Abstract: The present invention includes a system for connecting tubes or rods, which are preferably uni-directional pultruded, filament wound, or roll-wrapped carbon-fiber tubes or rods, together to form trusses and other structures using a series of connector pieces preferably bonded together with adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system for connecting tubes or rods, which are preferably uni-directional pultruded, filament wound, or roll-wrapped carbon-fiber tubes or rods, together to form trusses and other structures using a series of connector pieces preferably bonded together with adhesive.

Abstract: A dual-use ladder and bridge modular system preferably includes tubes, gussets, flanges, and/or joints. In a preferred embodiment, the tubes, gussets, flanges, and/or joints are made of carbon fiber. A method connects and disconnects modular carbon fiber ladder segments. Another method creates a lightweight carbon-fiber beam with exceptionally high stiffness and strength using a combination of carbon-fiber braid material, uni-directional cloth, and pultruded carbon-fiber strips. A carbon fiber ladder segment and tube connectors are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fuel intake assembly may include a main tube (24, 56, 98, 122) defining a fuel channel (25, 57, 99) at least one flapper (30, 94, 126, 166) pivotally secured within the main tube (24, 56, 98, 122), and a selective nozzle inhibitor (160) proximate the at least one flapper (30, 94, 126, 166). The least one flapper closes the fuel channel (25, 57, 99) in a closed position. The selective nozzle inhibitor (160) allows a first nozzle having a first diameter to move the at least one flapper into an open position. The selective nozzle inhibitor (160) allows a second nozzle having a second diameter to move the at least one-flapper into the open position, wherein the second diameter is greater than the first diameter. The selective nozzle inhibitor (160) prevents a third nozzle having a third diameter to open the at least one flapper, wherein the third diameter is less than the first diameter.

Abstract: A bedding system includes a comforter and at least one sheet. One of the comforter and the sheet includes a fastening element and/or a flap adapted to work in conjunction with features of the other to hold the sheet against the comforter. The sheet may include apertures facilitating reversible coupling of first and second parts of comforter fastening elements, to hold the sheet against the comforter.

Abstract: A bag-in-box dispenser has a child-resistant closure to prevent unintentional opening of the valve lever. The child resistant closure works with a finger-activated unlocking means on the dispensing spigot or fitment. The dispenser optionally includes a cup to receive the liquid. The valve housing and lever housing can snap together to form a leak-proof seal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for displaying plush items are disclosed. A display apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a column and a strap extending between the top end of the column and the bottom end of the column. The column and the strap cooperate to define an aperture. The aperture may be dimensioned to received a plush item (e.g., a pillow).

Abstract: A damper that is mounted to a printed circuit board of an automobile's climate control system includes a tactile feel and torque control mechanism for the user as the user controls the temperature and climate within the interior of an automobile. The damper incorporates a plurality of detents that engage with a plurality of ribs or similar protrusions for providing the desired tactile feel and torque control in the control knob of the climate control system. The printed circuit board used with the automobile's climate control system has an integrated polymer thick film (PTF) circuit that replaces the traditional circuit board technology, thereby eliminating the need for separately mounted potentiometers and resistors as those items can be printed onto the polymer circuit. The printed circuit board is less expensive to manufacture over existing circuit board technology, is easier to assemble, results in fewer parts, and is environmentally friendly as no soldering of components is required.

Abstract: A damper that is mounted to a printed circuit board of an automobile's climate control system includes a tactile feel and torque control mechanism for the user as the user controls the temperature and climate within the interior of an automobile. The damper incorporates a plurality of detents that engage with a plurality of ribs or similar protrusions for providing the desired tactile feel and torque control in the control knob of the climate control system. The printed circuit board used with the automobile's climate control system has an integrated polymer thick film (PTF) circuit that replaces the traditional circuit board technology, thereby eliminating the need for separately mounted potentiometers and resistors as those items can be printed onto the polymer circuit. The printed circuit board is less expensive to manufacture over existing circuit board technology, is easier to assemble, results in fewer parts, and is environmentally friendly as no soldering of components is required.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for displaying plush items are disclosed. A display apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a column and a strap extending between the top end of the column and the bottom end of the column. The column and the strap cooperate to define an aperture. The aperture may be dimensioned to received a plush item (e.g., a pillow).

