Abstract: A gusset (40A-G) between two CMC walls (26, 28) has fibers (23) oriented to provide anisotropic strengthening of the wall intersection (34). The fibers (23) may be oriented diagonally to oppose in tension a wall-spreading moment of the walls (26, 28) about the intersection (34). Interlocking features (46, 48, 52, 56, 58) may be provided on the gusset to improve load sharing between the gusset and the walls. The gusset may have one or more diagonal edges (50, 51) that contact matching edges of a slot (42, 42D, 43D) to oppose wall-spreading (M1) and wall-closing (M2) bending of the walls (26, 28). The gusset may be installed in the slot after preparing the gusset and the walls to different temperatures. Then the assembly may be final-fired to produce differential shrinkage that causes compression of the gusset or the wall intersection.

Abstract: A gusset (40A-G) between two CMC walls (26, 28) has fibers (23) oriented to provide anisotropic strengthening of the wall intersection (34). The fibers (23) may be oriented diagonally to oppose in tension a wall-spreading moment of the walls (26, 28) about the intersection (34). Interlocking features (46, 48, 52, 56, 58) may be provided on the gusset to improve load sharing between the gusset and the walls. The gusset may have one or more diagonal edges (50, 51) that contact matching edges of a slot (42, 42D, 43D) to oppose wall-spreading (M1) and wall-closing (M2) bending of the walls (26, 28). The gusset may be installed in the slot after preparing the gusset and the walls to different temperatures. Then the assembly may be final-fired to produce differential shrinkage that causes compression of the gusset or the wall intersection.

Abstract: A quick-release bicycle axle fastener comprising a lever-operated cam which presses a follower disc inward against the outer surface of a conventional safety dropout. The dropout has an outer surface with retention means for the disc, such as a concavity, tab, or ridge. A spring urges the cam lever toward its dosed position. If the cam is left open by the user, the spring causes it to hold the follower against the retaining surface of the dropout, preventing accidental release of the axle. This safety feature is constant, automatic, and convenient. No action is needed beyond normal operation of the lever. The cam provides full clearance for releasing the axle, so the adjustment nut is only needed for initial installation, not for operation.

Abstract: A piston (1) slidably mounted in a case (14), with an actuator cable (22) routed around a first cable guide (15) on the brake case, thence beside the piston to a second cable guide (6) on the end of the piston, which redirects it 180 degrees to return beside the piston to a cable end holder (12) on the case. The actuator cable runs parallel to the piston on both sides, transferring twice its tension to the piston. A cam (60) is provided for full control of the brake gain relative to the tension of the main cable from the hand lever. This adapts the brake to a given hand lever, and provides both fast braking response and high power via a variable gain curve on each stroke. Floating pads are provided for automatic toe. All brake position adjustments relative to the rim are easy and are independent of each other. Quick means are provided for changing the tire and pads, and these operations do not reset the brake position adjustments.

Abstract: A quick-release bicycle axle fastener for standard hollow axles and standard safety drop-outs, comprising a control rod through the axle; a mount attached to one or both ends of the control rod; a cam lever attached to each mount; a washer with a finger grip, slidably mounted on the control rod inboard of the mount, shaped to engage the safety drop-out when pressed against it; and a spring urging the washer against the drop-out at all times. The cam forces the washer inward against the drop-out for clamping attachment of the wheel axle to the drop-out. When cam pressure is released, the interlock washer continues to be urged against the drop-out by the spring for safety until the washer is pulled outward by the fingers of a user. When the wheel is re-installed, the washer automatically shifts into engagement with the coupling surface of the drop-out, providing an automatic, undefeatable safety backup for the cam.

Abstract: A quick-release axle attachment mechanism for velocipeds and motorcycles. It has a cam lever 1-5 on each end of the axle 49. The cam rotation axis is perpendicular to the axle. The cam pushes a slide 15 inward against the drop-out 43, clamping the drop-out against the bearing jam nut 51. When the cam is rotated for wheel removal, a spring 13 continues to hold the slide against the drop-out. A safety tab 47, or other coupling surface on the drop-out, engages the slide to prevent wheel removal until the slide is pulled outward with the fingers. To remove a wheel, both cams are rotated to the slack position, then both slides are pulled outward. The double safety interlock of the two slides prevents accidental wheel release. The cam lever can be made of plastic.

