Abstract: The present invention provides an attitude sensing device and an attitude sensing method, and in particular techniques for determining an attitude in three-dimensional space of a reference axis of a package with which the attitude sensing device is associated. The attitude sensing device comprises an electromechanical sensor having a rotatable shaft operable to rotate about its axis to any shaft angle and a mass coupled to the shaft. The mass causes the shaft to rotate as the mass adopts a gravity-induced position. The electromechanical sensor is operable to provide an electrical signal in dependence on the shaft angle. The attitude of the reference axis being derivable from the electrical signal. By this approach, a simple arrangement is provided by which the attitude of the reference axis may easily be determined over the required operating range.

Abstract: A cyclonic vacuum cleaner includes a body portion, a nozzle portion and a dirt cup which is removable from the body portion. The dirt cup collects dirt and other debris separated by a cyclone and a cyclone slinger portion in the body portion. A main filter may be housed in a transparent filter door downstream of the cyclone. The dirt cup may be inserted into and sealingly held within the body portion by using a rotational camming structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides an attitude sensing device and method for determining an attitude of a reference axis of a package containing a fibre optic sensor sensor. The attitude sensing device comprises an electromechanical attitude sensor for generating an electrical signal indicative of the attitude sensor, and converter logic for converting the electrical signal into a stimulus signal. A local power source is preferably provided for the electromechanical attitude sensor in the converter logic. The stimulus signal is such that the fibre optical sensor is responsive to the stimulus signal to cause a variation in at least one predetermined property of an optical signal transmitted through the fibre optic sensor, the attitude of the reference axis being determinable from the variation of the predetermined property.

Abstract: An extruder apparatus for compounding thermoplastic resin and reinforcing fibers is disclosed. Molten thermoplastic resin is mixed in intimate contact with long reinforcing fibers of at least one and one quarter inches in length under the control of a sophisticated computer system, resulting in charge ready for molding.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling electrical devices such as electric trains using a computer is disclosed. The invention utilizes standard ports that appear on most computers, and works with standard well-known widely commercially available train sets. The invention has customized software and circuitry for managing the speed and direction of one or more motors, and also for controlling the configuration of track turnouts. The invention can also be configured and updated by the user to fit the characteristics of a user's specific layout.

Abstract: A device for improving the sanitary aspects of a shopping cart handle is disclosed. The device wraps approximately two times around the shopping cart handle, and can be made of disposable paper or plastic. The device is secured either through static cling or small amount of manufactured adhesive. A non-disposable embodiment can be made from leather, vinyl, or plastic.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for building signs combining tile and wood, such as but not limited to nameplates, is disclosed. The nameplates are produced in several steps, including woodworking, sanding, tile-cutting, stencil-applying, sandblasting, and polishing.

Abstract: A software implementation of guitar tablature is disclosed. The invention can be implemented using any computer text editor, and can incorporate lyrics therein. The files created therefrom are small, easily transportable even between dissimilar computers, and rendered into .html without difficulty.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling electrical devices such as electric trains using a computer is disclosed. The invention utilizes standard ports that appear on most computers, and works with standard well-known widely commercially available train sets. The invention has customized software and circuitry for managing the speed and direction of one or more motors, and also for controlling the configuration of track turnouts. The invention can also be configured and updated by the user to fit the characteristics of a user's specific layout.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling electrical devices such as electric trains using a computer is disclosed. The invention utilizes standard ports that appear on most computers, and works with standard well-known widely commercially available train sets. The invention has customized software and circuitry for managing the speed and direction of one or more motors, and also for controlling the configuration of track turnouts. The invention can also be configured and updated by the user to fit the characteristics of a user's specific layout.

Abstract: A wireline cleaning unit which replaces a conventional packing nut. A housing is sealed around a packing nut by O-rings to define an annular chamber between the housing and the exterior of the packing nut. Fluid communication between the longitudinal bore of the packing nut and the annular chamber is provided by radially extending bores through the packing nut. A line wiper disposed in the longitudinal bore of the packing nut wipes excess fluid off the line, the fluid then flowing down the longitudinal bore and through the radial drain ports into the annular chamber. The annular chamber in the outer housing is provided with a drain port and hose adapter for draining the collected fluid to a proper container.