Abstract: An ear shading hat attachment includes a movable flap portion and a stationary flap portion associated with the flap, two spring hinges formed between the movable flap portion and the stationary flap portion capable of flexing in response to a desired amount of tensioning applied to the spring hinges, wherein the desired amount of tensioning is equal to or ranges between a minimum or a maximum amount of tensioning; and a slot disposed between the spring hinges adapted to control the spring strength of the spring hinges, wherein the stationary flap portion forms part of the stationary base, and wherein the movable flap portion pivots about the stationary base to position the movable flap portion in either a stowed position and a deployed position.

Abstract: One embodiment of a device for transporting odor-containing air from a region including an interior airspace of a toilet bowl to a drain line that connects a water seal-type drain of the toilet bowl to a septic system comprises: an exhaust tube having an inlet and an outlet, wherein the inlet is in fluid communication with the region, the water seal-type drain having a drain ceiling at least partly below the normal standing water level of the toilet bowl, wherein the outlet is substantially between the surface of the water seal and the portion of the drain ceiling furthest below the normal standing water level of the toilet bowl. Another embodiment of such a device comprises: an air pump assembly having an air intake and an air exhaust, wherein the air intake is in fluid communication with the region, an exhaust tube assembly including an inlet, and a connecting channel, wherein the connecting channel is in fluid communication with the air exhaust and the inlet.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes determining a set of materials for constructing a wood frame building, comprising selecting a plurality of parameters for the wood frame building, accessing a database having information about a set of raw and finished goods, determining the set of materials based on the plurality of parameters for the wood frame building and the information about the set of raw and finished goods, and displaying the set of materials, wherein selecting a plurality of parameters for the wood frame building comprises selecting a plurality of parameters for walls, selecting a plurality of parameters for a roof, and selecting a plurality of parameters for at least one building opening.

Abstract: A novel safety device for step ladders. This safety device is fabricated and positioned so as to deter, dissuade and deny the ladder user access to the unsupported top step of a step ladder while allowing the user to an aloft tool organizer for pre-loading job materials thereby eliminating the need to repeatedly climb up and down the ladder carrying materials. More people are killed doing construction work every year than in any other occupation and falls are the biggest killer of employees in the construction industry, many of these falls involve the improper use of ladders. Falls are the leading cause of death in and around the home, according to the National Safety Council, there are thousands of people die from falls around the home each year and many suffer disabling injuries many of these also involve ladders. At work or at home, these accidents invariably occur because the victims violate the basic rules of ladder safety.

Abstract: A novel critical supplementary apparatus, when used in conjuction with U.S. Pat. No. 6,533,673, collectively completes the sphere of practical operation of a convexo-concave bowling ball retrieving device that captures, guides, lifts and deposits in one smooth continuous flowing motion a bowling ball for subsequent discharge into a bowling ball return. U.S. Pat. No. 6,533,673 addresses the inherent lack of friction problems found in Brunswick automatic pinsetter bowling machines, models A and A2 but is unable to comply with a similar problematic lack of friction situation found in the remainder of Brunswick product line—models Factory A2 and the Jetback. The models Factory A2 and Jetback don't have adaquite clearance between the bowling ball retrieving device 1 that is mounted on the rotating ball return wheel 6 (as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,533,673) and the 1 HP motor mount shaft 19.

Abstract: A one piece positive contact bowling ball retriever device, having no moving parts. It is secured to the inside of the ball return wheel and circum rotates with the wheel. It has a lead finger guide designed to assist in the differentiating of pins and the ball, as the pins go their way the lead finger guide captures, guides and holds the ball in its concave radius to be lifted and deposited in one smooth continuous flowing motion for subsequent discharge into the bowling ball return. This positive contact device nether contributes to nor is it affected by slippage and drag caused by the oil and dust normally associated with automatic bowling machinery. By using this positive contact device, ball friction will no longer have to be artificially supplied by the use of temporary rubber ball kickers and the machine r.p.m.s can be reduced for longer equipment life and more economical operation. Ball retriever 1 eliminates the need for manufactures to friction compensate by operating at 36 r.p.