Abstract: A grip tape for wrapping a handle for enhancing the shock absorption and traction of the handle comprises an elongate tape having a bottom, a left side, a right side, and a top having an outer surface for gripping. The top of the tape includes a first material having a top comprising a part of the outer surface and a second material, different from the first material, having a top also comprising a part of the outer surface. Preferably, the first material is a more cushioning material than the second material and the top of the first material is higher than the top of the second material. In another embodiment, in lateral cross section, the first material is central and the second material is disposed to both sides. Typical materials, listed in order of first material to second material, include: thermoplastic rubber, polyurethane (synthetic leather), leather, synthetic cork, and sandpaper. Three or more materials can be used.

Abstract: An adjustable truss (10) for a multi-section manufactured home (70) comprising a left section (71L) and a right section (71R); each section having a beam (72) having a lower end (75) including an inner flange (77) and an outer flange (78) and a upper end (73) supporting a transverse floor joist (80) having an end (84) at a mating seam (95). In a preferred embodiment, truss (10) comprises: a joist connector (30) is disposed under mating seam (95); jacks (20L, 20R) of adjustable length spanning respectively between the lower ends (75L, 75R) of beam (72l, 72R) and joist connector (30); a tie bar assembly (50) including an elongate bar (51) attached to beam lower ends (75); and a center jack (60) of adjustable length spanning between tie bar (51) and mating seam (95).

Abstract: Security mailbox (10) comprises: enclosure (11) having incoming chamber (12) and secured chamber (13); rocker plate (90), pivotally mounted about pivot axis (99) within enclosure (11), separating incoming chamber (12) and secured chamber (13), and pivotable between receiving position (98R) and drop position (98D); and a stop (14), interacting between enclosure (11) and rocker plate (90), for stopping rocker plate (90) in receiving position (98R). Rocker plate (90) is biased toward receiving position (98R) and pivots to drop position (98D) either through increased moment on rear section (94) of rocker plate (90) exerted by received mail or through interaction between flair (101) in front end (91E) of rocker plate (90) and door (26). Rocker plate (90) is also manually pivotable by exerting upward moment on front section (91) of rocker plate (90) with user's hand or finger.

Abstract: An outrigger (10) for a manufactured home (90) spans between lower end (76) of main beam (70) and outer end (83) of a transverse floor joist (80) and selectively provides a push (raising force) or pull (lowering force) to joist outer end (83) to level floor (86). Outrigger (10) generally comprises and an elongate portion (20) of adjustable length for spanning between beam lower end (76) and joist outer end (83) for producing an outward force, and a bracket (50) attached to beam lower end (76) and a nut (65) fastening elongate portion (20) to bracket (50) for producing an inward force.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for denitrification of a liquid, such as water, comprises a vertical processing tank (11) including: a bottom section (20) partially filled with activated sludge (22), bottom section (20) having a bottom (12) having a concave upward facing inner surface (13); a horizontal filter (40) spanning tank (11) above sludge (22); an anaerobic process section (50) including a denitrifying biomass section (54); and an oxidation section (60) including a diffuser (61). The method comprising the steps of: injecting impure water (90) into sludge (22) so as to travel helically upward to mix with sludge (22); filtering with filter (40); denitrifying with denitrifying biomass (54); and oxidizing the effluent water from anaerobic biomass (54) in oxidation section (60) including bubbling air from diffuser (63). Water (90) effluent from tank (11) is sterilized with an ozonation device (86).

Abstract: A safety system for a gas burning device, such as a gas range having a plurality of burner assemblies. The safety system generally comprises a gas supply valve, a gas flow sensor, a gas leak warning circuit, a no-flame warning circuit, a gas supply valve controller for receiving warning signals from the warning circuits and for closing said gas supply valve in response thereto and a fan controller for activating the fan. Other warning circuits include a timer warning circuit and a smoke detection warning circuit. A display panel shows which warning circuit has issued a warning signal. A microprocessor may perform many system functions.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices for monitoring and maintaining an alert state of consciousness in a subject wearing the device An alert mental state is maintained through monitoring of brain wave patterns to detect if a transition from an alert to a non-alert mental state is about to occur, or has occurred. If so, a stimulus, e.g., an audible tone, is provided until such time as an alert mental state, as assessed by brain wave activity, is restored. Also disclosed are methods for maintaining an alert mental state, as well applications for such devices and methods.

Abstract: Blast-resistant building (11) includes a structural connection (10) including at least one layer of fiber reinforced composite (90) bonded to each connected structural element (20,30) along the length of the connection between structural panel (20) and elongate anchoring structures (30), such as I-beam (40) or additional concrete panel (50). Layer of fiber reinforced composite (90) spans peripheral seam (36), internal seam (37), or both between the connected elements, providing a tensile force under load which tends to hold the elements together and to strengthen the connection while simultaneously providing ductility along the seam, lessening the risk of fracture of either element or the connection under atypical loading, such as from a blast. Connection (10) includes an elongate tension member, such as bolt (80), for attaching the various elements, and a force dampener, such as a rubber isolation washer (89), to increase the ductility of the connection.

Abstract: A jewel, such as an earring or other pendant, a broach or a finger ring, may be worn alone or with one of a plurality of readily attachable and interchangeable enhancers. In a preferred embodiment, a finger ring generally comprises a band for encircling the finger and a plurality of attachable enhancers. The band appears to be a conventional ring having any desirable setting and a concave inner side for disposition toward the finger. However, a blind bore in the inner side includes a resilient collar. Each enhancer includes a base having a concave inner side for disposition toward the finger and a convex outer side for mating with the inner side of the band at the bore. A stem attached to the outer side of the base has a bulbous distal portion. Upon attachment of enhancer to band, the stem is inserted in the bore and through the collar which deforms and retains the stem. Front and back ornamental portions, attached to the base, are visible in front and back of the band.

Abstract: A dual bucket assembly (10) comprises a dual bucket (20) including first and second containers (30, 50) adapted for holding liquid. Each container includes a peripheral wall (31, 51) having a proximal portion (34, 54) adjacent the other container and a non-proximal portion (37, 57). Connecting member (70) rigidly connects in a spaced apart relationship peripheral wall (31, 51) upper ends (32, 52). Peripheral walls (31, 51) are downwardly inwardly sloping such that a plurality of dual buckets (20) are nestable. Peripheral wall (31) proximal portion (34) is convex and peripheral wall (51) proximal portion (54) is concave and substantially parallel to proximal portion (34). Circumferential reinforcing member (94) connected to upper ends (32, 52) of non-proximal portions (37, 57) of peripheral walls (31, 51) resists bending and adds stiffness to the structure of dual bucket (20).

Abstract: A fishing pole holder and fish hooker (10) generally comprises a sleeve (20) for holding a fishing pole (100), a pivot (70) pivotally attaching sleeve (20) to a base (30), a biasing assembly (80), a latch (90), a tether (75) for retaining pole (100) in sleeve (20) and a support (40). The biasing assembly (80) includes a plurality of attachment points (89) for spring (81) to adjust spring bias to compensate for different pole weights. A plurality of supports (45,55,60,64) simultaneously attach to base (30) so as to be conveniently available for any fishing environment.