Abstract:
A game in which each opposing player utilizes a racquet, a paddle (16), or a hand to propel a ball onto a game board apparatus having three playing surfaces (e.g., 40, 42, 44). These playing surfaces are related to one another at angles which are within a specified range. The rules of the game require that the ball come into contact with the surfaces in a specified order both while serving and during play. The game utilizes a game board that may be incorporated into furniture, (Fig. 1) may be wall mounted (Fig. 7), or may be on a free-standing base (Fig. 5).
Abstract:
Ultra light weight golf club shaft (1) tapered in a step pattern (2) having a reinforced wall (5) at the region of the grip (4) where maximum bending moment occurs during play.
Abstract:
On-board datalogger apparatus and service methods for use with vehicles are disclosed. A disclosed method of servicing a vehicle receives a non-volatile storage device containing vehicle data, couples the non-volatile storage device to a shared vehicle service system associated with a service facility, and conveys at least some of the vehicle data from the non-volatile storage device to the shared vehicle service system. The method also processes at least some of the vehicle data to generate corrective information configured to affect a repair of the vehicle, and stores the corrective information in the non-volatile storage device.
Abstract:
Apparatus and a method of preparing fiber preforms disperses fibers and binder on a forming support surface such that the materials are conditioned and then applied to the surface where the composite material solidifies. Reinforcing material, such as fiber, is mixed with binder, such as thermoplastic or thermoset materials, so that the materials adhere. Then, the adhesive mixture is dispersed in a controlled pre-determined weight ratio on the support surface where the mixture sticks to the support surface, cools and solidifies. The deposited mixture can be an open mat having interstices between fibers. The deposited mixture can also be shaped further into a final desired shape before complete solidification. This method eliminates the need for solvents and their associated problems. The process does not require a vacuum or plenum system to hold the reinforcing material in place. The preform can be made in any shape, including sections or asymmetric configurations and remain in mold while being processed to a composite molded article.
Abstract:
An exercise machine having a frame (28), weight stack (40), pulleys (24, 26), and cables (12, 54) and incorporating a dual adjustable pulley system (10) is disclosed. The weight stack (40) is slidably connected to the frame (28). A primary moveable pulley system is engaged with the weight stack (40) by way of a primary cable (12). The primary cable (12) has a handle (16) connected to its first end and its second end is fixed with respect to an exercise movement. A series of directional pulleys (20, 24, 26) are also engaged with the primary cable (12). The directional pulleys (20, 24, 26) are positioned on the frame (28) to allow for an exerciser to perform multiple exercises employing the weight stack (40). A secondary moveable pulley system is engaged with the primary moveable pulley system. The secondary moveable pulley system can be selectively engaged with the weight stack using a releasable coupler. A secondary cable is functionally engaged with the secondary moveable pulley system and a number of directional pulleys. The secondary cable has a first end that is fixed to a floating pulley. The floating pulley is functionally engaged with the primary cable. The secondary cable has second end that selectively engages the weight stack. The relationship between the primary moveable pulley system and the secondary moveable pulley system is such that when the handle is moved in an exercise motion, the weight stack provides resistance to the exercise motion.
Abstract:
A combination decline exercise machine (100) includes a base structure (102) that defines an exercise position (116). A lever (154, 254) is provided on the base structure (102) for pivotal movement about an axis (150, 250). The axis (150, 250) is located between opposite end portions of the lever (154, 254). A handle (164, 264) is associated with the lever (154, 254) so as to be engaged by an exerciser to move the handle (164, 264) about the axis (150, 250) in an upward direction to a raised position and in a downward direction toward to a lowered position. A first connector (159, 259) is provided on one end portion of the lever (154, 254) to apply selectively a first resistance against movement of the handle (154, 264) in the upward direction. A second connector (158, 258) is provided on the opposite end portion of the lever (154, 254) to apply selectively a second resistance against movement of the handle (164, 264) in the downward direction.
Abstract:
A rotational molding method is provided consisting in a first method of spraying the inner mold area with an acrylic polyethylene alloy prior to loading the resin into the mold. The mold is then heated, rotated and cooled to form the molded part. The part is provided with a shinier and harder surface layer as compared to previous rotational molding methods. In a second method, in lieu of spraying, the acrylic polyethylene alloy is loaded into the mold with the resin. In the third and fourth methods, a drop box is provided for releasing resins into the mold. Other materials, in addition to acrylic polyethylene, can also be used with the various methods.
Abstract:
A thermoplastic multi-layer composite structure is disclosed and consist in a first embodiment of a co-extruded, acrylic polypropylene outer skin and high melt strength polypropylene substrate which is attached to a first surface of a polypropylene foam core. An inner polypropylene skin can be provided and is attached to a second surface of the foam core. The foam core can either be constructed from an expanded polypropylene or an extruded polypropylene. Where an expanded polypropylene foam core is provided, the foam core is attached to the outer and inner skin through the use of a polypropylene adhesive. Where the extruded polypropylene foam core is provided, the skins can be attached to the foam core through a welding or bonding process in lieu of adhesives. The polypropylene adhesives can also be utilized for attaching the skins to the extruded foam core. Additionally, the extruded foam core can vary in density to provide a composite foam core. Preferably, the various densities of the composite foam core are arranged such that the lowest density foam is provided at the center of the core and the varying densities of the foam core extend outward from the center in numerical order.
Abstract:
A quantity of titanium (5) is heated in a crucible (1) to provide a melt (5), and a layer of slag (7), containing an ionizable titanium compound, such as titanium dioxide, along with ionizable slag constituents, is disposed on the top of the melt (5). The slag (7) is then heated to a molten state by direct current plasma arc heating with the melt (5) being anodic. After the slag (7) is molten, the polarity of the plasma arc heating is reversed so that the melt (5) is cathodic, causing the slag (7) to act as an electron transfer layer so that the titanium dioxide of the slag (7) is reduced to titanium and any dissolved oxygen in the melt (5) is converted to an ionic species of oxygen at the interface between the slag (7) and the melt (5). The resulting liquid titanium is combined with the melt (5), while the ionic species of oxygen is carried upwardly through the slag (7) and released from the slag layer (7) by an oxidation process. Additional quantities of titanium dioxide can be added to the slag (7) to continually convert the titanium dioxide to titanium under the reverse polarity plasma arc heating.
Abstract:
A stair climber apparatus has a frame and a plurality of stairs that are pivotably connected together in series and travel in a loop with respect to the frame. The plurality of stairs comprises a first stair having a tread and a riser. The tread and riser are pivotably connected together at a first pivot axis. The tread has a tread surface that supports an operator's foot. A stopping member is on the tread. The stopping member has a stop surface that extends transversely to and upwardly from the tread surface and prevents the operator's foot from overshooting the first pivot axis and engaging the riser as the operator steps onto the tread surface when the riser is pivoted away from the tread.