Abstract: A weight management system comprised of a body worn device which interfaces periodically with a computer. The established weight goals of the user are translated by the computer into daily activity targets and downloaded into the device. The device monitors the user's activity, offering progress status toward the daily activity target. Further, the device alerts the user of excessive sedentary periods which depress metabolic indicators. The activity targets, allowed length of sedentary periods and suggested activities to reach goal are specific to the individual based on their biometrics and living environment. The computer provides historical tracking of activity for motivational and coaching purposes.

Abstract: Techniques are described for connecting devices that use the ANT wireless protocol to other devices or networks that use the Wi-Fi wireless protocol. In one example, a network device is disclosed that comprises a processor configured to receive ANT data from a sensor, encapsulate the ANT data in a Wi-Fi packet, and transmit the Wi-Fi packet directly to a wireless access point without using an intermediate computing device.

Abstract: A weight management system comprised of a body worn device which interfaces periodically with a computer. The established weight goals of the user are translated by the computer into daily activity targets and downloaded into the device. The device monitors the user's activity, offering progress status toward the daily activity target. Further, the device alerts the user of excessive sedentary periods which depress metabolic indicators. The activity targets, allowed length of sedentary periods and suggested activities to reach goal are specific to the individual based on their biometrics and living environment. The computer provides historical tracking of activity for motivational and coaching purposes.

Abstract: The invention provides a fluid loss control additive for oleaginous liquids and oleaginous wellbore fluids containing the additive. The additive is the reaction product of a tannin compound, a polyamidoamine, a commercial lecithin, and an acid. The preferred tannins are derived from quebracho and wattle trees. The preferred acid is sulfuric acid. The preferred polyamidoamine is a long-chain fatty alkyl partial amide which is the reaction product of a polyalkylenepolyamine and a fatty acid containing from about 8 to about 30 carbon atoms, most preferably tall oil fatty acids, wherein at least one of the amino groups of the polyalkylenepolyamine is not amidated. The commercial lecithin contains from about 30% to about 50% of the vegetable oil from which the lecithin is concentrated, preferably soybean oil, and is present in the additive in an amount from about 1% to about 3% by weight, based on the weight of the tannin.

Abstract: A water pressure system includes a pressure tank installed underground within the well casing of a well. The water pressure system includes a submersible pump connected to the inlet of the pressure tank by a drop pipe. The outlet of the pressure tank is connected to a second drop pipe and in turn to a discharge pipe for distribution of pressurized water to a house or other building. A pressure switch is connected to the pressure tank for controlling the submersible pump. The pressure tank includes an outer sidewall with an inlet end and an outlet end. A flexible diaphragm bladder located within the outer sidewall is connected between the inlet and outlet of the tank. In a first embodiment, a tube extends through the center of the bladder between an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The tube has a plurality of holes therein to allow water to flow into and out of the flexible bladder. Pressurized air fills the space between the bladder and the outer sidewall to pressurize the water in the bladder.

Abstract: A water pressure system includes a pressure tank installed underground within the well casing of a well. The water pressure system includes a submersible pump connected to the inlet of the pressure tank by a drop pipe. The outlet of the pressure tank is connected to a second drop pipe and in turn to a discharge pipe for distribution of pressurized water to a house or other building. A pressure switch is connected to the pressure tank for controlling the submersible pump. The pressure tank includes an outer sidewall with an inlet end and an outlet end. A flexible diaphragm bladder located within the outer sidewall is connected between the inlet and outlet of the tank. In a first embodiment, a tube extends through the center of the bladder between an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The tube has a plurality of holes therein to allow water to flow into and out of the flexible bladder. Pressurized air fills the space between the bladder and the outer sidewall to pressurize the water in the bladder.

Abstract: A water pressure system includes a pressure tank installed underground within the well casing of a well. The water pressure system includes a submersible pump connected to the inlet of the pressure tank by a drop pipe. The outlet of the pressure tank is connected to a second drop pipe and in turn to a discharge pipe for distribution of pressurized water to a house or other building. A pressure switch is connected to the pressure tank for controlling the submersible pump. The pressure tank includes an outer sidewall with an inlet end and an outlet end. An expandable diaphragm bladder located within the outer sidewall is connected between the inlet and outlet of the tank. A tube extends through the center of the bladder between an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The tube has a plurality of holes therein to allow water to flow through the tube and into and out of the expandable bladder. Pressurized air fills the empty space between the bladder and the outer sidewall to pressurize the water in the bladder.

Abstract: A method for brazing end rings to rotor bars for a squirrel cage rotor assembly comprises assembling the rotor in a brazing fixture with a braze shim between the rotor bars and the end rings; preheating the rotor and brazing fixture to a temperature that is below the aged temperature of the rotor bars and end rings and which is sufficiently high so that the difference in thermal expansion of the rotor bars and brazing fixture applies a predetermined amount of pressure on the brazing joint such that after the joint is brazed and has cooled, a braze filler having a predetermined thickness inches will bond the rotor bar end faces to the end ring, and brazing each joint to bond the rotor bar end faces to the end ring.

