Abstract: A valve for use with breathing assistance apparatus comprises first, second and third ports (21, 22, 23) for respective connection to a patient breathing tube, a first ventilation apparatus and a second ventilation application. The valve includes a bistable valve mechanism having a first stable configuration in which the first port is in fluid communication with the second port and not the third port; and a second stable configuration in which the first port is in fluid communication with the third port and not the second port. The valve has an actuator configured to transition the bistable valve mechanism between the two stable configurations and preventing the valve mechanism from maintaining a stable intermediate position between the first and second stable configurations.

Abstract: During a marketing technique, lists of desired items and associated prices are received from multiple consumers. For example, consumers may provide lists of desired items and the (discounted) prices at which these items are of interest. By assigning the consumers to different price ranges based on the associated prices and an occurrence of at least one of the items in the lists, an aggregated interest in the item, including numbers of consumers that desire the item in the different price ranges, is determined. Information associated with the aggregated interest in the item is then provided to at least one entity that provides the item, thereby facilitating sales of the item to a subset of the consumers associated with one or more of the price ranges.

Abstract: We provide a shower enclosure, typically a temporary shower enclosure. Embodiments may include a rod that includes an insert. The insert has at least two tracks. Each track includes a panel that has a top portion that may be placed within the track and the rod. The panel then slides within the track. The rod may be held in a shower enclosure by friction. This allows the creation of an inexpensive and easily-cleaned and replaced shower enclosure.

Abstract: We provide a tension assembly for a curtain rod, preferably a shower curtain rod. The assembly includes a tube and a plunger slidably disposed within the tube. Between the tube and the plunger is a biasing means such as a spring. The plunger includes opposite L-shaped grooves having a common axial section and opposite tangential section. The groove allows inclusion of a locking pin that is retained in the tube. The combination of the locking pin and the L-shaped grooves allows the plunger to be moved until the plunger compresses the spring, then the plunger is locked. When additional the curtain rod is put into place the plunger or rod may be rotated, releasing the plunger and allowing the spring to provide additional tension.

Abstract: We provide a tension assembly for a curtain rod, preferably a shower curtain rod. The assembly includes a tube and a plunger slidably disposed within the tube. Between the tube and the plunger is a biasing means such as a spring. The plunger includes opposite L-shaped grooves having a common axial section and opposite tangential section. The groove allows inclusion of a locking pin that is retained in the tube. The combination of the locking pin and the L-shaped grooves allows the plunger to be moved until the plunger compresses the spring, then the plunger is locked. When additional the curtain rod is put into place the plunger or rod may be rotated, releasing the plunger and allowing the spring to provide additional tension.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for manufacturing a shower curtain. A method may include providing a digital image file representative of an image, printing the image represented by the digital image file onto a film with an ink, illuminating the film with ultraviolet light, and forming one or more openings along a top portion of the film. The method allows for the custom image represented by the digital image file to be printed onto the film without additional downtime for the cleaning or changing of screens that is typically required with traditional roller screen printing processes. Accordingly, a first shower curtain may be printed with a first image, and subsequently a second shower curtain may be printed with a second different image with minimal wait or prep time. Printer systems and devices and related methods of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are described for providing a telescoping, load-supporting rod assembly. In one embodiment, the rod assembly may include a first portion, a second portion, a locking assembly, and a tension adjustment assembly. The locking assembly may include a threaded bolt, a cylindrical sleeve, a cylindrical locking portion, and at least two securing pins. The locking assembly may allow a user to adjust an overall length of the rod assembly by allowing the first and second portions to move with respect to each other. The rod assembly may also include a tension adjustment assembly which may include a tension adjusting spring, a tension adjusting cylindrical tube, a spring clip, at least two rivets, and at least two spacers. The tension adjustment assembly may allow a user to make small changes to the length of the rod assembly at one of the ends without moving the first or second portions with respect to each other.

Abstract: A coupler assembly for limiting lateral forces which may be generated during the highway operation of a trailer coupled to a towing vehicle. The present invention is part of the yoke of the trailer, and comprises a completely self-contained system for momentarily actuating the brakes on the towed vehicle, in response to undesirable lateral accelerations of the towed vehicle. The invention is characterized by a coupler member which itself is relatively rotatable, in a lateral plane, with respect to the trailer yoke, together with dampening spring assemblies, so there is a surge-brake actuation in response to lateral accelerations above a predetermined magnitude.

Abstract: A port security system comprising a continuous modular, floating barrier that is installed in lengths ranging from a few hundred feet to over a mile. The port security system is designed to stop high speed explosive laden waterborne craft traveling at speeds of fifty knots or greater from penetrating a military or commercial port. Each module of the port security system includes a capture net and net support structure which operates to stop the waterborne craft and prevent entry into the port.