Abstract: A valve includes a magnetic actuation mechanism providing torque-limiting capabilities and valve stem position indication. A drive shaft of the valve is surrounded by a first annular magnetic array within a fully sealed pressure vessel. A second annular magnetic array is positioned outside of the pressure vessel and surrounds the fully sealed pressure vessel. Each of the first annular magnetic array and the second annular magnetic array include magnets having alternating polarity, allowing the first annular magnetic array and the second annular magnetic array to form a first order coupling mechanism. When the second, outside annular magnetic array is rotated, the first annular magnetic array is caused to move, actuating the valve. Importantly, the valve includes a position indication system able to determine a position of the valve stem and includes an automatic feedback mechanism for comparing an actual position of the valve with an expected position of the valve.

Abstract: A valve includes a magnetic actuation mechanism providing torque-limiting capabilities and valve stem position indication. A drive shaft of the valve is surrounded by a first annular magnetic array within a fully sealed pressure vessel. A second annular magnetic array is positioned outside of the pressure vessel and surrounds the fully sealed pressure vessel. Each of the first annular magnetic array and the second annular magnetic array include magnets having alternating polarity, allowing the first annular magnetic array and the second annular magnetic array to form a first order coupling mechanism. When the second, outside annular magnetic array is rotated, the first annular magnetic array is caused to move, actuating the valve. Importantly, the valve includes a position indication system able to determine a position of the valve stem and includes an automatic feedback mechanism for comparing an actual position of the valve with an expected position of the valve.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electromagnetic actuation system for opening and closing pipe valves. The electromagnetic actuation systems utilizes one or more electromagnets surrounding one or more permanent magnets attached to a rotary shaft of the valve mechanism. A controller activates the one or more electromagnets such that the produced magnetic field rotates, thereby applying a force to the one or more permanent magnets and thus rotating the rotary shaft. The system does not require rotation of the one or more electromagnets relative to the one or more permanent magnets, advantageously reducing the number of moving parts within the valve system.

Abstract: An electromagnetic rising stem valve includes a stopper configured to block flow of fluid within a pipe. The stopper is connected to a shaft configured to be rotated via an electromagnetic force generated between magnets attached to the outside of the shaft and magnets surrounding an outside surface of a section of the valve. The rising stem valve is further able to include a second shaft which is directly rotated by the electromagnetic force, to open, closed, and one or more semi-open positions, and which is coupled to the shaft connected to the stopper via gearing. Advantageously, the one or more shafts and any gearing is entirely contained within a gear housing, with the electromagnetic force being generated by interaction with magnets outside the housing entirely, preventing unwanted leakage of fluid from the pipe into the environment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electromagnetic actuation system for opening and closing pipe valves. The electromagnetic actuation systems utilizes one or more electromagnets surrounding one or more permanent magnets attached to a rotary shaft of the valve mechanism. A controller activates the one or more electromagnets such that the produced magnetic field rotates, thereby applying a force to the one or more permanent magnets and thus rotating the rotary shaft. The system does not require rotation of the one or more electromagnets relative to the one or more permanent magnets, advantageously reducing the number of moving parts within the valve system.

Abstract: A collapsible, self-expanding polyhedron comprises a plurality of side members each connected with an elastic band that is sized to urge each side wall of adjacent side members together to form an expanded configuration. When the polyhedron is compressed on two opposing side members, which causes the other side members to separate into a collapsed configuration, the elastic band expands to a maximum length with maximum tension. Once the compression is released, the at least one elastic band retracts back to a minimum length and urges the side members back into the expanded configuration.

Abstract: A rope arrest-and-release device comprising a cam block assembly and a housing with front vertical rollers situated on either side of the housing, rear vertical rollers situated directly behind the front vertical rollers, and a pair of horizontal rollers situated to the interior of the front and rear vertical rollers on either side of the housing. The cam block assembly includes a cam block and a cam that rotates upward and downward via a spring. Each front vertical roller is configured to rotate forward to allow a rope to be inserted between the cam and the inside ceiling of the housing. The cam block assembly fits into an internal recess in the housing and is removable and reversible. The invention include a means for securing the device to a utility pole and for locking the cam in a downward (open) position.

Abstract: This container lid fits onto existing insulated cups. It has a refillable and sealable reservoir and in the preferred embodiment includes a top opening to receive substances and a bottom opening to release substances into a container. The release of substances into the beverage container is controlled and is measured before release. A preferred double piston and button combination interact with a narrow section of the reservoir to dispense only a portion of the contents from the reservoir into the container. The released portion is carefully metered within the narrow channel when the double piston alternately seals a first opening and a second opening of the narrow channel. The reservoir serves to store the unreleased substance until the next time the button is activated to release addition substance into the container.

Abstract: An assembly has a frame with two ends and two rails with a drop section generally centered, a base plate spanning the rails at the drop sections, a turn table upon the base plate, a pivot tray upon the turn table, linkages upon the pivot tray, sections operatively connected to the linkages, spring panels upon the sections, and a mattress upon the section. Senior citizens, patients, and disabled persons find difficulty to enter and to climb out of bed and may frequently require assistance. When this problem occurs, others must assist a person and the assistance varies depending on the person's size, weight and degree of mobility. The present invention adapts easily to most standard bed frames and allows a patient to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise and then to a sitting position.

