Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of a system for monitoring a dog comprise a control unit including a transmitter configured to transmit periodic signals and a collar unit including a receiver configured to receive the periodic signals from the transmitter. The periodic signals comprise individual signals having different power levels such that the individual signals travel different distances depending on their respective power levels. The different power levels may comprise a high-power level, a medium-power level, a low-power level, and a minimum power level. The system determines a distance between the collar unit and the control unit by determining which of the individual signals is received by the collar unit. Systems and methods of training dogs and monitoring the distance between a dog and a person also are provided.

Abstract: Floating islands are provided which have a permeable and buoyant matrix base with a top surface and pores therein and one or more solar panels. The solar panels are fixedly mounted to the matrix such that they are located at or above a waterline of the floating island. A heat sink is attached to at least one of the solar panels. The heat sink is configured to transfer heat from the solar panels to water disposed within the pores of the matrix base such that the solar panels are cooled and the water in the matrix base is warmed. Floating islands may also have a rotation system configured to rotate the matrix base such that the solar panels are facing the sun. The rotation system includes a pivot post, a cable windlass, a first cable coupled to the cable windlass, and a second cable coupled to the cable windlass.

Abstract: A prosthetic device comprises a plurality of polymer units attached to one or more leaf springs. The polymer units are spaced apart and define spaces between the units such that there is no contact between any two polymer units at maximum deflection of the one or more leaf springs. The polymer units may be impermeable to water and the spaces may facilitate free flow of liquids out of the device. The plurality of polymer units may comprise a heel piece and a toe piece. One or both of the heel piece and the toe piece may extend beneath the one or more leaf springs such that the one or more leaf springs do not contact the ground when the device is used for ambulatory movement. The toe piece may extend further down than the heel piece and may extend beneath the one or more leaf springs such that extension of the toe piece provides increased flexing of the one or more leaf springs.

Abstract: A hunting blind comprising a metal framework that is bent at the midpoint of the long axis at an angle in the range of one hundred to one hundred sixty degrees to form a leg rest portion, a seatback portion, a first curved rocker, and a second curved rocker. The leg rest portion comprises a seat. The seatback portion comprises a first stop leg, second stop leg and back support. Diagonal side supports connect the leg rest portion to the seatback portion. A hunting blind comprising a molded polymer unit with a leg rest portion, seatback portion, molded swivel rocker, molded seat indentation, and first and second rotatable stop legs. A hunting blind comprising a molded polymer leg rest component, molded polymer seatback component, first and second connecting rods, and first and second rotatable stop legs.

Abstract: A floating streambed comprising a circulation pump having an inlet hose or pipe, an inlet hose or pipe depth adjuster, and one or more treatment channels comprised of permeable matrix. The floating streambed floats on a water body. Water enters the inlet hose or pipe from the water body and is pumped by the circulation pump into the treatment channels. The treatment channels are comprised of permeable matrix, and water entering the treatment channels flows both horizontally through the treatment channel and into the water body and also vertically downward through the permeable matrix of the treatment channels.

Abstract: A hunting blind comprising a metal framework that is bent at the midpoint of the long axis at an angle in the range of one hundred to one hundred sixty degrees to form a leg rest portion, a seatback portion, a first curved rocker, and a second curved rocker. The leg rest portion comprises a seat. The seatback portion comprises a first stop leg, second stop leg and back support. Diagonal side supports connect the leg rest portion to the seatback portion. A hunting blind comprising a molded polymer unit with a leg rest portion, seatback portion, molded swivel rocker, molded seat indentation, and first and second rotatable stop legs. A hunting blind comprising a molded polymer leg rest component, molded polymer seatback component, first and second connecting rods, and first and second rotatable stop legs.

Abstract: A tube-sock shaped polymeric covering for wearing over an amputation stump. The covering has an open end for receiving the amputation stump and a closed end opposite the open end. The covering includes a docking means for attachment of an external device to the covering. The covering may also include one or more areas of reinforcing material that can be present in the form of a strip or rod, for example. The reinforcing material is comprised of a material that is less stretchable than the polymeric material forming the covering, and acts to reduce stretching and/or movement of the covering.

Abstract: A simulated coral reef comprising a polymer matrix body comprised of sheets of permeable and porous nonwoven polymer fiber matting, outwardly extending deployment connectors, and anchor connectors that connect the matrix body to an anchor assembly. A simulated coral reef comprising pieces of polymer matrix and/or permeable bag units strung together vertically by a connecting rod attached to an anchor assembly. A simulated coral reef comprising pieces of polymer matrix, permeable bag units, and surface attachment structures in which the pieces of polymer matrix and permeable bag units are attached to the surface attachment structures by a connecting cable. A simulated coral reef comprising a weed blanket fully submerged in a water body and suspended over the bottom of the water body. A simulated coral reef comprising hanging curtains suspended from asurface attachment structure. A simulated coral reef comprising sheets of permeable polymer matrix attached to a rigid metal frame.

