Abstract: A trolling motor mount assembly for mounting a trolling motor to a small watercraft. The assembly includes a motor mount piece and a boat deck piece. The pieces are shaped to mate their cooperatively tapered sides to securely engage the pieces and thus the mounted motor and boat together. A latch then locks the pieces together.

Abstract: A vertical fishing rod holder stabilizer fits over standard rod holders and receives the rod handle. The stabilizer is made of an elastomeric material and when it receives the rod handle the rod is secured to prevent rattling and damage as well as to prevent loss of the rod upon an inversion or severe tipping event. The stabilizer may be an incorporation of a complete tube and integral stabilizer cap design, and further may be coupled to a tool retaining plate.

Abstract: An article transport device including a wheelbase assembly and an article support assembly. The article support assembly includes a telescopic member that acts as a kickstand to unable one person loading of the article upon the transport. The wheelbase is modular in design to enable exchange of the article support assembly of differing configurations.

Abstract: A fish measurement device including a rigid bump board in combination with a slidably engageable assembly and a method for verification of fish measurement when using the device. The assembly design having the capability to mount the board to an underlying support surface as well as provide a user identifier for use in fishing tournaments.

Abstract: A fish measurement device including a hinged rigid bump board in combination with a slidably engageable cradle and a method for verification of fish measurement when using the device. The device having a QR tag used during the verification method authenticating fish size during a Catch, Photo, Release fishing tournament using a Tournament Management System.

Abstract: A fish measurement device including a rigid bump board in combination with a slidably engageable assembly and a method for verification of fish measurement when using the device. The assembly design having the capability to mount the board to an underlying support surface as well as provide a user identifier for use in fishing tournaments.

Abstract: A fish measurement device including a hinged rigid bump board in combination with a slidably engageable cradle and a method for verification of fish measurement when using the device. The device having a QR tag used during the verification method authenticating fish size during a Catch, Photo, Release fishing tournament using a Tournament Management System.

Abstract: A flexible manufacturing system utilizing modular work stations configured to provide asynchronous operations on a plurality of work pieces mounted on fixtures or pallets that are transported through the system by means of a conveyor or rail arrangement. The pallets are diverted from the track on which they are transported linearly to a desired machining module adjacent to, but removed from, the track, such that the machining is performed in a chamber isolated from the track. Each machining module may be utilized in more than one location on the track and the modules may be interchanged depending on the desired operation sequence and the tools available in each of the machining station modules.

Abstract: A stabilized pallet-type carrier is provided for use with automatic conveyor systems. The pallet-type carrier includes stabilizing means disposed at outer ends thereof for engaging the track support which keeps the pallet level or horizontal through turns in the conveyor system. The stabilized pallet-type carrier also features spring-biased or spring-loaded shoe assemblies that provide shock-absorbing and vibration-dampening capabilities. The present invention also provides an improved lightweight pallet guide or shoe that combines the benefits of using a lightweight material such as plastic or polyurethane with the superior wear characteristics of using a metallic material such as steel.

Abstract: An improved combination carrier and stop assembly is provided for use in automated conveyor assembly systems. The carrier includes a reject pin having two positions that flags defective workpieces and further confirms that non-defective workpieces have passed the previous quality checks. The carrier also includes an improved mechanism for being grasped and lifted by the stop assembly unit of the present invention thereby enabling the stop assembly unit to grasp and lift the carrier and workpiece above the forwardly moving conveyor. The stop assembly detects the presence of a carrier, automatically checks the defective/non-defective status of the workpiece and thereafter grasps and lifts the carrier and workpiece above the conveyor if a task is to be performed. The stop assembly also includes an air-assisted release mechanism to facilitate the release of the carrier from the stop assembly after the task is performed. A programmable controller controls the moving parts of the stop assembly.

Abstract: A buffer/brake system is provided for carriers used in an automated assembly system. The rear ends of the carriers are equipped with a flexible ring that is compressed when the queued carrier is struck by an oncoming carrier. Compression of the flexible ring engages the sidewalls of the track support that accommodates the conveyor and the frictional engagement of the ring against the sidewalls of the track support act as a brake for the queued carrier. The ring also acts to absorb the shock resulting from the collision between the queued carrier and the oncoming carrier. The buffer/brake system is fully incorporated in and fixedly attached to the carrier and is not placed on the conveyor separately.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a coupling system for releasably attaching any one of a number of robotically controlled tools (robotic "hands") to a robotically controlled extension arm. The coupling system tightly locks the hand to the robotic arm by combined air and spring pressure such that, even under heavy duty use, the hand will not unintentionally twist or move relative to the arm, yet the hand and arm may be quickly disengaged by release of locking air pressure and imposition of unlocking air pressure which enables ball means to be cammed out of locking engagement.