Other

Thompson Technology Industries, Inc.

Richard I Proctor

Robert T Fuller

Robert E Fuller

Daniel S Thompson

Monty Mullins

Robert G Rodgers

Zhan Zhang

A shrinkage compensating device for seismic restraint in wood building construction combines a spring-operated take-up device (TUD) with a ratcheting split nut. The split nut, attached to or formed as part of a rotatable component of the TUD, acts as the securing nut for the TUD and allows the TUD with the split nut to be slipped over the top of a threaded rod and pulled down along the rod into place against a structural member. Several forms of attachment of the split nut to the spring-operated TUD are disclosed, as is a simplified rotatable split nut version.

Shrinkage compensating device for seismic restraint

An apparatus for mounting an article to a roof includes a base plate, threaded stud, lag bolts, spacer, and flashing. The base plate includes bolt holes to accommodate the lag bolts to secure the base plate to the roof. The threaded stud is secured to and extends vertically from the base plate. The spacer is inserted over the stud so that the stud passes through an aperture in the spacer, and is secured by a nut. The spacer acts as a lift for mounting an article up off the roof, thereby permitting drainage. The spacer includes a recess to accommodate the head of a lag bolt. The wrap-around flashing is captured between the base plate and spacer, creating a water free environment underneath the assembled unit. The flashing slides up underneath the roofing shingles to prevent water from penetrating the structure, and includes a lip to accommodate the base plate, and a detent to accommodate the bolt heads beneath it.

Apparatus for mounting a solar panel or other article to a roof or other structure

An exercising system has a frame defining a space in which a user is positioned for performing a large number of different exercises. Frame members have holes within which flexible bars are positioned, spanning across the machine, for low-impact exercising using the bars. In a preferred embodiment the bar-supporting frame members, or some of them, are adjustable in position so as to provide a nearly unlimited number of positions for different users and for different exercises. A few of the many exercises facilitated by the system are described.

Exercising and physiotherapy system

A back supporting and exercising cushion has upper and lower pneumatic chambers with an orifice or adjustable flow valve between the chambers for controlling shifting of air between the two chambers. With the back support device positioned in a chair or car seat, for example, the lower chamber is situated against the lumbar region of the back while the upper chamber presses against the mid-thoracic region. When the user shifts his posture, the chambers continually accommodate the changes by inflating one chamber while the pressure deflates air out of the other chamber. The ability to change posture frequently decreases fatigue in the low back while driving, for example, and provides neurological stimulation in the joints of the spine, which can help balance activities of the muscles in the back and decrease pain.

Back supporting and exercising cushion

A neck exercising and manipulating device, for stimulating the range of motion of the intervertebral joints of the neck in several directions is in the form of a strap with loops at each end for gripping in the hands. In the middle of the strap is a padded central portion with a high friction surface on one side, for engaging against the back of the neck at various levels depending on the joints to be stimulated. A series of different stimulating exercises are disclosed, for improving the range of motion and comfort of the cervical spine as well as other exercises.

Neck exercising method

A stationary frame on a supporting surface carries a handlebar and seat to accommodate a person wishing to exercise. A flywheel above the supporting surface is journaled on the frame for rotation by a pair of pedals; and an adjustment knob on the frame enables the rider to control the amount of braking resistance exerted on the flywheel by a pair of brake shoes.

Growing community of inventors

San Rafael, CA, United States of America

Richard I Proctor