Abstract: A cat litter scoop has a handle part and a scoop part. The handle part includes a releasable locking mechanism and a button for releasing the locking mechanism. The scoop part is connected to the handle part via the releasable locking mechanism. When the scoop part is soiled, such as after scooping cat litter, a user presses the button to release the locking mechanism and jettison the scoop part and the user has no contact with the cat litter and no contact with the soiled scoop part. Preferably, the scoop part is biodegradable and may include paper pulp.

Abstract: Storing and retrieving articles in and from rack warehouses which are filled and emptied, wherein articles are stored on load supports at storage locations of at least one rack of rack warehouse comprises moving a storage and retrieval device, which is movable in a longitudinal direction of the rack and has a lifting table movable in height, to a receiving point of the rack; receiving a load support, which is loaded with an article, from the rack on a load suspension device of the storage and retrieval device; separating article from the received load support on the lifting table by means of a separation station; moving storage and retrieval device to hand-over point, where storage and retrieval device is coupled in a transverse direction of the rack to article conveyor extending in longitudinal direction of rack; and delivering separated article from lifting table to the article conveyor.

Abstract: A microdermabrasion hand piece includes an elongated body portion having a particle supply channel and a waste removal channel extending lengthwise, parallel to a longitudinal axis, through the body portion; a removable tip attachable to a proximal end of the body portion, the removable tip defining a treatment orifice; the particle supply channel being oriented to direct a stream of abrasive particles, which are drawn into and guided through the particle supply channel, substantially toward a center of the treatment orifice; and an automatic vacuum relief valve assembly oriented centrally in the hand piece and generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hand piece, the vacuum relief valve assembly being responsive to skin contact, wherein the hand piece provides automatic limitation on skin extension, wherein extension of the skin in the treatment orifice, beyond a predetermined limit, is prevented and excessive extension of skin of various thicknesses is eliminated.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatic environmental control includes an enclosed, zoned structure. A heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is incorporated into the structure. Each zone includes separate controls, separately-controlled air flow into and out of each zone, and separate intake, vent, damper, thermostat and humidistat for each zone. Temperature and humidity are separately controllable for each zone, and controller is in communication with HVAC system for controlling HVAC system and for controlling the damper for each zone, the controller having a map comprising a plurality of relative humidity and temperature combinations and one or more actions for automatic execution based on the combinations of temperature and humidity. A temperature sensor, a relative humidity sensor are included in each zone, and an indicator array/interface panel is in communication with the controller.

Abstract: An electromechanical firearm rest may include a base plate with a front rest attached to the base plate. An electromechanical windage adjustment mechanism and an electromechanical elevation adjustment mechanism may be attached to the front rest or the base plate. A wired or wireless controller may be in communication with both the electromechanical windage adjustment mechanism and the electromechanical elevation adjustment mechanism. Inputs may be made through a joystick. The firearm rest may include one or more interchangeable bag tops for the front and rear rests. The base plate may be one-piece or may include a front plate and a rear plate with a removable center section. The electronic controls may include a variable slew rate to adjust both elevation and windage simultaneously. DC motors or servos may be used to physically move and aim the firearm and manual adjusters may permit quick setup.

Abstract: A wall construction system includes a footer attached to a floor or footer; vertical reinforcing bars attached to the footer; horizontal reinforcing bars attached to vertical reinforcing bars at predetermined heights above the footer; blocks attached onto the footer, each layer including a row of blocks, each block including a pair of flat major surfaces and four contoured minor surfaces, and a plurality of longitudinal grooves parallel to the major surfaces and incorporated into the edges of the minor surfaces; a plurality of joining strips, the strips placed end to end and pressed into each longitudinal groove, with about half their width protruding from the longitudinal grooves; a plurality of lateral clips attached to pairs of joining strips across the top of the blocks, perpendicular to the longitudinal grooves; and a quantity of concrete in horizontal and vertical air gaps between adjacent blocks enveloping horizontal and vertical reinforcing bars.

Abstract: A height-adjustable furnishing system includes a base component, a plurality of legs, a height adjustment mechanism, and a platform component. The base has a planar bottom surface and a top surface with a plurality of attachment points for pivotally attaching two, three or four legs. The height-adjustment mechanism is adjustably attached between the base component and at least one of the plurality of legs, or between a forward leg and a rear leg. A platform component is pivotally attached to the plurality of legs to form a parallelogram linkage when viewed from the side. The height-adjustment mechanism may include a gas spring, a cam clamp, a travel block, a release lever, a cable release, a release trigger and may also be hand- or foot-operated. The entire system folds to a generally planar configuration for storage. The legs are erect when they are approximately 10 degrees from vertical.

Abstract: A modular SCIF includes a frame made from a plurality of prefabricated channels, and a plurality of prefabricated wall and ceiling panels that are attached to the frame. The frame, channels and panels are meet a set of standard dimensions. The SCIF fits within most offices and dwellings. The modular SCIF includes a prefabricated door and doorframe that are attached to the modular SCIF. The SCIF is attached directly to a concrete floor, the floor of a vehicle or to a track system. The panels include several layers, including a core layer of expanded metal and two layers of acoustic board. Additional layers include two layers of ABS plastic sheet, two layers of mass loaded vinyl sheet, two layers of galvanized steel sheet, and two layers of aluminum sheet. The additional layers may be used singly or collectively.

