Abstract: A compost bin for decomposing compostable matter such as food and human waste, comprising a plurality of vertical bin walls which surround a base and define a bin interior which contains the compostable matter. In a preferred embodiment, four vertical bin walls are contemplated, forming a rectangle. A plurality of apertures are formed into the vertical bin walls, and a plurality of hollow ventilation tubes having perforations disposed about the periphery extend through the apertures. A cross-tube connects the hollow ventilation tubes and has a down-turned segment which extends perpendicular to the ground and terminates at an open cross-tube end. A bio-filter bag comprising a porous material and filled with organic material is secured to the open cross-tube end of the cross tube, such that any gases which manage to escape the bin interior through the perforations into the hollow ventilation tubes and down-turned segment of the cross-tube will be effectively filtered.

Abstract: A piston door stop comprising a hollow first shaft, a hollow second shaft which partially contains said first shaft, a spring, a base screw, and a rubber cap. The spring extends through the bore of both shafts. The first shaft, second shaft, spring, and the rubber cap are coaxial. The door stopper is screwed into a wall via the base screw such that a bottom surface of a head of the base screw is in contact with the surface of said wall. A swung door first hits the rubber cap which covers the second shaft. The force is then transmitted to the spring which is contained within the two shafts, such that the second shaft moves along the first shaft towards the wall, compressing the spring which is contained within both shafts; thus causing the spring to absorb all of the energy transmitted from the swung door.

Abstract: A suitcase which is constructed of individual panels joined to each other by hinge mechanisms. The hinge mechanisms allow the panels to selectively form right angles so that the panels form a suitcase shell in the shape of a rectangular prism having a storage space, or selectively allow the panels to be folded against each other so that the suitcase may be stored flat. The suitcase has wheel assemblies, and straps which help hold the suitcase together, and hold the wheel assemblies against the suitcase shell.

Abstract: A decorative toilet lid for use with an original toilet seat lid or a replacement toilet lid. The decorative toilet lid comprises a core, along with a shell that covers the core, the shell being spaced from the core in order to accommodate a decorative insert sheet of choice. The decorative insert sheet can be selected from other materials used to decorate a bathroom. The decorative toilet lid may be configured to be snapped onto an existing lid, or a movable section of the shell may be provided to allow decorative insert sheets to be changed without removing the shell from the core.

Abstract: A system is disclosed to monitor and coordinate the movement of a plurality of mass transit passenger vehicles servicing a network of pathways. The system will disseminate information such as the on-time status and the expected arrival times of a plurality of the vehicles assigned to and traversing predefined routes within the network. Each route within the network is comprised of a plurality of predetermined passenger drop-off and pickup stops. The system includes of a plurality of stop units, each installed at one of the plurality of the passenger stops within the network, and configured to collect and disseminate information related to vehicle arrivals at the passenger stops. A plurality of vehicle units are provided wherein each is installed in one of the mass transit passenger vehicles operating in the network. The vehicle units are configured to exchange information with the stop units during the interval of time each vehicle unit is in the immediate vicinity of one of the stop units.

Abstract: A door knob receptacle for receiving and retaining a door knob of a door within a pocket created in a wall by installation of the door knob receptacle thereon, comprising a hemispherical shell having an inner periphery and an outer periphery, a rectangular flange having a front and a rear, which surrounds the outer periphery, self-adhesive tape which is secured to the rear of the rectangular flange, and securing structure such as semi-rigid brushes disposed around and extending inward from the inner periphery of the hemispherical shell towards the center of the hemispherical shell in such a manner that a gap is formed in the center of the semi-rigid brush arrangement.

Abstract: A sliding pull-out shelf comprising a shelf board, a shelf bracket with at least one shelf bracket tang, a pair of vertical supports spaced a predetermined distance apart, a pair of telescopic slider mechanisms, a magnet, and a magnetic anchor. Each telescopic slider mechanism attaches each shelf board side to each shelf bracket. Each shelf bracket is secured to each vertical support with the shelf bracket tang which is inserted into the vertical support vertical slots. Each shelf bracket is secured to each vertical support such that the shelf brackets project horizontally and parallel to each other. The magnetic anchor lies in the same plane as the vertical supports and is located midway between the vertical supports. The magnet is attached to the shelf board and contacts the magnetic anchor when the shelf is fully against the vertical supports.

Abstract: A lower back heater mat with a leg support comprising a ladder shaped leg support and an electrical heater mat pivotally connected to the leg support. A person with lower back pain lying on the electrical heater mat is forced to elevate his or her legs on the leg support. The leg support and the electrical heater mat fold making allowing for easy transportation.