Abstract: An adjustable outrigger for use on a marine vessel for supporting and selectively positioning a fishing outrigger pole includes a rotatable driving device which is coupled to a ball screw mechanism a rotatable member of which is coupled to a piston and to a track pitched in a direction along an axis to concurrently rotate the outrigger pole about the axis and angulate the outrigger pole in a plane perpendicular to that axis.

Abstract: A prefabricated, polyurethane reaction injection molded, leak-proof shower module suitable for use in constructing a tiled shower includes a plurality of sidewalls, a floor bounded along at least one peripheral edge by at least one sidewall extending substantially vertically from the edge, and a drain wall defining a drain aperture and having an outer surface and an inner surface. The floor slopes toward the drain wall at a pitch equal to or greater than ? inch per foot. The drain aperture has a diameter of at least one inch, and is enclosed within a prefabricated drain assembly integrated into the floor and the drain wall, or integrated directly into the floor and drain wall. In one embodiment, the maximum thickness of the drain wall, measured from the outer surface to the inner surface, is equal to or less than 1½ times the smallest inner diameter.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for charging electrically powered devices. In accordance with the invention, the device is powered by two storage or charge receiving devices. One of these devices is capable of receiving a substantial charge very rapidly while the other device requires a longer time to receive a charge. The advantage is that the powered device can be used almost instantly and continually while at the same time rebuilding electrical charge. The present invention further relates to a system for protecting the charging device from being damaged from an electrical surge, such as from a lightening strike.

Abstract: A component of an electrical system capable of operation at any of two or more different nominal normal operating voltages is protected from a transient overvoltage condition by an apparatus having at least one phase-to-ground array of surge protection devices (SPDs) connected in series with one another to define a series of tap points on opposite sides of the SPDs and having at least two sets of electrical conductors for coupling the electrical system to a user-selectable one of the tap points which corresponds to a desired one of the nominal operating voltages. An array of capacitors connected electrically in series with one another is connected between each of the tap points and a monitoring circuit to provide impedance for dropping each nominal operating voltage to a suitable voltage for powering the monitoring circuit with low energy loss.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an electromechanical tactile cell assembly comprising a plurality of piezoelectric element reeds, each one of the piezoelectric element reeds being bendable at an elongated end portion when a voltage is applied to the reed, a plurality of conductive fulcrum pins secured to a printed circuit board, and a plurality of multiple element conductive supports secured to a printed circuit board, each multiple element conductive support, in combination with the plurality of conductive fulcrum pins, adapted to secure a plurality of piezoelectric reeds, corresponding to the plurality of conductive fulcrum pins, to the printed circuit board. The electromechanical tactile cell is adaptable for use with a Braille display.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gypsum board forming device which provides improved slurry spread. The device includes a forming table with an arcuate or angled profile that promotes a uniform slurry spread. An arcuate or angled hinge plate can also be included to further promote the uniform distribution of slurry prior to an extrusion plate. As a result of the improved slurry spread, gypsum board with increased strength and durability can be created.

Abstract: A seal comprises the combination of a primary seal and a secondary seal each of which acts on at least one shoe that is installed with clearance relative to one of a rotor and a stator in a position to create a non-contact seal therewith. The at least one shoe is provided with a surface geometry and labyrinth-type teeth that influence the inertia of fluid flowing across the seal, and, hence, the velocity of the fluid and the pressure distribution across the seal, ultimately affecting the balance of forces applied to the seal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vault door mechanism that assists a user in opening or closing the door. A hold-open arm and hinge plate pivotally interconnect the door to a surrounding frame and are fixed in place by an associated locking mechanism. The locking mechanism stops the door in the partially opened position prior to being fully opened or closed, thereby assisting the user in handling the door. The details of the present invention, and the manner in which they interrelate, will be described in greater detail hereinafter.

Abstract: A composition is provided for use in cleaning a surface of a cementitious material. The composition includes HCI, urea, complex substituted keto-amine-hydrochloride, an alcohol, an ethoxylate, and a ketone. A method of using the composition includes applying the composition to a surface from which it is desired to clean a cementitious material and removing the composition and released cementitious material from the surface. Methods are also provided for performing hydraulic fracturing of an oil or a gas well; for adjusting a pH of a drilling fluid; for adjusting and maintaining a pH of a process fluid; for solubilizing calcium carbonate in an aqueous suspension or dispersion of calcium carbonate; for removing a foulant in a fluid-handling element; adjusting a pH and lowering a salt level of turf.