Abstract: An outdoor amusement rocking device having a frame and a support member that together form a curvature saddle-shaped play structure. The amusement device includes a hyperbole paraboloid frame structure defining an interior area and a resilient support sheet material disposed in the interior area of the frame and attached to the frame.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for a toy race track. Preferred embodiments of the present invention operate in conjunction with a vehicle affixed to a track, wherein the track is supported in relation to at least one fixed surface via a plurality of support structures. In one embodiment, the track comprises a plurality of flexible sections, allowing a user to construct a track resembling a rollercoaster, having steep curves, upside-down portions, etc. In one embodiment, the vehicle includes a plurality rollers that can be used to both affix the vehicle to the track and propel the vehicle along the track. By affixing the vehicle to the track, the vehicle is prevented from leaving the track during extreme situations (e.g., steep curves, upside-down portions, etc.).

Abstract: This container lid fits onto existing insulated cups. It has a refillable and sealable reservoir with a top opening to receive substances and a bottom opening to release substances into a container. The release of substances is controlled and measured before release. A double piston and button combination interact with a narrow section of the reservoir to dispense only a portion of the contents from the reservoir into the container. The released portion is carefully metered within the narrow channel when the double piston alternately seals a first opening and a second opening of the narrow channel. The reservoir serves to store the unreleased substance until the next time the button is activated to release addition substance into the container.

Abstract: A rope arrest-and-release device comprising a cam block assembly and a housing with front vertical rollers situated on either side of the housing, rear vertical rollers situated directly behind the front vertical rollers, and a pair of horizontal rollers situated to the interior of the front and rear vertical rollers on either side of the housing. The cam block assembly includes a cam block and a cam that rotates upward and downward via a spring. Each front vertical roller is configured to rotate forward to allow a rope to be inserted between the cam and the inside ceiling of the housing. The cam block assembly fits into an internal recess in the housing and is removable and reversible. The invention include a means for securing the device to a utility pole and for locking the cam in a downward (open) position.

Abstract: This container lid fits onto existing insulated cups. It has a refillable and sealable reservoir and in the preferred embodiment includes a top opening to receive substances and a bottom opening to release substances into a container. The release of substances into the beverage container is controlled and is measured before release. A preferred double piston and button combination interact with a narrow section of the reservoir to dispense only a portion of the contents from the reservoir into the container. The released portion is carefully metered within the narrow channel when the double piston alternately seals a first opening and a second opening of the narrow channel. The reservoir serves to store the unreleased substance until the next time the button is activated to release addition substance into the container.

Abstract: This container lid fits onto existing insulated cups. It has a refillable and sealable reservoir with a top opening to receive substances and a bottom opening to release substances into a container. The release of substances is controlled and measured before release. A double piston and button combination interact with a narrow section of the reservoir to dispense only a portion of the contents from the reservoir into the container. The released portion is carefully metered within the narrow channel when the double piston alternately seals a first opening and a second opening of the narrow channel. The reservoir serves to store the unreleased substance until the next time the button is activated to release addition substance into the container.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating spin art comprised of a base assembly, spinning platform and upper assembly. The base assembly includes a central housing, and the upper assembly includes a circular paint wall surrounding a paint container column. The paint container column is positioned in the center of the spinning platform and made up of individual paint container modules that are configured to be stacked vertically on top of one another. The invention also includes a gear drive assembly that is driven by either a manually activated plunger or an electric motor.

Abstract: A device for stabilizing impaled objects in the human body, the device having a first and a second component each of which is comprised of a generally T-shaped support plate that is adhered to a generally T-shaped foam pad. Each component has a lower section and a base section. The support plate comprises a bend line between the tower section and the base section and a channel along each outside edge of that portion of the support, plate that comprises the tower section. The foam pad comprises a slit along each, outside edge of that portion of the foam pad that comprises the tower section. First and second fastening straps are bonded between the support plates and foam pads.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating spin art comprised of a base assembly, spinning platform and upper assembly. The base assembly includes a central housing, and the upper assembly includes a circular paint wall surrounding a paint container column. The paint container column is positioned in the center of the spinning platform and made up of individual paint container modules that are configured to be stacked vertically on top of one another. The invention also includes a gear drive assembly that is driven by either a manually activated plunger or an electric motor.

Abstract: A hammock includes an arcuate support frame configured for periodic rotational locomotion. A resilient support surface is configured for supporting a mass of at least one user thereon during a periodic rotational locomotion. The support surface may be suspended by suspension members between opposing ends of the support frame. The suspension member may be configured for a range of center of mass adjustment points for modifying a collective center of mass location for the rotational locomotion.

Abstract: A hammock includes a resilient support surface for supporting a mass of at least one object thereon, and a separation element being disposed in the support surface defining a plurality of separable support sections.