Abstract: Irregularities in the outer surface of a commutator are identified and measured while the commutator is in the motor by removing a brush from its brush holder, and securing a jig in the brush holder. The jig has a sensor which generates electrical signals in response to movement of a profiling foot at an end of the sensor. The sensor is adjusted so that the profiling foot touches the commutator surface, and the commutator is then rotated at least one full revolution. By measuring movement of the profiling foot as the commutator turns, as observed through the output signals of the sensor, irregularities in the commutator surface can be identified and measured. The output signals of the sensor can be recorded or otherwise stored for analysis. The profiling foot is pivoted so that it rests flat against the commutator contacts, even if the brush holder is not properly aligned with the commutator.

Abstract: A method for brazing end rings to rotor bars for a squirrel cage rotor assembly comprises assembling the rotor in a brazing fixture with a braze shim between the rotor bars and the end rings; preheating the rotor and brazing fixture to a temperature that is below the aged temperature of the rotor bars and end rings and which is sufficiently high so that the difference in thermal expansion of the rotor bars and brazing fixture applies a predetermined amount of pressure on the brazing joint such that after the joint is brazed and has cooled, a braze filler having a predetermined thickness inches will bond the rotor bar end faces to the end ring, and brazing each joint to bond the rotor bar end faces to the end ring.

Abstract: A multilayer pressure stack (microstack) has a plurality of layers formed of a material that may have a high time-dependent deformation factor and a plurality of segments formed in each layer. Each segment comprises a conductive material having a low time-dependent deformation factor and pressure is provided along a column of aligned segments to establish electrical interconnections between the segments in various layers. Interposers formed of non-conductive material may be provided in selected segments to form points of electrical isolation. The plurality of layers, or wafers, includes signal wafers and ground/voltage wafers. The signal wafers are formed of a low dielectric constant material to optimize the propagation velocity of signals traveling in signal traces connecting selected segments in the signal wafer. More than 100 wafers may be provided in a microstack and repairs and revisions of conductor routing are easily accomplished by substituting new wafers within the microstack.

Abstract: In a packaging machine, a folder assembly for folding the tops of bags as part of a ceiling operation wherein the folder assembly can accommodate irregularities in the bags without jamming. A first folding station includes a stationary support member to which is hingedly affixed a first and a second folder plate, each having predetermined profiles formed along a working edge thereof. These folder plates are resiliently biased by springs toward their associated support member such that limited freedom to yield in a vertical plane is achieved. Associated with the working edge and spaced slightly therefrom is a front fold blade which, too, is spring mounted to allow a limited yield in a horizontal plane. In the event a jam should occur, the assembly may be readily opened to facilitate the clearing of that jam.

Abstract: A very fast acting valve capable of producing a very well-defined plug of gas suitable for filling a theta pinch vacuum vessel is given. The valve requires no springs, instead being stopped mainly by a nonlinear force. Thus, the valve is not subject to bouncing; and the ratio of the size of the valve housing to the size of the valve stem is smaller than it would be if springs were needed to stop the valve stem. Furthermore, the valve can be used for thousands of valve firings with no apparent valve damage.

Abstract: An outboard motor has a steering tiller handle assembly attached to the driveshaft housing and pivotally mounted within a swivel mounting bracket assembly. The swivel bracket assembly includes a split tubular element within which a split tubular section of the steering arm assembly is notably mounted and located encircling a tubular portion of the driveshaft housing. Upper and lower annular rubber mounts are located between the upper and lower end of the steering tubular section and the driveshaft housing. Each mount is formed with a first pair of axial slots formed in diametrically opposite sides of the mount and projecting inwardly from one end. A similar pair of slots offset by 90.degree. from the first set of slots extending inwardly from the opposite end of the annular amount. The driveshaft housing and the steering tubular section are provided with correspondingly offset projections adapted to mate with the slots in the annular mounting.

Abstract: A rewind type starter apparatus for an outboard motor is mounted on the side of an internal combustion engine having an inverted cup-shaped flywheel secured to the upper end of the engine crankshaft. A protective cowl encloses the engine, starter and other engine components. The starter apparatus includes a mounting plate bolted to the engine block through a pivot tab and slotted pivot openings. A coiled, flat spring encircles a helical shaft attached to a rope sheave and rotatably mounted on a fixed pin extending laterally of the bracket and engine. A rope is wound within a groove in the sheave which is spring-loaded to the wound position. The outer end of the rope extends outwardly from the lower periphery of the rope sheave to the front of the cowl. A pinion gear includes a hub member located on the shaft with an internal complementing helix drive between the shaft and hub.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a marine outboard gear assembly, usable in an outboard motor or an inboard-outboard drive, and featuring (a) constant drive of the meshing gears which transfer power to the propeller-shaft axis, and (b) selective spring-clutching direct to the propeller shaft, thereby (c) utilizing the meshing gears for lubricant circulation as long as the engine is operating and whether or not the clutch is engaged and (d) reducing to an absolute minimum the drag and inertial effects operative upon the propeller shaft when the boat is moving in the declutched condition, i.e., propeller windmilling. Also featured is a particular subassembly of gear and clutch parts on the propeller shaft whereby desired axial clearance can be readily pre-adjusted and selected, prior to assembly to the gear case.

Abstract: The invention is an improved piston and cylinder arrangement for a loop charged two-stroke engine wherein all input passages are open channels in the cylinder wall and the top annular edge of the piston is rounded. The rounded edge on the piston cooperates with the described scavenging and input passages to reduce drag and, cause the incoming charge to flow more horizontally over the piston head; thereby improving scavenging and volumetric efficiency.