Abstract: An automatic locking ball coupler for a power take off includes a ball keeper connected to the power take off and having a longitudinal axis and openings in a cylindrical surface thereof. Locking balls are received in the openings and can move radially with respect to the axis of the cylindrical ball keeper. A ball collar is positioned around the cylindrical ball keeper and has a plurality of internal circumferential rings and recesses between each ring. The ball collar can slide axially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the ball keeper between a coupled position in which the locking balls are on the rings and an uncoupled position in which the locking balls are in the recesses.

Abstract: A quick attaching coupler is mounted to a tractor three point hitch, with a first actuator linked to latches on both sides of the hitch. The first actuator may be moved by a seated operator between a first position wherein both latches are unlatched and a second position wherein both latches are latched. A quick PTO coupler is mounted to the quick attaching coupler, and has a sleeve carrying a first end of a tractor PTO shaft. The sleeve pivots independently of the latches between a first PTO disengaged position and a second PTO engaged position. A second actuator linked to the sleeve may be moved by the seated operator between a first position wherein the PTO is disengaged and a second position wherein the PTO is engaged.

Abstract: A drive over mower deck has a top surface with downwardly depending surfaces defining a front edge, a back edge, and left and right side edges, at least one belt shield over the top surface, a first pair of gauge wheels mounted adjacent the front edge the deck, and a second pair of gauge wheels mounted adjacent the back edge of the deck. Each pair of gauge wheels is movable vertically to at least one position above the ground surface such that the mower deck is supported by the front edge, back edge, and left and right side edge. Each gauge wheel being releasably lockable at a plurality of different positions.

Abstract: A support adapted to be placed on a person's leg such that it can contact the backs of the user's upper and lower leg includes a surface that is conformed to the user's leg, renders the support more comfortable to use and more effective in supporting the user's leg. The support is structured so that any tendency for the support to move or rotate relative to the user's leg is minimized. The support may include a raised portion or is otherwise shaped to inhibit movement or rotation. The support may have a first surface portion shaped to conform to a calf area of the rear of the lower leg and a second surface portion shaped to conform to an Achilles tendon area of the rear of the lower leg.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing performance of personal area network (PAN) systems that use electric fields as communication media between PAN transmitters carried by people and PAN receivers mounted on computers to which selective access is sought to be established. Multiple PAN receiver antennae are mounted on a keyboard, such that if a person with a PAN transmitter rests her arms on or near the keyboard, sufficient signal from the transmitter is sensed by one or more of the receiver antennae even though some of the signal is shunted away from the receivers through the arms. Also, a driven shield insulates a PAN receiver from nearby metal objects, e.g., a desk on which the PAN receiver is supported. Moreover, a multiple-electrode PAN transmitter reduces the deleterious effects on the signal from the PAN transmitter that can otherwise be caused by, e.g., loose metal coins that are present in a pocket in which the transmitter is carried.

Abstract: An integrated introducer and drive rod system used to position and attach a spiral-shaped, biological needle probe to a fetus during labor and delivery. The system ensures that the sharp, pointed, probe (typically, a fetal spiral electrode) remains protected in a retracted position inside the introducer until attachment to the fetal scalp is desired. The flexible drive rod of the system has a "C"-shaped safety ring with an outside diameter slightly less than the inner diameter of the introducer at a point on the introducer; a "C"-shaped radial web with an outside diameter only slightly larger than the inner diameter of the introducer creating an interference fit between the drive rod and the introducer; or a "C"-shaped segmented rib that engages the rear end of the introducer.

Abstract: A fetal electrode product for transmitting signals indicative of fetal heart rate from a fetus to a monitor. The product includes a slotted introducer which can be comfortably inserted through the cervix of the mother. A drive mechanism slides and rotates a holder--to which are attached, at opposite ends, a fetal spiral electrode (FSE) and a reference electrode--within the introducer to secure the FSE to the fetus. The solid drive mechanism has a drive rod, a handle on one end of the drive rod imparting translation and rotation to the drive rod, and a clutch on the opposite end of the drive rod imparting translation and rotation to the holder. The drive rod, handle, and clutch each have a channel transporting a twisted wire strand from the electrodes to a connector. The connector has an outside dimension greater than the inner diameter of the introducer to facilitate manipulation.

Abstract: A wheel made by extruding a wheel rim form from a light metal alloy, the rim having a first tire-retaining flange; cutting the rim form to a length longer than the desired wheel circumference; joining the ends of the rim form to make a rim hoop; circumpressing the rim hoop to the desired circumference; providing a center from a light metal; and, joining the rim hoop and the wheel center along the second side of the rim to form the wheel. A second tire-retaining flange is also provided, and may be fabricated either as an integral portion of the center that is joined to the rim hoop, or as an integral portion of the rim hoop for joining to the center.

Abstract: An arm support comprises a shoulder saddle and an arm cuff for suspending the arm with a plurality of suspension straps extending between the cuff and saddle for unloading the weight of the arm from the shoulder joint while the plurality of straps permit a wide range of motion of the shoulder joint and positive support for the arm.