Abstract: A simple, user-installable device for raising the handlebars of bicycles to allow an upright sitting posture, comprising a section of tubing, with one end (2) adapted to receive the handlebar stem (8), and the other end (1) adapted for insertion into the steering shaft (7). It is fixed in the steering shaft via an expansion device (5), and the handlebar stem is fixed in the extender via its own expansion device. An optional shock absorber may be included in the extender. In this embodiment, the upper end of the extender is enlarged to contain a slidable hollow plunger (21) which receives the handlebar stem. The plunger is damped to isolate frame vibration from the user's arms. This also reduces shock on the front wheel by isolating the mass of the handlebars from the fork. In addition to raising the handlebars, the stem extender can be designed to accept a replacement stem of different diameter than the original.

Abstract: A fluid mixing valve designed for hot/cold water mixing in showers provides fully adjustable proportioning independent of flow rate. It may be thermostat controlled for convenience, and to save water by avoiding iterative manual adjustment. It comprises a rotor enclosed in a fitted case, the case having adjacent fluid inlets and an elongated outlet. The rotor has a throat, one end of which registers with the inlets in varying proportion depending on the position of the rotor. A linkage arm within the elongated outlet connects between the rotor and a control shaft. This arm transmits control movements from shaft to rotor, and is also the thermostatic element. Hydrodynamic forces are neutral against the rotational moment of the rotor, avoiding rotor oscillation. Damping means are described. Mixing occurs immediately in the throat, and is completed prior to the thermostat. This valve is expected to be used with a downstream flow valve.

Abstract: A device for realignment of sidewalk sections displace by settling or tree root lifting, where a hazardous step exists at a joint or crack. A rigid beam is laid longitudinally on the sunken section, with cross beams reaching to the section sides. Hooks are suspended from the ends of the cross beams, and hooked under the edges of the slab. The hooks are shaped for stability, not requiring clamping on, or boring into, the slab. A jack lifts one end of the main beam, raising the hooks, and lifting one end of the slab, with evenly distributed force to avoid cracking the concrete. Fill-dirt is thrown under the raised section to restore vertical alignment. The device is operable by one person. It pivots the slab in a vertical plane, guiding accurate return to position.

Abstract: A device is disclosed which provides a work load for exercise machines, and directly measures the work performed. It comprises a liquid pump, linked by a power transmission to an exercise mechanism, producing a flow rate proportional to the exertion rate. The output liquid volume is determined either by observing its level in a transparent container, or via a flow meter. Direct work measurement is assured by making the liquid flow itself the source of resistance for the exercise. This is done via measurement of the pumping force and calibration of the flow restrictions. Work load adjustment devices which maintain a constant ratio of work rate to flow rate are described.

Abstract: An apparatus for quick convenient adjustment of the tension and height of volleyball nets comprises a vertically slidable hardware mounting platform on each net post, containing cable-connection hardware, including winch means. Net height is changed by sliding the mount, without the need to disconnect cables. Through an arrangement of pulleys, a single winch tightens both the upper and lower net cables in unison, with equal force. The pulleys double the winch pull, allowing use of a light winch. They can also be configured to provide single pull on the lower cable, for nets with a steel upper cable and a rope lower cable. Two versions of the slidable mount are described; one is a sleeve on the net post, and the other is a track and slide, in which the track is connected to the post, guiding and retaining the slide.

Abstract: Apparatus for adjusting the tension the tension and height of volleyball nets, comprising winch means and a long net cable which passes from the winch, through the bottom of the net, around pulleys attached to the pole at the other end, thence through the top of the net, and back to the pole at the winch end. Thus a single winch tightens both the top and bottom of the net in unison. The hardware can be attached to a vertical slide on each pole to provide infinite vertical adjustment over a wide range. A movable pulley can be used to double the winch pull, so a lighter winch can be used and cranking is made easier.

