Abstract: A floating apparatus is arranged to be propelled manually. The apparatus has a float with a head and a foot for supporting a recumbent person. Also included is a hull attached under the float. The hull has a first end and a second end and is narrower than the float. The apparatus has a propeller shaft with a propeller that is rotatably mounted in the hull. Also included is a manual driver for rotating the propeller shaft. The manual driver is mounted at the first end of the hull and the propeller is mounted at the second end of the hull.

Abstract: A floormat arranged to shed fluids has a topside and an underside. The floormat is placed where a user is expected to stand during a procedure. Fluids released during the procedure are allowed to fall onto and be shed off the floormat before being removed. The floormat may be discarded before starting another procedure. The mat is formed, at least in part, of compressible and resilient material. The topside of the mat has a spaced plurality of channels. In one instance, each of the channels has a floor sloping in opposite directions from a central peak. In another instance, the mat has a tapered apron bordering a central section that is convexly crowned to shed fluids. In other embodiments the topside of the central region is substantially flat except for the spaced plurality of channels. The floormat may be placed where an operator is expected to stand during the procedure. Fluids that fall onto the floor mat are shed therefrom and then removed. The floormat is discarded before starting another procedure.

Abstract: Waxes prepared from hydrogenated plant oils, such as castor, palm, and soybean, are used to prepare water based emulsions. The inventive waxes, obtained from naturally derived, renewable resources, were emulsified under anionic, cationic and nonionic conditions, producing emulsions having a solids content up to about 45% solids. The emulsions are stable, and are characterized by having an average particle size less than 1000 nanometers. When used to coat fibrous cellulosic articles, such as paperboard, the emulsions' performance was similar to emulsions containing petroleum-derived waxes. The inventive waxes have a low iodine value (between 2-5), and melting points between approximately 120-200 degrees F. (49-94 degrees C.) (Mettler Drop Point). The inventive waxes are used as an alternative to petroleum-derived, or expensive naturally-occurring waxes in the manufacture of emulsions used in coatings, polishes, adhesives, paper products, paperboard and other manufacturing operations.

Abstract: A reminder system has a user interface with a microphone, display and at least one manually operable control. A processor that is coupled to the user interface has a memory and an input for receiving image information signifying at least one predetermined image for storage in the memory. The processor can display simultaneously on the display a calendar image and the predetermined image. In another mode the processor can display at least the predetermined image without displaying the calendar image. In yet another mode the screen can display a conventional clock face with minute and hour hands. As an option, the user can upload a number of images that can then replace the hours numerals on the clock face. Using the user interface and the microphone one can store in the memory at least one pair of a spoken message and a scheduled time. The processor can make the spoken message automatically available at the scheduled time.

Abstract: A device can capture small pests with a sheet overlaying a perforated panel. The sheet may be one layer or several separable and disposable layers with pest detaining adhesive applied to at least a portion of an outer side. The sheet has a marginal recess with a deflected pull tab that is no longer or wider than the recess. The perforated panel has a handle and a peripheral wall with a first and a second section rising in opposite directions from the panel. The panel has at least one overhang projecting inwardly from the peripheral wall for holding the sheet in place. The outer side of said sheet is adhesive free in a region located under the overhang. A cover can fit on the panel and at least partially cover it. The cover has at least one internal detent for engaging the panel and holding it in place.

Abstract: A turbine blade assembly has a plurality of blades mounted on a central rotor. Each of the blades has a proximal section and a variable pitch section. A number of stays extend in groups from the central rotor to converge and terminate on an associated one of the blades. The stays each have a proximal end spaced from the blades.

Abstract: A connector adapted for edge mounting on a circuit board employs a conductive shell with at least one insulating spacer mounted therein. A center contact is mounted in the spacer. The proximal end of the shell has an extension adapted to extend proximally and attach to the circuit board. The center contact and the extension are spaced to straddle the circuit board. The extension is disposed along most of its length entirely to the outside of a reference plane that is parallel to and spaced from the center contact. The extension for most of its length extends proximally beyond any portion of the shell located to the inside of the reference plane. A sleeve lining the shell is polished to avoid reflections of electromagnetic energy passing through the shell. A C-shaped clip is attached to the outside of the extension and then pressed into holes on the circuit board while compressing the clip to squeeze the extension.

Abstract: An impact tool will fit around a fastener such as a nut or bolt head. The tool has an annular section with an outside and an inside surface encircling the central axis of the fastener. The outside surface has at least one recess with a striking surface and guide surface. The striking surface lies in a plane intersecting the central axis. With the annular section placed around the fastener, the striking surface intersects a predetermined radial projection from the central axis. The striking surface is struck at a right angle to the predetermined radial projection to turn the nut or bolt head.

Abstract: Sludge can be treated by placing it in a carrier sized for bulk shipment of sludge by road or by rail. An antipathogenic substance such as lime is mixed into the sludge located in the carrier in order to treat pathogens in the sludge. At least one mixer adapted for mixing sludge throughout the carrier is employed. A dispenser such as a conduit or a loader bucket can dispense the antipathogenic substance so that the mixer can mix the substance with the sludge. The sludge is transported in the carrier either before or after the mixing with the antipathogenic substance. The mixture of sludge and antipathogenic substance is allowed to remain in the carrier long enough to treat pathogens with the substance before unloading the sludge from the carrier at a destination established for utilization, storage, transfer or disposal of the sludge.

Abstract: A lamp electrode adapted to deliver mercury during an assembly process has a supporting electrical lead attached to the proximal end of a metallic shell. The proximal and a distal ends of the metallic shell each lie along a central axis. A container with a vitreous plug in a sealed end contains a substance for delivering mercury upon heating of the container. The sidewall of the container is attached to the electrical lead. The longitudinal axis of the container is skewed relative to the electrical lead to orient the container in a direction to reduce discharge of mercury directly toward the metallic shell. The container is heated to open it and discharge a mercury dose from the sealed, end, which is prone to opening upon heating of the container.

Abstract: Exercise apparatus is shown with a column attached atop a base. A junction box attached atop the column has emerging therefrom a plurality of shafts including a top shaft, a front shaft, and a pair of side shafts. One or more of the shafts offers resistance to rotation in either direction. Thus, a user can exercise by turning at least one of the plurality of shafts. For example, the top shaft can be rotated to simulate the workout associated with cranking a sailing winch. Alternatively, a crossbar attached through an arm to the front shaft can be used to rotate the front shaft during a workout. A pair of cranks may be attached to the side shafts and can be driven manually when the junction box is in a raised position, or pedally in a lowered position. In some cases the pair of pedals have substantially the same phase. Then, after separately securing a user's feet on different respective ones of the in-phase pedals, the user rotates the pedals in synchrony, by simultaneously pulling and then pushing pedally.

Abstract: An optical device can produce a virtual image visible from a vantage point. The device has one or more lenses, a source for producing light, and an internally illuminable, non-transparent display object. The source can produce light in the display object in order to internally illuminate the display object and cause it to predominantly radiate internal light. The lens(es) can project a virtual image of the display object. In some instances two or more devices with matching display objects may be used to project one virtual image of the display objects. Each device is angled in order to increase the field of view of the virtual image.