Abstract: The invention is a dual spreading link mechanism for application with gate valves. The invention also extends to gate valves employing the inventive dual spreading link. In one application to pendulum gate valves, a valve carriage assembly moves in a pendular manner within a gate valve housing and operates to seal off the flow channel of the housing. The valve carriage assembly is comprised of a valve plate having a valve seat face for engaging with the housing in a sealing manner, a tensioning member which along with a plurality of clip springs provides a contracting force to the valve carriage assembly, and an actuating member which moves laterally within the carriage assembly to alternately spread and contract the assembly. The actuating member is stacked between the valve plate and tensioning member and the actuating member is coupled to the valve plate and tensioning member by a plurality of oblong rotatable links which comprise the dual spreading link.

Abstract: An hourglass shaped apparatus for cold brewing coffee, comprising a brew chamber, an extract chamber and a center piece connecting the brew and extract chambers. The extract and brew chambers comprise two ends of the hourglass shaped apparatus and the center piece comprises middle portion. The brew chamber houses a free standing self-contained filter assembly containing coffee grounds inside a micro-fine wire mesh. Water is poured into the brew chamber to generate coffee extract through cold water infusion. After the brewing process, the apparatus is inverted, and the coffee travels into the extract chamber through the center piece for dispensing. Coffee brewed in this manner is less acidic and more flavorful than the conventionally hot-brewed beverage. All the components of the apparatus, the filter assembly, the brew chamber, the extract chamber, and the center tie piece, are detachable.

Abstract: A manually operable device and a method for separating solid waste materials from liquid to be disposed of through a drain, and for reducing the size of pieces of such solid waste materials for more efficient disposal through the drain. A size reduction assembly is manually movable with respect to a stationary body and may include perforated material for catching solid material from a liquid flowing into the drain, and at least one cutting or ripping or abrasion component for reducing the size of pieces of the solid material into smaller pieces that may then pass downward through the drain. In some embodiments the size reduction assembly may be driven downward by pressure from a hand or foot. The reduced-size pieces of material are flushed from the device by liquid draining through the device.

Abstract: The invention provides a lighting apparatus comprising: a) a frame spanning the roof and interior of a building, the frame having a first opening at the building roof and a second opening opposed to the first opening at the building ceiling; b) a skylight at the first opening; c) a reflective lining between the first and second openings; d) a light diffuser at the second opening; and e) at least one artificial light source located between the skylight and the diffuser; where the artificial light source is positioned at the frame periphery.

Abstract: A portable urinal comprises an upper pan and a lower pan, the pans being joined together to create a liquid receiving cavity. The upper pan has an upper surface which may be ovate shaped like a conventional toilet seat. A funnel in the approximate center of the upper pan empties through a small tube into the cavity. The side of the funnel to the front of the urinal is sloped more gently than the remaining sides of the funnel. The urinal has a relatively low profile, allowing it to be slipped easily between a user and a seat, such as in a car or in an airplane. After a user voids into the urinal, the small size of the tube helps prevent urine from escaping from the cavity. When the urinal is upside-down or on its side, for example, urine pools away from the funnel opening. A capable drain spout is provided for emptying the cavity of fluid when it is so desired.

Abstract: A modular section for forming a support structure, the section being elongated and having a generally annular cross-sectional configuration with spaced upper and lower surfaces and spaced side walls, the upper and lower surfaces and side walls forming upper and lower edges, respectively, at the interfaces, wherein the upper and lower surfaces each comprise an extension at the respective upper and lower edges, the extensions having a flange formed at the ends thereof, and where the upper and lower surfaces each have a groove formed therein.