Abstract: A ladder stabilizer comprising rigid wings attached to the rails, extending to the ground on each side to brace the ladder. The wings are attached by hinges to fold against the ladder front for storage. The design takes advantage of the angular relationship between the rails of a ladder and the ground, to automatically adjust to the optimum angle and position of support, making deployment trivial. The design distributes stress along each ladder rail, allowing installation on portable ladders of all constructions load ratings.Embodiments and enhancements are described which provide flexibility of use in obstructed situations, and enable user adaptability for all shapes and sizes of portable ladders.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for realignment of sidewalk sections displaced by settling or root lifting, where a hazardous step exists at a joint or crack. It comprises a rigid longitudinal span supported over the section, with cross members reaching over the section sides. Hooks are suspended from the ends of the cross members, and hooked under the section sides. Winches on the cross members raise the hooks, lifting the section. Dirt is added under the section and graded with a long-handled spreader to realign the section effectively and inexpensively.This method of repair is much better than repouring or patching. Repouring is expensive, and makes the adjacent sections look old by comparison. Patching produces a short ramp, which is itself a hazard and has a makeshift appearance.The device is light enough to be manually positioned with attached wheels, stable in operation, and inexpensive. The only repair material used is dirt, making repairs very inexpensive.

Abstract: A device for fluid mixing and flow control in showers, baths, and sinks. Three flow control valves are connected to a mixing chamber. Two of the valves control two inlet channels into the chamber, and the third valve controls the flow out of the chamber. The two inlet valves are linked to operate in unison in opposite phase (one opens when the other closes), providing a variable fluid mixing ratio. The complementary operation of these mixing valves causes their combined flow rate to remain constant while the mixing ratio varies. The third valve controls the total flow rate. This provides independent control of mixture and flow via a simple device. A circular dial can show the control arm positions clearly, allowing quick, absolute adjustment.

Abstract: A flexible tube of fabric (1) is supported by a plurality of parallel shafts (3) arranged in the tube's interior, such that a sling of fabric is suspended toward the center of the tube between two of the shafts. The shafts, or cylindrical rollers journaled thereon, rotate freely, allowing the tube to rotate. A person reclining in the sling of fabric obtains uniform body support and can easily turn over. Shaft rotation can be braked for convenient entry/exit of the occupant, with brakes designed to automatically disengage when the occupant is in the sling. The shape of the fabric tube can be varied to provide contoured body support.

Abstract: An improved cutter head design for powered shavers, resembling the blade configuration of reel type lawnmowers. Elongated blades are mounted at intervals around a rotatable cutter assembly, with the width of the blades oriented radially. The axis of blade rotation is parallel to the skin being shaved. A thin, semi-flexible perforated screen covers part of the cutter assembly. Hair inserted through the screen is cut by the rotating blades against the screen material. This design allowa a toric (barrel-like) head shape, unlike the current reciprocating or rotary types, which require straight or flat shapes, respectively. A toric shape, is convex on two axes, providing a better match for the difficult facial curves at the jaw/neck junction. Difficulty in that area is where many would-be electric shaver users give up and return to the use of razor blades. Self-cleaning and self-sharpening mechanisms are described, which are made practical by this design. These increase convenience, effectiveness, and cutter life.

Abstract: A valve and thermostat assembly is disclosed for improved convenience and efficiency in showers. It comprises a thermostat controlled hot/cold water mixing valve combined with a flow valve. It provides a full range of graduated control for both temperature and flow rate, and maintains a set temperature when the flow rate is changed. Temperature can be preset, and the hot/cold ratio is automatically controlled. This avoids iterative manual adjustment, saving time and water. Flow can be temporarily shut off during a shower for economy without causing a cooler temperature at restart. It is safe, practical to manufacture, and installs with normal plumbing skills. It is not electric.

Abstract: An engravers template having a desired pattern therein with engraved portions and raised portions. An aluminum sheet is provided having an aluminum oxide layer on one side and a plastic layer on the opposite side. The desired engraved pattern is etched through the oxide layer and through the aluminum sheet.