Abstract: A bracket forms one or more U-channel for receiving a beam that supports a portion of a building. An adjustable structure for supporting a beam includes the bracket and a concrete footer or pier having an anchor bolt, wherein the anchor bolt has one end securely embedded within the concrete and threaded end extending upward from the concrete. A leveling nut is threaded onto the anchor bolt below a base plate of the bracket, a top nut is threaded onto the second end of the anchor bolt above the base plate, and a block is disposed between the concrete footer or pier and the base plate to support the weight of the beam. The adjustable structure enables a person to adjust the elevation of an identified portion of a building that is not level.

Abstract: A bracket forms one or more U-channel for receiving a beam that supports a portion of a building. An adjustable structure for supporting a beam includes the bracket and a concrete footer or pier having an anchor bolt, wherein the anchor bolt has one end securely embedded within the concrete and threaded end extending upward from the concrete. A leveling nut is threaded onto the anchor bolt below a base plate of the bracket, a top nut is threaded onto the second end of the anchor bolt above the base plate, and a block is disposed between the concrete footer or pier and the base plate to support the weight of the beam. The adjustable structure enables a person to adjust the elevation of an identified portion of a building that is not level.

Abstract: A phase-change heat exchanger is provided for thermally conditioning a fluid. The phase-change heat exchanger includes, but is not limited to, conduits configured to convey the fluid through the phase-change heat exchanger and a foam structure in thermal contact with at least one of the conduits. The foam structure has ligaments interconnected to form a three-dimensional reticulated structure of open cells. A phase-change material is contained within the open cells and the phase-change material is configured to receive thermal energy of the fluid from the ligaments of the foam structure.

Abstract: A phase-change heat exchanger is provided for thermally conditioning a fluid. The phase-change heat exchanger includes, but is not limited to, conduits configured to convey the fluid through the phase-change heat exchanger and a foam structure in thermal contact with at least one of the conduits. The foam structure has ligaments interconnected to form a three-dimensional reticulated structure of open cells. A phase-change material is contained within the open cells and the phase-change material is configured to receive thermal energy of the fluid from the ligaments of the foam structure.

Abstract: A computer display includes a pivotally mounted upper housing having a display screen, a brake used to retard pivoting motion of this upper housing, and a release mechanism for releasing the brake so that the upper housing can be freely moved. The display screen is preferably a touchscreen, which is touched to indicate a selection made by the user, with the brake resisting a tilting movement of the screen as it is touched. In a first version, two brakes are used to retard motion in both directions, with a single release wheel being turned in one direction to allow rearward motion of the upper housing and in another direction to allow forward motion of the upper housing. In a second version, a single brake is released by stopping motion of a release mandrel to unwrap a clutch spring.

Abstract: An electronic feeler gauge and a method of using the same which provides an objective means of determining the width of a gap between two surfaces. The gauge comprises a measuring element which is insertable into the gap and an indicator coupled to the measuring element for automatically indicating when the gap has been set to a predetermined distance. The measuring element comprises two plates which act as an electrical switch in an electrical circuit. When the gap gauge is inserted into a gap of predetermined width, the plates press against each other and current from a power source lights up a light emitting diode. Conversely, when the plates are inserted into a gap that is too wide, the plates do not press against each. The circuit, therefore, is not complete, and the light emitting diode does not light up. Thus, this invention provides an objective, reliable means for confirming the width of a gap. The invention can be used for gaps of different widths by varying the thicknesses of the plates.

Abstract: A tilt adjustment mechanism having an upper housing, a lower housing and a shaft assembly is disclosed. The shaft assembly receives the gears which are pressed on either end of shaft. The shaft fits through locating slots in the lower housing. Each of the gears are activated by internal gears located on each side of the upper housing. The internal gears are integrally formed with the upper housing. The upper housing is hinged on the lower housing and can rotate 20 degrees. The shaft assembly mechanism provides a torsion bar function to insure that the upper housing moves evenly with respect to the lower housing. Even motion in the upwards and downwards directions of the housing is provided by even rotational torsional motion and opposite rotational torsional motion of the shaft assembly of the tilt adjustment mechanism. The shaft assembly mechanism decouples the frictional load in the two different rotational directions about its shaft.