Abstract: A vehicle includes a powertrain having an electric machine and a controller. The controller is programmed to, responsive to an accelerator pedal position exceeding a first threshold for a predetermined time period or a lateral acceleration of the vehicle being greater than a second threshold, transition the powertrain from a nominal driving mode to a performance driving mode. The controller is also programmed to, responsive to an increase in a steering wheel angle while in the nominal mode, maintain a power output of the electric machine at a driver demanded power defined by the accelerator pedal position. The controller is further programmed to, responsive to an increase in a steering wheel angle while in the performance driving mode, reduce a power output of the electric machine to less than the driver demanded power.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a powertrain having an electric machine and a controller. The controller is programmed to, responsive to an accelerator pedal position exceeding a first threshold for a predetermined time period or a lateral acceleration of the vehicle being greater than a second threshold, transition the powertrain from a nominal driving mode to a performance driving mode. The controller is also programmed to, responsive to an increase in a steering wheel angle while in the nominal mode, maintain a power output of the electric machine at a driver demanded power defined by the accelerator pedal position. The controller is further programmed to, responsive to an increase in a steering wheel angle while in the performance driving mode, reduce a power output of the electric machine to less than the driver demanded power.

Abstract: A surgical retractor assembly that utilizes a tubular shaft and a connection nub. A pivot joint connects one end of the tubular shaft to the connection nub. The pivot joint enables the connection nub to move relative the tubular shaft along a path that is coplanar to the axis of the tubular shaft. Together, the tubular shaft and the connection nub create an elongated element that can be introduced into a small incision. A retractor blade is provided. A bearing joint extends from the retractor blade. The retractor blade and bearing joint are introduced into a surgical site independent of the elongated element. Within the surgical site, the connection nub interconnects with the bearing joint, therein joining the retractor blade to the tubular shaft and a handle.

Abstract: A suction toy assembly and its method of operation. The suction toy assembly has a chassis. The chassis has a front end, a rear end, side surfaces and a base plate. A fan opening is formed through the base plate. A motorized fan is mounted to draw air through the fan opening from the surrounding area. This creates a low pressure condition under the base. A drive wheel is used to propel the assembly. A linkage element is coupled to the drive wheel. At least one extraneous element is provided that protrudes outwardly away from the chassis as a cantilever. The extraneous elements are articulated by movements of the linkage element when the drive wheel rotates, or the chassis moves. Appendages may be mounted on a flexible member to allow for the illusion of climbing.

Abstract: A surgical retractor assembly that utilizes a tubular shaft and a connection nub. A pivot joint connects one end of the tubular shaft to the connection nub. The pivot joint enables the connection nub to move relative the tubular shaft along a path that is coplanar to the axis of the tubular shaft. Together, the tubular shaft and the connection nub create an elongated element that can be introduced into a small incision. A retractor blade is provided. A bearing joint extends from the retractor blade. The retractor blade and bearing joint are introduced into a surgical site independent of the elongated element. Within the surgical site, the connection nub interconnects with the bearing joint, therein joining the retractor blade to the tubular shaft and a handle.

Abstract: A hand saw including a housing defining a channel. The channel is adapted to receive a blade having a top edge, a bottom edge and two sides. The hand saw includes at least one bias member positioned adjacent to one of the sides of the blade in the housing and a lever coupled to the bias member. The lever is movable between an open position where the bias member is disengaged from the blade, and a closed position, where the bias member substantially engages at least one of the sides of the blade to secure the blade in the housing.

Abstract: A hand saw including a housing defining a channel. The channel is adapted to receive a blade having a top edge, a bottom edge and two sides. The hand saw includes at least one bias member positioned adjacent to one of the sides of the blade in the housing and a lever coupled to the bias member. The lever is movable between an open position where the bias member is disengaged from the blade, and a closed position, where the bias member substantially engages at least one of the sides of the blade to secure the blade in the housing.

Abstract: A hole punch with a detached base includes a base supporting an anvil with a first magnetic element, and a punch assembly with a plunger extendable from the framework of the punch assembly. The punch assembly supports a second magnetic element positioned for magnetic coupling to the base to align the anvil with the plunger. The magnetic coupling feature eliminates throat depth limitations caused by the framework of mechanically coupled hole punches of the prior art and allows for hole placement at any desired location on any size of sheet.

