Abstract: An example wing-in-ground effect vehicle includes (i) a main wing having main wing control surfaces; (ii) a tail having tail control surfaces; (iii) a blown-wing propulsion system arranged along the main wing or the tail; (iv) a retractable hydrofoil configured to operate in: (a) an extended configuration in which the retractable hydrofoil extends below a hull of the vehicle for submersion below a water surface and (b) a retracted configuration in which the retractable hydrofoil is retracted at least partially into the hull of the vehicle; and (v) a control system configured to maneuver the vehicle by (i) causing a change in orientation of the retractable hydrofoil when the retractable hydrofoil is operating in the extended configuration, and (ii) causing a change in orientation of the main wing control surfaces and tail control surfaces when the retractable hydrofoil is operating in the retracted configuration.

Abstract: The window cleaning robot according to the invention has an artificial intelligence-controlled moveable washing system which senses such projections as frames, moldings, composite coating materials, etc. on the facades by means of the sensors disposed thereon and which adjusts the positions of the cleaning brushes in a way to contact with the glass surface evenly. It makes the facade cleaning in high-rise buildings safer with the fans adjusting the axial thrust force according to the speed and direction of the wind in a way not to detach from the surface to be cleaned. It allows saving on time, labor force, and costs in facade cleaning. The robot permits performing the cleaning in glass surfaces and facades in a safe manner eliminating the requirement of human factor.

Abstract: A convertible seating system is disclosed including a base and a first seating component supported by the base. The first seating component includes a first table portion extending from the first seating component, and optionally also a first footrest. The seating system further includes a second seating component including a second table portion and defining a footrest. The seating components are independently convertible from a seating position to a table position. When both seating components are in the seating position, a continuous seating surface is formed. When both seating components are in the table position, a continuous table surface is formed.

Abstract: A convertible seating system is disclosed including a base and a first seating component supported by the base. The first seating component includes a first table portion extending from the first seating component, and optionally also a first footrest. The seating system further includes a second seating component including a second table portion and defining a footrest. The seating components are independently convertible from a seating position to a table position. When both seating components are in the seating position, a continuous seating surface is formed. When both seating components are in the table position, a continuous table surface is formed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to video display units that are specifically configured for mounting to a retail shelf, such as to display product information, brand information, retailor information or combinations thereof. The shelf-mountable video display unit is configured to be manufactured in few pieces and using low-cost components and materials, thereby providing a product has significant economic advantages over conventional digital signage. The shelf-mountable video display unit is also configured such that it is easily reusable and repurposable. For instance, the present shelf-mountable video display unit may be easily adapted and customized to provide for the marketing of various products and brands throughout its lifetime. The shelf-mountable video display unit is also specifically configured to withstand the stresses of the retail environment.

Abstract: A multi-length barrier panel for use in a play area comprises a front panel, a rear panel, and extendable panels. The multi-length barrier panel further comprises attachment collars and adapter brackets for attaching the multi-length barrier panel to play area equipment. Recesses in the front and rear panel allow for the attachment collars and adapter brackets to fit within the front and rear panels when the multi-length barrier panel is in a retracted configuration. The extendable panels can be extended or retracted as needed to fit between the play area equipment.

Abstract: A back closure for a multi-use frame includes a base plate and a lever. The base plate has a first and second knuckle. A tab is defined within the base plate between the first and second knuckle. The tab has spring-bias. A lever is connected to the base plate for movement relative to the base plate. The lever and the base plate have a common axis for movement relative to one another. The lever includes a center knuckle which is positioned between the first and second knuckle of the base plate. The center knuckle defining a slot for receipt of the tab to provide snap action. In operation, a user moves the lever relative to the base plate about a common axis. The tab of the base plate engages the slot defined within the lever to prevent further travel of the lever.

Abstract: A frame back retainer for a multi-use frame includes a tab-like structure and a fastening structure. The tab-like structure defines an aperture at a first end and defines a graduated ramp portion at a second end. The tab-like structure includes at least one securing arm depending from the tab-like structure near the aperture. The fastening structure is positioned through the aperture of the tab-like structure and mounted to the multi-use frame. The fastening structure defines a raised pedestal profile from a surface of the multi-use frame for allowing rotation of the tab-like structure relative to the fastening structure. The at least one securing arm engaging an outer edge of the fastening structure to rotatably attach the fastening structure to the tab-like structure. In operation, the user rotates the tab-like structure relative to the fastening structure about an axis to engage or disengage the graduated ramp portion within the multi-use frame.

