Abstract: A short-term indenting memory device (10) comprises a plurality of flexible tubes (12) in bundled, woven or other intersecting relation to one another to form a mat or pad. The flexible tubes (12) comprise a sealed interior space (16) containing a viscous fluid (18). When an object (22) is set on the pad (10), an indentation (20) is formed therein which persists for some time after the object (12) is removed. In a further aspect, a method of providing a reminder comprises providing an indenting memory device (10) in accordance with this teaching. An object (22) set on a surface (14) thereof creates an indentation (20) which persists for a period of time after the object (22) is removed, thereby providing an indicium of whether the object (22) was previously present on the memory device (10).

Abstract: An emergency braking system employing viscous or adhesive substances is disclosed for use with a vehicle operated on a road surface. The braking system produces at the rear wheels of a moving vehicle a molten substance that will effectively increase the coefficient of friction at the interface of tire and road. A coolant may also be supplied to cool the molten substance and further increase the coefficient of friction.

Abstract: A dual filter isolation block for isolating a fluid stream between a fluid source and a user device and including a main body, a first fluid path provided in the main body between the source and the user device and a first filter provided in the first fluid path. A second fluid path is also provided in the main body between the source and the user device and a second filter is included in the second fluid path. A pair of spools are slidably disposed in the main body and intersect the first fluid path and the second fluid path, respectively, for selectively isolating the first fluid path and the first filter from the second fluid path and the second filter. In a specific application the dual filter isolation block selectively isolates a pair of filters for filteringg an operating fluid such as hydraulic oil or fluid between an actuator and a servo valve to protect the servo valve from contaminants in the operating fluid.

Abstract: A cable or other linear length of flexible material, such as high strength wire, is initially wound on a reel, and is unwound by the application of a force, typically a movable object moving downwards through the air under the influence of gravity. The motion of the cable in unwinding from the reel is effectively braked, or slowed, by providing a cable brake system or systems which generate resistance to the unwinding of the cable. One system entails the provision of frictional control means consisting of a soft, tough, material matrix disposed about the reel, so that the cable is imbedded in the matrix. Payout of the cable, as the reel revolves, requires the cable to be torn out of the matrix. The other system entails immersing the reel, and associated cable wound on the reel, in a viscous fluid, so that the unwinding of the cable from the reel causes the reel to turn about its axis in the viscous fluid, thereby producing resistance to motion and a braking action.

Abstract: An emergency braking system is operably associated with a vehicle operated on a road surface. The system comprises an anchor device releasably carried by the vehicle for adherence to the road surface. An activation device in the vehicle releases the anchor device from the vehicle. Cable apparatus joins the anchor device to the vehicle for braking the movement of the vehicle when the anchor device is adhered to the road surface. One embodiment of the invention includes a vacuum housing device which acts as an anchor. This embodiment provides a vacuum housing structure which adheres to the road surface by means of a vacuum. A second embodiment employes an explosively driven stud, spike or bolt anchor device for imbedding a stud, spike or bolt anchor into the road surface. A third embodiment discloses a spike which is driven into the road surface by the weight of the vehicle.