Abstract: A continuous supply of fresh water achieved through desalinization by a system of Venturi shafts to increase the velocity and pressure of air flow allowing for increased condensation and processing of evaporated water through a structure (1) that incorporates a blackened evaporation surface (16), concave Venturi wind walls (50), a vertical Venturi wind shaft (10), condensation chambers (5) connected by horizontally stacked hollow cylinders (61), a heat transfer duct (40) that draws cool air from a water body, vents hot air through an air exhaust port (48), and a water drainage port (35) that flows water to a reservoir (36).

Abstract: A mop/cleaner handle that includes two chambers or hollow elements, in which fluid is transferred from one to the other before being sprayed out. In one specific device, one of the two chambers or hollow elements is slidable into the other, and each includes a one-way valve. In another, all or substantially all of the apparatus is enclosed within a tubular outer housing to.

Abstract: This invention discloses a flame and heat resistant work glove that includes improved articulation systems for easier flexing of the finger joints and impact protection to safeguard the wearer's hands.

Abstract: This invention discloses an apparatus and method for cleaning teeth, particularly in individuals undergoing cosmetic and orthodontic treatment. The apparatus includes members having a tooth contact portion and a handle portion. Connected to the tooth contact portion is a floss tip enclosure element capable of receiving floss that is capped. The invention can be used easily and conveniently to enable a person to floss underneath bridges, or orthodontic wiring, without damage to the gingival tissue.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention are directed towards a baby play yard cover or lining that lines the walls and floor of a baby play yard in order that the play yard is protected from soiling by the baby. Various embodiments of the invention are re-attachable such that the play yard liner may be washed separately from the play yard. The play yard cover has a plurality of elastic reinforcing portions which facilitate the securing of the cover to its corresponding play yard.

Abstract: A hand shield is provided comprising a body dimensioned to cover the first web space of a human hand, a proximal end extending from the body in the direction of the thumb, and a distal end extending from the body in the direction of the index finger. The body may have a variety of shapes and profiles, and comprises a base resting over the first web side of the hand, an anterior wall covering at least a portion of the anterior side of the hand, and a posterior wall covering at least a portion of the posterior side of the hand.

Abstract: The present invention is an ink-based electronic voting apparatus that generates a paper ballot for every voter. The voter marks a ballot with a probe as he/she would with a conventional ink-based system. In one embodiment, the paper ballot is situated underneath the surface of an input board electrically connected to a computer. A vote is cast when the probe is depressed onto the ballot at a designated input point. The electrical interaction between the probe and the input board generates a vote signal for recording and causes ink to be released from the probe to mark a corresponding spot on the paper ballot. As such, votes are electronically recorded for fast tabulation while paper ballots are generated for manual and/or optical scanner recounts to safeguard against computer errors and tampering. Furthermore the voting apparatus has a built-in mechanism to prevent undervoting and overvoting and thus increases valid votes.

Abstract: A thermostat system according to the invention includes: a central control device (typically a programmable thermostat with a processor having: a CPU, real time clock and a memory for storing a control program and data information), multiple rooms comprising a conditioned space, environmental control equipment, and multiple environmental sensors capable of sensing an environmental condition (such as temperature, humidity, or other condition). The sensors are associated with transmission means, which control transmission of sensor signals, and occupancy sensors. Each sensor measures a local environmental condition. Occupancy sensors comprise infrared or other motion sensors, light detection sensors, door opening sensors, and other such sensors that detect the presence of humans in a room of the conditioned space where its associated sensor is located. Space conditioning equipment is activated by comparison of a setpoint to a control value averaged from values of environmental conditions in occupied rooms.