Abstract: An improved pool vacuum includes a filter cone and poppet valve combination which enables quick drainage of water which has passed through and been cleaned by the cleaner's filter. A charging circuit is provided with isolation so that the pool vacuum can be used in an electrolytic environment without battery drainage. A combination charger and hang bracket enables the pool vacuum to be stored in a vertical position to both drain and charge simultaneously. An interstitial open exhaust gap between a rear body and nose-cone shaped front section provides a low pressure drop free exhaust area for an impeller. An optionally obstructed bottom gap portion helps to produce a net downward thrust to assist in using the vacuum in deep pools from a long pole structure.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the present invention involves a device and a process which allows a user to first depress a primary plunger to evacuate essentially all of the air from a chamber in which food items in a marinade are sealably contained. Once the excess air is forced from the container so that the primary plunger is in full contact with the marinade, a locking member is used to fix the position of the primary plunger relative to a lid on the device. A vacuum is then pulled by manually activating a secondary plunger to create a near-full vacuum inside the container. Because essentially all of air is removed from the container before pulling the vacuum, achieving a near-full vacuum can be accomplished in a short amount of time with a minimum amount of effort on the part of the user.

Abstract: An underwater motive device provides an integrated and modular battery and motive housing which is carried within an outer housing and secured by a nose cone system. The nose cone system works against an “o” ring seal carried between a structure of the integrated and modular battery and motive housing and the outer housing. A pair of latches act as levers to forcibly push the nose cone in place to seal off the battery compartment, and with cam action when used to urge the nose cone to a disengaged position with respect to the “o” ring seal. Nose cone removal and re-sealing procedure can be accomplished easily, even by those of limited strength.

Abstract: A folding bicycle presents a number of advantages over both conventional and other foldable bicycles. The folded size of 12 ×25×6 inches (305×635×153 millimeters) compares favorably to other folding bicycles, and its 11 lb. (eleven pound, or 5 kilogram mass) weight is significantly superior to even the closest lightweight model at eighteen pounds, and about half of the average portable bike weight of twenty-two pounds. The folded volume of the bike at 1800 square inches is slightly over one cubic foot. The portable bicycle has a folding stowage time of about 10 seconds, and a deployment time of about 6 seconds. A folding pedal and handle bar design contributes significantly to a folded lateral profile.

Abstract: An electric drive attachment for a wheelchair comprising a drive housing containing an electric motor, a drive wheel which touches the ground and drives the wheelchair through frictional contact with the ground and speed reducing mechanism between the motor and drive wheel, attachment structure to attach the wheelchair drive unit to the wheelchair as a pair of clamps one on each side of the frame. Also included are torque dampening systems to reduce the shock of starting the motor, a clutch which enables manual forward movement of a wheelchair without engagement of the motor and without dragging of the drive wheel, an under run wheel and positive pressurization of the gear works and area surrounding the drive wheel to keep the housing free of debris.

Abstract: An electric drive attachment for a wheelchair comprising a drive housing containing an electric motor, a drive wheel which touches the ground and drives the wheelchair through frictional contact with the ground and speed reducing mechanism between the motor and drive wheel, attachment structure to attach the wheelchair drive unit to the wheelchair as a pair of clamps one on each side of the frame. Also included are torque dampening systems to reduce the shock of starting the motor, a clutch which enables manual forward movement of a wheelchair without engagement of the motor and without dragging of the drive wheel, an under run wheel and positive pressurization of the gear works and area surrounding the drive wheel to keep the housing free of debris.

Abstract: Drive apparatus (2) for a cycle (4), comprising an electric motor (6), a first pulley (8) driven by electric motor (6), a second pulley (10), an endless belt (12) which passes around two pulleys (8, 10) and is driven by first pulley (8), and a swinging link mounting (14). During use, endless belt (12) is in driving engagement with a tire (16) of a wheel (18). Mounting (14) enables the distance between centers of first and second pulleys (8, 10) and tire (16) to vary during use of drive apparatus (2), which enables drive apparatus (2) to exert on tire (16) a varying contact pressure which increases as transmitted torque increases. Mounting (14) comprises an attachment for attaching drive apparatus (2) to cycle (4), and a pivot (24).

Abstract: A rest portion is used to support a load at an adjustable height relative to a base which is connected to the rest portion by a pivotal linkage. A hydraulic ram coupled to a gas spring cylinder applies a spring force between the linkage and the base, the geometry of the linkage and ram being such that the upward component of spring force is invariant with respect to height adjustment. A control valve allows the ram to be locked at a selected height and the spring force provided by the gas spring is adjustable by movement of a second piston within the gas spring cylinder to vary the available volume of gas. A hydraulic pump is used to supply hydraulic fluid to the cylinder for adjusting movement of the second cylinder. The apparatus is suited for use in a chair-bed enabling a patient to be supported at an adjustable height during medical treatment.

Abstract: With reference to FIG. 1 , there is described a support apparatus (1) for supporting a patient at an adjustable position. A handle (5) is provided by which an operator may apply an adjusting force to the support apparatus (2). A locking mechanism (12) retains the support apparatus at a required position. A release mechanism is also provided to release the locking mechanism (12) to allow adjustment. This release mechanism comprises a cable (19), a portion of which extends in proximity to part of the handle (5) so that in use the operator may clasp the cable (19) to the handle (5) thereby to pull the cable (19) and activate the release mechanism.