Abstract: A balloon weight includes a display clip having first and second clip members biased to be in close proximity to each other at a clip end and separate from each other each other at a squeeze end. The display clip has a base mass. A first weight piece is adapted to be selectively affixed to one of the first and second clip members. This first weight piece has a first supplemental mass. A ribbon has a first end secured to either the first weight piece or display clip and a second end affixed to a lighter-than-air balloon. A second weight piece may also be selectively affixed to the other of the first and second clip members. This permits the creation of composite balloon weights with different masses.

Abstract: A method of modeling a mission system. The system is represented as a plurality of architectural components. At least some of the architectural components are configured with availability characteristics to obtain a model of the system. The model is implemented to assess availability in the mission system. The model may be implemented to perform tradeoff decisions for each individual component and interrelated components. Availability can be assessed for the system, given all of the tradeoffs.

Abstract: A toy or scale replica of an underground toy miner for coal mining having movable parts includes a body having an upper surface and movable caterpillar treads and a plurality of rotatable wheels mounted to the opposed sides of the miner, a boom mounted to the upper surface and extending from the front to the rear of the miner, an endless conveyor mounted on the boom with the distal end of the boom being laterally movable, a bucket mounted to the front and having at least two inwardly rotatably collectors for moving material from the bucket to the conveyor and boom and a ripper head terminating with a cylindrical ripper pivotably mounted to the front of the miner and above the bucket for gouging and digging material out of the wall of the mine for deposition in the bucket and thence movement rearward by the collectors to the conveyor and boom.

Abstract: A balloon inflator includes a housing, a motor within the housing, and a fan operable by the motor to drive air to an inflation nozzle. The inflation nozzle provides an outlet. A nozzle adaptor is configured to fit over the outlet of the inflation nozzle and provide an alternate outlet. A nozzle receipt is provided by the housing to selectively receive the nozzle adaptor and a switch is provided at the nozzle receipt. The nozzle adaptor is selectively received at the nozzle receipt so as to trigger the switch, and is selectively removed from the nozzle receipt so as to not trigger the switch. The switch controls the power supplied to the motor, such that different motor operating parameters are realized when the switch is triggered and when the switch is not triggered. In a particular embodiment, the nozzle adaptor includes vent channels that exhaust a portion of the air to the atmosphere when a balloon is fitted over the alternate outlet to receive air driven through the nozzle and the nozzle adaptor.

Abstract: A balloon display that simulates motions of a lighter-than-air balloon includes a balloon holder and an inflated balloon. The balloon holder includes a neck fastening assembly, and the inflated balloon is secured to the balloon holder by the neck fastening assembly. A compression spring balloon support extends upwardly relative to the neck fastening assembly to support a majority of the inflated balloon above the neck fastening assembly. The inflated balloon is secured to the neck fastening assembly and supported by the compression spring balloon support such that the balloon slightly loads the compression spring balloon support and the balloon tends to move up and down, side to side, and front to back as the compression spring balloon support reacts to the load of the balloon.

Abstract: In order to prolong the useful life of an artist's paint brush, the paint brush is supported from a clamp while drying. The clamp has first and second coplanar surfaces which clamp against the tip of the brush supporting it as it is drying. The clamping surfaces are covered with a compressible material such as an open cell foam rubber. The compressible material prevents the bristles of the brushes from spreading out excessively and the open celled foam further facilitates wicking of liquid from the brush as it dries.

Abstract: A lid support including a support platform and support legs extending downwardly from the support platform is configured such that a plurality of lid supports may be intimately stacked for efficient storage. A serrated leg may be provided extending downwardly and outwardly from the support platform, and particularly preferred modes of practicing the invention include providing a hole in the support platform in order to allow the support platform to be employed as a handle for the serrated leg, by inserting a finger through the hole. The hole also serves to reduce the overall material costs of the lid support.

Abstract: A balloon inflation device for use with a keyed balloon weight associated with a balloon to be filled with gas includes a source of pressurized gas sending gas through gas lines and multiple valves associated with an inflation block, wherein each valve is opened by properly manipulating elements of the inflation block. A key weight valve is opened by placing a key weight into a key weight receptacle in the inflation block, and a clamp valve is opened by manipulating a clamp mechanism. The key weight is associated with a balloon having a open neck that is placed over an inflation nozzle of the inflation block, before placing the key weight into the key weight receptacle. The clamp mechanism clamps the neck of the balloon to the inflation nozzle as it opens the clamp valve. With both valves open, gas may flow to the inflation nozzle to fill the balloon.

Abstract: A magnetic infrasound sensor is produced by constraining a permanent magnet inside a magnetic potential well above the surface of superconducting material. The magnetic infrasound sensor measures the position or movement of the permanent magnet within the magnetic potential well, and interprets the measurements. Infrasound sources can be located and characterized by combining the measurements from one or more infrasound sensors. The magnetic infrasound sensor can be tuned to match infrasound source types, resulting in better signal-to-noise ratio. The present invention can operate in frequency modulation mode to improve sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio. In an alternate construction, the superconductor can be levitated over a magnet or magnets. The system can also be driven, so that time resolved perturbations are sensed, resulting in a frequency modulation version with improved sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio.