Abstract: An evaporative barrel cooler for a firearm includes a firearm adapter having a mist nozzle, and a high pressure coolant reservoir attached to the firearm adapter with a flexible hose. The firearm adapter orients the nozzle inside a firearm chamber and aligned with the bore of a firearm barrel. The firearm adapter conforms to the interior of a firearm action and replaces a firearm bolt. The firearm adapter accesses the chamber through an open action port or through the bolt's raceway. The high pressure coolant reservoir may further include a hand pump attached to the reservoir for pressurizing the coolant. A coolant valve may be incorporated into the flexible hose to control the flow of coolant, whether it is water, alcohol, gunpowder or bullet metal solvent, or a nonflammable and nonreactive material.

Abstract: A universal hinged tread system includes a folding stair set with one or more primary treads. At least one auxiliary tread is hingedly attached atop at least one primary tread. The folding stair set includes at least two hingedly attached sections. The hingedly attached sections fold flat against each other when in a stowed position, and every other folding stair section is inverted when in the stowed position. Each auxiliary tread is angularly displaced from its primary tread as its folding stair section is inverted. The auxiliary treads do not obstruct any primary treads on other sections when in a stowed position. The auxiliary treads include a beveled lower front edge to aid the auxiliary treads in deflecting.

Abstract: A trailer hitch draw bar includes a receiver tube with a square cross-section to fit into a receiver on a vehicle trailer hitch. A vertically-displaced collar is fixed to the receiver tube and includes a generally square, vertically-oriented aperture and at least one set of horizontal mounting holes. A vertically-adjustable elevation tube is positioned within the collar's aperture and includes a plurality of horizontal holes that index with the mounting holes in the collar. At least one mounting pin is inserted into the collar's mounting holes and the indexed holes in the elevation tube. A hitch ball pad is horizontally fixed to the top end or the bottom end of the elevation tube. A reversible hitch ball is attached to the hitch ball pad. The receiver tube, the elevation tube and the hitch ball are each separately invertible to accommodate any hitch elevation requirements while eliminating a dead zone.

Abstract: A blind spot safety system includes a side view mirror assembly. The side view mirror assembly includes a mirror housing attached to an automobile, a power supply, an adjustment motor, a mirror adjustment mechanism, and an adjustable mirror. A blind spot mirror track is incorporated into the mirror housing. The track's distal end is co-located with the blind spot mirror port. The blind spot mirror is slidingly attached inside the track. The blind spot motor and linkage assembly are attached to the mirror housing, the blind spot mirror and power supply. A signaling circuit is attached to the power supply and the blind spot motor, and it relays signals from the automobile computer, directing the blind spot mirror to extend or retract. A defroster prevents freezing and a proximity detector monitors blind spots and directs the operation of hazard indicators attached to the side view mirror assembly.

Abstract: A multiple-level bicycle storing system includes a framework having a vertical support and a horizontal mounting frame. The framework defines a lower storing space with a lower receiver, a middle storing space with an upper receiver attached to the mounting frame with a pivot mechanism, and an upper storing space. The upper storing space includes an upper track having a horizontal rail, a shuttle movably engaging the rail, an electric shuttle motor attached to the rail and the shuttle and a power source, a cable winch incorporated into the shuttle, an electric winch motor attached to the cable winch and the power source, a control box attached between the winch motor, the shuttle motor and the power source, and a bicycle support attached to the cable winch. The pivot mechanism includes a plurality of rollers, rails, a lever and a gas spring to enable extension of the upper receiver.

Abstract: A multiple-level bicycle storing system includes a framework with a vertical support and a mounting frame defining upper and lower storing spaces. Each storing space includes a receiver to hold a bicycle. The upper receiver has a distal end, a proximal end and a U-shaped channel along the top surface. The upper receiver is pivotally attached to the mounting frame, enabling the upper receiver to tilt from horizontal to a loading and unloading position. The proximal end of the upper receiver is located near the floor when pivoted into the loading and unloading position. The upper receiver pivots up from the loading and unloading position into the horizontal storage position. The bicycles and the storing spaces are enclosed, and a floor separates the lower storing space from the upper storing space. Each storing space includes a lockable door and conceals the pivot point, upper receiver and bicycles inside the enclosure.

Abstract: A one-piece support device for cleaning, skinning or filleting fish or game provides a secure support for fish or game. The support includes a sturdy base which attaches rigidly to a generally vertical structure. Vertical prongs extend upward from the base to engage the fish or small game. The device may also include a stabilizing element which extends from the lower portion of the base. The lower portion of the base may include a barbed prong for smaller fish or game. The fish or game is hung from the vertical prongs and is held substantially stationary in a preferred orientation, without twisting, by the stabilizing element and one or more prongs. The fish or game may safely be cleaned, skinned or filleted, using both hands, without worry of the fish or game moving.