Abstract: An article of manufacture includes a first discrete inflatable body having a first core member cut from a single slab of core material and a first root portion, and further includes a second discrete inflatable body comprising a second core member cut from the single slab of core material and a second root portion. Each of the first and second core members includes a plurality of ribs, and the ribs extend laterally from the first and second root portions.

Abstract: An article of manufacture includes an inflatable body comprising a first core member cut from a single slab of core material and a second core member cut from the single slab of core material and coupled to the first core member.

Abstract: Resilient cores preferably for inflatable bodies having resilient slabs that define a plurality of generally columnar holes or resilient arrays of generally columnar solids, methods for making such slabs and arrays, and articles incorporating the same wherein the cores further includes thermal transmission mitigation means for improving a core's resistance to heat transfer beyond the core's innate insulative properties. Non-exclusive and non-exhaustive examples of such thermal transmission mitigation means in slab core embodiments include consideration to hole or bore geometric cross section, frequency, pattern and orientation, the introduction of a thermal barrier at or within at least some holes or bores, and/or slab material selection/treatment.

Abstract: Resilient cores preferably for inflatable bodies having resilient slabs that define a plurality of generally columnar holes or resilient arrays of generally columnar solids, methods for making such slabs and arrays, and articles incorporating the same wherein the cores further includes thermal transmission mitigation means for improving a core's resistance to heat transfer beyond the core's innate insulative properties. Non-exclusive and non-exhaustive examples of such thermal transmission mitigation means in slab core embodiments include consideration to hole or bore geometric cross section, frequency, pattern and orientation, the introduction of a thermal barrier at or within at least some holes or bores, and/or slab material selection/treatment.

Abstract: An article of manufacture includes an inflatable body comprising a first core member cut from a single slab of core material and a second core member cut from the single slab of core material and coupled to the first core member.

Abstract: An article of manufacture includes a first discrete inflatable body having a first core member cut from a single slab of core material and a first root portion, and further includes a second discrete inflatable body comprising a second core member cut from the single slab of core material and a second root portion. Each of the first and second core members includes a plurality of ribs, and the ribs extend laterally from the first and second root portions.

Abstract: Resilient cores preferably for inflatable bodies having resilient slabs that define a plurality of generally columnar holes or resilient arrays of generally columnar solids. The cores further include thermal transmission mitigation materials or treatments means for improving a core's resistance to heat transfer beyond the core's innate insulative properties. Non-exclusive and non-exhaustive examples of such thermal transmission mitigation materials or treatments in slab core embodiments include consideration to hole or bore geometric cross section, frequency, pattern and orientation, the introduction of a thermal barrier at or within at least some holes or bores, and/or slab material selection/treatment.

Abstract: A portable liquid-filtration device includes an inlet port, a filtering portion including a filtering medium and fluidly coupled to the inlet port, a filtered-liquid output port fluidly coupled to the filtering portion, a flush port fluidly coupled to the filtering portion, and a manually activated pump assembly fluidly coupled to the inlet port, filtering portion, output port and flush port. The pump assembly is configured, when activated, to create a negative fluid pressure at the inlet port and a positive fluid pressure at the output port and the flush port. As a consequence of activation of the pump assembly, the filtering portion receives unfiltered liquid from the inlet port, the output port receives from the filtering portion only liquid traversing the filtering medium in a first direction, and the flush port receives from the filtering portion liquid traversing the filtering medium in a second direction different from the first direction.

Abstract: Cellular matrices generally having a plurality of generally identical cells (open-ended geometric prisms) arranged to form a repeating geometric form, and characterized by radiant and/or convection barriers at each cell to mitigate undesired thermal transmission in a plurality of directions there through. Barriers of various embodiments include non-film sheet material, such as non-woven (e.g., spun) or batting-type sheet material as well as a foam sheet material, which may be substituted for some or all of the film material otherwise comprising the matrix, and/or integration of a thermally reflective film or coating into the matrix and/or enveloping panels of an inflatable body to provide enhanced thermal radiation mitigation means.

Abstract: Resilient cores preferably for inflatable bodies having resilient slabs that define a plurality of generally columnar holes or resilient arrays of generally columnar solids, methods for making such slabs and arrays, and articles incorporating the same wherein the cores further includes thermal transmission mitigation means for improving a core's resistance to heat transfer beyond the core's innate insulative properties. Non-exclusive and non-exhaustive examples of such thermal transmission mitigation means in slab core embodiments include consideration to hole or bore geometric cross section, frequency, pattern and orientation, the introduction of a thermal barrier at or within at least some holes or bores, and/or slab material selection/treatment.

Abstract: A method of constructing a mattress includes placing a first ribbon about a perimeter surface of a foam member. The first ribbon includes a top lip and a bottom lip. A second ribbon is placed about a perimeter surface of the first ribbon. A third ribbon is placed about a perimeter surface of the second ribbon. The top lip of the first ribbon is folded over the top surface of the second ribbon. The bottom lip of the first ribbon is folded over the bottom surface of the second ribbon. A first fabric panel is bonded to the top surface of the first foam member and to the top lip of the first ribbon. A second fabric panel is bonded to the bottom surface of the first foam member and to the bottom lip of the first ribbon.

