Abstract: Apparatus and methods for spacing, securing, and stabilizing I-joists at their ends, and insulating and structural enhancing I-joist assemblies, are provided around the perimeter, or in the interior, of a floor or ceiling where ends of I-joists are located. Insulated blocking panels may comprise an insulating portion that provides a high-R-value and a structural portion which may comprise vertical panel(s) and optional integral support blocks that provide a profiled end surface for extending to the web of the I-joists. Alternatively, insulated blocking panels with flat, vertical end surfaces may be used with field-installed support blocks, or insulated blocking panels with profiled end surfaces may be used without any support blocks. The support blocks or profiled end surfaces of the insulated blocking panels extend to the web of each I-joist, to fill in the space between the I-joists near the I-joist ends, including a substantial amount of the space immediately adjacent the web of each I-joist.

Abstract: Granules comprise binder-agglomerated active particles for liquid treatment or filtration. Each granule has a center core of a material that itself has binding properties without the addition of other binders or sprays or adhesives, or, alternatively, each granule comprises a matrix of active materials stuck together with the binder. The binder structure preferably ranges from a non-uniform matrix of binder formed by heat-deformed binder particles, to a clump of binder particles generally retaining the original shape or the binder particles, to non-continuous connectors of binder between active particles. The invented two-part media has high surface area per volume of media, which, because the outer surface and inner void surfaces of the particles are preferably substantially covered with active particles, translates to high activity for the preferred treatment process.

Abstract: An expanding reamer prepares an acetabulum for a prosthetic component during hip arthroplasty. One or more blades expand in directions non-parallel to the plane of the respective blades and form an effective cutting sphere preferably greater-than-180-degrees for greater flexibility in placement of the reamer shaft relative to the center of axis of the acetabulum. Two parallel blades may move out away from each other and from the reamer rotational axis, staying parallel to each other to become more distanced, but still parallel, segments of a larger cuffing sphere. Or, two blades may start generally parallel to each other and to the rotational axis of the device, but pivot out from each other in directions generally perpendicular to their respective blade planes, again becoming more distanced, but not parallel, segments of a larger cuffing sphere.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed that enable writing data on, and reading data of, multi-state elements having greater than two states. The elements may be made of magnetoplastic and/or magnetoelastic materials, including, for example, magnetic shape-memory alloy or other materials that couple magnetic and crystallographic states. The writing process is preferably conducted through the application of a magnetic field and/or a mechanical action. The reading process is preferably conducted through atomic-force microscopy, magnetic-force microscopy, spin-polarized electrons, magneto-optical Kerr effect, optical interferometry or other methods, or other methods/effects. The multifunctionality (crystallographic, magnetic, and shape states each representing a functionality) of the multi-state elements allows for simultaneous operations including read&write, sense&indicate, and sense&control.

Abstract: Tools and methods of making tools that are swung toward a work-piece are more accurate and/or safer to use because of a moveable grip provided on the tool handle. The tool handle slides through the moveable grip, with minimal or no rotation or shifting relative to the grip. The movable grip eliminates the need for the forward hand of the user to loosen its grip during portions or all of the swing, eliminates the need for the hand itself to slide along the surface of the handle, and, importantly, greatly reduces or eliminates the chance that the tool and the impact head of the tool hand will rotate or shift relative to user's hand(s). The moveable grip and handle are preferably rigid and hard and mated in shape and size so that rotation and shifting is reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: A foot operated data entry/input pad has a plurality of foot-operated buttons. The foot buttons may be used to enter data values, such as numbers or symbols separately or in combination. Each button is preferably capable of entering different data values, preferably depending on the length of time that it is pressed or on the number of times that it is pressed in succession. A small controller may be included to allow the user to control the computer's pointer, allowing the user to switch between data entry fields. A heel rest may serve as both a heel rest and a button/switch for sending an electric/electronic signal. An automated voice system, or other audible and/or visual indicator system, may help the user keep track of the data value as it changes and is entered.

Abstract: A filter assembly is described that includes a substantially recyclable filter cartridge inside a pressure vessel. The invented filter cartridge comprises substantially non-pressure bearing walls, except for a pressure-bearing neck or cap with neck that is adapted to withstand high pressures preferably in the range of at least 200 psi, and more preferably at least 475 psi from the inside. The walls of the filter cartridge that are incapable of withstanding significant internal pressure are surrounded on the outside by a pressure vessel. The invented cartridge need not seal to the pressure vessel, because the cartridge neck protrudes outside of the pressure vessel to seal directly to a filter head. The cartridge preferably includes a quick-disassembly mechanism for allowing quick and non-destructive access to the internal components and media of the cartridge.

