Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a device that attenuates shock loads experienced by a body supported by a moveable structure during a high energy impact event. The device includes an elongated metal bar with a principal axis coinciding with a length dimension of the bar, and an anti-rotation member configured to rotationally fix the metal bar at a first torque application point to one of the body and the moveable structure. A torque application member is located at a second torque application point on the bar, and spaced apart from the anti-rotation member by a distance defining a working section of the bar. The torque application member is connected to the other one of the body and the moveable structure, and configured to impart a twisting moment to the working section of the bar proportional to an acceleration induced inertia load between the structure and the body.

Abstract: One of the persistent irritations of daily life is forgetting where you parked your car. In small lot, this is merely annoying. When there are multiple lots a mile or more apart, and it is impractical to park in the same spot every time, finding one's car can become a major waste of time. The car-finder overcomes these difficulties by using an existing GPS-enabled (or otherwise location sensing) device, such as a cell phone, automatically identifying recent parking locations used by the user, allowing the user to select among them, and guiding the user to the parked vehicle.

Abstract: A decorative shape, and more particularly, an illuminable three-dimensional shape having an illuminable translucent three-dimensional environment for receiving light from a light source, and a three-dimensional form interacting with the illuminable three-dimensional environment are presented. The combination of the illuminable translucent three-dimensional environment, the three-dimensional form, and the light received from the light source causes the three-dimensional form to appear as if it is interacting with the illuminable translucent three-dimensional environment.

Abstract: An ear-plug alarm comprises a base station which sets the time, and ear-piece which provides autonomous timing and alarm functions after it is disconnected from the base station. The base station is implemented in personal computer software with an appropriate interface. Each ear-piece stores its own alarm setting, and operates autonomously after it is disconnected, so that a single base station can support any number of ear-pieces. With this method the alarm becomes a count down from the time that it is set, relieving the ear-piece timer of any long-term accuracy requirement.

Abstract: An ear-plug alarm comprises a base station which sets the time, and ear-piece which provides autonomous timing and alarm functions after it is disconnected from the base station. The base station is implemented in personal computer software with an appropriate interface. Each ear-piece stores its own alarm setting, and operates autonomously after it is disconnected, so that a single base station can support any number of ear-pieces. With this method the alarm becomes a count down from the time that it is set, relieving the ear-piece timer of any long-term accuracy requirement.

Abstract: A dinghy spar and equipment carrier (10) which is provided with an enclosure (12) for carrying various paraphernalia related to the operation of a dinghy. Yokes (26) are mounted proximate the upper portion of the enclosure (12) and receive spars/oars therein. The yokes (26) are designed for carrying spars/oars of various shapes, sizes, etc., without marring their surfaces. Suitable feet (48) are provided for supporting the enclosure on the boat in a manner which will preserve the integrity of the deck surface. The carrier is secured to a dinghy by a suitable strap (52) which is wrapped about the hull in the preferred embodiment.