Abstract: A step ladder device for improving the safe working elevation of a step ladder is provided. The step ladder device includes a working ladder portion that terminates in a rigid working tray providing a safety grab bar. The step ladder device is dimensioned and adapted to piggyback on to the step ladder so that the working ladder portion slidably moves in a coplanar orientation relative to the underlying step ladder, which enables the working tray to be locked in one of a plurality of selective working elevations relative to the underlying step ladder. As a result, the user can embrace the safety grab bar and balance themselves while standing on the upper rungs of the underlying step ladder or the lower rungs afforded by the working ladder portion.

Abstract: A step ladder device for improving the safe working elevation of a step ladder is provided. The step ladder device includes a working ladder portion that terminates in a rigid working tray providing a safety grab bar. The step ladder device is dimensioned and adapted to piggyback on to the step ladder so that the working ladder portion slidably moves in a coplanar orientation relative to the underlying step ladder, which enables the working tray to be locked in one of a plurality of selective working elevations relative to the underlying step ladder. As a result, the user can embrace the safety grab bar and balance themselves while standing on the upper rungs of the underlying step ladder or the lower rungs afforded by the working ladder portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a water-swellable, hydrophilic, physically-crosslinked hydrogel which can slowly disintegrate in an aqueous medium. The inventive hydrogel essentially consists of albumin blood proteins which are bound in the form of a gel in a basic medium. The invention also relates to the use of said hydrogel as a bioresorbable separation membrane and to a method of preparing same.

Abstract: A modular portable floor decking system for constructing a temporary or a permanent flooring structure is described. The system comprises a plurality of extruded metal hollow support posts and a plurality of beams interconnectable with the posts to form a support frame. Decking boards are securable across the beams. The support posts each have flat outer surfaces and two or more longitudinal connecting channels each disposed internally of an associated one of the flat outer surfaces. The channels have a central narrow slot extending along the respective flat outer surfaces. The beams have opposed flat connecting end walls and a metal clamping shoe is connected to the end walls of the beams by fasteners whereby to displace the shoe away from the flat surfaces to slide the shoe in a respective connecting channel of the posts as the beam is lowered between two posts.

Abstract: A modular portable floor decking system for constructing a temporary or a permanent flooring structure is described. The system comprises a plurality of extruded metal hollow support posts and a plurality of beams interconnectable with the posts to form a support frame. Decking boards are securable across the beams. The support posts each have flat outer surfaces and two or more longitudinal connecting channels each disposed internally of an associated one of the flat outer surfaces. The channels have a central narrow slot extending along the respective flat outer surfaces. The beams have opposed flat connecting end walls and a metal clamping shoe is connected to the end walls of the beams by fasteners whereby to displace the shoe away from the flat surfaces to slide the shoe in a respective connecting channel of the posts as the beam is lowered between two posts.

Abstract: Novel bioartificial hydrogels consisting of a three-dimensional crosslinked mixture of: (a) a bifunctionalized polyethylene oxide, activated with an activating agent, dissolved in an aqueous solution; and (b) albumin type protein. The novel hydrogels are based on the crosslinking of albumin type protein of various sources including, for example, bovine serum albumin, lactalbumin or ovalbumin, with a bifunctionalyzed polyethylene oxide, most preferably polyethylene glycol, or a mixture of bifunctionalyzed polyethylene oxides preferably polyethylene glycol, of various molecular masses (Mr 2,000 to 35,000), dissolved in aqueous solution in adequate proportions. Also provided is a method and conditions for preparing the novel hydrogels. Also divulged are a variety of biomedical applications for the novel hydrogels.

Abstract: A surface covering extruded plank comprising a wall surface portion having opposed transverse end walls. Each of the end walls terminate in a support flange each of which extends in a common plane substantially parallel to the planar surface of the wall surface portion. One of the transverse end walls has a fastener concealing wall extending transverse thereto and above the wall surface portion. The other of the end walls has a plank securing flange constituted by an extension of one of the support flanges. This other end wall further has a recessed portion disposed inwardly of an edge portion of the wall surface portion. A guide rib is provided in the recessed portion and defines a rear channel for receiving a portion of the concealing wall of an adjacent plank, and a front load connector holding channel.