Abstract: An apparatus for in-situ testing of a linear actuator configured to exert an actuation force in an actuation direction by movement of a first part of the actuator relative to a second part of the actuator. The apparatus includes a test device, a test actuator and a measurement device. The test device includes a first surface configured to contact the first part of the actuator, and a second surface configured to contact the second part of the actuator. The second surface is moveable relative to the first surface to alter a distance therebetween. The test actuator is configured to exert a test force in a direction opposite to the actuation direction, the test force being to drive movement of the second surface away from the first surface. The measurement device is for detecting a change in the distance between the first surface and the second surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for in-situ testing of a linear actuator configured to exert an actuation force in an actuation direction by movement of a first part of the actuator relative to a second part of the actuator. The apparatus includes a test device, a test actuator and a measurement device. The test device includes a first surface configured to contact the first part of the actuator, and a second surface configured to contact the second part of the actuator. The second surface is moveable relative to the first surface to alter a distance therebetween. The test actuator is configured to exert a test force in a direction opposite to the actuation direction, the test force being to drive movement of the second surface away from the first surface. The measurement device is for detecting a change in the distance between the first surface and the second surface.

Abstract: A chronometer to monitor the passage of time prior to a projected date of birth of a baby and to recognize and celebrate the birth of the baby. The chronometer includes a generally hollow egg-shaped housing including a bottom, a top, a hinge mechanism, and a latching mechanism. The hinge mechanism rotatably connects the top to the bottom so the top can open and close. The latching mechanism releasably connects the top to the bottom. The chronometer also includes a replica of a young chicken housed in the chronometer, and includes a display to indicate the length of time until the projected birth date of the baby.

Abstract: A chronometer to monitor the passage of time prior to a projected date of birth of a baby and to recognize and celebrate the birth of the baby. The chronometer includes a generally hollow egg-shaped housing including a bottom, a top, a hinge mechanism, and a latching mechanism. The hinge mechanism rotatably connects the top to the bottom so the top can open and close. The latching mechanism releasably connects the top to the bottom. The chronometer also includes a replica of a young chicken housed in the chronometer, and includes a display to indicate the length of time until the projected birth date of the baby.

Abstract: The present invention is a water-resistant, battery-powered, motorized, spinning, hands-free skin exfoliating device comprising a housing and an abrasive surface. The abrasive surface comprises a body and a plurality of abrasive elements positioned on the exterior face of the body. The body and the plurality of abrasive elements are together formed from a single piece of the same material. The housing contains a power source and a motor. The device is preferably placed on the floor of a shower when in use. When activated, the motor causes the abrasive surface to spin so that the abrasive surface will exfoliate dead skin and calluses from a location on a foot when the location on the foot is placed against the spinning abrasive surface.

Abstract: A light source enhancing lens assembly 10 has a carrier 20, a light source 30 carried by the carrier 20, a first lens 40 which refracts and diffuses light emitted from the light source 30 and a second lens 70 to defocus and further distribute the light emitting from the first lens 40. The light source 30 is inserted into the first lens 40, so that light from the LED is refracted within a first bore 48 and diffused by a frosted first outer surface 60 of the first lens 40. The first lens 40 inserts into a second bore 40 of the second lens 70. Light from the first lens 40 is further defocused by a series of parallel, spaced apart lens sections 82 located on the second outer surface 78 of the second lens 70.

Abstract: A rotative and lightable ornament apparatus has a miniature electrical input line (1) in electrical communication with a circuit that is branched to lines leading to at least one miniature electrical motor (3) and to at least one miniature electrical outlet (2) for optional lighting and electrical rotation. The input line can be a Christmas tree light plug (6) and the miniature outlet for optional lighting and electrical actuation can be a miniature light socket (8) for a miniature light (9), flasher (52), or other miniature lamps. Circuitry for branching from the input line can include a plurality of electrically connected zener diodes (28) to offset pulsating electrical effects of a flasher on the miniature motor.

Abstract: A rotative animated ornament has at least one rotative component and one or more moveable components in moveable relationship to the rotative component. The rotative component can be rotated by an electrical motor, or by any other type of rotative means such as a spring motor, a gas-pressure motor or a prime mover. The one or more moveable components are actuated magnetically by one or more magnetic elements in magnetic relationship to one or more magnetically responsive elements. The magnetic elements and the magnetically responsive elements can be positioned on an ornament holder and/or on the one or more moveable components. Actuation of a moveable component occurs when rotation of the rotative component positions a magnetic element in magnetically responsive nearness to either (a) a magnetically responsive element for magnetic attraction, (b) an opposite pole of another magnetic element for higher magnetic attraction, or (c) a same pole of another magnetic element for magnetic resistance.

Abstract: An aroma generator has a toroidal incense container with a toroidal channel and cylindrical walls. A toroidal channel floor is extended in a plane perpendicular to an axis that is common to the cylindrical walls of the toroidal channel. A bulb-attachment wall having a central bulb orifice is extended inward radially at a design distance from a base of the toroidal incense container. A cover plate is held in a covering position over the toroidal channel by attachment appendages on a cylindrical attachment sleeve. At least one attachment appendage is extended outward radially from a distal end of the cylindrical attachment sleeve and positioned in at least one arcuate attachment channel in an outside surface of the inside cylindrical wall for attachment of the cover plate to the aroma generator. A plurality of spacer ridges are extended radially from the cover plate to provide aroma-discharge passages between the cover plate and top edges of the toroidal channel.

Abstract: An ornament and display rotator has a reduction geared rotational shaft (3) of a miniature motor (2) extended from an apex (4) of a cone-shaped housing (1). Ornament and display attachment means (14, 17, 18, 23, 24, 51) adaptable to a wide variety of ornaments (6) and other objects for rotation are provided on the rotational shaft (3). Linear bearing (25, 29) means also is provided as needed for vertical load bearing relationship between the apex (4) of the cone (1) and the rotational shaft (3). Adaptable means for attachment of the base (9) of the cone-shaped housing (1) to a wide variety of objects and structures is provided. The cone-shaped housing (1) is adaptable to stored energy motors (47) and gas powered motors (42) in addition to small electrical motors (2).

Abstract: An electrically activated aromatic ornament (1, 9, 20, 28 and 29) has a wreath shaped structure in which an electrical heater (2) activates a volatile aromatic material (30) to cause incense gases to be exhausted through selective orifices (22 and 24) proximate decorative objects. Electrical power can be provided through such limited power electrical conductors as Christmas tree light cords (5 and 6) for hanging small sizes of this aromatic ornament on Christmas trees or on other fragile objects. Electrical power can be provided also through standard extension cords (31 and 32) for larger sizes to be hung on larger and more sturdy structures. Decorative items such as natural leaves, flowers, ribbons and artificial plants can be attached to some embodiments of this invention.

Abstract: An electrical connector designed to fit about the contact pins of a fluorescent lamp and to supply electric power to a small electric motor of animated display purposes. The connector is of thin elongated construction having one end thereof which is bifurcated to allow the connector to be placed about the lamp contact pins. Electrodes contained within the bifurcated portion contact the lamp pins and supply power to the motor.

Abstract: A tray-type mailbox insert for use in delivering and removing mail from a mailbox formed of a foldable blank including a bottom panel, side panels, and an end panel and having locking panels and locking tabs to secure the insert in a tray-like configuration.

Abstract: A portable air pump has a housing formed with internal walls that partition two compartments, one of which is accessible from ambience through a door. A flexible air hose is compactly stowed in the accessible compartment and connected with an air compressor housed in the other compartment for extension to ambience. A recharger with flexible wiring is also stowed within the accessible compartment adjacent the flexible air hose.