Abstract: A roller cleaning apparatus for cleaning and/or drying a roller such as a paint roller by directing jets of solvent against the surface of the roller—to spin the roller to expel liquid from the roller by centrifugal force. A jet spray manifold with a riser conduit connector for connection to a source of pressure fluid is mounted on the bottom side of a lid structure. A roller to be cleaned is also mounted to the bottom side of the lid structure in position for spinning and cleaning. The lid structure may be mounted on a standard paint bucket or other support.

Abstract: A linear member (10) comprises a first layer (30) and a second layer (40), the second layer being arranged around the first layer. The second layer comprises a series of annular grooves (60). The material for the second layer is substantially stronger than the material for the first layer.

Abstract: An exercise machine that enables a user to perform a variety of repetitive exercises in reclined, sitting and standing positions. The machine permits a user to perform exercises not possible on a traditional Pilates Reformer machine. The machine includes a frame with parallel side rails formed of extrusions, with a carriage that is mounted for rolling movement along the frame. A plurality of tension springs are selectively detachable/attachable to the end of the frame, to allow the user to decrease/increase the tension on the carriage. Angularly adjustable crossbars are mounted at both the head and foot ends of the frame, as are stationary platforms for the user's feet and/or hands; in addition, a raised transverse bar is mounted at the head end of the rolling platform. The combination of platforms and bars enables the user to perform a variety of exercises in standing positions. The frame includes legs that raise the side rails above the floor.

Abstract: An adjustable height transition moulding and method for use thereof. The moulding is installed at the transition between adjoining floor coverings/surfaces, such as between carpet and laminate floor coverings. The moulding includes a contoured cap and a depending wall portion having a series of vertically spaced rib portions along its lower edge that snap into the channel of a base track that is mounted to the subfloor. The installed height of the moulding is adjusted by removing a selected number of the rib portions. The rib portions are spaced apart by slots and joined by relatively thin, vertically extending web portions. A knife or other blade is inserted through one of the slots to make an initial cut in the selected web portion, and the remainder of the web portion is then torn by pulling on the lower rib portions so as to peel them away over the full length of the moulding strip. The moulding is simply formed of extrusion molded flexible PVC.

Abstract: A steerable wing-type sail system for a wind powered craft. The system includes first and second secondary airfoils and that are spaced outwardly to the sides of the plane of the main wing, and that are positioned rearwardly of the trailing edge of the wing. The secondary airfoils are selectively pivotable so as to steer the main wing in one direction or the other. The main wing is also provided with a pivoting flap at its trailing edge, which pivots simultaneously with and in the same direction as the secondary airfoils. The secondary airfoils are carried on elongate horizontal booms mounted near the mid-span height of the main wing. The secondary airfoils pivot about vertical axes at the distal ends of the booms, and are operated by control cables that are retracted and paid out by linear actuators or similar mechanisms. The craft may be multi-hull vessel, such as a catamaran.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring three-dimensional spatial locations of pipes and other features in manholes and similar structures. A laser distance meter or other electronic distance measuring device is supported centrally in the manhole opening by a pivot assembly that permits the device to both rotate in the horizontal plane and pivot in the vertical plane. Electronic angle sensors record the distance and orientation of the laser distance meter at each measurement point, from which the three-dimensional spatial location of the pipe or other feature is then calculated.

Abstract: A warehousing system for palletized cargo, and an automated loading/unloading system for use with the same. The warehousing system includes a feed conveyer and a plurality of storage racks. A traveling conveyor carries the cargo from the feed conveyor to the individual racks, and from the racks to a loading/unloading conveyor which carries the cargo to the loading/unloading docks. The traveling conveyor rides on a wheeled chassis that is guided between the receiving and discharge locations on tracks. The storage racks are stackable in tiers, and the traveling conveyor has a deck that raises and lowers to be level therewith. The automated loading/unloading dock includes a rigid, extensible plate having an upper surface for supporting a load of palletized cargo, with a drive mechanism being mounted to the inner end of the plate to translate it in and out of the transport vehicle. The plate carries a load of palletized cargo into or out of the transport vehicle en masse.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing a pipeline slipliner, by pushing rather than drawing the slipliner into the host pipe. The gripper assembly is mounted on the boom of an earthworking machine or other vehicle, such as a track excavator. The gripper assembly includes gripper tracks that engage the exterior of the slipliner and advance it in a linear fashion. The gripper assembly is lowered on a boom into a excavation so as to level with the opening of the host pipe. The gripper assembly is then operated to advance the slipliner into the host pipe, with the slipliner being feed down to the gripper assembly on the surface of the excavation. The gripper assembly resiliently compresses the slipliner to establish a grip that enables it to push the slipliner great distances into the host pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing dorsiflexion assistance in an orthotic device having ankle and foot sections joined by a hinge connection. The orthotic device may be, for example, an ankle foot orthotic or a night splint. The apparatus includes an elastic member, such as an elastomeric strap, having a first end that is attached to an upper portion of the ankle section of the orthotic device, and a cable that connects a second end of the elastic member to the foot section of the device at a position that is spaced anteriorly from the hinge connection, so that tension supplied by the elastic member creates dorsiflexion torque about the hinge connection. A tension adjuster is provided to allow the amount of torque to be adjusted to meet individual needs. An optional cable guard protects the cable from interference, and can also be used as a cable stop that effectively increases dorsiflexion force to compensate for loss of tension due to shortening of the elastic member upon dorsiflexion.

