Abstract: A buck-boost switching regulator includes two buck switches and two boost switches. Two ramp voltages VY and VY are generated. The voltage VY is compared to a voltage VEA1 that is proportional to the output of the switching regulator. This defines the duty cycle of the two buck switches. The voltage VX is compared to a voltage VEA2 that is inversely proportional to the output of the switching regulator. This defines the duty cycle of the two boost switches. The regulator seamlessly transitions between Buck, Boost and Buck-Boost modes depending on input and output conditions.

Abstract: A SEPIC converter with over-voltage protection includes a high-side inductor that connects a node Vw to a node Vx. The node Vx is connected, in turn to ground by a power MOSFET. The node Vx is also connected to a node Vy by a first capacitor. The node Vy is connected to ground by a low-side inductor. A rectifier diode further connects the node Vy and a node Vout and an output capacitor is connected between the node Vout and ground. A PWM control circuit is connected to drive the power MOSFET. An over-voltage protection MOSFET connects an input supply to the PWM control circuit and the node Vw. A comparator monitors the voltage of the input supply. If that voltage exceeds a predetermined value Vref the comparator output causes the over-voltage protection MOSFET to disconnect the node Vw and the PWM control circuit from the input supply.

Abstract: Adjustable tools which may be linked through a coupling so that the tool and the handle are rotatable relative to each other in a released condition and locked relative to each other in a locked position. The tool and the handle may thus be adjusted to have the tool at any desired orientation to the handle and in a locked position in that orientation.

Abstract: A tool head member being a nail extractor or moulding remover having a striking surface on the end opposite the nail extractor/moulding remover end or a pry bar, any of the foregoing tool head members being indexably coupled to a handle member. The indexable tool head allows the user to lockably index the tool head into a more desirable position for removing nails or moulding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel molecular markers for diagnosis and classification of human breast cancer and lung cancer.

Abstract: A indexable, lockable mechanism for a hand tool, and hand tools with such mechanism, the mechanism comprising a first member having a first splined orifice, a second member having an upper prong with a second splined orifice and a lower prong with a third splined orifice, and a splined pin assembly for insertion through said first, second and third orifices. The first member is positioned in a gap between the upper prong and the lower prong of the second member with the first splined orifice coaxially aligned with the second and third splined orifices of the second member. The splined pin assembly of either the first embodiment or the second embodiment is disposed in the three splined orifices and is axially movable between an unlocked position and a locked position. The splined pin assembly is allows a user to move the splined pin axially in the first and second orifices between the locked position and the unlocked position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an indexing mechanism which provides a releasing function to permit the rotation of tool and handle members relative to each other. The indexing mechanism is positioned through two extensions positioned on either the tool or the handle and a third member positioned between the two extensions. Each of the two extensions and the central member includes a splined orifice. A splined pin is positioned in the splined orifices and is moveable to permit release or engagement of the handle and the tool so that the handle and the tool can be released for rotation relative to each other and re-engaged to form a rigid connection between the tool and the handle. The indexing mechanism of the present invention minimizes sticking of the splined pin during release and re-engagement.

Abstract: Adjustable tools which may be linked through a plurality of couplings connected by links so that the tool and the handle and the links are rotatable relative to each other in a released condition and locked relative to each other in a locked position. The tool, the handle and the links may thus be adjusted to have the tool at any desired orientation to the handle and in a locked position in that orientation.

Abstract: Adjustable tools which may be linked through a coupling so that the tool and the handle are rotatable relative to each other in a released condition and locked relative to each other in a locked position. The tool and the handle may thus be adjusted to have the tool at any desired orientation to the handle and in a locked position in that orientation.

Abstract: A hydrofoil craft, particularly a method of economically modifying a conventional hull with cambered foils to obtain and calculate increased lift from dense spray and to achieve enhanced craft performance is disclosed. The present invention improves speed, fuel efficiency and rough water stability, reduced pitch and vertical accelerations. A catamaran or V-bottom hull (20) is modified with chine mounted aerofoils (32, 33, 28, 28A), flexible dihedral cambered foils positioned beneath the water line and on either side of the bow (30, 31) so as to create turbulence in the forward end of a tunnel(s) (26). Fixed forward tunnel cambered foil(s) (28) and/or fixed or adjustable center tunnel cambered foils at the stern (28A) end of the tunnel (26) to generate lift from pressure caused by dense spray in the tunnel(s) (26) may also be provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an indexing mechanism which provides a releasing function to permit the rotation of tool and handle members relative to each other. The indexing mechanism is positioned through two extensions positioned on either the tool or the handle and a third member positioned between the two extensions. Each of the two extensions and the central member includes a splined orifice. A splined pin is positioned in the splined orifices and is moveable to permit release or engagement of the handle and the tool so that the handle and the tool can be released for rotation relative to each other and re-engaged to form a rigid connection between the tool and the handle. The indexing mechanism of the present invention minimizes sticking of the splined pin during release and re-engagement.

