Abstract: A water directing and distribution system (WDDS) that functions in combination with a natural or man-made water source. The WDDS includes a main pipe with an intake and a termination point. The main pipe is placed into or adjacent to the water source, at a depth below the water source's surface. Water from the water source enters the pipe at the intake and flows through the pipe by force of gravity. The water is maintained within the pipe and directed through the pipe at a lower level than the water source's origination point. Water from the pipe can be accessed via taps placed along the pipe. The water can also be directed to a water storage structure(s) and can be purified for human or animal consumption.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chemical-mechanical polishing composition comprising silica, one or more organic carboxylic acids or salts thereof, one or more polysaccharides, one or more bases, optionally one or more surfactants and/or polymers, optionally one or more reducing agents, optionally one or more biocides, and water, wherein the polishing composition has an alkaline pH. The polishing composition exhibits a high removal rate and low particle defects and low haze. The invention further relates to a method of chemically-mechanically polishing a substrate using the polishing composition described herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chemical-mechanical polishing composition comprising silica, one or more organic carboxylic acids or salts thereof, one or more polysaccharides, one or more bases, optionally one or more surfactants and/or polymers, optionally one or more reducing agents, optionally one or more biocides, and water, wherein the polishing composition has an alkaline pH. The polishing composition exhibits a high removal rate and low particle defects and low haze. The invention further relates to a method of chemically-mechanically polishing a substrate using the polishing composition described herein.

Abstract: An automated electric transportation system which has an electrically driven vehicle (30) including onboard energy storage (34), combined road wheels (56) and rail wheels (58) along with manual controls (68) for transporting people and objects from one place to another. A network of roads (60) and rails (62) is employed with an electrical power bus (100) positioned adjacent to the rails for electrically powering the vehicle while on the rails. An overhead monolift (196) removes the vehicle from the road using a strut arm (208) with casters (184) that extends above the vehicle and deposits the vehicle on the railroad tracks where it is controlled by an onboard computer (134). Automatic controls and indication (132) including this computer regulate the speed and relationship to other vehicles while on the rail network. Another monolift (196) removes the vehicle from the tracks in a similar manner.

Abstract: A portable and collapsible platform (10) designed to be hung to a set of attachment hooks (30) that are attached to a stationary structure such as a wall, beam or building eaves. The platform (10) includes a pair of inward vertical members (12), and a pair of outward vertical members (14) that are rotatably connected by a plurality of horizontal members (16) and a pair of angular support members (18). On top of the horizontal member pairs is placed a utility platform (20) that allows a worker to stand or sit. The collapsible feature of the invention is easily performed by pressing inwardly against the outward vertical members (14) until all the outward members (14), (16), (18)are nested within the inward vertical members (12). Once collapsed, the inward and outward vertical members (12), (14) are locked in place by a locking means.

Abstract: A dust confining vacuum sander (10) that is primarily designed to be placed on an extension tube to sand ceilings and upper wall surfaces. Without the extension tube, the sander may also be used to sand other lower level and horizontal surfaces. The sander (10) is comprised of a dust-confining shroud (18) having a peripheral opening (18a) into which is captively retained a sanding pad (12) that extends above the opening. The bottom surface of the shroud includes a vacuum port (18b) that is connected to a vacuum unit (90) by way of a vacuum tube (26). When the sander is operated, the loosened dust enters the shroud and is sucked through the vacuum tube (26) into the vacuum unit (90). Thus, protecting the operator from the abraded dust and reducing the amount of dust in the work area.