Abstract: A cart is described for use in transporting and loading kayaks and similar watercraft. The cart includes first and second side frame members having forward and rear ends; a support member extending between the frame members adjacent the frame member rear ends; a bracing member extending between the frame members adjacent the frame member forward ends; a wheel assembly adjacent the rear ends of the frame members, the assembly including first and second axle ends and wheels carried on the axle ends; and an anti-reverse braking means preventing rearward movement of the cart upon tilting of the cart upward. The braking means may include a first component attached to a frame member and a second component attached to a rotatable component of the wheel assembly, the first and second components being moved into locking engagement upon upward tilting of the cart.

Abstract: A solids collector for collecting solids in waste water that are heavier than water includes a roto-molded plastic container having a cylindrical sidewall and a downwardly sloping bottom. An inlet and outlet are connected to the sidewall substantially above the sloping bottom so that solids that are heavier than water in the waste water coming into the container through the inlet have residence time in the container long enough to gravitationally separate towards the bottom. Waste water depleted of solids that are heavier than water discharge from the container through the outlet.

Abstract: A headstage for a Neural Data Acquisition System is shown and described. In one embodiment, the headstage includes at least one Input Pre-amplifier, and a multiplexer (MUX) for multiplexing at least one channel. In one embodiment, the input filter of the Input Pre-amplifier is tuned by adjusting the gate voltage of a transistor operating in sub-threshold mode.

Abstract: Systems for removing a tire from a rim are shown and described. In one embodiment, the system comprises a substantially flat base. A centerpiece is configured to attach to the base. A primary lever having a tire-interface portion at one end, a handle at the opposite end, and a centerpiece-attachment in between the tire-interface the said handle is also a component of the system. The primary lever is configured to attach to the centerpiece in a manner that allows the primary lever to rotate relative to the centerpiece.

Abstract: An apparatus for covering and cleaning a cylindrical paint roller pad includes a painting shield having a semi-cylindrical side wall; mounting means for rotatably mounting the pad so that the painting shield side wall is spaced from a first segment of the pad side wall with the longitudinal axis of the pad is coincident with the axis of curvature of the painting shield side wall; a rinse shield rotatable between a closed position substantially beneath the painting shield side wall and an extended position spaced from a second segment of the roller outer surface, the shields being spaced to form a water discharge gap when the rinse shield is in its extended position; and a water manifold to direct water against the pad. The mounting means may be a spindle with a secured handle, or a separate handle attachable to the painting shield.

Abstract: An multimodal exercise device that is compact and designed for low impact therapeutic exercise allowing for multiple modes of motion for exercising or improving a user's circulation when the user places his or her feet or hands on the device's contact elements and moves them in at least one of the modes of motion. The device is preferentially used while the user is seated and can accommodate exercise in situations where exercise is not traditionally accomplished, such as at a desk, or while traveling in a plane, train, or automobile. The device includes a base, a stand, a connector, a beam, and two contact elements, configured in such a manner as to allow multiple modes of motion. Modes of motion include, but are not limited to, sliding, stepping, and cycling. Electronics integrated into the exercise device and software allow the user to monitor and/or record his or her exercise.

Abstract: A 3-D woven fabric having substantially elongated foam elements integrally formed therein during fabric formation for providing open corridors within the fabric. The fabric is preferably used for structural, stiffener, or component applications.

Abstract: A package sorting conveyor system including a conveying track, at least one unloading station and an air-film lubricated entrance chute upstream of the unloading station to receive the package. In one of the embodiments, the system further includes a positioner assembly for selectively positioning an outlet of the entrance chute. The air-film lubricated entrance chute includes: a plenum including a plurality of spaced apart apertures and an opening for communicating with an air supply; and a conveying surface in communication with the apertures.

Abstract: A container for receiving and holding effluent water containing oil/grease to be removed has sectional covers. A main sectional cover supports a partially immersed rotatable disk; a drive on the main sectional cover rotates the disk; a trough on the main sectional cover straddles the disk; and a blade on the trough scrapes a side of the disk, to direct oil and grease from the disk along the scraper blade along the trough for collection in a storage container. Efficiencies of construction of the sectional covers, disk and a sensor probe are disclosed.

Abstract: An anchoring assembly is described for use in releasably securing a transportable vehicle to the bed of a transport vehicle that includes mounting holes spaced transverse to the length of the bed at a given distance from each other. The assembly includes first and second eyebolts, each eyebolt having a circular eye and threaded shank sized for insertion downwardly through one of the mounting holes and a nut threadable on the shank beneath the bed; a cylindrical crossbar having a length greater than the given distance insertable through the eyes of the eyebolts, the crossbar including a releasable latching pin adjacent at least one of its ends; and a telescoping tie down arm having a proximal end with an eye slidable over the crossbar between the eyebolts and a distal end including a hitch connector releasably attachable to the transportable vehicle hitch.