Abstract: A hole punch with a detached base includes a base supporting an anvil with a first magnetic element, and a punch assembly with a plunger extendable from the framework of the punch assembly. The punch assembly supports a second magnetic element positioned for magnetic coupling to the base to align the anvil with the plunger. The magnetic coupling feature eliminates throat depth limitations caused by the framework of mechanically coupled hole punches of the prior art and allows for hole placement at any desired location on any size of sheet.

Abstract: A toy track comprising guide channels for guiding a toy vehicle to move along predetermined paths and ramping means for facilitating the toy vehicle to select a guide channel from a plurality of guide channels when the toy vehicle approaches a guide channel junction, said plurality of guide channels at said guide channel junction comprising a primary guide channel and a diversion guide channel which branches out from said primary guide channel, said ramping means being disposed on said primary guiding channel at a location approaching said guide channel junction, said guide channel junction including a diversion guide channel junction guide wall portion which forms part of said diversion guide channel at said guide channel junction, the height of said diversion guide channel junction guide wall portion being significantly less than the typical height of a guide channel wall of a typical guide channel outside said guide channel junction.

Abstract: A tricycle-type wind-propelled toy land vehicle includes a sail with reliable tangle-free boom control. Both the disposition of the boom and the front wheel steering is actuated by a radio frequency remote control system. The vehicle further includes a skid plate surrounding the front wheel to prevent tip-over. The front wheel is steered by a worm gear drive which is self-locking. Boom control is provided by a guided cable system or, in an alternate embodiment, a direct gear drive to rotate the mast. In yet another embodiment, boom control is provided by a sliding leaf spring which passes underneath the boom and attaches to a track on the underside of the boom.

Abstract: A feeding device, which is especially adapted for use by infants, toddlers and the like, includes a drinking cup, a lid and a flow control valve. The drinking cup includes a body and an overmolding which partially covers the body to function as a bumper and to provide gripping surfaces for a user. The lid has a spoutless design which allows a user to simulate drinking from a conventional open-mouthed cup and which also maximizes liquid evacuation from the drinking cup. The flow control valve has a polygonally-shaped body with a plurality of corners and a liquid-dispensing nipple which is located in one of the corners so that the flow control valve can be positioned adjacent to a peripheral edge of the lid, thereby promoting the complete evacuation of liquid from the drinking cup. The size, shape and rigidity of the valve body inhibits it from being inserted into the throat of a user or other individual.

Abstract: An integrated device for detecting a desired level of water in a tub, hot tub, sink or the like. The device incorporates a water sensor, sound processor and speaker into a housing that has the outward appearance of a whistle. The device mounts to a vertical side of the tub or other water container by a swiveling suction cup which allows the water sensor incorporated in the bottom of the device to remain level with respect to a rising surface of water. Upon the detection of the water level by the water sensors, the sound processor generates a varying series of sounds to alert a user. The varying sounds provide the user with information concerning the time that has passed since the initial detection of the water level.

Abstract: A feeding device, which is especially adapted for use by infants, toddlers and the like, includes a drinking cup, a lid and a flow control valve. The drinking cup includes a body and an overmolding which partially covers the body to function as a bumper and to provide gripping surfaces for a user. The lid has a spoutless design which allows a user to simulate drinking from a conventional open-mouthed cup and which also maximizes liquid evacuation from the drinking cup. The flow control valve has a polygonally-shaped body with a plurality of corners and a liquid-dispensing nipple which is located in one of the corners so that the flow control valve can be positioned adjacent to a peripheral edge of the lid, thereby promoting the complete evacuation of liquid from the drinking cup. The size, shape and rigidity of the valve body inhibits it from being inserted into the throat of a user or other individual.

Abstract: A retractable utility knife having a housing, a coil spring disposed within the housing, a blade, and a manually operable push button extending through the housing and in contact with the blade for movement therewith. The blade is positioned for longitudinal movement within a longitudinal passage defined within the coil spring. The spring biases the blade to the retracted position.