Abstract: An aircraft electrical connector is provided with features to allow facile engagement with an aircraft and strong retention forces. The aircraft electrical system may include the aircraft electrical connector having a unique biasing mechanism and modular construction, wherein the biasing mechanism is configured to place differential forces onto mating electrical connectors from an aircraft. The biasing mechanism may be operatively coupled to a handle or trigger, which may be easily engageable by an operator. In one embodiment, an electrical connector may include a cam plate disposed between electrical connectors. The cam plate is configured to place differential forces on mating connectors inserted into the electrical connectors. In another embodiment, an electrical connector includes a moveable shaft that is disposed between electrical connectors.

Abstract: An extendable edge reference tool is disclosed. A first segment having a extending end and a receptacle end is provided. The receptacle end includes a coupling mechanism for joining a second segment using an over-center locking force to secure said second segment to said first segment. This tool provides for a useful continuous reference edge over extended distances through adjoining segments. Each segment is suitably compact to be easy stowed. The segments are useful individually. The segments can be joined to extend tool to lengths useful in common construction tasks.

Abstract: An extendable edge reference tool is disclosed. A first segment having a extending end and a receptacle end is provided. The receptacle end includes a coupling mechanism for joining a second segment using an over-center locking force to secure said second segment to said first segment. This tool provides for a useful continuous reference edge over extended distances through adjoining segments. Each segment is suitably compact to be easy stowed. The segments are useful individually. The segments can be joined to extend tool to lengths useful in common construction tasks.

Abstract: An aircraft powering system is provided which includes an aircraft electrical connector is provided with features to allow facile engagement with an aircraft and strong retention forces. The aircraft powering system may include the aircraft electrical connector having a unique biasing mechanism and modular construction, wherein the biasing mechanism is configured to place differential forces onto mating electrical connectors from an aircraft. The biasing mechanism may be operatively coupled to a handle or trigger, which may be easily engageable by an operator.

Abstract: A device for brewing coffee including a basket for retaining coffee grounds, the basket having an opening to receive water at a user-selected temperature for contacting the coffee grounds within the basket. A control valve is provided for controlling the discharge of brewed coffee from the basket only after all of the water intended to be brewed has steeped within the coffee grounds.

Abstract: An apparatus including a platform having a surface secured to at least one leg, and leveling apparatus secured to the platform providing an indication of level about at least two axes. A method of positioning the apparatus includes the steps of positioning an end point of a first leg on a fiduciary point; setting a height of a mounting platform by extending said first leg; positioning an end point of a second leg to engage a surface; leveling the mounting platform on a first axis; positioning an end point of a third leg to engage said surface; leveling the mounting platform on a second axis; and re-positioning said first leg so that said end point is in a desired position.

Abstract: A family of vehicles is presented which exploit dynamic controls to stabilize in-line two wheeled vehicles. The stabilization results in improved safety at high speeds and on uncooperative surfaces. Stabilization affords balance at zero speed without auxiliary support means. Transformational wheel base length affords high visibility at low speeds and low drag at high speeds. In wheel chair configurations transforming wheel base length allows navigation up and down stairs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are presented for a laser tool used for direct indication of a level surface. This embodiment may also be used to transfer a level elevation from one level surface to a neighboring surface. The device may also be used to indicate the degree of flatness of a surface by direct observation. An alternative embodiment can provide a direct indication of plumb surfaces.

Abstract: An Anchor Point is presented for anchoring a tube or the like to the body. The anchors are long lasting and improve patient mobility. In one embodiment the Anchor Point consists of two identical self adhesive flat components. At the proximal end, each Anchor Point component has an interrupted patch that adheres to the skin. A tab is provided from the center of each patch. At the distal end, the tabs wrap around the tube to be anchored. The tabs stick to each other and the tube leaving no adhesive exposed. Assembly may be by the patient, a practitioner, or may be factory assembled. Tension on the tube is transferred through the tab to the patch center. The forces on the patch are then substantially in shear and so the tension does not peel the patch free.

Abstract: A tool operates with a guide system to identify the orientation of a tool on a work piece. In one implementation, the tool identifies its orientation with respect to a guide signal supplied by the guide system. In an alternate embodiment, the tool determines its absolute orientation, such as a (x, y) coordinate. The tool includes an action component adapted to alter the work piece, such as a cutting head in a router. A guide detector in the tool detects a position of a guide signal from the guide system. A location detector in the tool receives the position data and employs it to determine the tool's orientation. Based on the detected orientation, the tool decides whether any tool adjustments are necessary. Examples of tool adjustments include the following: adjusting the position of the action component, enabling or disabling the action component, and providing operating indicators to direct a tool operator's use of the tool.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are presented for a laser tool used for direct indication of a level surface. This embodiment may also be used to transfer a level elevation from one level surface to a neighboring surface. The device may also be used to indicate the degree of flatness of a surface by direct observation. An alternative embodiment can provide a direct indication of plumb surfaces.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are presented for a microscopic valve. The valve is electronically activated. Sensors for detecting objects in the flow may be external or formed in the channels of the valve. Many valves can be formed in parallel and in sequence on a single substrate. Multiple channels may feed each junction. Closure of the valve is accomplished by the formation of a vapor bubble or bubbles. Virtual walls may be formed by a sequence of bubbles. Logic and driver circuitry for producing bubbles may be external or included in the substrate. Such an array is ideally suited for sorting cells. Other materials in a suspension may also be sorted by a variety of criteria. A multi lumen output can produce a continuous distribution of cells or particles thus sorted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are presented for a microscopic valve. The valve is electronically activated. Sensors for detecting objects in the flow may be external or formed in the channels of the valve. Many valves can be formed in parallel and in sequence on a single substrate. Multiple channels may feed each junction. Closure of the valve is accomplished by the formation of a vapor bubble or bubbles. Virtual walls may be formed by a sequence of bubbles. Logic and driver circuitry for producing bubbles may be external or included in the substrate. Such an array is ideally suited for sorting cells. Other materials in a suspension may also be sorted by a variety of criteria. A multi lumen output can produce a continuous distribution of cells or particles thus sorted.

