Abstract: A portable, personal lifting device (10, 100) includes a central member (12), a seat (14) attached to the central member (12) in such a way that the seat is capable of translating linearly along the central member (12), an actuator (16) for causing translation between the seat (14) and the central member (12), and a support member (24) to stabilize the central member (12). The central member (12) is positioned between a user's legs in such a way that the user straddles during operation of the device (10, 100), thereby providing an inexpensive, lightweight lifting device that can be used in very close quarters.

Abstract: A portable, personal lifting device (10, 100) includes a central member (12), a seat (14) attached to the central member (12) in such a way that the seat is capable of translating linearly along the central member (12), an actuator (16) for causing translation between the seat (14) and the central member (12), and a support member (24) to stabilize the central member (12). The central member (12) is positioned between a user's legs in such a way that the user straddles during operation of the device (10, 100), thereby providing an inexpensive, lightweight lifting device that can be used in very close quarters.

Abstract: A magazine for a toy gun includes a housing, at least one projectile disposed within the housing, and a constant-force spring disposed within the housing for providing a biasing force against the at least one projectile. The at least one projectile is made of elastomer or polymer foam material having a density between about 0.020 g/cm3 (1.25 lbs/ft3) and about 0.833 g/cm3 (52 lbs/ft3), and a 25% compression resistance (compression deflection) between about 0.6 psi and about 20 psi. The magazine is capable of holding and dispensing the projectiles such that the biasing force of the constant-force spring does not excessively deform the projectiles.

Abstract: A helical field device that accelerates an object to high velocity by converting rotational kinetic energy in the device into linear kinetic energy in the object, and alternatively, that decelerates objects from high velocity by converting the linear kinetic energy in the object into rotational kinetic energy in the device. The device transfers kinetic energy between the device and an object through the use of a localized high pressure field in the form of a helix having a variable pitch along the length of the device, which couples the object to the device without the pressure field itself significantly contributing energy into the system. Instead, the energy that is used to accelerate the object comes from the kinetic energy imparted to the device by an outside source, such as an engine, or a potential energy storage device.

Abstract: A magazine for a toy gun includes a housing, at least one projectile disposed within the housing, and a constant-force spring disposed within the housing for providing a biasing force against the at least one projectile. The at least one projectile is made of elastomer or polymer foam material having a density between about 0.020 g/cm3 (1.25 lbs/ft3) and about 0.833 g/cm3 (52 lbs/ft3), and a 25% compression resistance (compression deflection) between about 0.6 psi and about 20 psi. The magazine is capable of holding and dispensing the projectiles such that the biasing force of the constant-force spring does not excessively deform the projectiles.

Abstract: An automatic tape dispenser for automatically dispensing and cutting a length of adhesive tape or other spooled material having adhesive on one or both sides stored on a roll by a user operating the dispenser single-handedly is provided, the dispenser comprising a housing including a cylindrical post for loading and receiving the roll of tape, at least one drive wheel for advancing the roll of tape, means for preventing the tape from jamming, and means for safely cutting the tape comprising a pair of scissor-like blades disposed at the opening of the housing through which the tape is dispensed.

Abstract: A device and method for illuminating a fluid is disclosed. The device includes a closed, collapsible container for holding a fluid and having an outlet, a light source for illuminating the fluid being dispensed through the outlet, and a switching mechanism for activating the light source in response to an external event, such as a change in pressure within the container, fluid pressure, and the like. The container may be a portable, hand-held container, such as a toothpaste dispenser, shampoo container, and the like.

Abstract: A collapsible cargo organizer construction (10) for supporting, segregating, and removing packages (100) from the rear storage area (200) of a vehicle wherein the organizer construction (10) includes a collapsible framework member (20) including a plurality of upper (22) and lower (23) support arms that are pivotally associated with a lesser plurality of vertical support legs (21) to define a pair of generally open cube shaped framework segments (20A) and (20B) wherein, at least three of the sides of each framework segment (20A) and (20B) are covered by an elongated fabric sheet (30) and each framework segment (20A) (20B) is provided with a detachable floor support unit (13).

Abstract: A collapsible cargo organizer construction (10) for supporting, segregating, and removing packages (100) from the rear storage area (200) of a vehicle wherein the organizer construction (10) includes a collapsible framework member (20) including a plurality of upper (22) and lower (23) support arms that are pivotally associated with a lesser plurality of vertical support legs (21) to define a pair of generally open cube shaped framework segments (20A) and (20B) wherein, at least three of the sides of each framework segment (20A) and (20B) are covered by an elongated fabric sheet (30) and each framework segment (20A) (20B) is provided with a detachable floor support unit (13).

Abstract: A steaming cooker for use for heating and cooking of vegetables, such as corn, potatoes, and the like, includes a container, with a removable or pivotal opening lid, having a rack therein, incorporating a surface having a series of provided apertures therethrough, and into which a capacity of water may be applied, within its container, stabilized below the surface of the rack, so that any vegetables placed upon the rack, when the water therein is heated and boiled, during usage of the steaming cooker, provides a highly moisturized cooking environment of any food product in preparation for consumption.