Abstract: A wall repair compound useful for filling and repairing cracks, holes, and other imperfections in a wall surface includes a conventional filler material, a conventional binder material, and a dust reducing additive which reduces the quantity of airborne dust particles generated when sanding the hardened joint compound. Airborne dust reducing additives include oils, surfactants, solvents, waxes, and other petroleum derivatives. The additive can be added to conventional ready-mixed joint compounds and to setting type joint compounds. A method of reducing the quantity of airborne dust generated when sanding a fully hardened joint compound includes mixing a sufficient quantity of the dust reducing additive with the joint compound prior to when the joint compound has been applied to the wall.

Abstract: Hand hygiene apparatuses and methods for monitoring hand hygiene and for dispensing hand soap or hand sanitizers. An illustrative hand hygiene apparatus includes a computer, a database stored on the computer, a biometric sensor operatively coupled to the computer, a hand hygiene dispenser operatively coupled to the computer, and a hand soap or hand sanitizer disposed adjacent to the hand hygiene dispenser. The database might include a collection of partial biometric data for a group of persons.

Abstract: A sectional floor mat system of floor mats and edging sections or pieces that are removably engaged with the floor mats. The floor mat system includes at least one mat and sufficient edging to border at least one of the side edges of the at least one mat. In many embodiments, there is sufficient edging to border all side edges of the at least one mat, when multiple mats, if present, and connected together. The edging pieces of the invention, and other variations thereof, when combined with mats, provide a floor covering system that is easy for the user to set-up, disassemble as needed, and inhibit tripping on the edges of mats.

Abstract: An order taking system and method for an establishment enabling a customer to place an order for an item from the establishment. Order placing equipment is located near the establishment being capable of receiving the order for the item from the customer. A first voice communication link is established between local order placing equipment and a remote facility. A second voice communication link is established between the order placing equipment and the local order receiving facility. The order taking system is operable in a first mode operatively coupled via the first voice communication link between the order placing equipment and the remote facility and in a second mode operatively coupled via the second communication link between the order placing equipment to the local order taking facility.

Abstract: To provide an article support structure used when attaching an article to an adherend with a stretch-releasable adhesive tape in which components and the like do not fly off when releasing the adhesive tape from the adherend, the double-sided adhesive tape does not tear, and damage to high-sensitivity adherends can be effectively suppressed. An article support structure comprises a base plate which can be removably attached to an article, and a double-sided adhesive tape intervening between the base plate and an adherend, and having a stre tenable base material and an adhesive layer. The base plate has a project ion-shaped gripping member, and at least one pair of spacer members disposed on both sides thereof which can form a gap between the surface of the adherend and the bottom surface of the base plate, and is configured so that the position of the gripping member and the position of the spacer members at least partly overlap in the length direction of the “double-sided adhesive tape.

Abstract: Novel systems and methods for operatively utilizing nutrient/flavor impregnated media(s) operatively contained in devices, such as, for example, product structures or the like, capable of introducing the nutrients/flavors in a single serving (4-12 oz) dose packets, or multiple servings, such as, for example, a pitcher (up to 64+ oz) or a gallon or half gallon of flavored and enhanced water operatively connected to complimentary dispensing system, presently preferably, tied to a water filtration device, such as, for example, bottle less water coolers and one that could be mounted inside a refrigerator dispensing system, and the manufacture of such low cost media(s) and dispensing systems.

Abstract: A remotely configurable wireless intercom system and method for an establishment having a staff. A base station is connectable to a wide area communication network. A plurality of headsets are in two-way wireless communication with the base station. Wireless communication between each of the plurality of headsets and the base station are configurable with at least one parameter being adjustable by the staff of the establishment. The parameter is remotely reviewable and being remotely adjustable via the wide area communication network. Also disclosed is a method of providing a remotely configurable wireless intercom system. Wireless communication is configured between each of the plurality of headsets and the base station with at least one parameter being adjustable by the staff of the establishment. The parameter is remotely reviewed and adjusted via the wide area communication network.

Abstract: An attachment system for attaching an abrasive article, such as an abrasive sheet or disc, to a sanding tool includes an article having a first major surface including an attachment region with attachment material for attachment with an associated mating surface on the sanding tool, and a non-attachment region along at least a portion of an edge of the first major surface forming a sufficiently weak attachment with the associated mating surface to allow a user to grasp the abrasive article and separate the abrasive article from the sanding tool.

Abstract: The present invention is a filter that includes a length of filter media and a continuous, substantially nonlinear adhesive strand. The filter media has a front face and a rear face. The filter media has a plurality of pleats defined by a plurality of fold lines, each fold line being intermediate oppositely sloping first and second wall surfaces. The plurality of fold lines comprise a first plurality of pleat tips and a second plurality of pleat valleys. The adhesive strand is provided on the front face of the filter media in discontinuous contact with the filter media. The adhesive strand contacts the filter media at a pleat tip and contacts the filter media at a portion of a first wall surface and contacts the filter media at a portion of a second wall surface.

Abstract: A surface modifying apparatus, system, article, and method are disclosed for modifying a surface by surface modification, whereby inserts of surface modifying elements are quickly and easily replaceable on a carrier assembly therefor without being damaged during use.