Abstract: A compressed-air compressor, the compressor having a cylinder; a piston mounted to slide along the cylinder and define, inside the cylinder, a variable-volume compression chamber; and an actuator assembly connected to the piston to impart to the piston a reciprocating travel, along the cylinder, between a top dead centre position and a bottom dead centre position; the actuator assembly having a belt drive; and the cylinder having a vent hole formed, at most, at 60% of the travel of the piston, measured from the top dead centre position.

Abstract: A method and system for treating floorboards. A plurality of panels are provided and comprise a plurality of floorboards, each floorboard having a top and bottom surface, and longitudinal and transversal edges. The floorboards are assembled together by at least one of their edges to form the panel. The panel is mechanically dismantled in order to expose each edge of each floorboard. A treatment product is applied to the peripheral edges of the floorboards. The method and system of the invention are particularly suitable for a mass production of floorboards on a production line. The method and system of the invention allow the edges of the boards to be treated separately, for example with a color or shade different than the top and bottom surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a kickboard. The kickboard includes a wedge-shaped flotation body with a top surface and a bottom surface. The kickboard preferably includes an adjustable strap feature for positioning a swimmer's hands in a flattened position while swimming with the kickboard in a forward position. The top surface preferably includes depression features for fitting or cradling against the swimmer's arms with the swimmer's arms outstretched. Preferably, the kickboard includes one or more fins protruding from the bottom surface of the wedge-shaped flotation body and the bottom surface includes one or more contoured channels to further stabilize the kickboard while swimming with the kickboard in the forward position.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an arm-brace for improving the efficiency of a swimmer's stroke. In accordance with the embodiments of the invention, the arm brace includes a first closed loop and a second closed loop that together form a figure-eight configuration. The first closed loop and the second closed loop are preferably at an angle with respect to each other such that the swimmer's hand is positionable through a portion of the first closed loop and the swimmer's forearm is positionable through the second closed loop. The arm brace is configured to control an angle between the swimmer's elbow and wrist in order to promote early vertical forearm positioning as the swimmer's arm moves through a catch phase of a swimming stroke.

Abstract: This invention relates to systems to regulate pace. More particularly, this invention relates to providing a user with a regulated pace through the use of an electronic pace regulating, timing, and coaching device. In accordance with the instant invention, a portable programmable electronic device is configured to provide an audible signal at a repeated frequency that is selectable by the user. The pace timer and coaching device provides the user with a set audible cue at a set frequency to be followed during an exercise session. The audible cues provide a single regulated pace to be followed by the user while performing repetitive actions, motions, or strokes such that a desired training or racing pace is adhered to. The device is configured to detachably couple to swim goggles, to a user, to sunglasses, to an arm band, to exercise equipment, or to other articles of clothing utilized while exercising.

Abstract: A cup holder and convenience tray assembly for a motor vehicle employs one or more support brackets that mount onto vertical columns at the front of the passenger compartment. The brackets have a clamp member with an vertical aperture of oval cross section which has a major axis oriented in the fore-and-aft direction. Each bracket also has a vertical socket positioned on the clamp member aligned along the major axis of the bracket aperture. The cup holder or similar accessory has a vertical pin that fits removably into the socket of the support bracket. Rubber petals help secure the beverage container and suppress rattling, and an embossed rubber member in the base breaks capillary seals. The convenience tray has a flat support shelf and a pin or pair of pins extend downward from a rear portion of the flat support shelf, each pin fitting into the socket of a respective support bracket. The accessories may also take the form of a vase, a cellular phone stand, or a picture frame.

Abstract: A unibody style automobile has bumper attachment pads for a crash bar and bumper cover assembly of conventional configuration. Removal of these bumper components provides access to these pads for a load carrier or beam that defines two coupling connections for a frame selected from a plurality of frames, each designed for a different load. All the frames have one fixed slide bolt received in one of the two sockets in the beam. A second bolt provides a very secure attachment point for each of these frames.

Abstract: A cup holder and convenience tray assembly for a motor vehicle employs one or more support brackets that mount onto vertical columns at the front of the passenger compartment. The brackets have a clamp member with an vertical aperture of oval cross section which has a major axis oriented in the fore-and-aft direction. Each bracket also has a vertical socket positioned on the clamp member aligned along the major axis of the bracket aperture. The cup holder or similar accessory has a vertical pin that fits removably into the socket of the support bracket. Rubber petals help secure the beverage container and suppress rattling, and an embossed rubber member in the base breaks capillary seals. The convenience tray has a flat support shelf and a pin or pair of pins extend downward from a rear portion of the flat support shelf, each pin fitting into the socket of a respective support bracket. The accessories may also take the form of a vase, a cellular phone stand, or a picture frame.

Abstract: An engine compressor comprising an internal combustion engine with a drive shaft; a compressor with a head and a cylinder; and a device for ventilating the head and cylinder, and having: an impeller fitted on to the drive shaft; a housing mounted between the casings of the engine and the compressor, and defining an internal chamber housing the impeller; an inlet formed in a central position of the housing and through which ambient air is drawn; and an outlet formed in the top portion of the housing and through which air is fed to the head and the cylinder.

Abstract: A process for the production of liquid ferric sulfate from finely-divided ferric oxide, sulfuric acid and water in a closed reaction vessel at temperatures ranging from about 130.degree. C. to about 150.degree. C. and pressures from about 30 psi to about 40 psi. The reaction time ranges from four to eight hours and produces liquid ferric sulfate having at least 10% trivalent iron.