Abstract: A counter current swimming apparatus having a tank, first and second water propulsion systems and a computer. The tank is adapted to contain water. The first water propulsion system is positioned about a first end of the tank for generating a current in a first direction and the second water propulsion system is positioned about a second end of the tank for generating a current in a second direction opposite the first direction. The computer is operatively connected to the first and second water propulsion systems and configured to cause the first water propulsion system to generate the current in the first direction, and suspend operations of the first water propulsion system and initiate operations of the second water propulsion system to generate the current in the second direction upon receipt of a transition signal from a push plate of the first water propulsion system.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method for using a deck in construction. In one embodiment, a technique includes, but is not limited to, positioning a deck on a floor of a building, the deck including at least a stationary support structure and a slidable platform; and extending the slidable platform relative to the stationary support structure beyond an edge of the floor of the building at least partly using one or more wheels of the slidable platform that rest directly or indirectly on the floor of the building.

Abstract: A bed bug protection device for protecting humans, animals and objects from crawling pests such as bed bugs. The device includes a top component for contacting the top surface of bedding such as a mattress or box spring. The top component includes barrier material suitable for preventing pests from biting humans or animals resting on the bedding. The device further includes a fitted side skirt joined to the periphery of the top component that hinders bed bugs and similar pests from climbing up the covered bedding and gaining access to humans, animals, or objects resting atop the bedding. The device may be part of a system including pillow protectors, headboard and/or footboard protectors for preventing contact by traditional bed coverings with walls or bed structures that may be infested by bed bugs.

Abstract: A pest control system for bed bugs or similar crawling pests. The system includes at least one intercept wall extending generally perpendicularly to the plane on which the pests are traveling for directing the pests to interact with a trap or a treatment zone. The effect of the intercept wall may be enhanced by provision of at least one substantially smooth guide surface positioned adjacent the intercept wall. When pests come into contact with a smooth surface they experience difficulty in traversing it. This causes the bugs to cling to the more textured surface that they are already traversing. The intercept wall is preferably placed in the direct path of the transition line between the textured surface and the smoother guide surfaces and forces the pests to interact with an adjacent trap or treatment zone.

Abstract: An adjustment module configured to be coupled to an electric motor controller is provided. The adjustment module includes at least one potentiometer and a communication interface coupled to the input device. The potentiometer receives a control signal from a user. The communication interface is configured to communicate the control signal to the electric motor controller.

Abstract: A bedding arrangement includes a mattress and a bed covering. The bed covering includes a top component adapted to cover a top surface of the mattress and a drape coupled to a perimeter portion of the top component and arranged to extend downwardly along a side wall of the mattress.

Abstract: An insect repellant torch is disclosed. The torch has at least one repellant pad having an insect repellant contained therein that is dispersed by heat. At least one metallic plate is in contact with the repellant pad. The metallic plate is heated by a heat source and by contact with the repellant pad heats the insect replant thereby dispersing the insect repellant into the air.

Abstract: A pest control system for bed bugs or similar crawling pests. The system includes at least one intercept wall extending generally perpendicularly to the plane on which the pests are traveling for directing the pests to interact with a trap or a treatment zone. The effect of the intercept wall may be enhanced by provision of at least one substantially smooth guide surface positioned adjacent the intercept wall. When pests come into contact with a smooth surface they experience difficulty in traversing it. This causes the bugs to cling to the more textured surface that they are already traversing. The intercept wall is preferably placed in the direct path of the transition line between the textured surface and the smoother guide surfaces and forces the pests to interact with an adjacent trap or treatment zone.

Abstract: A bed covering device for protecting humans, animals and objects from crawling pests such as bed bugs. The device includes a top component for contacting the top surface of bedding such as a mattress or box spring. The top component includes barrier material suitable for preventing pests from biting humans or animals resting on the bedding. The device further includes a fitted side skirt joined to the periphery of the top component and having a slippery, i.e., low friction, exterior surface that hinders bed bugs and similar pests from climbing up the covered bedding and gaining access to humans, animals, or objects resting atop the bedding. The device may be part of a system including pillow protectors, headboard and/or footboard protectors for preventing contact by traditional bed coverings with walls or bed structures that may be infested by bed bugs.

Abstract: An insect repellant torch is disclosed. The torch has at least one repellant pad having an insect repellant contained therein that is dispersed by heat. At least one metallic plate is in contact with the repellant pad. The metallic plate is heated by a heat source and by contact with the repellant pad heats the insect replant thereby dispersing the insect repellant into the air.

Abstract: An enclosure is provided having openings for entry of rodents within the enclosure. There is arranged one or more applicators in the form of a suspended flexible web configured to contact rodents entering the chamber and having a chemical on the web for application to the rodents.