Abstract: A method for extinguishing a candle at timed intervals using a combustible material is disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, the method includes: utilizing a combustible composition adapted for application to a wick segment; utilizing a combustible first wick segment; coupling a combustible second wick segment to the combustible first wick segment; placing the combustible second wick segment adjacent to the first wick segment; and configuring the combustible second wick segment to, as the combustible first wick segment, once ignited, burns down to the combustible second wick segment, interrupt and slowly self-extinguish the burning of the first wick segment. The candle wick is configured to be relit, post extinguishment, without having to physically remove a non-combustible barrier. A combustible composition also is disclosed. A candle further is disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-use wagon is disclosed. The wagon includes a body supported by a plurality of wheels, front and rear seats disposed within the body, and forward and rear back-support panels pivotably coupled to the front and rear seats to provide back support and to selectively fold to create a table top surface. The seats are removable. The wagon also includes left and right side panels pivotably coupled to the body, wherein the left and right side panels are configured to be operatively placed in one of three positions: to be used in a stowed position at a left and right sides, respectively, of the wagon body, to be lifted to provide upper side support to the wagon body while carrying a child or cargo, and to operatively fold, outwardly to provide a right or left side portion, respectively, of the table top surface. The wagon includes an insulated chest.

Abstract: A modular air fluidized sand bed for the heat treatment of metal products is disclosed. This technology provides for the heat-treatment of steels, particularly long products, and other alloys and shapes using fluidized-sand heat transfer media. The technology directs gas burners into U-tube assemblies suspended in the media. The fluidizing agent is hot exhaust gas recovered from the U-tubes. Blended exhaust gases and cool air can maintain fluidizing gas, plenum and retort temperatures at nearly the same temperature as the sand. Constant volume and pressure of fluidizing gas maximizes heat transfer between sand and product. For extreme heating applications, a thermally insulated cover held in direct contact with the hot fluidized sand improves energy efficiency. A sand return system returns sand lost from the bed exit to entrance. The modular air fluidized sand bed includes a fluidization pressure and volume that are altered independent of a fluidization media temperature.

Abstract: Musical note tiles, a system for teaching music notation and composition, and associated methods are disclosed. The system includes manipulative musical note tiles. The note tiles are transparent and adapted for use on measure plaques, or like surfaces. The note tiles can adhere to a surface with static cling in one embodiment. Alternatively, the note tiles can adhere to a surface with magnetism. The note tiles are mathematically proportionate to each other as they are to the relative lengths of sound durations represented by note icons. The measure plaques are in complete mathematical congruence to the lengths of the note tiles. The note tiles can include transparent texture strips. The system also includes mounting platforms, staff extension plaques, grand staff brace labels, bridges, spacer tiles, pre-reading tiles, and symbol labels.

Abstract: A reversible, submersible, encapsulated PTC heater is disclosed having: a disc-shaped sealable housing; a central disc comprised of a sheet mineral disposed within the sealable housing; cavities disposed within the central disc; PTC heating elements disposed within the cavities; an upper electrode disc disposed upon a top side of the central disc and PTC heater elements; a lower electrode disc disposed upon a bottom side of the central disc and PTC heater elements; an upper polyimide film disc disposed upon a top side of the upper electrode disc; and a lower polyimide film disc disposed upon a bottom side of the lower electrode disc. The electrode discs are configured to make an intimate contact with the PTC heating elements and for connectivity to an electrical power source. The PTC heater is configured to electrically heat a medium to a predetermined temperature and to maintain the temperature of the medium.

Abstract: A continuous sludge decant system and associated methods are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment an apparatus for decanting sludge includes: a decant vessel configured to receive sludge influent, to contain the sludge to be heated and decanted, and to discharge the sludge and a decanted liquid from the sludge, and a heating/directional grid disposed within an interior of the decant vessel and around which the sludge is circulated, mixed, and stirred, the heating/directional grid comprising a plurality of heating coils and configured to circulate heat from a heat source through the decant vessel to decant the sludge. The vessel and the heating/directional grid are configured to contain, heat, mix, and decant the sludge without shearing the sludge.

Abstract: In various exemplary embodiments, systems and methods for encapsulated heaters are provided. A submersible, encapsulated heating system, a submersible, encapsulated heating system with a built-in thermostat, an encapsulated heat exchanger with flow-through heating, and a liquid, floating, encapsulated heating system are disclosed. The heater includes at least one heating element within the housing. The heating element is a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) of resistance heating element. The heater includes a pair of thin, flexible foil electrode strips disposed upon opposing sides of heating element, configured for flexibility to make an intimate contact with surface areas on each heating element. Within the housing, the heating element and the pair of thin, flexible foil electrode strips are encapsulated with an inert polymer to make the heater submersible. The encapsulated heater is configured to electrically heat a medium to a predetermined temperature and to maintain the temperature of the medium.

Abstract: An adjustable storage container is formed with a removable lid that fits telescopically over the bottom section. The container's storage capacity is adjustable based upon the ability to increase and/or decrease the container's capacity by changing the orientation of the lid placement telescopically over the container bottom. Key slot ledges of differing depths that are designed into the side walls of the container's bottom section enable the lid to perch at different heights above the floor of the container depending upon which orientation of the lid is used when placing the lid telescopically over the container bottom. The abstract is not intended to be limiting in regard to the scope of the invention as defined by the claims to follow.

Abstract: Animated image vision tests take advantage of the ability of our eyes to detect both distance and motion. Moving images, such as rotating segmented circles, let the eyes detect motion as to the size, distance, and rotation direction of that moving image. That motion detection is much more precise than the interpretation of multiple static letters or static images. Using rotating images for vision testing rather than static images creates an acuity test more accurate than current tests, a test that is faster to use, and a test that doesn't require the ability to read.

Abstract: A hair straightening device and associated methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a hair-straightening band includes: an elongated band; a bristle-tipped insert having a plurality of bristles, the bristle-tipped insert disposed within the elongated band; and a plate having a plurality of apertures through which to receive the plurality of bristles, the plate adapted to secure the insert to the elongated band with the plurality of bristles exposed. The hair band is adapted for application to a head of hair with the plurality of bristles facing inwardly toward the hair, rotation upon the hair, and wear upon the hair to straighten the hair. The hair band is heatless and non-electric.

Abstract: A dynamic foot-arch support device for dynamically supporting the arch and structures of the human foot throughout phases of the biomechanical movement of the foot during weight-bearing activities is provided. A dynamic foot-arch support device for supporting the arch and structures of a foot is provided that includes a support band having an upper end and a lower end, the support band forming a loop at the upper end through which to place a foot and position the loop around or just below an ankle portion of the foot, the lower end configured to wrap from an inside area of the ankle portion of the foot and rotate to an underside of the foot for secure attachment below the underside of the foot, the support band thereby configured to provide a tension to support to an arch area of the foot.