Abstract: A frame back retainer for a multi-use frame includes a tab-like structure and a fastening structure. The tab-like structure defines an aperture at a first end and defines a substantially flattened profile at a second end for engaging the multi-use frame. The tab-like structure includes at least one securing arm depending from the tab-like structure. The fastening structure is positioned through the aperture of the tab-like structure and mounted to the multi-use frame. The fastening structure defines a raised pedestal profile from a surface of the multi-use frame. The at least one securing arm engages an outer edge of the fastening structure to rotatably attach the fastening structure to the tab-like structure. In operation, the user rotates the tab-like structure relative to the fastening structure about an axis to engage or disengage the second end of the tab-like structure within the multi-use frame.

Abstract: A frame back retainer for a multi-use frame includes a tab-like structure and a fastening structure. The tab-like structure defines an aperture at a first end and defines a substantially flattened profile at a second end for engaging the multi-use frame. The tab-like structure includes at least one securing arm depending from the tab-like structure. The fastening structure is positioned through the aperture of the tab-like structure and mounted to the multi-use frame. The fastening structure defines a raised pedestal profile from a surface of the multi-use frame. The at least one securing arm engages an outer edge of the fastening structure to rotatably attach the fastening structure to the tab-like structure. In operation, the user rotates the tab-like structure relative to the fastening structure about an axis to engage or disengage the second end of the tab-like structure within the multi-use frame.

Abstract: The present invention is a weld adapter including a body portion having a first aperture and at least two flanges connected to the body portion. The present invention also includes a second aperture formed in one of the at least two flanges, with the second aperture substantially aligned with the first aperture. Additionally, one of the flanges is adaptable for being connected to a structure.

Abstract: A frame back retainer for a multi-use frame includes a tab-like structure and a fastening structure. The tab-like structure defines an aperture at a first end and defines a graduated ramp portion at a second end. The tab-like structure includes at least one securing arm depending from the tab-like structure near the aperture. The fastening structure is positioned through the aperture of the tab-like structure and mounted to the multi-use frame. The fastening structure defines a raised pedestal profile from a surface of the multi-use frame for allowing rotation of the tab-like structure relative to the fastening structure. The at least one securing arm engaging an outer edge of the fastening structure to rotatably attach the fastening structure to the tab-like structure. In operation, the user rotates the tab-like structure relative to the fastening structure about an axis to engage or disengage the graduated ramp portion within the multi-use frame.

Abstract: An improved water tight, chambered planing pontoon assembly incorporates a hollow shell with a cross sectional shape in the form of an upper portion and lower portion. The upper portion of the shape is generally semi-cylindrical extending downward and terminates with opposing chines extending the full length of the tube. The lower portion of the shape is formed by equal and opposing planing surfaces which extend upward at acute angles from a vertical center line, then turn outward, perpendicular to the vertical center line, meeting at the chines. The tube terminates on the bow end with an elongate semi-cone and on the opposite end with a water tight bulkhead. The upper and lower portions of the tube are formed of one homogeneous sheet of metal. The semi-cone with opposing chine portions is formed of one homogeneous sheet of metal.

Abstract: A back closure for a multi-use frame includes a base plate and a lever. The base plate has a first and second knuckle. A tab is defined within the base plate between the first and second knuckle. The tab has spring-bias. A lever is connected to the base plate for movement relative to the base plate. The lever and the base plate have a common axis for movement relative to one another. The lever includes a center knuckle which is positioned between the first and second knuckle of the base plate. The center knuckle defining a slot for receipt of the tab to provide snap action. In operation, a user moves the lever relative to the base plate about a common axis. The tab of the base plate engages the slot defined within the lever to prevent further travel of the lever.

Abstract: The present invention is a weld adapter including a body portion having a first aperture and at least two flanges connected to the body portion. The present invention also includes a second aperture formed in one of the at least two flanges, with the second aperture substantially aligned with the first aperture. Additionally, one of the flanges is adaptable for being connected to a structure.

Abstract: An improved mechanism and method to attach a hard tonneau cover to a vehicle and to raise either just the rear of the cover or raise both the rear and front of the cover. The cover is supported in the raised position by two extending arms in the rear and by two rigid arms in the front. In operation, the rear of the cover is manually raised first and then the front of the cover can be manually raised. One embodiment has clamping telescoping arms for greater strength and to lock the cover in any position. Another embodiment has linear actuators to assist raising the front of the cover. The mechanism is comprised of inexpensively manufactured or off-the-shelf components. It is easily tailored to the numerous vehicle bed sizes, it can handle popular heavy body-colored fiberglass covers and it can be sold and shipped separately from the cover.

Abstract: Wakeboarding performance is improved using a vessel which is fitted with a towing frame having spaced supports attached on opposite sides of the vessel while coupling upper extremities of the supports with a bridging portion, to which a tow rope attachment point is fitted.