Abstract: A method of electrochemical deposition uses microdroplets of electrolytic solution over a targeted small circuit element. Only the targeted circuit element is electrically biased so that deposition occurs on the surface of that element, underneath the microdroplet, and nowhere else unless it is under other microdroplet(s). The invented method achieves extremely accurate and selective electrochemical deposition with a tiny amount of electrolytic solution, compared to conventional submersive and/or immersive methods, and eliminates the need for masking or etching, reducing the costs of manufacture and amount of waste electrolytic solution produced.

Abstract: A non-spilling, detachable pouring spout is configured to transfer liquid from a non-vented filling container to a receiving container. The spout has a spout body defining a first hollow passageway extending from an open first end to an open second end, wherein this open passageway having a generally tubular hollow inner conduit positioned within the first hollow passageway and defining a second hollow passageway. An intermediate sleeve is received in the spout and seals against portions of the spout body and the inner conduit so as to variously control the flow of materials out of the spout body, preferably the flow of liquid out of the spout and air into the spout as a venting system. The movement of said sleeve may be controlled by movement of an external sheath and may include child-resistant features. The preferred spout may achieve smooth air venting and liquid flow, and minimizes transverse/sideways flow and openings that tend to cause splash and leaks.

Abstract: A system and device for installing and mounting conduit upon a surface such as a roof The system made up of at least one support block having a body with a base and an upper portion, the upper portion having a channel defined by two upright portions each of these upright portions having an upper surface, the upper surface defining an aperture, the aperture extends from the upper surface of the upright portion down into the hollow cavity which is defined by the body. These apertures are dimensioned so as to allow a portion of an adaptable conduit connecting device to fit and be held in a desired position within said aperture.

Abstract: A guide for improving a golfer's stance and swing includes an elongated hollow member, an elongated insert member, and a connector. In golf-practice configuration, the hollow member and the insert member cross each other at 90 degrees and are adjustable relative to each other for different ball placement. In a storage configuration, the insert member is removed from the connector and slid and latched into an interior space of the hollow member. The hollow member and the insert member are preferably tubular so that the storage configuration is generally a tube-within-a-tube. The preferred connector is near the intersection of the hollow member and the insert member but does not require any structure to be between the hollow member and the insert member at or near the place where they cross each other, resulting in a low profile guide. Preferably, only a small portion of the connector contacts the practice mat or ground, resulting in minimal resistance to movement on the mat or ground.

Abstract: A self-unloading bed includes a conveyor with chain bars that are strong, light-weight and non-damaging to the floor upon which the conveyor slides. The preferred chain bar is an elongated bar with two legs, each of said two legs having a foot. The feet extend away from the leading (unloading) direction, the transition from leg to foot being formed by smooth bends, so that no sharp edges exist that would gouge into the floor as the chain bar moves across the floor. The preferred chain bar, made of a single metal bar with four longitudinal bends, is extremely strong for its weight, and it unlikely to bend or gouge into the floor during use.

Abstract: An oxide semiconductor doped with a transition metal and exhibiting room-temperature ferromagnetism is disclosed. The transition metal-doped oxide semiconductor is preferably manufactured in powder form, and the transition metal is preferably evenly distributed throughout the oxide semiconductor. The preferred embodiments are iron-doped tin dioxide and cobalt-doped tin dioxide. Gases may be detected by passing them across a material and measuring the change in magnetic properties of the material; the preferred material is iron-doped tin dioxide.

Abstract: A wheel 100 rotatable about a main axis 106a, including: (a) a frame 111 including multiple supports 114; (b) a first series 150 of rollers 140 radially spaced from the main axis and aligned with a first plane 160a normal to the main axis, the first series of rollers spaced to form a first discontinuous rim; and (c) a second series 152 of rollers radially spaced from the main axis and aligned with a second plane 160c normal to the main axis. The second series of rollers are spaced to form a second discontinuous rim. The first and second planes are aligned parallel to and spaced from one another. Each roller 140 is: (i) rotatable about an axis normal 117 to the main axis; (ii) mounted between a pair of the supports 115; and (iii) has a lateral central cross-sectional diameter greater than the diameter of its end portions.

Abstract: A foot operated data entry pad has a plurality of foot-operated buttons. The foot buttons are used to enter data values—e.g., numbers or symbols separately or in combination. Each button is capable of entering different data values, preferably depending on the length of time that it is pressed or on the number of times that it is pressed in succession. A small controller may be included to allow the user to control the computer's pointer, allowing the user to switch between data entry fields, as with a mouse. A heel rest may serve as both a heel rest and a button/switch for sending an electric/electronic signal. An automated voice system, or other audible and/or visual indicator system, may also be included to help the user keep track of the data value as it changes and is entered. Various embodiments are capable of entering a variety of alphanumeric data rather than a simple binary-type data set, such as yes/no or on/off, or instructions, such as a joystick used with a flight simulator program.