Abstract: A gyroscopically-responsive power assisted moment arm is disclosed for use in connection with vehicles such as load carrying devices. A moment arm extends to a pivot point such that when a longitudinal force is applied at the moment arm, a sensor senses such force and outputs an energizing signal to a motor to drive a wheel. If a rotational or vertical force is applied to the moment arm, the motor need not be driven. According to the invention, therefore, a power assist can be provided to a user to drive a wheel in a desired direction of transport while not causing drive during tipping or unloading of the load carrying portion of the vehicle. Such an apparatus can be advantageously applied to a power assisted wheelbarrow, as one exemplary application.

Abstract: A gyroscopically-responsive power assisted moment arm is disclosed for use in connection with vehicles such as load carrying devices. A moment arm extends to a pivot point such that when a longitudinal force is applied at the moment arm, a sensor senses such force and outputs an energizing signal to a motor to drive a wheel. If a rotational or vertical force is applied to the moment arm, the motor need not be driven. According to the invention, therefore, a power assist can be provided to a user to drive a wheel in a desired direction of transport while not causing drive during tipping or unloading of the load carrying portion of the vehicle. Such an apparatus can be advantageously applied to a power assisted wheelbarrow, as one exemplary application.

Abstract: A gyroscopically-responsive power assisted moment arm is disclosed for use in connection with vehicles such as load carrying devices. A moment arm extends to a pivot point such that when a longitudinal force is applied at the moment arm, a sensor senses such force and outputs an energizing signal to a motor to drive a wheel. If a rotational or vertical force is applied to the moment arm, the motor need not be driven. According to the invention, therefore, a power assist can be provided to a user to drive a wheel in a desired direction of transport while not causing drive during tipping or unloading of the load carrying portion of the vehicle. Such an apparatus can be advantageously applied to a power assisted wheelbarrow, as one exemplary application.

Abstract: A gyroscopically-responsive power assisted moment arm is disclosed for use in connection with vehicles such as load carrying devices. A moment arm extends to a pivot point such that when a longitudinal force is applied at the moment arm, a sensor senses such force and outputs an energizing signal to a motor to drive a wheel. If a rotational or vertical force is applied to the moment arm, the motor need not be driven. According to the invention, therefore, a power assist can be provided to a user to drive a wheel in a desired direction of transport while not causing drive during tipping or unloading of the load carrying portion of the vehicle. Such an apparatus can be advantageously applied to a power assisted wheelbarrow, as one exemplary application.

Abstract: A gyroscopically-responsive power assisted moment arm is disclosed for use in connection with vehicles such as load carrying devices. A moment arm extends to a pivot point such that when a longitudinal force is applied at the moment arm, a sensor senses such force and outputs an energizing signal to a motor to drive a wheel. If a rotational or vertical force is applied to the moment arm, the motor need not be driven. According to the invention, therefore, a power assist can be provided to a user to drive a wheel in a desired direction of transport while not causing drive during tipping or unloading of the load carrying portion of the vehicle. Such an apparatus can be advantageously applied to a power assisted wheelbarrow, as one exemplary application.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for validating the authenticity of communications between users using message transmission systems. The system is configured to be independent of the message transmission system and is configured to determine a verification status associated with the message sender, the message recipients, or both. Based on the assigned verification status, the system generates notifications which are transmitted to at least one of the parties to the message, depending on the verification status, thereby providing a representation of the authenticity of the message. In certain embodiments, the system is configured to prompt user actions to be taken at remote devices, such as mobile phones and computers based on the verification statuses.

Abstract: A gyroscopically-responsive power assisted moment arm is disclosed for use in connection with vehicles such as load carrying devices. A moment arm extends to a pivot point such that when a longitudinal force is applied at the moment arm, a sensor senses such force and outputs an energizing signal to a motor to drive a wheel. If a rotational or vertical force is applied to the moment arm, the motor need not be driven. According to the invention, therefore, a power assist can be provided to a user to drive a wheel in a desired direction of transport while not causing drive during tipping or unloading of the load carrying portion of the vehicle. Such an apparatus can be advantageously applied to a power assisted wheelbarrow, as one exemplary application.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for validating the authenticity of communications between users using message transmission systems. The system is configured to be independent of the message transmission system and is configured to determine a verification status associated with the message sender, the message recipients, or both. Based on the assigned verification status, the system generates notifications which are transmitted to at least one of the parties to the message, depending on the verification status, thereby providing a representation of the authenticity of the message. In certain embodiments, the system is configured to prompt user actions to be taken at remote devices, such as mobile phones and computers based on the verification statuses.

Abstract: A device for weaning an addiction includes a housing, an indicator, a processor, and an actuator. The processor is configured to deliver a state signal to the indicator under control of an algorithm. The state indicates either an armed state or a wait state. The actuator is supported by the housing and is communicatively coupled to the processor. In response to actuation of the actuator, the algorithm delivers the state signal indicative of the wait state until the timing signal satisfies a threshold value. If actuated after the timing signal satisfies the threshold value, the algorithm delivers the state signal indicative of the armed state and increases the threshold value. A method for weaning an addiction such as a smoking habit includes the steps of providing a device as above, enabling the user to seek permission from the device, and selectively indicating permissions to the user.

Abstract: A device for weaning an addiction includes a housing, an indicator, a processor, and an actuator. The processor is configured to deliver a state signal to the indicator under control of an algorithm. The state indicates either an armed state or a wait state. The actuator is supported by the housing and is communicatively coupled to the processor. In response to actuation of the actuator, the algorithm delivers the state signal indicative of the wait state until the timing signal satisfies a threshold value. If actuated after the timing signal satisfies the threshold value, the algorithm delivers the state signal indicative of the armed state and increases the threshold value. A method for weaning an addiction such as a smoking habit includes the steps of providing a device as above, enabling the user to seek permission from the device, and selectively indicating permissions to the user.