Abstract: A valve for controlling flow of fluid from an inverted fluid reservoir, the valve comprising: retaining mechanism for coupling the valve to a fluid reservoir; a central fluid opening for flow of fluid from the fluid reservoir through the valve; a valve post slidably disposed within the central fluid opening, the valve post having a sealing portion adapted to seal the central fluid opening and prevent fluid flow through the valve in a closed position; a biasing mechanism coupled to the valve post for biasing the sealing portion of the valve post against the central fluid opening when the valve is in the closed position; and an air vent system.

Abstract: A fast-drying pillow and accompanying pillow cover. The fast-drying pillow is preferably manufactured of a fast-drying material such as nylon. The pillow includes a component for receiving a suspension device to enable the pillow to be suspended for air drying. The pillow cover includes overlapping flaps to minimize the infiltration of dirt into the cover and onto the pillow.

Abstract: An advanced cleaning system comprising cleaning compositions, pads, and implements provide effective cleaning of soft and hard surfaces. The system includes (a) a handle portion, the handle portion having a proximal end and a distal end, (b) a cleaning head portion that is attached to the distal end of the handle portion and that is adapted for use with a removable cleaning pad; (c) a cradle that is secured to the handle portion, and (d) a detachable cleaning aerosol reservoir for delivering cleaning fluid onto the surface to be cleaned adjacent the cleaning head portion, wherein the reservoir is positioned within the cradle.

Abstract: An advanced cleaning system having a handle portion with a proximal end and a distal end, a cleaning head portion, the cleaning head portion adapted for use with a removable cleaning pad, and a cleaning fluid reservoir fluidically coupled to the cleaning head portion such that cleaning fluid is controllably allowed to flow via gravity onto the surface to be cleaned adjacent the cleaning head portion.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a surface using a tool with both a cleaning head and a cleaning fluid reservoir housing coupled to an elongated handle, the method comprising the following steps: attaching a cleaning pad to the cleaning head; inserting a replaceable cleaning fluid reservoir into the housing; fluidically coupling the cleaning fluid reservoir to the cleaning head; dispensing controlled amounts of cleaning fluid from the reservoir onto a surface; and distributing the cleaning fluid evenly over the surface with the cleaning pad.

Abstract: An advanced cleaning system having a handle portion with a proximal end and a distal end, a cleaning head portion, the cleaning head portion adapted for use with a removable cleaning pad, and a cleaning fluid reservoir fluidically coupled to the cleaning head portion such that cleaning fluid is controllably allowed to flow via gravity onto the surface to be cleaned adjacent the cleaning head portion.

Abstract: An advanced cleaning system having a handle portion with a proximal end and a distal end, a cleaning head portion, the cleaning head portion adapted for use with a removable cleaning pad, and a cleaning fluid reservoir fluidically coupled to the cleaning head portion such that cleaning fluid is controllably allowed to flow via gravity onto the surface to be cleaned adjacent the cleaning head portion.

Abstract: An advanced cleaning system having a handle portion with a proximal end and a distal end, a cleaning head portion, the cleaning head portion adapted for use with a removable cleaning pad, and a cleaning fluid reservoir fluidically coupled to the cleaning head portion such that cleaning fluid is controllably allowed to flow via gravity onto the surface to be cleaned adjacent the cleaning head portion.

Abstract: A system for treating a work surface including a handle portion, a first tool head adapted for use with a removable pad and a second tool head, both connectable to the handle portion, and a first fluid reservoir is disclosed. In some arrangements, the second tool head can be used with a removable pad or can include an electric motor. A controller can be provided for releasing and stopping fluid flow from the first fluid reservoir. An optional second fluid reservoir can also be used. The first tool head and the first fluid reservoir can include a first indicium that can be characterized by a feature such as color, shape, picture, text, or sound. The indicium can signify a work surface, a purpose for surface treatment, a mode of operation or instructions. Surface treatments include applying, cleaning, scrubbing, waxing, polishing, disinfecting, killing mites, killing fleas, detoxifying, neutralizing allergens, painting, removing liquids, and fertilizing.

Abstract: An advanced cleaning system having a handle portion with a proximal end and a distal end, a cleaning head portion, the cleaning head portion adapted for use with a removable cleaning pad, and a cleaning fluid reservoir fluidically coupled to the cleaning head portion such that cleaning fluid is controllably allowed to flow via gravity onto the surface to be cleaned adjacent the cleaning head portion.