Abstract: A monolithic multi-metallic thermal expansion stabilizer (MTES) has a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) differential between a first surface and a second surface, and a transition region extending between for mitigating the CTE differential.

Abstract: A monolithic multi-metallic thermal expansion stabilizer (MTES) has a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) differential between a first surface and a second surface, and a transition region extending between for mitigating the CTE differential.

Abstract: A sliding recreational device having a body, a seating area for a passenger, and a sliding pan mounted on the bottom of the body is disclosed. A cushioning element mounted in the body protects a passenger from injury while riding the device. By applying certain patterns to the bottom of the sliding pan, a stable, more predictable ride path is made possible for the rider. The addition of a system of pivoting braking elements and cabling enable a passenger to steer and brake the device.

Abstract: A cranial massage helmet includes a plurality of resilient massage wheels mounted on its inner surface for application to the head of a user. The massage wheels travel along a number of tracks bonded to the inner surface of the helmet. An individual stepper motor drives each wheel. A control system, which may be contained within a hand-held controller, contains a programmed logic controller for directing drive cards that are wired to each individual motor for independent control of each massage wheel. A variety of massage modes are made possible by the control system. The control system also includes audio components allowing a user of the helmet to select an audio program that may be heard through earphones mounted in the helmet.

Abstract: A sliding recreational device having a body, a seating area for a passenger, and a sliding pan mounted on the bottom of the body is disclosed. A cushioning element mounted in the body protects a passenger from injury while riding the device. By applying certain patterns to the bottom of the sliding pan, a stable, more predictable ride path is made possible for the rider. The addition of a system of pivoting braking elements and cabling enable a passenger to steer and brake the device.

Abstract: A method for determining the position of a movable element to be driven by a direct current motor between first and second positions includes counting ripples contained in a motor current signal as the motor rotates to drive the element. The position of the element is determined based on the counted ripples. The motor actuates, until the current signal is void of ripples, to move the element into the first position when the element is to be moved out of the first position towards the second position. The counted ripples is reset to a reset value after the motor has been actuated to move the element into the first position such that the reset value corresponds to the position of the element being in the first position. The motor actuates to move the element towards the second position after the counted ripples has been reset.

Abstract: A method for determining the position of a movable element to be driven by a direct current motor between first and second positions includes counting ripples contained in a motor current signal as the motor rotates to drive the element. The position of the element is determined based on the counted ripples. The motor actuates, until the current signal is void of ripples, to move the element into the first position when the element is to be moved out of the first position towards the second position. The counted ripples is reset to a reset value after the motor has been actuated to move the element into the first position such that the reset value corresponds to the position of the element being in the first position. The motor actuates to move the element towards the second position after the counted ripples has been reset.