Abstract: A method of providing a simulated bull ride includes guiding a rider to sit on an artificial bull in a bull chute, translating the artificial bull out of the chute along a slidably-coupled track and pivoting the artificial bull about a plurality of pivot points on an internal frame to simulate a bucking bull.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning mop, including a handle fixed onto a cylindrical coupler having rotational capability; a joint fixed to the cylindrical coupler; a retainer for retaining a cleaning element; and a scrubber formed with projections on one part and fins on the other part, the fins extending side to side along the scrubber. The scrubber can be formed to have a circular cross-section. It also can be formed to have a polygonal cross-section. Each surface of the polygon is formed alternatively with either irregularly spaced projections or regularly spaced fins, such that the projections and fins alternate on every other face of the polygon.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for reducing the drag that a vessel hull experiences when moving through the water by interposing air bubbles between the skin of the hull and the stream of water that the vessel is moving through. The invention delivers compressed air to the bottom of the vessel without the need for a high energy air compressor.

Abstract: A thermostat system with a thermostat control program is disclosed for controlling a Heating Ventilation and/or Air Conditioning (HVAC) system which incorporates a mechanism for detecting activity or occupancy in a room, area or conditioned space served by the HVAC system. The thermostat control program analyzes levels, counts or other aspects of activity detected in the conditioned space, with an operating sequence which may include pattern recognition techniques. The operating sequence of the thermostat control program may further depend upon time of day, and upon periods of time identified as being periods for special handling of occupancy, or the recognition of occupancy. These factors may then be utilized by the thermostat control program to influence determination of the temperature setpoint, or to select from alternative programming provided either by the user of the thermostat, or by factory programming, with purpose of balancing energy savings and comfort.

Abstract: Various embodiments of this invention disclose a retractable projection screen with a tab tensioning system, a textured textile border that is made from a different material as the screen, an adjustable coupling means, and a metal strip.

Abstract: Various embodiments of this invention disclose an internal spring array of a mattress wherein the springs are mounted back to back on a membrane, and a simplified method for making an internal spring array of a mattress. The springs of the array have support plates connected to a base section via a spring arm.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention discloses a system for supplying power and data to and receiving data from a thermostat over a two-wire system. The invention allows modern thermostats that feature digital communications to be installed in two-wire systems, such as conventional older technology thermostat systems. In this manner, one or more embodiments of the invention disclose systems for simplifying and reducing costs associated with upgrading conventional older technology HVAC systems to accommodate modern thermostat technologies.

Abstract: In order to provide an electric heat system that is quieter than those of the prior art, a switching circuit is incorporated into the controls for the heating system which provides for the heating elements of the electric heater to be kept at a more constant temperature than those of the prior art. The switching circuit regulates the output power to the degree desired while not inducing sharp changes in temperature of the coils of the electric heater and thus reduces the degree of rapid expansion and contraction of the coils and the enclosure for the heater. This in turn reduces the amount of mechanical noise produced by the electric heater while also reducing wear and tear on the heating element, the heater enclosure and objects near to the heater.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for harnessing wave energy by transforming it in potential energy of water in a reservoir, to be converted in mechanical energy through a classical, proved in time, low head water turbine. The invention maximizes the throughput by raising the water head regardless of the unpredictable wave behavior, to a predictable head. The cost of it is greatly mitigated by sharing the facilities with wind power, desalination and hydrogen generating facilities as well as lodging facilities having all necessary ingredients generated on board.

Abstract: Various embodiments of this invention disclose a biaxial rear door hinge of a vehicle that allows the vehicle door to open outward and then upward. This biaxial hinge system allows the rear door in a sedan to mimic the look of a vertically pivoting front door.