Abstract: A cluster cap sealing mechanism and method for a Geodesic construction. A packaging for a sealant placed in a ring wherein the ring is a sealant delivery device for providing a predetermined volume of sealant to the joints of the Geodesic construction.

Abstract: A cluster cap sealing mechanism and method for a Geodesic construction. A packaging for a sealant placed in a ring wherein the ring is a sealant delivery device for providing a predetermined volume of sealant to the joints of the Geodesic construction.

Abstract: A system including a camera that includes a lens having an aperture, a tripod configured to support the camera, a mount configured to be coupled the tripod and to the camera, the mount including a pivot that is configured such that the camera is rotatable around an axis that is aligned with the aperture of the camera, a motor configured to control the rotation of the mount, a memory containing computer readable instructions, that when executed by a processor, cause the processor to, calculate a desired position of the camera using sensor information, control the motor such that the camera is moved to the desired position, control the shutter of the camera to capture an image, and store the captured image.

Abstract: A system including a camera that includes a lens having an aperture, a tripod configured to support the camera, a mount configured to be coupled the tripod and to the camera, the mount including a pivot that is configured such that the camera is rotatable around an axis that is aligned with the aperture of the camera, a motor configured to control the rotation of the mount, a memory containing computer readable instructions, that when executed by a processor, cause the processor to, calculate a desired position of the camera using sensor information, control the motor such that the camera is moved to the desired position, control the shutter of the camera to capture an image, and store the captured image.

Abstract: A protective packaging system that will house a fragile object during transport or mailing without using bulky packaging materials. The package is essentially flat and conforms in overall dimensions to a standard mailing envelope while providing heightened protection for the object contained therein. The protective packaging system includes an envelope and a receptacle received within the envelope for the transport of generally thin, flat, flexible, yet fragile goods. In accordance with a presently preferred embodiment, the protective packaging system is designed to safely transport medical test specimens such as dried blood spots (DBSs) or other dried bodily fluids borne by a test card constructed as a flexible substrate. The envelope and receptacle combination are flexible enough to pass through the automated equipment of the United States Postal Service (or other carrier service) yet rigid enough to withstand the handling encountered in the mails so as to avoid damage to the package's contents.

Abstract: A switch mechanism with a safety member for operating a tool or a weapon which reduces the probability of inadvertent operation. The switch mechanism comprises a trigger and a safety member disposed adjacent to the trigger for preventing the trigger from contacting an actuation switch. The safety member is shaped such that when it is positioned in a first position, it prevents the trigger from contacting the switch. In addition, the safety member is shaped such that when the safety member is positioned in a second position, it allows the trigger to contact the actuation switch.

Abstract: An emergency vessel or vehicle location system (EVLS) is provided with a protected mayday switch for controlling the transceiver or module to which it is attached, so as to permit activation of the emergency vessel location system by use of a switch, in one embodiment, on the same microphone used for two-way communication. The protection of the mayday switch is provided by a specialized transparent latch in which the latch is spring loaded over the mayday switch such that accidental depression of the mayday switch is prevented, while permitting viewing of the switch legend through the transparent latch. The protected switch may be used on the microphone, on an auxiliary unit, or on the transceiver itself.

Abstract: An enclosure (10) for a device (86) for recording information onto a strip of printing medium (14) is disclosed, and includes a base (11), forming a cavity (84), and first and second covers (12, 13) pivotally secured to the base. The first and second covers move opposedly to each other between open and closed positions to allow replacement of the printing meduim, which is wound onto a spool. The base and a printhead (16) are pivotally coupled to the first cover by cover and printhead links (30, 58), enabling the printhead to move with and remain covered by the first cover when the enclosure is opened. A drive roller (17) is rotatably secured to the second cover and is biased against the printhead for advancement of the printing medium when the enclosure is closed. When the second cover pivots to its open position, the roller is withdrawn from the base, but remains continuously engaged to a drive motor (18) by a series of gears.

Abstract: A gardening trowel is provided to permit easy loosening of earth around plants and the like through the utilization of a handle which is substantially offset from the center line of the trowel to simultaneously provide a pushing post and a lever arm such that the heel of the palm is utilized to press the point of the trowel into the earth. This same offset handle is utilized along with an asymmetric trowel blade to permit easy rotation of the blade, such that upon insertion, the trowel may be rotated by the side or heel of the hand due to the lever arm provided by the offset handle, so as to easily rotate the blade even after insertion of the blade into packed, hardened earth.

Abstract: Apparatus which simulates the exercise obtained while climbing stairs includes two hydraulically phased steps retained in adjacent inclined tracks in which the steps are supported in a hydraulically open-ended system, with the phasing of the steps being controlled by a pair of in-line hydraulic actuators, one each associated with a step, in which fluid forced from one actuator with a downward movement of the associated step is channeled through a variable restricted orifice to the other actuator to raise the other step. In one lightweight, compact embodiment, the device is collapsed down to a compact size through the use of steps which are foldable to the track, and through the use of a track foldable to the frame. In its open position the lower portion of the frame props up the track at an appropriate climbing angle, with upper portions of the frame extending above the track to serve as handles positioned above the center of travel of the steps.