Abstract: A closed system column generator having a container for holding a fluid having a first end and a second end. A traveler reciprocally traveling along a travel path between the first end and the second end of the container. The traveler exhibits a positive buoyancy and negative buoyancy as a function of a position and direction of travel along the travel path. At least one generator disposed along the travel path, operatively connected to the traveler, to generate electricity as a function of movement of the traveler along the travel path at a position proximate to the generator.

Abstract: This system may include a system for electronically reallocating any portion of a transaction by maintaining a user account at a user institution; maintaining a vendor account at a vendor institution; maintaining a user account at a trust institution; initiating a transaction for the transaction amount; electronically distributing the transaction amount from said user account to said vendor account; and electronically distributing at least a portion of the transaction amount from the vendor account to the user account at the trust institution, wherein the portion of the transaction amount in the user account at the trust institution is placed in an investment vehicle. The system of the present invention may further comprise providing an interactive information source between the user and the trust institution, whereby the trust institution can provide information (current or historical) to the user regarding the portion of the transaction amount placed in the investment vehicle.

Abstract: A closed system column generator having a container for holding a fluid having a first end and a second end. A traveler reciprocally traveling along a travel path between the first end and the second end of the container. The traveler exhibits a positive buoyancy and negative buoyancy as a function of a position and direction of travel along the travel path. At least one generator disposed along the travel path, operatively connected to the traveler, to generate electricity as a function of movement of the traveler along the travel path at a position proximate to the generator.

Abstract: This system may include a system for electronically reallocating any portion of a transaction by maintaining a user account at a user institution; maintaining a vendor account at a vendor institution; maintaining a user account at a trust institution; initiating: a transaction for the transaction amount; electronically distributing the transaction amount from said user account to said vendor account; and electronically distributing at least a portion of the transaction amount from the vendor account to the user account at the trust institution, wherein the portion of the transaction amount in the user account at the trust institution is placed an to investment vehicle. The system of the present invention may further comprise providing an interactive information source between the user and the trust institution, whereby the trust institution can provide information (current or historical) to the user regarding the portion of the transaction amount placed in the investment vehicle.

Abstract: A system for the coordinated collection of information related to a potentially hazardous condition, within a specific venue, from a community of interested entities, the comparison of such information against a set of generally accepted criteria for control and containment of a potentially hazardous condition, and the rating of the specific environment, as to safety and as to the risk associated with the potentially hazardous condition via-a-vis the specific structural environment within which it exists. This system can also do prediction analysis and therefore extrapolate solutions to impending problems. This can lead to systems of mitigation and or apply methods and means of life safety such as evacuation plans, preparation plans, etc., since understanding structural integrity is related to how much time a first responder or occupant may have before a building collapse based on specific conditions.

Abstract: This system may include a system for electronically reallocating any portion of a transaction by maintaining a user account at a user institution; maintaining a vendor account at a vendor institution; maintaining a user account at a trust institution; initiating a transaction for the transaction amount; electronically distributing the transaction amount from said user account to said vendor account; and electronically distributing at least a portion of the transaction amount from the vendor account to the user account at the trust institution, wherein the portion of the transaction amount in the user account at the trust institution is placed in an investment vehicle. The system of the present invention may further comprise providing an interactive information source between the user and the trust institution, whereby the trust institution can provide information (current or historical) to the user regarding the portion of the transaction amount placed in the investment vehicle.

Abstract: An information display system, mountable on planar surfaces such as the walls of buildings or the sides of semi-trailers, includes a frame and a polygonal flexible sheet perimetricly anchored to the frame. The system includes at least one anchoring bracket rigidly attached to the planar surface at each of the sheet's apices or corner locations. Other anchoring brackets may be rigidly attached to the planar surface at various locations along the sign's edges. The sign may be a sheet of flexible polymeric material which may be optionally fiber-reinforced. Alternatively, the sign may be cloth made from tightly woven natural or synthetic fibers. An advertising message or other graphic information is printed on the sign, which is hemmed along its perimetric edges to create a channel surrounding the sheet. At least one retaining device is inserted through the perimetric hem and the sheet is secured by tensioning means attached to the anchoring brackets which act on the retaining device(s).

Abstract: An information display system, mountable on planar surfaces such as the walls of buildings or the sides of semi-trailers, includes a frame and a polygonal flexible sheet perimetricly anchored to the frame. The system includes at least one anchoring bracket rigidly attached to the planar surface at each of the sheet's apices or corner locations. Other anchoring brackets may be rigidly attached to the planar surface at various locations along the sign's edges. The sign may be a sheet of flexible polymeric material which may be optionally fiber-reinforced. Alternatively, the sign may be cloth made from tightly woven natural or synthetic fibers. An advertising message or other graphic information is printed on the sign, which is hemmed along its perimetric edges to create a sleeve surrounding the sheet. At least one retaining device is inserted through the perimetric sleeve, and the sheet is secured by tensioning means attached to the anchoring brackets which act on the retaining device(s).

Abstract: A new modular rack system is provided which can be ganged, expanded, contacted and modified in various ways, depending on the type of merchandise to be transported or stored. It can be readily moved by forklift and lifted by cables. Once the new modular rack system has fulfilled its transportation or storage function, it can be easily disassembled, transported, and stowed until needed for subsequent transportation and/or storage missions. In its most basic embodiment, the modular rack system generally comprises a plurality of beams, each beam consisting of an elongated member having first and second ends; and a plurality of coupler blocks, each block consisting of a three-dimensional polygonal body having a plurality of faces, each face having an aperture for receiving a single end of a beam, and each aperture including a retaining mechanism which releasably locks the received end within the aperture. For a preferred embodiment of the rack system, each coupler block has six cubically-arranged faces.

Abstract: A bathroom structure. The structure enables an individual in a wheelchair to readily maneuver himself into and out of a bathtub or shower. The bathroom structure minimizes the probability that an individual will accidentally drown in the bathtub.