Abstract: A device for digitizing a series of notes to be played on a pan instrument includes a processor and software installed on the processor that has a code segment adapted to display a virtual keyboard on a display device. The keyboard has a plurality of pianistically arranged keys, each key having a note name corresponding to a pitch represented by the key imposed thereon. A code segment can receive a user selection of a pan instrument for which music is desired to be entered, retrieve a note range for the selected pan instrument, and electronically mask the virtual keyboard to exclude keys outside the retrieved note range. User input can be received for a series of notes to be encoded for playing on the selected pan instrument.

Abstract: A steel drum teaching tool includes a circular base divided into twelve radial sectors and three concentric rings, defining 36 note elements. An adjacent note name in a first radial direction is separated by an interval of a fifth, and an adjacent note name in a second radial direction, by a fourth. A translucent mask is rotatably affixed to the base and has a central portion divided into twelve radial sectors and three concentric rings corresponding to the base. A pair of ring sections extend about seven of the radial sectors and are divided into inner and outer sector elements corresponding to the central portion. The inner ring sector elements have indicia designating notes in a respective key to which the mask is aligned; the outer ring sector elements, indicia designating notes in a respective relative minor key. Additional aspects include an electronic tool and a method of use.

Abstract: A prefabricated modular curb suitable for attaching to a sidewall of a prefabricated shower module for constructing a tiled shower includes a mounting wall, an exterior wall, and a top wall extending from the upper edge of the exterior wall to the upper edge of the mounting wall in a plane substantially perpendicular to the mounting wall and to the exterior wall, or pitched downward from the exterior wall toward the mounting wall. In one embodiment, the modular curb further includes at least one reinforcing curb rib connected to the top wall, the mounting wall, and/or the exterior wall. In another embodiment the top wall terminates beyond the outer surface of the mounting wall in a ledge having a width substantially equal to the width of the sidewall of the shower module.

Abstract: A prefabricated shower bench for installation in a tiled shower includes an upper surface having a plurality of peripheral edges, and at least three sidewalls. Each sidewall has an upper edge and a lower edge. Each upper edge is connected along a corresponding peripheral edge of the upper surface. The lower edge of each sidewall terminates in a common plane. One sidewall includes a setback area along the entire lower edge which has a height greater than the height of a sidewall of a prefabricated shower module. The upper surface is horizontal or pitched downwards toward the shower module when the shower bench is installed adjacent to the sidewall of the shower module such that the sidewall of the shower module resides within the setback area, thereby preventing the weight of the shower bench from resting on the sidewall of the shower module.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable magnifier camera that can be selectively positioned into a variety of configurations. At least four distinct viewing configurations are provided: a reading mode wherein the camera rests flatly upon the viewed object; a writing mode wherein the camera rests at an angle upon the viewed object; a hand-held mode wherein the user holds the camera relative to a distant object; and an inspection mode wherein the user holds the viewed object relative to the camera. These configurations enable a user to effectively view objects of differing size and at varying distances.

Abstract: A prefabricated shower bench for installation in a tiled shower includes a seating member defining at least one peripheral edge, and at least one sidewall depending downwardly therefrom. The sidewall has an upper edge and a lower edge. The upper edge is connected along a corresponding peripheral edge of the seating member. The lower edge terminates at a height above the ground which is the same as or slightly greater than the height of a corresponding sidewall of a prefabricated shower module. The upper surface is horizontal or pitched slightly downward toward the shower module when the shower bench is installed adjacent to the sidewall of the shower module. The lower edge of the downwardly depending sidewall is situated substantially in registry with an upper edge of the prefabricated shower module sidewall. The prefabricated shower module sidewall is in a plane that is substantially contiguous with a plane formed by the downwardly depending sidewall of the bench.

Abstract: A floating plant culture system has improved strength and durability and includes a substantially planar platform having a length along opposed sides thereof and a width along front and back thereof generally perpendicular to the sides. The platform is adapted for growing a culture of attached plants including micro- and macrophytes thereon. Beneath the platform are affixed a plurality of cells extending in bridging relation to the sides and open at each end adjacent the sides. The cells are placeable in fluid communication with a body of water desired to be remediated. Affixed along at least a portion of the sides extend a pair of opposed hollow beams, for providing flotation to the platform. The beams are also placeable in fluid communication with the body of water, and an upper surface of the platform is floodable by the body of water from beneath for submerging plants attached thereto.

Abstract: A method for efficiently delivering an aqueous solution to plants includes positioning a distal portion of a microporous hydrophobic tubing coated with a hydrophilic polymer adjacent a root system of a plant and channeling an aqueous solution from an inlet to the distal portion through a lumen. The tubing along the distal portion has a porosity adapted for permitting a flow of the aqueous solution therethrough when acted upon by a surfactant root exudate generated by the roots due to water stress. The aqueous solution is held in a reservoir, from which it can be channeled to the hydrophilic device's inlet. A nutrient solution can also be channeled to the plant roots via additional tubing.