Abstract: A computer controlled coffee maker includes a filter basket for holding coffee grinds above a water filled carafe. A motorized dunking mechanism controls the movement of said filter basket into and out of the water in said carafe for steeping and draining said coffee grinds. The dunking cycles and water temperature are determined by a preprogrammed computer and user selected inputs to provide coffee brewed with minimal exposure of the grinds to high temperatures. A breakaway connection is provided between the dunking mechanism and the filter basket.

Abstract: A power drive apparatus is easily attachable to a conventional wheelchair for converting it into a powered wheelchair. The only change to the conventional wheelchair is the addition of a pair of mounting studs clamped to the front of the wheelchair. The power drive apparatus has an adjustable frame to adapt it to a range of wheelchair configurations and includes a novel mount for the drive motor. A severe-off-road-use version is shown which includes a separate, inboard, non-road-contacting ring for maintaining good driving and braking performance under adverse environmental conditions.

Abstract: A loading device for an exercise machine includes a lever arm and a nitrogen gas compression spring in a force triangle that provides easy adjustment of the resistive load presented to a user. The nitrogen gas compression spring and the selected portion of the lever arm comprise two legs of the force triangle, with a slidable coupling selectively interconnecting the nitrogen gas compression spring with the lever arm at adjustment points on the lever arm. Both the nitrogen gas compression spring and the lever arm are pivotally mounted on a rigid member, with the distances between their pivots forming the third leg of the force triangle. The nitrogen gas compression spring exhibits a high resistance, a flat spring rate and is of rigid construction so that the lever arm and nitrogen gas compression spring are self-supported at all times.

Abstract: A used candle is held against a flat electrically heated wax melting surface for removing the shoulder and the crater from the candle. The melted wax is directed through a drain to a container. The melted wax may be poured into a separate candle mold, or the container may be used directly to form a new candle. A multi legged wick pin holder, placed across the top of the container, holds one or more wick pins in vertical position when the container is used as a candle mold. The wax melting surface is angled slightly toward the drain to facilitate the flow of melted wax. A low heat conducting barrier keeps chunks of wax from clogging the drain. In one embodiment, the wax melting surface includes a gutter that communicates with a well formed around the drain. The well has tapered sides for shaping candle bottoms. In another embodiment, the wax melting surface has multiple angled planes converging at the drain.

Abstract: An exercise machine for providing a motion, climbing a hill with hand weights, includes single swing arms with fixed foot platforms and forwardly extending substantially horizontal handles. The swing arms and foot platforms are interlocked through a flexible link and pulley arrangement. The machine has provision for adjusting the length of the travel arcs, which changes length of stride of the foot platforms, and the climbing effect, which alters the workout intensity. The machine of the invention is readily foldable for storage.

Abstract: A glider device includes a pair of swingably mounted foot platforms pivotally supported by links at their heel ends. A spring cage, in one embodiment, includes a tension spring in each link to resiliently support the heel end of the foot platform. The spring cage limits displacement of the tension spring and includes a compression spring that cushions the displacement of the tension spring. In the a second, preferred embodiment, a stack of rubber bushings is supported in the spring cage and compress and decompress to provide a cushioning action to the foot platform.

Abstract: A weed and impact resistant outboard motor drive system includes a motor and a small diameter metallic propeller. An elongated flexible shaft is coupled between the motor and propeller. The flexible shaft is encased within a curved tubular housing that is secured to the motor at one end and carries a propeller shaft at its other end. The drive system is clamped to the boat with the motor above the boat and the propeller axis parallel to the water surface. A tangent to the curved tubular housing, as it enters the water, forms an acute included angle with the water surface that is no greater than 55°. The small in-the-water profile of the drive system and the angle of entry of the tubular housing into the water minimize weed pickup. The high speed rotation of the small diameter propeller facilitates cutting and churning through of any weeds that are picked up, while enabling proper trolling speeds.

Abstract: A stable, low speed, powered tricycle with traction steering, includes a pair of freely rotatable traction wheels and corresponding pairs of friction rollers and braking surfaces that are selectively engageable therewith to effect propulsion and steering of the vehicle. A caster wheel supports the front of the vehicle frame. This forms a tricycle rolling system that maintains stability by automatically broadening a turn to obviate tipping.

Abstract: A removable battery pack housing arrangement for a light-weight powered personal vehicle includes a first connector affixed to the battery pack housing. A U-shaped bracket is affixed to the vehicle frame and includes a vertical wall that secures a second connector so that the first connector and the second connector are brought into mating engagement when the battery pack housing is positioned on the bracket. The battery pack housing includes a handle for carrying, and a latch mechanism for securing, the battery pack housing in a precise location on the bracket.

Abstract: A lightweight, easily maneuverable and transportable power chair, that may be manually propelled, includes a pair of freely rotatable wheels and a corresponding pairs of friction rollers and braking surfaces that are selectively engageable therewith to effect propulsion and steering of the chair. A pair of toggle levers are operated by a corresponding pair of control handles for selectively engaging the friction rollers and brake surfaces with the wheels. A single caster wheel is vertically rotatable at the front of the power chair frame. This forms a tricycle rolling system that always maintains a load on each of the driving wheels.

Abstract: A powered surgical tool includes a battery-operated motor that has an eccentrically mounted drive wheel for engaging a longitudinally movable drive wire that operates to incrementally rotate a ratchet wheel. A work wheel in the form of a cutting blade or a grinding wheel is mounted for rotational movement with the ratchet wheel at the distal end of the surgical tool. In another version, the cutting blade has a periphery of cutting teeth, which are driven directly by the longitudinally movable drive wire. A grinding wheel version discloses two grinding wheels that are incrementally driven in opposite angular directions by a pair of longitudinally movable drive wires.