Abstract: A mobile skateboard-shaped toy which is propelled by a displaceable flywheel is described. The skateboard-shaped toy comprises a skateboard deck with the flywheel positioned within the skateboard deck. The flywheel is positioned such that the flywheel protrudes beyond a top portion and a bottom portion of the skateboard deck. The flywheel is rotatable within the skateboard deck to change a rotational direction of the flywheel with respect to a major axis of the skateboard deck. Additionally, the flywheel can be repositioned at different ride heights within the skateboard deck. In one aspect, the flywheel is removable from the skateboard deck to allow the flywheel to be easily repositioned within the skateboard deck or replaced with another flywheel.

Abstract: Described is a cartridge-loaded toy vehicle launcher track set capable of launching multiple toy vehicles across a variety of tracks. The launcher includes a cartridge for holding a plurality of toy vehicles. A launching mechanism is affixed with a launching body of the launcher for receiving a toy vehicle from the cartridge and launching the toy vehicle from the launching body. Additionally, a track connector is connected with the launching body such that a toy vehicle can be launched from the housing and onto the toy vehicle track when the track is connected with the track connector. In one aspect, a string spool is connected with the launching body such that a toy vehicle can be launched from the housing and onto a string when the string is pulled taut in front of the housing.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing microbial populations on food products in a food processing facility. One embodiment provides a combination of interventions including a liquid antimicrobial treatment station that wets a food product with an antimicrobial solution containing at least one antimicrobial agent and a gaseous antimicrobial treatment station that generates and exposes the wetted food product to advanced oxidative gaseous environment. A transport system is provided for transporting the food product between the first and second treatment stations. In one embodiment, the advanced oxidative gases may be generated by plurality of photohydroionization cells. In one embodiment, the system and method may be used in a meat processing facility.

Abstract: Described is a track set with a taut filament for use with a toy vehicle. The track set includes a first tower and a second tower. A spool is connected with the first tower, with the filament wound around the spool. The spool includes a ratcheting mechanism to allow a user to selectively unwind the filament from the spool. Once unwound, the filament can be connected with the second tower. The spool can again be used to tighten the filament between the two towers, thereby creating a taut filament. Using a toy vehicle with a grooved-wheel, the toy vehicle can pass from the first tower to the second tower along the taut filament with the grooved-wheel riding on the filament.

Abstract: Described is a track set with a tiltable surface for use with a toy vehicle. The track set includes a handle that allows a user to tilt the surface while resting the track set on a base and tilting the surface at a pivot point. Further, the surface includes a first side and a second side. The track set is formed to allow a user to switch the position of the pivot point and base and thereby selectively use either the first side or second side.

Abstract: A kit with toy tools for cutting a foam surface is described. The kit includes at least one foam piece for constructing an item and a plurality of fasteners (e.g., plastic nails and plastic screws) for fastening foam pieces together. Each foam piece can include markings that provide a cut-pattern for a user to cut the foam piece into a plurality of foam pieces. At least one tool is included for cutting the foam pieces. An example of such a tool is a curved-blade saw with a curved blade edge. The foam piece is a foam board or boards and a foam dowel. Collectively, the foam pieces comprise a plurality of foam pieces that, when assembled, are operable for constructing a desired item. The foam board can be formed to include a wood grain pattern and pine scent to simulate an appearance and smell of wood.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spring-powered toy vehicle with a front body portion, a separable rear body portion, rotating wheels and a spring propulsion system. When the rear body portion is pulled away from the front body portion and released, the spring will pull the rear body portion back into the front body portion, thereby causing the vehicle to move forward. Parallel vehicle guides prevent the rear movable body portion from pulling away in a non-axial direction, thus guiding the propelled toy vehicle in a straight line. Other aspects provide interchangeable and replaceable springs, and body portions. Additionally, vehicle choices include autos, trucks, motorcycles, planes, and construction equipment. A launcher is included that provides a stable platform for launching the vehicles and additionally imparts, through a peg and notch assembly and a spring-loaded plunger, additional kinetic energy for propulsion.

Abstract: A system for directing a lost person to a predetermined location for pickup including a tethered balloon or other highly visible signal deployed at the pickup location. A manned or remotely controlled aircraft is provided for flying over the area in which the lost person is presumed to be located. The aircraft is equipped with a downward directed loudspeaker broadcasting an audible message instructing the lost person to walk towards the balloon or other signal at the rescue location. The aircraft may be a fixed-wing or rotary-wing aircraft, and airship such as a dirigible or blimp, an ultralight, or a hybrid aircraft.

Abstract: A mobile toy which is propelled by a flywheel is described. The mobile toy includes a body member having a set of protrusions which extend beyond the body member. An axle extending through the flywheel is positioned in the set of protrusions, such that each protrusion operates as an axle cap. Alternatively, a set of axle caps are formed at the end of the axle. The flywheel is formed as a displaceable flywheel which is repositionable or removable from the body member. The flywheel may be adjusted within the mobile toy at multiple positions relative to the mobile toy for use of the mobile toy on multiple types of surfaces and for various play configurations. A set of detachably attachable extension elements attached with the axle caps alter the appearance as well as the play capabilities of the mobile toy.

Abstract: A system for reducing signal interference in modulated signal communication includes a measurement processor. The measurement processor measures amplitudes of noise components of a received amplitude modulated signal prior to demodulation. The measurement processor also identifies a frequency of a noise component having an amplitude larger than the amplitude of another noise component. A carrier frequency generator generates a carrier frequency substantially at a harmonic of the identified noise component. The carrier frequency is used to generate and demodulate the amplitude modulated signal.