Abstract: A method, computer-readable medium, and system are provided for generating a master test plan. A plurality of verification activities for monitoring adherence with project specifications is stored in a test plan database. Access to the test plan database is provided to a plurality of users. The test plan database is updated based on input from the plurality of users. From the verification activities stored from the test plan database, the test plan is generated.

Abstract: A valve and retainer assembly particularly useful for latex balloons is provided consisting of a valve body and a disk valve. The valve body has a retainer portion where the neck and mouth of a latex balloon may be received to affix the balloon to the valve body. A hollow stem communicates with the retainer portion, and a one-way valve allows gas to be introduced through the stem portion into the balloon affixed to the retainer portion. Once the balloon is filled the pressure of the gas within the balloon seals the valve closed to prevent gas from exiting the balloon.

Abstract: A valve and retainer assembly particularly useful for latex balloons is provided consisting of a valve body and a disk valve. The valve body has a retainer portion where the neck and mouth of a latex balloon may be received to affix the balloon to the valve body. A hollow stem communicates with the retainer portion, and a one-way valve allows gas to be introduced through the stem portion into the balloon affixed to the retainer portion. Once the balloon is filled the pressure of the gas within the balloon seals the valve closed to prevent gas from exiting the balloon.

Abstract: A balloon weight assembly includes a spool having a cavity defined in a body portion thereof. The cavity is configured to securingly receive and retain a ballast weight of selectable mass therein. The cavity is further sized to receive more than one such ballast weight at a time in a press fit manner. Accordingly, a single weight housing may be adapted to provide retaining downforce to balloons of various sizes or “lift.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inflation block for a balloon inflation device including an inflation nozzle that is operatively connected to a source of pressurized gas, and a trough that substantially encloses the inflation nozzle in order to prevent access thereto by an operator's mouth, yet allowing for the insertion of the neck of a balloon thereon. The inflation nozzle is operatively connected to a slide valve that has a closed position and an open position. The slide valve is located between a source of pressurized gas and the inflation nozzle such that, in its closed position, the slide valve blocks the flow of gas from the source of pressurized gas through the inflation nozzle, and, in its open position, the slide valve opens the flow of gas from the source of pressurized gas through the inflation nozzle, in order to allow for the inflation of a balloon having its neck placed over the inflation nozzle.

Abstract: A balloon weight and ribbon assembly includes a spool having a length of ribbon wound thereabout, the ribbon being secured at one end to the spool and at the other end to a lightweight breakaway tab which initially comprises a part and parcel of the spool. A slot in the tab accommodates receipt of a double knot at one end of the ribbon, while a slot in the spool accommodates receipt of a double knot of the ribbon at the opposite end. A piece of double backed adhesive tape is provided on the breakaway tab to allow for securement of the tab to the neck or tail of an inflated balloon.

Abstract: A balloon locking cup and securing system includes a cup having a latch interposed between a funnel shaped cup portion and a tube extension. The balloon cup is placed over a reciprocating needle hook rod in a securing system. The tail of the balloon is received by a hook at the end of the hook rod and a first pneumatic cylinder is actuated to pull the needle hook rod in such a manner as to pull the balloon into nesting engagement with the balloon cup. At the end of travel of the first pneumatic cylinder, a second pneumatic cylinder is automatically actuated, causing a knife blade to separate the end of the balloon tail just beneath the tubular member of the balloon cup assembly. The drawing of the balloon into the cup assembly actuates the latch which engages the balloon tail near the neck of the balloon and secures the balloon in the cup assembly.

Abstract: Embodiments of the instant invention are directed to a method, apparatus, and system for an electronic game of skill, wherein multiple remotely located players can compete for a common prize. In preferred embodiments, a user accesses the game via a wide area network or by some other remote means and inputs required information, including payment information. Preferably, the player then authorizes the payment of the entry fee and competes in a contest of skill, preferably a trivia game, where a prize or prizes are awarded to players that reach a predetermined performance level. Preferred embodiments of the present invention include, without limitation, multitiered, pari-mutuel and progressive prize pay-out methods.

Abstract: A balloon locking cup and securing system includes a cup having a latch interposed between a funnel shaped cup portion and a tube extension. The balloon cup is placed over a reciprocating needle hook rod in a securing system. The tail of the balloon is received by a hook at the end of the hook rod and a first pneumatic cylinder is actuated to pull the needle hook rod in such a manner as to pull the balloon into nesting engagement with the balloon cup. At the end of travel of the first pneumatic cylinder, a second pneumatic cylinder is automatically actuated, causing a knife blade to separate the end of the balloon tail just beneath the tubular member of the balloon cup assembly. The drawing of the balloon into the cup assembly actuates the latch which engages the balloon tail near the neck of the balloon and secures the balloon in the cup assembly.