Abstract: A power washer wand has a configuration which balances the forces of the water stream. By balancing these forces, the back pressure is greatly reduced. This results in less fatigue for the user and also enables the wand to be extended in order to reach high or distant surfaces without the use of a ladder or scaffold. The wand includes an angle changing coupling such as a swivel joint which allows the angle between the configuration that balances the forces (“force balancing configuration”) and the surface being washed to remain substantially constant. The angle changing coupling is preferably located at the proximal end of the force balancing configuration. In one version, the force balancing configuration is a loop or helix having a the first bend replaced with an angle changing coupling or a right angle fitting. In a second version, the force balancing configuration is a two-tined, fork-shaped divergent configuration which reconverges at a distal coupling, such as a “Y” coupling.

Abstract: A radial indexing head tool includes a handle and ratchet head, each with a splined orifice, and a floating splined pin disposed in the splined orifices for coupling them together. The floating splined pin includes a cylindrical axial retainer coupled to the handle and extending into the splined orifices, a plunger configured for axial movement within the axial retainer, and a splined cylinder configured for axial movement along the outside of the axial retainer within the splined orifices. The plunger and splined cylinder are coupled to each other through the cylindrical wall of the retainer. Movement of the splined cylinder aligns or misaligns grooves and splined portions formed on the splined cylinder relative to grooves and splined portions formed in the splined orifices to lock or unlock the ratchet head for movement relative to the handle.

Abstract: A radial indexing head tool includes a handle and ratchet head, each with a splined orifice, and a floating splined pin disposed in the splined orifices for coupling them together. The floating splined pin includes a cylindrical axial retainer coupled to the handle and extending into the splined orifices, a plunger configured for axial movement within the axial retainer, and a splined cylinder configured for axial movement along the outside of the axial retainer within the splined orifices. The plunger and splined cylinder are coupled to each other through the cylindrical wall of the retainer. Movement of the splined cylinder aligns or misaligns grooves and splined portions formed on the splined cylinder relative to grooves and splined portions formed in the splined orifices to lock or unlock the ratchet head for movement relative to the handle.

Abstract: Animated puzzle toys are disclosed ranging from simple flat panels having floating eyeballs, to clamshell packaging puzzles for animated display, to eyeball puzzle boxes, to multi-size and multi-number eyeballs, to 3D puzzle pieces, to stackable 3D eyeball containers.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of this invention a novel method and apparatus is taught which provides for the stabilizing of an output signal through an output circuit having a compensation circuit coupled with an output capacitor, such that the compensation circuit is configured to compensate for an equivalent series resistance of the output capacitor. The compensation circuit compensates for the equivalent series resistance by providing a shift in a phase of the output signal to stabilize the output signal. The shift in phase is accomplished through the addition of a second zero at a second zero frequency to stabilize the output signal. The second zero is added such that the second zero frequency is closer to a first pole frequency than a first zero frequency, where the first pole frequency is proportional to the equivalent series resistance and the first zero is proportional to the output capacitor.

Abstract: A power washer wand has a configuration which balances the forces of the water stream. By balancing these forces, the back pressure is greatly reduced. This results in less fatigue for the user and also enables the wand to be extended in order to reach high or distant surfaces without the use of a ladder or scaffold. The wand includes an angle changing coupling such as a swivel joint which allows the angle between the configuration that balances the forces (“force balancing configuration”) and the surface being washed to remain substantially constant. The angle changing coupling is preferably located at the proximal end of the force balancing configuration. In one version, the force balancing configuration is a loop or helix having a the first bend replaced with an angle changing coupling or a right angle fitting. In a second version, the force balancing configuration is a two-tined, fork-shaped divergent configuration which reconverges at a distal coupling, such as a “Y” coupling.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for regulating an output to stabilize the output without limiting an output current. The regulator includes a stabilizing circuit coupled to a source circuit and a sink circuit. The source circuit is configured to source the output current to the output, and the sink circuit is configured to sink the output current from the output. The stabilizing circuit is configured to transition the source circuit and the sink circuit between a conductive state and a nonconductive state to stabilize the output based on the voltage difference between the output and a reference voltage. The source and sink circuits each include at least one N-channel MOSFET transistor to source and sink output current.

Abstract: Animated puzzle toys are disclosed ranging from simple flat panels having floating eyeballs, to clamshell packaging puzzles for animated display, to eyeball puzzle boxes, to multi-size and multi-number eyeballs, to 3D puzzle pieces, to stackable 3D eyeball containers.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of this invention a novel method and apparatus is taught which provides for the stabilizing of an output signal through an output circuit having a compensation circuit coupled with an output capacitor, such that the compensation circuit is configured to compensate for an equivalent series resistance of the output capacitor. The compensation circuit compensates for the equivalent series resistance by providing a shift in a phase of the output signal to stabilize the output signal. The shift in phase is accomplished through the addition of a second zero at a second zero frequency to stabilize the output signal. The second zero is added such that the second zero frequency is closer to a first pole frequency than a first zero frequency, where the first pole frequency is proportional to the equivalent series resistance and the first zero is proportional to the output capacitor.