Abstract: Resilient cores preferably for inflatable bodies having resilient slabs that define a plurality of generally columnar holes or resilient arrays of generally columnar solids, methods for making such slabs and arrays, and articles incorporating the same wherein the cores further includes thermal transmission mitigation means for improving a core's resistance to heat transfer beyond the core's innate insulative properties. Non-exclusive and non-exhaustive examples of such thermal transmission mitigation means in slab core embodiments include consideration to hole or bore geometric cross section, frequency, pattern and orientation, the introduction of a thermal barrier at or within at least some holes or bores, and/or slab material selection/treatment.

Abstract: Valve assemblies optionally with inflatable bodies for modulating fluid expulsion from an inflatable body, without active user participation. Valve assemblies include, in separate components or in integrated form, a vent body defining an external orifice, an internal orifice in fluid communication with the external orifice, and an inflatable body interface. Extending from the internal orifice is a collapsible, hollow elongate member defining longitudinal and lateral axes. Sealing closure of the elongate member, which is preferably constructed from a resilient material, results from application of generally opposing mechanical forces across a lateral surface of the elongate member. Compression localizing members may be used proximate to the elongate member to increase closure performance. In addition, performance parameters can be varied by modifying the physical characteristics of the compression members (height, upper surface area, lower surface area, composition, density, use of localizing ridges, etc.

Abstract: The invention is directed to articles, systems and methods for transforming inflatable bodies such as sleeping mattresses/pads into structures capable of functioning as elevated, ground supported seating surfaces. Article embodiments preferably include first end and second ends, characterized as solid or foraminous flexible panels and/or strap-like webbing each preferably having a peripheral compression portion, each positioned proximate to respective first and second edge portions of a cylindrically involuted inflatable mattress by compressively restraining differential axial displacement between adjacent major edge portions and overall radial expansion thereof. At least one linking portion links the first end to the second end, and preferably is adjustable to accommodate cylindrical mattresses of disparate widths. The ends may further include padding and/or enhanced water repellancy.

Abstract: Latches, latch arrangements and related methods for temporarily associating two objects, each having one part of a magnetic catch retention arrangement. Latches according to various embodiments of the invention have matable first and second housings wherein the first housing defines a primary recess and the second includes a primary protrusion that is receivable by the primary recess. A biased, displaceable catch of one housing selectively retains the other housing when the two housings are in a mated condition. The magnetic catch retention arrangement becomes functional after sufficient user displacement of the catch; upon sufficient differential movement of the housings, the magnetic catch retention arrangement no longer has sufficient effect to overcome the catch bias.

Abstract: Resilient cores preferably for inflatable bodies having resilient slabs that define a plurality of generally columnar holes or resilient arrays of generally columnar solids, methods for making such slabs and arrays, and articles incorporating the same wherein the cores further includes thermal transmission mitigation means for improving a core's resistance to heat transfer beyond the core's innate insulative properties. Non-exclusive and non-exhaustive examples of such thermal transmission mitigation means in slab core embodiments include consideration to hole or bore geometric cross section, frequency, pattern and orientation, the introduction of a thermal barrier at or within at least some holes or bores, and/or slab material selection/treatment.

Abstract: Cellular matrices generally having a plurality of generally identical cells (open-ended geometric prisms) arranged to form a repeating geometric form, and characterized by radiant and/or convection barriers at each cell to mitigate undesired thermal transmission in a plurality of directions there through. Barriers of various embodiments include non-film sheet material, such as non-woven (e.g., spun) or batting-type sheet material as well as a foam sheet material, which may be substituted for some or all of the film material otherwise comprising the matrix, and/or integration of a thermally reflective film or coating into the matrix and/or enveloping panels of an inflatable body to provide enhanced thermal radiation mitigation means.

Abstract: Flexible, re-sealable containers and systems for retaining solids, liquids, gasses or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Portable apparatus, systems and methods for the selective removal of contaminants from a fluid medium through the use of hollow fiber media (“HFM”). Apparatus embodiments include a housing defining an inlet portion, an outlet portion and a chamber fluidly coupled there between for receiving hollow fiber media, in either bulk or cartridge form, wherein the media is hydrophilic and/or hydrophobic. Passive, i.e., gravity fed or active, i.e., mechanically pressurized versions are disclosed. Apparatus may further include user reversible/replaceable check valves, a receptacle fitting adaptor to allow the use of a variety of receiving containers with a single filtration device, and configurations wherein at least 80% of a maximum flow rate through the filter can be achieved when an inlet fluid pressure is about 0.2 bar. A buoyant pre-filter with an optional hydrophilic filter element may also be used to establish a system.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards a film-based polymeric cellular matrix, methods for making the polymeric cellular matrix, articles of manufacture incorporating the polymeric matrix and methods for making articles of manufacture. The polymeric cellular matrix is characterized as a plurality of generally identical cells (open-ended geometric prisms) arranged to form a repeating geometric form. The matrix is particularly suited for use as a core between two panels.