Abstract: A tool is employed in conjunction with alignment, depth, and level detectors. The tool can use all or some of these detectors. The alignment detector provides an orthogonal laser line grid on an incident surface when the detector has a predefined relationship with the surface. The depth detector emits two sets of parallel laser planes that converge with each other. When the laser planes impact on an incident surface two sets of lines are formed. The laser lines from one laser plane set move closer to the lines from the other laser plane set as the depth detector moves closer to the surface—showing changes in depth or distance. The level detector employs two converging laser planes. An operator positions the level detector above an incident surface, so the laser planes' line of intersection appears on the surface if the surface is level. If the surface is not level, lines separate from each laser plane appear on the surface—signaling the need for a level adjustment.

Abstract: A laser alignment device provides horizontal and vertical reference planes, lines, and points. The alignment device includes a pendulum assembly that supports a laser beam source assembly, two reflectors, and two motors. The laser beam source directs beams onto the reflectors—producing a horizontal reference beam and a vertical reference beam. Each reflector is rotated by one of the motors. Continuous rotation generates a reference plane; dithering generates a reference line, and no movement results in a reference point. The pendulum assembly includes a coarse pendulum that supports a fine pendulum, as well as the rotating motors and beam reflectors. The coarse pendulum roughly levels the alignment device. The fine pendulum supports the laser beam source assembly and brings the alignment device to a level position. The laser alignment device also includes a motor control system that enables users to accurately position the device's references.

Abstract: An apparatus including a platform having a surface secured to at least one leg, and leveling apparatus secured to the platform providing an indication of level about at least two axes. A method of positioning the apparatus includes the steps of positioning an end point of a first leg on a fiduciary point; setting a height of a mounting platform by extending said first leg; positioning an end point of a second leg to engage a surface; leveling the mounting platform on a first axis; positioning an end point of a third leg to engage said surface; leveling the mounting platform on a second axis; and re-positioning said first leg so that said end point is in a desired position.

Abstract: A multi-beam tool is disclosed which can perform square, plumb, and level function which may be required in a construction environment. The tool can generate in a preferred embodiment up to five orthogonal beams with two beams being plumb and three beams being leveled. Combinations of two level beams, or a level and a plumb beam in orthogonal arrangement can produce a square alignment set of beams. The tool includes in a preferred arrangement a self-leveling pendulum to which a laser and quad-mirror arrangement is secured. The self-leveling pendulum is dampened in order to allow the tool to settle down and provide alignment after the tool is positioned as desired.

Abstract: A multi-beam tool is disclosed which can perform square, plumb, and level function which may be required in a construction environment. The tool can generate in a preferred embodiment up to five orthogonal beams with two beams being plumb and three beams being leveled. Combinations of two level beams, or a level and a plumb beam in orthogonal arrangement can produce a square alignment set of beams. The tool includes in a preferred arrangement a self-leveling pendulum to which a laser and quad-mirror arrangement is secured. The self-leveling pendulum is dampened in order to allow the tool to settle down and provide alignment after the tool is positioned as desired.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for leveling at least one output light beam in a construction tool. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a laser optical assembly for producing output light beams that define plumb, level, and right angle beams for use in construction applications. The optical assembly is mounted on an optical platform which permits tilting about “slip-stick” joints that define two perpendicular axes of rotation. Such joints allow the optical platform to change its angle of tilt in response to an applied torque and to maintain the changed angle of tilt until further torque is applied. Also, the “slip-stick” mechanism prevents substantial movement or oscillation of the optical platform in the absence of the applied torque. The embodiment further includes a sensor element for determining whether the output beams are level.

Abstract: A laser alignment device provides horizontal and vertical reference planes, lines, and points. The alignment device includes a pendulum assembly that supports a laser beam source assembly, two reflectors, and two motors. The laser beam source directs beams onto the reflectors—producing a horizontal reference beam and a vertical reference beam. Each reflector is rotated by one of the motors. Continuous rotation generates a reference plane; dithering generates a reference line, and no movement results in a reference point. The pendulum assembly includes a coarse pendulum that supports a fine pendulum, as well as the rotating motors and beam reflectors. The coarse pendulum roughly levels the alignment device. The fine pendulum supports the laser beam source assembly and brings the alignment device to a level position. The laser alignment device also includes a motor control system that enables users to accurately position the device's references.