Abstract: An illumination device for use with a safety marker to increase the visibility of said safety marker is described. The illumination device includes a generally circular and hollow bracket supporting an illumination source (e.g., bulb) and having at least one flange associated therewith. The flange of the bracket is shaped and positioned to removably fit between at least two protruding feet of a traditional safety marker without inhibiting the desired nesting or stacking feature of the safety marker. The illumination source may be powered by a variety of power sources (e.g., solar panel) and, when attached to the safety marker, provides illumination of the exterior surfaces of the body of the safety marker, thereby greatly increasing the visibility of the safety marker.

Abstract: A containing device capable of receiving beverage containers of a variety of sizes and shapes and further providing and maintaining for an extended period of time a temperature substantially above or below ambient temperature to said beverage container is disclosed. The containing device of the present invention comprises a main body portion constructed of materials having thermal insulating properties and at least one removable sleeve. The removable sleeve is comprised of a series of alternating tubes and pockets, the tubes containing either a reusable refrigerant or a substance capable of providing thermal energy, and the pockets containing a substance which remains flexible over a wide range of temperatures. The alternating placement of the tubes and pockets within the removable sleeve allows the substance in the tubes to be rigid and yet still allow the main body portion to receive beverage containers of a variety of sizes and shapes.

Abstract: A remotely operable intraocular surgical instrument specially adapted to perform anterior capsulectomy/capsulorhexis for extracapsular cataract extractions and emulsifications is disclosed. The intraocular instrument has a main body portion including at least two internally defined passageways and a rounded internal chamber including a rotatable wheel or a gear. An arm of variable length including a knife is associated with the rotatable wheel or gear such that movement of the wheel/gear rotates the knife through 360 degrees. In one embodiment, the wheel is driven through the use of a fluid forced through the internal passageways and around the wheel. In another embodiment a shaft having specialized teeth communicates pressure applied to a handle to the gear, thus turning the associated knife. Both embodiments include a releasable stop to prevent the knife from rotating and cutting past 360 degrees.

Abstract: A hardwood flooring system includes an upper layer of hardwood components and a subflooring unit composed of one or more layers of non-wood materials. One or more membranes separate the subflooring unit from the base material upon which the floor is installed and the upper hardwood layer, preventing the introduction of moisture to the vulnerable wood components of the upper layer from any layer below it. The relative positioning of the sublayer with respect to the upper layer and with respect to components of the sublayer, if more than one, acts to reduce or eliminate the damaging effects of negative forces experienced by the sublayers.