Abstract: Soybean oil is extracted by a two-stage process in which up to 85%, preferably from about 60 to about 75%, of the soybean oil in soybeans is extracted by mechanical or solvent extraction to produce first extracted oil and oil-containing meal. The first extracted oil is then refined by caustic or physical refining. Substantially all of the oil remaining in the meal is extracted by solvent extraction to produce second extracted oil and substantially oil-free meal. The second extracted oil may be transesterified for use in biodiesel fuel.

Abstract: A color-fast material and method of making same, the material having a combination of a first component with substantial stretch properties and a second component with substantially lower stretch properties than those of the first component wherein the material is a fabric manufactured by knitting, weaving, non-woven or other fabric manufacturing process and the material is dyed prior to fabric formation for providing a material having superior color-fastness and color-uniformity in both stretched and relaxed states.

Abstract: An overhead door with improved biasing means and automatic locking means includes two panels which are substantially horizontal when the door is raised and vertically aligned when the door is closed. An expandable hinge at the interface of the door panels allows the lower panel to move vertically when the door is in the lowered position with the upper end of the lower door panel is spaced from the lower end of the upper door panel. Either the lower end of the upper panel is tapered downwardly toward its outer edge, or the upper end of the lower panel is tapered upwardly toward its outer edge so that the outer edges of the panel ends contact first, biasing the interface of the panels outwardly, when the door is raised. The door also includes a latch that is engaged upon lowering the lower panel relative to the upper panel.

Abstract: Decorative wooden laminated panels are made from barrel staves previously forming parts of barrels used to age wine and other alcoholic beverages, each stave having inner and outer segments, with the inner segment being different in appearance from the outer due to penetration of alcoholic beverage components. The sides of said staves are first trimmed so that the sides are straight and parallel, and the staves are then cut into a plurality of strips. The strips are then formed into a panel with the inner surface of each strip being adjacent the outer surface of an adjacent strip, providing a decorative pattern of alternating contrasting stripes.

Abstract: An apparatus for installation of a material having discrete elements. The apparatus includes a supply material having discrete elements and a transporter system downstream of the supply material having discrete elements. In embodiments, the transporter system includes: a high speed, inline blower; a material agitator upstream of the inline blower, the material agitator including a plurality of concentric rings with serrations on the upper surface of each arm, wherein at least one outer ring includes saw tooth serrations on the upper surface of the ring; a transmission connected to the shaft of the blower for providing a lower speed mechanical output to the material agitator; and an orifice substantially adjacent to the inlet of the blower for receiving the supply material having discrete elements. In embodiments, the apparatus further includes an applicator assembly connected downstream to the transporter system.

Abstract: A filter assembly attachable to the discharge opening of a contaminated air source includes a filter having an outer periphery; a flexible conduit having a continuous side wall, an outer end attachable to the discharge opening, and an inner end attachable about the periphery of the filter; and a flexible side protrusion extending from the conduit sidewall, the protrusion having an inner end in communication with the interior of the conduit and a closed outer end. The filter can be mounted within an enclosure with an inlet opening and a discharge outlet, the conduit extending through the inlet opening and the filter being located within the enclosure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for delivering programmable, personalized interactive audio content, including advertising, via telecommunications carriers. Also, a telecommunications-carrier-based interactive combined entertainment, advertising, and sales channel is provided.

Abstract: A system for transporting and maintaining a storage container is shown and described. The system comprises a vehicle including a frame capable of receiving a storage container. The system also includes a winch, a container-conveyor, and a lift. The storage container is sized for being removably received by the frame and includes a winch-interface, a container-conveyor-interface, and a lift-interface.

Abstract: An multimodal exercise device that is compact and designed for low impact therapeutic exercise allowing for multiple modes of motion for exercising or improving a user's circulation when the user places his or her feet or hands on the device's contact elements and moves them in at least one of the modes of motion. The device is preferentially used while the user is seated and can accommodate exercise in situations where exercise is not traditionally accomplished, such as at a desk, or while traveling in a plane, train, or automobile. The device includes a base, a stand, a connector, a beam, and two contact elements, configured in such a manner as to allow multiple modes of motion. Modes of motion include, but are not limited to, sliding, stepping, and cycling.