Abstract: An apparatus for mounting an article to a roof includes a base plate, threaded stud, lag bolts, spacer, and flashing. The base plate includes bolt holes to accommodate the lag bolts to secure the base plate to the roof. The threaded stud is secured to and extends vertically from the base plate. The spacer is inserted over the stud so that the stud passes through an aperture in the spacer, and is secured by a nut. The spacer acts as a lift for mounting an article up off the roof, thereby permitting drainage. The spacer includes a recess to accommodate the head of a lag bolt. The wrap-around flashing is captured between the base plate and spacer, creating a water free environment underneath the assembled unit. The flashing slides up underneath the roofing shingles to prevent water from penetrating the structure, and includes a lip to accommodate the base plate, and a detent to accommodate the bolt heads beneath it.

Abstract: A tension connection for a building includes a first tension member, the first tension member being anchored at its distal end, a second tension member being anchored at its distal end; the first and second tension members being disposed in close proximity and connected by a coupler having a surrounding sleeve and a central bore with a thread, the coupler also being formed with a first rotational member being received in the central bore of the surrounding sleeve and operatively connected to the surrounding sleeve; the first rotational member is connected to the surrounding sleeve, such that the rotational member can rotate in relation to the surrounding sleeve. A torsion spring connects the first rotational member and the surrounding sleeve; the torsion spring biasing the first rotational member and the surrounding sleeve in opposite rotational directions such that the first rotational member can be drawn into the surrounding sleeve.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting an article to a roof includes a base plate, threaded stud, lag bolts, spacer, and flashing. The base plate includes bolt holes to accommodate the lag bolts to secure the base plate to the roof. The threaded stud is secured to and extends vertically from the base plate. The spacer is inserted over the stud so that the stud passes through an aperture in the spacer, and is secured by a nut. The spacer acts as a lift for mounting an article up off the roof, thereby permitting drainage. The spacer includes a recess to accommodate the head of a lag bolt. The wrap-around flashing is captured between the base plate and spacer, creating a water free environment underneath the assembled unit. The flashing slides up underneath the roofing shingles to prevent water from penetrating the structure, and includes a lip to accommodate the base plate, and a detent to accommodate the bolt heads beneath it.

Abstract: A back supporting and exercising cushion has upper and lower pneumatic chambers with an orifice or adjustable flow valve between the chambers for controlling shifting of air between the two chambers. With the back support device positioned in a chair or car seat, for example, the lower chamber is situated against the lumbar region of the back while the upper chamber presses against the mid-thoracic region. When the user shifts his posture, the chambers continually accommodate the changes by inflating one chamber while the pressure deflates air out of the other chamber. The ability to change posture frequently decreases fatigue in the low back while driving, for example, and provides neurological stimulation in the joints of the spine, which can help balance activities of the muscles in the back and decrease pain.

Abstract: A neck exercising and manipulating device, for stimulating the range of motion of the intervertebral joints of the neck in several directions is in the form of a strap with loops at each end for gripping in the hands. In the middle of the strap is a padded central portion with a high friction surface on one side, for engaging against the back of the neck at various levels depending on the joints to be stimulated. A series of different stimulating exercises are disclosed, for improving the range of motion and comfort of the cervical spine as well as other exercises.

Abstract: A dry nutritious food composition adapted for mixing with water to form an aqueous dispersion having a pleasing palatable taste with improved filling characteristics which is useful as a total meal replacement and which contains protein selected from the group consisting of casein, calcium caseinate, sodium caseinate and non-fat milk solids, lipids, carbohydrates and non-degradable vegetable fiber in the form of cellulose gum and cellulose gel and containing added vitamins, trace minerals and flavoring agents.

Abstract: A stationary frame on a supporting surface carries a handlebar and seat to accommodate a person wishing to exercise. A flywheel above the supporting surface is journaled on the frame for rotation by a pair of pedals; and an adjustment knob on the frame enables the rider to control the amount of braking resistance exerted on the flywheel by a pair of brake shoes.