Abstract: A method for treatment of multiple sclerosis and other neurodegenerative diseases, disorders or conditions. An alkyl ester of imidazole carboxylic acid, preferably methyl 4-imidazolecarboxylate, is administered in a therapeutic amount. It is hypothesized that the alkyl ester of imidazole carboxylic acid serves to restore and/or maintain the intracellular/extracellular osmolyte gradient in the central nervous system (CNS). The methyl 4-imidazolecarboxylate may be administered transdermally, using PLO gel or other suitable transdermal carrier. The compound may also be administered orally, inhaler or by injection. The treatment is advantageously performed on a three day cycle, with a period of two days intervening between each day on which the compound is administered. Dosage ranges may be from about 0.01 mcg to about 3.0 mcg, with dosages in the range from about 0.1 mcg to about 0.2 mcg in generally preferred when using transdermal administration.

Abstract: A method for treatment of depression and depressive mood disorders. The patient is administered an amount of a compound that increases the catalytic activity of MAO-A, so as to increase synaptic metabolism of serotonin to 5-HIAL. The effective compound is preferably reserpine, administered in a dosage of less than about 0.03 mg per day. The reserpine may be administered transdermally at a dosage in the range from about 0.002 mg per day to about 0.02 mg per day. A caffeine compound may be administered simultaneously so as to compensate for an antihypertensive effect of the reserpine. The caffeine compound may be combined with the reserpine in a transdermal cream.

Abstract: A strike plate unit that mounts to an automatic pistol to prevent the barrel and the slide of the pistol from being pushed rearwardly out of battery. The strike plate unit mounts to the accessory rail under the barrel of the pistol, and includes a secondary accessory rail that enables lights and other accessories to be attached under the strike plate unit while the latter is mounted to the pistol. The rearward face of the strike plate is positioned forwardly of the muzzle end of the barrel, to create a gap through which gasses escape in upward and outward directions to create a muzzle brake effect. The forward face of the plate is provided with heavy, sharply-pointed checkering that enhances its effectiveness as a striking weapon/tool.

Abstract: A hydraulic cement comprising a calcium silicate and at least one phosphate compound. The phosphate compound is included in an amount sufficient to react a major portion of the calcium hydroxide that is produced during hydration of the cement to hydroxyapatite or other calcium phosphates. The phosphate compound is preferably a mono-calcium phosphate. The cement is useful in both bio-medical/dental and engineering applications. The calcium hydroxide is reacted by the phosphate to form hydroxiapatite or other calcium phosphate that is co-precipitated with the calcium silicate hydrate to form a composite-like structure on a nano-scale level. The reduced calcium hydroxide content in the set cement increases its strength and reduces its pH. The hydroxiapatite content and the reduced pH render the cement bio-active and suitable for use in medical and dental implants, for example, for replacement bone and tooth material. Due to its high strength, the cement may also be used for structural/engineering applications.

Abstract: A hydraulic cement for biomedical applications. The cement sets in-situ, hardening when exposed to water to produce nano-dispersed composite of calcium-silicate-hydrate gel mixed with hydroxyapatite. In comparison with prior cements, the composition provides high biocompatibility, high bioactivity and high biomechanical strength, due to the composite structure of the calcium silicate hydrate reinforced with co-precipitated particles of hydroxyapatite. Biocompatibility is also increased due to an absence of aluminum and magnesium in the composition. The cement is suitable for variety of applications, including dental implants, bone fixation, and bone repair.