Abstract: A blending apparatus includes an articulable housing operatively coupled to one or more switches to actuate a blending motor. Upon mounting a mixing jar and associated lid on top of the housing, downward pressure is placed on the lid/jar assembly which places, in turn, downward pressure on the housing. Such downward pressure on the housing causes the housing to articulate and actuate the switch, which in turn provides power to the motor to rotate the blade mounted within the mixing container at a first rotational speed. In one embodiment, the switch is interposed between the housing and a stationary base. A second switch may also be utilized to rotate the blade at a second, increased rotational speed upon additional articulation of the housing.

Abstract: A programmable application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) for implementing operations that involve a plurality of computational functions. The programmable ASIC comprises a plurality of fixed functions and programmable switch logic. Each of the plurality of fixed functions is parameterized such that its operational characteristics are programmable using different operating parameters. In addition, each of the plurality of fixed functions inputs and outputs data in accordance with common interface rules. The programmable switch logic is configurable to link two or more of the fixed functions in a sequence to perform desired operations. The fixed functions are implemented using “hard” or fixed digital logic gates such as those in an ASIC.

Abstract: A blending apparatus includes an articulable housing operatively coupled to one or more switches to actuate a blending motor. Upon mounting a mixing jar and associated lid on top of the housing, downward pressure is placed on the lid/jar assembly which places, in turn, downward pressure on the housing. Such downward pressure on the housing causes the housing to articulate and actuate the switch, which in turn provides power to the motor to rotate the blade mounted within the mixing container at a first rotational speed. In one embodiment, the switch is interposed between the housing and a stationary base. A second switch may also be utilized to rotate the blade at a second, increased rotational speed upon additional articulation of the housing.

Abstract: A blending apparatus includes an articulable housing operatively coupled to one or more switches to actuate a blending motor. Upon mounting a mixing jar and associated lid on top of the housing, downward pressure is placed on the lid/jar assembly which places, in turn, downward pressure on the housing. Such downward pressure on the housing causes the housing to articulate and actuate the switch, which in turn provides power to the motor to rotate the blade mounted within the mixing container at a first rotational speed. In one embodiment, the switch is interposed between the housing and a stationary base. A second switch may also be utilized to rotate the blade at a second, increased rotational speed upon additional articulation of the housing.

Abstract: A skydiving simulator includes a framework (B) and a flying chamber (A) supported within the framework (B). The framework (B) is constituted by a plurality of symmetrically-positioned, inclined girders (1) the lower ends (1a) of which are bolted to a base (4), and the upper ends (1b) of which are interconnected by cross-pieces (2). The flying chamber (A) has an air inlet at the base thereof and an air outlet at the top thereof. The flying chamber (A) is made of tensioned sheet material (6). A plurality of motor/fan units (11) are provided for producing an upward stream of air within the flying chamber (A).