Abstract: An ignition control module for an internal combustion engine is incorporated directly into an existing ignition module package design and thereby preserves stock appearance, and is cooperative with stock magnetos, distributors and coils. The module incorporates both ignition pulse generation and adjustable rev limiting. A pushbutton switch allows manual selection of a preferred RPM to rev limit to, and the selection may be carried out under the hood while the engine is running. A plurality of light emitting diodes display the selected rev limit RPM by flashing a corresponding LED, and when not being used to select rev limit RPM, display the engine RPM in bar graph format. A digital flywheel is provided to reduce adverse affect of mechanical jitter in distributor mechanical parts, to improve timing of individual sparks. Dwell and timing curves are programmed into a microprocessor, and may be changed through external input.

Abstract: A boom stand is constructed from a base, extensible stand, pivotal boom support, and boom. The base has arcuately segmented massive anchors that form a perimeter. The arcuately segmented massive anchors are shaped and sized to fit within the perimeter of like bases, to decrease minimum distances between stands during storage or close use, while still providing stability. Over-center clamps provided on the extensible stand are extruded to include unitary cord guides, and are engaged with tube ends to prevent rotation or accidental removal. The pivotal boom support incorporates a disc and elastomeric pads to provide superior locking and vibration reduction, and utilizes in alternative embodiments perimeter and central over-center clamps which further enhance the operation.

Abstract: A boom stand is constructed from a base, extensible stand, pivotal boom support, and boom. The base has arcuately segmented massive anchors that form a perimeter. The arcuately segmented massive anchors are shaped and sized to fit within the perimeter of like bases, to decrease minimum distances between stands during storage or close use, while still providing stability. Over-center clamps provided on the extensible stand are extruded to include unitary cord guides, and are engaged with tube ends to prevent rotation or accidental removal. The pivotal boom support incorporates a disc and elastomeric pads to provide superior locking and vibration reduction, and utilizes in alternative embodiments perimeter and central over-center clamps which further enhance the operation.

Abstract: A boom stand is constructed from a base, extensible stand, pivotal boom support, and boom. The base has arcuately segmented massive anchors that form a perimeter. The arcuately segmented massive anchors are shaped and sized to fit within the perimeter of like bases, to decrease minimum distances between stands during storage or close use, while still providing stability. Over-center clamps provided on the extensible stand are extruded to include unitary cord guides, and are engaged with tube ends to prevent rotation or accidental removal. The pivotal boom support incorporates a disc and elastomeric pads to provide superior locking and vibration reduction, and utilizes in alternative embodiments perimeter and central over-center clamps which further enhance the operation.

Abstract: After making measurements of a key, the measurements are converted into a compact format which can be read back at a later date or at a different location by apparatus capable of accurately reproducing the original key. The data may be stored on, for example, a sticker, paper strip, or magnetic swipe card. When the duplicate key is required, the data are read from the storage medium and transmitted to a suitable key duplication device to produce a reproduction key.

Abstract: A storage lift includes two vertically extending tracks mounted to a wall surface such as a garage wall. The tracks guide associated sliding members through vertical motion up and down adjacent the wall. The sliding members are in turn hinged to a platform that serves in alternative embodiments as a storage platform base or a variable-height work surface, and which may also be folded compactly when not in use or during shipping. A full box framework is provided for most applications, and panels are slidable within framework grooves or brackets to fully enclose the platform. A cover may optionally be provided as required. In the preferred embodiment, an electric motor is provided within the storage platform base for motive power, and a key switch control is provided to safely actuate the motor. The electric motor in the preferred embodiment is attached to the tracks through a combination of cables and pulleys, though other techniques are contemplated.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for electronically deterring an animal from approaching an exclusion area around an exclusion unit or from entering or leaving an area bounded by a wire. The animal is provided with a collar unit, which includes a sensor adapted to sense the strength of electromagnetic signals generated by the exclusion unit or wire and a correction unit adapted to provide correction to the animal in response to a sensor output. The portable unit reports to a central controller which selects a correction strategy, such as level of correction to be applied to the animal approaching the perimeter. The controller provides warnings to the user, including warnings for when the battery in the collar unit goes low and when the animal stays in a correction zone for too long. The controller may control a number of exclusion units and/or power units, and may select an appropriate correction for one of a plurality of animals.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for electronically deterring an animal from approaching an exclusion area around an exclusion unit or from entering or leaving an area bounded by a wire. The animal is provided with a collar unit, which includes a sensor adapted to sense the strength of electromagnetic signals generated by the exclusion unit or wire and a correction unit adapted to provide correction to the animal in response to a sensor output. The portable unit reports to a central controller which selects a correction strategy, such as level of correction to be applied to the animal approaching the perimeter. The controller provides warnings to the user, including warnings for when the battery in the collar unit goes low and when the animal stays in a correction zone for too long. The controller may control a number of exclusion units and/or power units, and may select an appropriate correction for one of a plurality of animals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for controlling demand of a fluid. The method includes measuring a fluid supply pressure in a supply pipe, determining that the fluid supply pressure is lower than a predetermined threshold supply pressure, and directing a control signal from the fluid information unit to the,one or more demand control units to reduce demand for the fluid. In addition, a method and apparatus are described for measuring density of a fluid flowing through a demand pipe. The method includes determining that fluid flow through the demand pipe is stable, measuring fluid flow rate through the demand pipe, preventing the fluid from flowing into the demand pipe for a sample period of time, measuring a drop in fluid pressure in the demand pipe during the sample period, and determining the density from the measured pressure drop. Also, a utility meter for metering a fluid flowing through a supply pipe and a demand pipe having an audible indicator to provide an audible signal to a user is described.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for measuring an original key, a line of the light is focused onto the key surface in a direction perpendicular to the key surface. A camera, or other type of detector is disposed to receive light deflected by the key at an oblique angle. The keyway and keycode of the key can be determined from the deflected pattern of light.

