Abstract: A spherical vehicle is designed to increase passenger safety by rolling away with the passengers from a collision scene while applying controlled braking force until the speed of the vehicle is reduced to zero. The spherical vehicle has an outer body and a horizontal platform resting on four telescopic columns inside the outer body. Each column is equipped with a set of braking shoes and pads normally engaged with the inside surface of the outer body. The engine and the passenger seats are located on the platform. The driving force from the engine is transmitted to the outer wheel which propels the vehicle forward. A pair of retractable wheels is placed in the lower portion of the vehicle to aid while turning or when the vehicle is stopped. In case of a collision, the braking shoes disengage from the outer body so the spherical vehicle can roll away while the platform with the passengers remain in horizontal orientation.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for removing foreign particles such as dust from an object of complex shape is disclosed. An object is placed in an enclosed chamber and agitated by mechanical vibration means and by pulsed air jets while rotating, all to separate the dust particles from that object. Periodic injection of compressed air causes the dust particles to be suspended in that air and subsequently removed when the air is aspirated. The method and an apparatus can be used in combination with a household vacuum cleaner for cleaning of large household items such as clothing, pillows, linens, etc. In industrial use, the method of invention can be used for cleaning of electronic components from foreign particles.

Abstract: A muscle strength testing and measuring apparatus contains a bar-like strength testing mechanism slidably placed over a pair of upright posts for adjustment of vertical position and allowing a variety of muscle groups to be tested by the user without any specialized knowledge. The apparatus can be used for physical training before and after exercise as well as for rehabilitation purposes. The position adjustment mechanism includes a jamming cylinder controlled by a link plate, which in turn can be activated by simple lifting or lowering the bar-like mechanism. Piezo-electric tensile sensors are placed in the middle portion of the mechanism to indicate the muscle force which signal is then transmitted to a display unit. Additional pull force strength testing units are placed over the same posts allowing also for adjustment of height position. A great number of configurations are described that can be achieved by easily switching the apparatus from one position to the next.