Abstract: A tool holder for up to six tools at a time, which can also be used as an eyelet setting surface, such as punching holes in paper with the hole punch and setting eyelets with the eyelet setter. This tool holder also protects the tabletop or any work surface from being damaged by the tools.

Abstract: A flush valve system includes a sensor, a bias circuit, an electrical switch, a mechanical switch, and a flush valve. The bias circuit generates a bias signal when an activation signal is received from the sensor. The bias signal turns on the electrical switch. The mechanical switch turns on just before the electrical switch is turned off. The flush valve is coupled to the electrical and the mechanical switch to initiate fluid flow when the electrical switch is turned on and facilitate the flow until the mechanical switch is turned off. An automatic braking method includes receiving an actuation signal, actuating an electronic switch to initiate a rotation of a switch cam and the opening of a valve, actuating a mechanical switch when a cutout portion of the switch cam is in contact with a portion of the mechanical switch, and closing the valve when the portion of the mechanical switch is outside of the cutout portion.

Abstract: A system and method for dispensing material from a container. The method comprises the steps of receiving a dispensing time, receiving a working interval, receiving a plurality of working days, and dispensing the material from the container during the dispensing time, during the working interval and on one of the plurality of working days.

Abstract: A hands-free device includes a sensor, a pilot valve assembly, an override control, and an electronic detent. Preferably, the pilot valve assembly allows a fluid to flow when an activation signal is received from the sensor. Preferably, the override control is coupled to the pilot valve assembly. The override control allows a continuous flow of fluids through an outlet port beyond the predetermined period of time. A method of controlling a continuous flow of water through a proximity faucet includes selecting a mode that allows water to flow continuously through a proximity sensor; locking a valve assembly to allow the water to flow beyond a period of time programmed within the proximity sensor; and providing an automatic and a mechanical system to discontinue the continuous flow of water.

Abstract: A disposal bag system for facilitating the efficient collection of debris and leaves. The disposal bag system includes a sheet member, a first connector attached to a first end of the sheet member, a second connector attached to a second end of the sheet member, loops attached to opposing sides of the sheet member, and hooks attached to the second end of the sheet member. The hooks engage the hooks thereby retaining the sides of the sheet member in an upward position. The first connector and the second connector are connected to one another thereby retaining the ends of the sheet member in an upward position thereby retaining the leaves and debris within the interior thereof.

Abstract: A device for collecting pet waste for disposal comprises an elongated handle and a fork comprising a base extending from the handle and support arms extending transversely from the base. A disposable plastic container for receiving pet waste is releasably connected to the support arms. The container has a rigidity effective to retain a preformed shape of the container despite a pushing force of a front surface of the container against the ground. Also featured is the disposable plastic container itself comprising a body including a bottom surface, front and back surfaces extending upwardly from the bottom surface and side surfaces extending upwardly from the bottom surface between the front and back surfaces. The container includes a lip extending along sides of the container around an opening into the interior of the container and a leading edge extending at a front portion of the container between the lip at the sides of the container. A lid is adapted to close the body of the container.

Abstract: A hydrotherapy jet system includes a fixture body, an air line connector coupled to the fixture body, and a water line connector coupled to the air line connector. The air line connector is provided with structure adapted to couple about the outside of relatively small fixture bodies and about the inside of relatively large fixture bodies. As such, the air line connector is universal for multiple sizes of fixture bodies. The water line connector is coupled to the rear of the air line connector. The air and water line connectors may be rotated relative to the element to which each is coupled to facilitate assembly and plumbing. Other plumbing components and fittings may be coupled in a manner which provides a fluidtight seal and permits the components and fitting to thereafter be rotated relative to each other.

Abstract: An engineered wood based soil mulch product is described that is a blend of geometrically regular wood elements. The blend has at least two components that differ by at least one dimension. Element length is within the range of about 50-300 mm with a maximum width of about 30 mm. The product is preferably formed from wood veneer having a maximum thickness of about 7.5 mm. Individual elements may be formed as long strands, as rectangles, other polygons, or with curvilinear edges. Mixtures of elements having differing geometric form are acceptable and in some cases advantageous.

Abstract: An automatic flushing actuator that mounts to an overflow pipe in a tank style toilet includes a proximity sensor, a housing enclosing a motor mount and gear assembly, and a rotatably mounted lever on top of the housing. A clamp is adapted to be affixed to the side of the housing and secure the actuator to the overflow pipe. When installing the actuator, the clamp is affixed to the overflow pipe before the housing is mounted onto the clamp. The clamp allows the housing to be removably mounted or locked in position on the clamp. The lever coupled to the top of the housing is rotated to a desired position, and a chain is connected to a handle of the toilet opens the flush valve.

Abstract: A fuel injector for a liquid fuel burner that provides for large turn-down ratios and low firing rates. The fuel injector has a fast acting valve to provide a pulsed flow of fuel from a fuel supply and a nozzle coupled to the valve for receiving and atomizing the pulsed flow of fuel. The pulse of atomizing fuel is injected into the throat of a burner. A fuel controller coupled to the fuel supply and the fuel injector governs the rate of fuel delivery by controlling the duration and frequency of an opening period of the fast acting valve.

Abstract: A method for controlling the fuel-air ratio of a burner having a blower responsive to a blower drive signal for injecting air into the burner. The method is based at least on the concentration of a gas in an exhaust gas product of a combustion chamber of the burner and includes measuring the gas concentration in the exhaust gas product, deriving a gas concentration signal from the measured gas concentration, determining the fuel-air ratio from the gas concentration signal and the sign of the derivative of the gas concentration signal with respect to the blower drive signal, and controlling the fuel-air ratio by adjusting the air flow rate into the burner. The burner may be, for example, in a Stirling cycle engine.

Abstract: A device and method for controlling the flow of a gaseous fuel from a fuel supply to a pressurized combustion chamber. A fuel pump is included in the gas train from supply to chamber. The fuel pump increases the pressure of the gas to allow efficient injection into the chamber. The pump is modulated to control the fuel flow. Both alternating current and pulse-width-modulated direct current signals may be used to control the flow. The pump may be a piston pump or a diaphragm pump. Feedback may be provided from sensors that determine operating parameters of the engine and such sensor signals may be used by the controller to maintain a parameter, such as temperature, at a specified value. An acoustic filter can be included in the gas train to significantly reduce gas flow pulsations generated by the pump. This filter improves the uniformity of the combustion process.

Abstract: Emitters for locating an item or person who as in some way become separated from their expected location are provided. The emitters of the present invention comprise a power source, a light emitting means, and a radiowave emitting means, the light emitting means comprising a first and second electrode, a dielectric material and an electroluminescent material being provided between the first and second electrodes, the radiowave emitting means comprising an antenna. The antenna may comprise the first and/or second electrode. The emitter may be a separate unit or may be part of or attached to an item such as a survival suit, a waterproof suit, a wet suit, a dry suit, a diving suit, a coat, a waterproof coat, a harness, a buoyancy item or aid, a life jacket, a life raft, a lifeboat, a floatation aid, a life belt, etc.