Abstract: After making measurements of a key, the measurements are converted into a compact format which can be read back at a later date or at a different location by apparatus capable of accurately reproducing the original key. The data may be stored on, for example, a sticker, paper strip, or magnetic swipe card. When the duplicate key is required, the data are read from the storage medium and transmitted to a suitable key duplication device to produce a reproduction key.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for electronically deterring an animal from approaching an exclusion area around an exclusion unit or from entering or leaving an area bounded by a wire. The animal is provided with a collar unit, which includes a sensor adapted to sense the strength of electromagnetic signals generated by the exclusion unit or wire and a correction unit adapted to provide correction to the animal in response to a sensor output. The portable unit reports to a central controller which selects a correction strategy, such as level of correction to be applied to the animal approaching the perimeter. The controller provides warnings to the user, including warnings for when the battery in the collar unit goes low and when the animal stays in a correction zone for too long. The controller may control a number of exclusion units and/or power units, and may select an appropriate correction for one of a plurality of animals.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for electronically deterring an animal from approaching an exclusion area around an exclusion unit or from entering or leaving an area bounded by a wire. The animal is provided with a collar unit, which includes a sensor adapted to sense the strength of electromagnetic signals generated by the exclusion unit or wire and a correction unit adapted to provide correction to the animal in response to a sensor output. The portable unit reports to a central controller which selects a correction strategy, such as level of correction to be applied to the animal approaching the perimeter. The controller provides warnings to the user, including warnings for when the battery in the collar unit goes low and when the animal stays in a correction zone for too long. The controller may control a number of exclusion units and/or power units, and may select an appropriate correction for one of a plurality of animals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for controlling demand of a fluid. The method includes measuring a fluid supply pressure in a supply pipe, determining that the fluid supply pressure is lower than a predetermined threshold supply pressure, and directing a control signal from the fluid information unit to the one or more demand control units to reduce demand for the fluid. In addition, a method and apparatus are described for measuring density of a fluid flowing through a demand pipe. The method includes determining that fluid flow through the demand pipe is stable, measuring fluid flow rate through the demand pipe, preventing the fluid from flowing into the demand pipe for a sample period of time, measuring a drop in fluid pressure in the demand pipe during the sample period, and determining the density from the measured pressure drop. Also, a utility meter for metering a fluid flowing through a supply pipe and a demand pipe having an audible indicator to provide an audible signal to a user is described.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for duplicating an original key, the keyway and keycode of the original key are measured and duplicated in a preform. The preform used in the duplication process need not include any keyway or keycode prior to the duplication process and, therefore, a single type of preform may be used in generating duplicates of many different types of keys. The apparatus may be automated to take the measurements of the original key and to cut the duplicate key, thus reducing the possibility of producing a nonfunctional duplicate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for controlling demand of a fluid. The method includes measuring a fluid supply pressure in a supply pipe, determining that the fluid supply pressure is lower than a predetermined threshold supply pressure, and directing a control signal from the fluid information unit to the one or more demand control units to reduce demand for the fluid. In addition, a method and apparatus are described for measuring density of a fluid flowing through a demand pipe. The method includes determining that fluid flow through the demand pipe is stable, measuring fluid flow rate through the demand pipe, preventing the fluid from flowing into the demand pipe for a sample period of time, measuring a drop in fluid pressure in the demand pipe during the sample period, and determining the density from the measured pressure drop. Also, a utility meter for metering a fluid flowing through a supply pipe and a demand pipe having an audible indicator to provide an audible signal to a user is described.

Abstract: A tilt switch array is used to determine the orientation of an object relative to an upwards direction. The array includes at least one pair of electrodes within a housing, diametrically opposed along a measurement axis. A conductor equidistantly surrounds each electrode to form a tilt switch gap therebetween. A moveable conducting element within the housing closes the gap between one electrode and its associated conductor under certain orientation conditions of the measurement axis relative to an upwards direction. A number of pairs of electrodes may be placed within the housing, with associated measurement axes so that the orientation of any one of the measurement axes may be detected.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for duplicating an original key, the keyway and keycode of the original key are measured and duplicated in a preform. The preform used in the duplication process need not include any keyway or keycode prior to the duplication process and, therefore, a single type of preform may be used in generating duplicates of many different types of keys. The apparatus may be automated to take the measurements of the original key and to cut the duplicate key, thus reducing the possibility of producing a nonfunctional duplicate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for controlling demand of a fluid. The method includes measuring a fluid supply pressure in a supply pipe, determining that the fluid supply pressure is lower than a predetermined threshold supply pressure, and directing a control signal from the fluid information unit to the one or more demand control units to reduce demand for the fluid. In addition, a method and apparatus are described for measuring density of a fluid flowing through a demand pipe. The method includes determining that fluid flow through the demand pipe is stable, measuring fluid flow rate through the demand pipe, preventing the fluid from flowing into the demand pipe for a sample period of time, measuring a drop in fluid pressure in the demand pipe during the sample period, and determining the density from the measured pressure drop. Also, a utility meter for metering a fluid flowing through a supply pipe and a demand pipe having an audible indicator to provide an audible signal to a user is described.