Abstract: A prosthetic hip level socket system for a user's lower torso comprising a socket fitted to the individual user's lower torso having a mounting point for an attachment, a first strap attached to the socket and a second strap attached to the socket wherein the first strap and the second strap work in cooperation to support the socket on the iliac crests of the user's lower torso.

Abstract: In accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention, a retractable roof system for a hard top vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a rigid roof portion that resides above a vehicle body forward a rear storage space when closed. Additionally, the storage space includes a lid adjacent the roof portion. Lastly, a motor is operatively configured to assist in the simultaneous movement of the roof portion and lid to a recessed, open position. Further provided is a method of retracting a rigid vehicle roof.

Abstract: In accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention, a retractable roof apparatus for a hard top vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes a roof portion that resides above a vehicle body forward a rear storage space when closed. Additionally, the storage space includes a lid that is configured to descend into the storage space as the roof portion moves to an open position, resting above the lid. Lastly, the open position preserves the vehicle side profile and permits storage space access. Further provided is a method of retracting a rigid vehicle roof.

Abstract: A bicycle seat shock absorber comprising a shaft for attaching to a bicycle frame, a contoured flat spring having a first end and a second end wherein the first end is attached to the shaft, a support member having a first end and a second end wherein the first end is attached to the spring and the second end is attached to the bicycle seat, a flexible first strap having a first end and a second end wherein the first end is connected to the spring first end and the second end is connected to the spring second end, and a flexible second strap having a first end and a second end wherein the first end is connected to the shaft and the second end is connected to the support member second end.

Abstract: A prosthetic joint system for users comprising a housing having an interior cavity, a center axis in said interior cavity, and an attachment means for fixedly connecting said housing to said user; an inner cylinder disposed in said housing interior cavity wherein said inner cylinder rotates around said center axis of said housing; an appendage attached to said inner cylinder; a sensor system attached to said appendage; and a dampening system, having a power source, in communication with said sensor system, said inner cylinder, and said housing for controlling dampening of the rotation of said inner cylinder around said center axis of said housing.

Abstract: A wet clutch includes a clutch carrier that encloses a stack of clutch plates and a clutch backing plate. Two sets of alternating slots are provided in the clutch carrier. One set of slots is shallower than the other set and is configured to support the clutch backing plate. The other set of slots is deeper and is configure to support many of the clutch plates. The first set of slots is shallower in order to keep the clutch backing plate from pressing against and partially binding the stack of clutch plates together.

Abstract: One embodiment includes an apparatus that includes a storage medium to store data. The apparatus also includes a connector having an optical interface for data communication, coupled to the storage medium, to communicate in a combustible gas environment.

Abstract: Ultra low friction sheath for facilitating donning and wearing of a prosthesis on a residual limb. The sheath is configured to remain between the residual limb and the prosthesis during normal use of the prosthesis for its intended purpose. A low friction sheath can also be used to help don a shoe on a prosthetic foot.

Abstract: A prosthetic joint system for users comprising a housing having an interior cavity, a center axis in said interior cavity, and an attachment means for fixedly connecting said housing to said user; an inner cylinder disposed in said housing interior cavity wherein said inner cylinder rotates around said center axis of said housing; an appendage attached to said inner cylinder; a sensor system attached to said appendage; and a dampening system, having a power source, in communication with said sensor system, said inner cylinder, and said housing for controlling dampening of the rotation of said inner cylinder around said center axis of said housing.

Abstract: A calcium fluoride (CaF2) stress plate provides a predetermined amount of optical delay. The CaF2 stress plate has surfaces that lie in CaF2 cubic planes, and delays an optical wavefront that is incident to a set of cubic planes along a transmission axis. To implement the desired delay, the CaF2 stress plate has a first index of refraction that is seen by a first field component of the optical wavefront, and a second index of refraction that is seen by a second field component of the optical wavefront. The optical delay of the stress plate is proportional to the differences between the two indexes of refraction. Embodiments of the invention include a method of fabricating the CaF2 stress plate from a sample of CaF2 material. The method includes the step of determining the orientation of the cubic planes for the CaF2 sample, as the sample is typically oriented along the cleave planes. Next, the sample is processed to generate a CaF2 plate whose surfaces are oriented in CaF2 cubic planes.

Abstract: A variable length blade in telescopic form adapted to be used with similar blades to form a variable diameter rotor or propeller wherein the outer blade portion, at the will of the pilot, is caused to telescope with respect to the inner blade portion by jackscrew action and means are provided for limiting the extending and retracting movements of the blades and also for providing a continuing visual indication of the diameter of the rotor.