Abstract: A pneumatic launching apparatus is described. The pneumatic toy launching apparatus includes a collapsible bellows with an outlet configured to allow air to exit the collapsible bellows. A gripping device is attached with the collapsible bellows, and a platform is attached with the gripping device. A launching tube is attached with the platform and is formed to releasably engage a launchable object. An air transfer tube connects the collapsible bellows and the launching tube. Upon compression of the collapsible bellows against a surface, air travels from the collapsible bellows, through the air transfer tube, and out of the launching tube to launch an object attached with the launching tube. A rotating mechanism attached with the platform allows rotation of multiple launching tubes. The gripping device further comprises a rotation actuator to induce rotation of the platform.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the force applied by a first member coupled to a second member by a connecting body, by: transmitting a cyclically-repeating energy wave through the connecting body from a first location thereon to a second location thereon; measuring the transit time of the cyclically-repeating energy wave from the first location to the second location; and utilizing the measured transit time to produce a measurement of the force. In the preferred described embodiment, the connecting body is a fastening plate which fastens a drive shaft to a driven shaft and measures the torque output of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A toy for rotating and launching an object is disclosed. The toy comprises a launcher configured to impart rotary motion to an object. A launcher rotating system is connected with the launcher, and is configured to impart a rotary motion to the launcher. The launcher rotating system engages with a gear rack, the gear rack capable of moving to rotate the launcher rotating system. The launcher rotating system further comprises a clutch mechanism such that continued oscillatory motion of the gear rack causes the launcher rotating system to increase the rotary motion imparted to the launcher and such that withdrawal of the gear rack causes the clutch mechanism to decrease rotary motion imparted to the launcher, whereby a rotating object is released from the launcher.

Abstract: A user interface and scheme is provided for facilitating shutting down an operating system. A shut down command is initiated in an operating system, and applications running on the system are issued a shut down request. Aspects allow running applications to delay the system shut down and to register information to explain the delay, for example, a non-interruptible task (e.g., a CD burn) is being performed by the application. A user interface displays applications running on the system and delay information registered by the applications, providing the user an opportunity to terminate the applications or cancel the system shut down based on the applications and any delay information provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the force applied by a first member coupled to a second member by a connecting body, by: transmitting a cyclically-repeating energy wave through the connecting body from a first location thereon to a second location thereon; measuring the transit time of the cyclically-repeating energy wave from the first location to the second location; and utilizing the measured transit time to produce a measurement of the force. In the preferred described embodiment, the connecting body is a fastening plate which fastens a drive shaft to a driven shaft and measures the torque output of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A remotely controlled vehicle with a track mechanism and independently operated wheels is described. The vehicle includes a track assembly that includes a center track drive wheel and corresponding endless center track. A pair of driving wheels are mounted on opposing lateral sides of the track assembly. Two independently operated motors are included, each supplying power to only one of the driving wheels. A differential gear set is operatively connected between each of the two motors and the center track drive wheel. The gear set is formed to drive the center track drive wheel in a vehicle driving direction when both motors are concurrently operated to drive the pair of driving wheels in the vehicle driving direction. The gear set also imparts a minimal force to the center track drive wheel when each of the motors are operating to drive the pair of driving wheels in opposing directions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring a predetermined condition of a medium by; transmitting acoustical waves through the medium, continuously measuring changes in the transit time of the acoustical waves resulting from changes in the monitored condition; and utilizing the changes in transit time to provide a continuous measurement of the changes in the monitored condition. The acoustical waves are bending waves wherein cross-sections of the medium have a rotational movement orthogonally to the axis of propagation of the waves through the acoustical channel. Several examples of such method and apparatus are described, including a highly sensitive pressure sensor for sensing changes in pressure applied to a displaceable membrane, and a highly-sensitive vibration sensor for sensing earth or other vibrations.

Abstract: Sensors and monitors for a physiological monitoring system having capability to indicate an accuracy of an estimated physiological condition. The sensor senses at least one physiological characteristic of a patient and is connectable to a monitor that estimates the physiological condition from signals detected by the sensor. The sensor includes a detector for detecting the signals from the patient which are indicative of the physiological characteristic. The sensor is associated with a memory configured to store data that defines at least one sensor signal specification boundary for the detected signals. The boundary is indicative of a quality of the signals and an accuracy of the physiological characteristic estimated from the signals by the monitor. The sensor further includes means for providing access to the memory to allow transmission of the data that defines the at least one sensor boundary to the monitor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spring-powered toy vehicle with a front body portion, a separable rear body portion, rotating wheels and a spring propulsion system. When the rear body portion is pulled away from the front body portion and released, the spring will pull the rear body portion back into the front body portion, thereby causing the vehicle to move forward. Parallel vehicle guides prevent the rear movable body portion from pulling away in a non-axial direction, thus guiding the propelled toy vehicle in a straight line. Other aspects provide interchangeable and replaceable springs, and body portions. Additionally, vehicle choices include autos, trucks, motorcycles, planes, and construction equipment. A launcher is included that provides a stable platform for launching the vehicles and additionally imparts, through a peg and notch assembly and a spring-loaded plunger, additional kinetic energy for propulsion.

Abstract: An emergency-use-only cellular phone provides for contacting and establishing full-duplex voice communication with emergency personnel at either a public emergency response service or a private roadside assistance service. The phone automatically places a cellular call to the public emergency response service with a single press of a first activation button, and to the private roadside assistance service with a single press of a second activation button. When either activation button is pressed, the following functions are initiated: (1) electrical power from a power supply is provided to a cellular transmitter and receiver, (2) the cellular receiver is activated to search for an available channel from among A or B cellular system channels, (3) an emergency telephone number corresponding to the selected service is accessed from memory, and (4) the cellular transmitter is activated to establish communication with the selected emergency response service.