor driving a circular gear. A rod eccentrically mounted on the gear drives a first portion of the drive member, which in turn causes a second portion of the drive member to drive the abutting member to rotate the axle and upwardly extending arm.

Abstract: A gate having a latching mechanism which requires two distinctly different unlatching movements which occur in distinctly different directions, but where both of these unlatching movements can be performed with the use of only one hand. In addition, timer/alarm capabilities are provided to emit an alert signal in situations where the gate has been opened and has not been reclosed within a given time interval after the gate was opened. The gate has a self-closing spring assembly arranged within a pivot assembly. All of the above capabilities are obtained through a greatly simplified design which is extremely rugged and provides highly reliable service.

Abstract: A bed assembly convertible from a crib to a toddler bed to a full size headboard or vice versa. Components of the bed assembly perform multiple, different functions in each of the bed arrangements. For example, the component which functions as a sidewall in the crib structure is utilized as part of the toddler bed and full size headboard, together with tubular elements forming part of the crib mattress support which serve as components of the headboard for the full size bed.

Abstract: An infant swing comprises a seat with a padded seating area for an infant and a seat frame that supports said padded seating area, the seat frame comprising at least two upwardly extending arms. The swing also comprises two pivot housings rotatably connected to the at least two upwardly extending arms; a support frame that extends upwardly from a substantially planar surface, the support frame engaging the pivot housings and allowing the seat to rotate freely about the pivot housings; and at least two feet in contact with the substantially planar surface, engaging the frame, and extending outside an outer perimeter of the frame.

Abstract: A bassinet is releasably mounted upon a support frame which is capable of being selectively rocked or locked against rocking and having locking casters which are releasable to selectively rollingly move the support frame. The bassinet when released from the support frame may be rocked by rocking members provided along the underside. Anti-rocking assemblies provided at opposite ends of each rocking member may be moved to and locked in an anti-rocking position to prevent rocking. Mounting members are provided along the underside of the bassinet and preferably joined to the rocking members releasably locking the bassinet into place upon the support frame.

Abstract: An adjustable bed rail capable of gripping a mattress either alone or together with a bedspring to hold the protective side rail in place. A locking assembly is adjustable to adjust for the height of the mattress either alone or together with the bedspring. Friction pads and/or friction surfaces may be mounted along the bed rail to further enhance the locking of the side rail to the mattress. The bed rail may be provided with a rail that drops down to facilitate climbing on to or off of the bed and can be locked into the upright position.

Abstract: A support frame having a plurality of wheeled assemblies, mounted at corners of the support frame, each wheeled assembly including a substantially identical mechanism for extending and retracting a respective wheel assembly. Each mechanism has a locking member which includes a locking portion for selectively engaging locking apertures on a rotatable member which rotatably supports the wheel assembly. Each mechanism also includes a grip, spaced from the locking member, to facilitate rotation of the rotatable member and the respective wheel assembly between extended and retracted positions when the locking portion is disengaged from the locking apertures. When each wheel assembly is in an extended position, the support frame is able to roll on a suitable surface. Each wheel assembly is also capable of being retained in a retracted position housed within a recess in its associated housing.

Abstract: An infant swing comprising a seat, at least one upwardly extending arm secured to the seat, and a pivot housing having an axle for rotating the at least one upwardly extending arm. A support frame supports the pivot housing and enables the seat to rotate freely about the pivot housing. A drive assembly housed within the pivot housing includes the axle which is rotatably mounted in the pivot housing and coupled to the upwardly extending arm, an abutting member fixedly secured to the axle, at least one drive member pivotally mounted on the axle, and a motor driving a circular gear. A rod eccentrically mounted on the gear drives a first portion of the drive member, which in turn causes a second portion of the drive member to drive the abutting member to rotate the axle and upwardly extending arm.

Abstract: An adjustable bed rail capable of gripping a mattress either alone or together with a bedspring to hold the protective side rail in place. A locking assembly is adjustable to adjust for the height of the mattress either alone or together with the bedspring. Friction pads and/or friction surfaces may be mounted along the bed rail to further enhance the locking of the side rail to the mattress. The bed rail may be provided with a rail that drops down to facilitate climbing on to or off of the bed and can be locked into the upright position.

Abstract: An interactive amusement system for use with a variety of juvenile furniture. In one example, an amusement bar is connected to a control unit arranged at one corner of a collapsible play yard. A motion sensor controls the type of sound generated and flashing rate of an array of light on the amusement bar. The amusement system has a play and a nap mode which cooperates with the sensor to change the sound generated and the flashing rate as well as the intensity of illumination. The motion sensor may be a combination infrared (IR) transmitter and receiver. The play yard is usable as either a bassinet or play yard and the sensor is usable with either configuration. The control unit and amusement bar are removable to enable the juvenile furniture to be collapsed to a compact unit.

Abstract: An infant swing comprises a seat with a padded seating area for an infant and a seat frame that supports said padded seating area, the seat frame comprising at least two upwardly extending arms. The swing also comprises two pivot housings rotatably connected to the at least two upwardly extending arms; a support frame that extends upwardly from a substantially planar surface, the support frame engaging the pivot housings and allowing the seat to rotate freely about the pivot housings; and at least two feet in contact with the substantially planar surface, engaging the frame, and extending outside an outer perimeter of the frame.

Abstract: The play yard has a hub movable between a raised position and a lowered position, with at least two lower rods pivotally joined to the hub, wherein when the hub is lifted toward the raised position, the outer ends of the lower rods move together so as to be substantially parallel, and when the hub is pushed toward the lowered position from the raised position, the outer ends of the lower rods are pushed away from each other until the rods lie substantially in a common plane. The play yard also has an upper frame with upper frame rods substantially parallel to the lower rods when the hub is in the lowered position. Finally, the play yard has at least one of the upper frame rods pivotable between a raised and lowered position, the pivoting axis being substantially perpendicular to an axis of the vertical rails.