Abstract: A bushing guided caster assembly for a rolling ladder. The caster assembly has an outer housing in which an inner tubular slide slides within the outer housing on bushings. A caster is attached to the inner slide. A gas spring is formed in the inner tubular slide such that the inner slide slides up within the housing as an increasing force is applied downwardly on the housing until the inner tubular slide has traveled a preselected distance until the fixed ladder feet contact the floor or surface upon which the ladder is supported.

Abstract: A docking station for a foldable rolling ladder. The docking station has a moveable sled traveling in slots formed therein. The sled has a grip for engaging a ladder. The folding rolling ladder has a rear vertical and a brace that travels up and down the vertical and is pivotably connected to treads of the ladder at an opposite end. The brace has a bracket to engage the grip of the docking station. When the vertical of the ladder engages the sled, via the grip, causes the ladder to be folded into a storage position by the sled traveling within the docking station within and by the docking station and unfolded into a use position.

Abstract: A combined exerciser and physical fitness performance monitoring apparatus and related methods. The apparatus includes at least one fluid working device, such as a pneumatic ram, which serves to provide an adjustable load. The fluid working device is movable using an adjustable mount to vary the compression ratio and loading rate. The fluid working device is connected to a user interface, such as foot pedals or hand holds, using a connection linkage. The apparatus also preferably includes a load modifier which adjustably engages the connection linkage and allows the rate of mechanical loading to be varied. This construction allows a large range of loads and force rates to be achieved.

Abstract: A combined exerciser and physical fitness performance monitoring apparatus and related methods. The apparatus includes at least one fluid working device, such as a pneumatic ram, which serves to provide an adjustable load. The fluid working device is movable using an adjustable mount to vary the compression ratio and loading rate. The fluid working device is connected to a user interface, such as foot pedals or hand holds, using a connection linkage. The apparatus also preferably includes a load modifier which adjustably engages the connection linkage and allows the rate of mechanical loading to be varied. This construction allows a large range of loads and force rates to be achieved.

Abstract: A digital integrator for sensors which takes a time varying current or charge flow signal and converts it into a proportional voltage varying signal. The voltage varying signal is then preferably passed through an active full wave rectification subcircuit to provide an absolute value of the time varying voltage signal. The voltage signal also is analyzed by a zero crossing detector. The absolute value signal is converted into a proportional frequency varying signal which is counted either positively or negatively to produce an integral of the current flow with time. The integrator can be used with sensors such as piezoelectric crystals to indicate force on a real-time basis. The integrator is described as part of an animal hoof force detection system.

Abstract: Systems including piezoelectric sensor elements advantageously mounted between supporting hard plastic material of various types or other mechanically similar materials. The sensor can further be supported by backup plate structures. Some backup plates show full shoe coverage and others show partial sole coverage. Detachable mounting formed by mechanically interengaging parts allow transducer inserts to be made in a modular manner for use in different sensor shoes or sensor insole pads, thus allowing many more patients to be analyzed and treated through use of the invention. Also disclosed is a digital charge signal integrator circuit.

Abstract: Hoof force detection apparatus having shoe portions adapted for connecting to the hooves of hoofed animals. The apparatus also includes piezoelectric elements mounted on sensor mounting sections which are connected to the shoe portions using flexion joints. The flexion joints allow forces applied to the animal's hooves through the shoe to be accommodated without applying undesirable bending moments and shear forces which would render output signals from the piezoelectric elements unreliable. Preferred forms of shoe-transducer structures include a plurality of spokes extending from shoe portions to centrally positioned sensor mounting sections. Other forms have sensors mounted in the shoe portions. The piezoelectric sensor structures preferably include a ceramic piezoelectric element protected by a cap having a flange. The protective cap and piezoelectric element are held in place by a mounting ring in some preferred embodiments. Backup plates can be used to properly support the sensor structures.