Abstract: A floating island comprising one or more modules each comprised of one or more layers of permeable and porous matrix comprised of post-consumer carpet fibers and a top covering and a bottom covering around each layer. Alternate embodiments include layers comprised of polyethylene terephthalate bottle-fiber matrix and/or jute or coir fibers. A method of manufacturing the floating island module described above.

Abstract: A floating streambed comprising a circulation pump having an inlet hose or pipe, an inlet hose or pipe depth adjuster, and one or more treatment channels comprised of permeable matrix. The floating streambed floats on a water body. Water enters the inlet hose or pipe from the water body and is pumped by the circulation pump into the treatment channels. The treatment channels are comprised of permeable matrix, and water entering the treatment channels flows both horizontally through the treatment channel and into the water body and also vertically downward through the permeable matrix of the treatment channels.

Abstract: A floating island comprising one or more layers of nonwoven mesh material and optional buoyant nodules. The mesh material is optionally coated with a spray-on elastomer or inoculated with nutrients or microorganisms. The island can include buoyant growth medium, floats, buoyant blocks, a prefabricated seed blanket, a dunking feature, capillary tubes, wicking units and/or bell flotation units. A larger embodiment is comprised of nonwoven mesh material, buoyant nodules, supplemental flotation units, stepping pads and optional load distribution members. Other optional features include a stepping stone flotation assembly, a stepping stone/vertical buoyant member flotation assembly, and a floating log assembly. The buoyancy of the island can be adjusted with a rigid framework of horizontal members, vertical members that can be moved vertically within the island, and/or a framework of prefabricated flotation tubes and cross members. The present invention also covers a floating island with a boat docking location.

Abstract: An elevated swale comprising a porous and water-permeable interior zone, a permeable and compressible exterior shell, and vertically oriented cylindrical inserts. The exterior shell surrounds the interior zone, and the cylindrical inserts are placed within cylindrical cavities that are cut vertically into the interior zone. In an alternate embodiment, the present invention is an elevated swale comprising stacked layers of polymer matting and vertically oriented cylindrical inserts. The cylindrical inserts are placed within cylindrical cavities that are cut vertically into the stacked layers of polymer matting.

Abstract: A floating island comprising one or more layers of nonwoven mesh material and optional buoyant nodules. The mesh material is optionally coated with a spray-on elastomer or inoculated with nutrients or microorganisms. The island can include buoyant growth medium, floats, buoyant blocks, a prefabricated seed blanket, a dunking feature, capillary tubes, wicking units and/or bell flotation units. A larger embodiment is comprised of nonwoven mesh material, buoyant nodules, supplemental flotation units, stepping pads and optional load distribution members. Other optional features include a stepping stone flotation assembly, a stepping stone/vertical buoyant member flotation assembly, and a floating log assembly. The buoyancy of the island can be adjusted with a rigid framework of horizontal members, vertical members that can be moved vertically within the island, and/or a framework of prefabricated flotation tubes and cross members. The present invention also covers a floating island with a boat docking location.

Abstract: A floating island comprising one or more modules each comprised of one or more layers of permeable and porous matrix comprised of post-consumer carpet fibers and a top covering and a bottom covering around each layer. Alternate embodiments include layers comprised of polyethylene terephthalate bottle-fiber matrix and/or jute or coir fibers. A method of manufacturing the floating island module described above.

Abstract: A buoyant walkway or island and its method of manufacture. In a preferred embodiment, the buoyant walkway comprising: an internal frame comprising semi-rigid members that are attached to one another, said internal semi-rigid frame having openings; an internal block disposed in each of said openings, said internal blocks being spaced apart from one another by gaps and forming a top surface and a bottom surface; cured thermoplastic foam disposed in said gaps that attach said internal blocks to said semi-rigid internal frame and to one another; a permeable top layer that is attached to said top surface; and a bottom layer that is attached to said bottom surface.

Abstract: An adjustable apparatus for fish spawning that is suspended below a buoyant float system at a predetermined depth. The apparatus is resistant to vertical motion by surface waves, and may provide additional aeration for egg species that require a high level of dissolved oxygen in order to incubate successfully. The apparatus may be constructed so as to provide maximum or minimum sunlight exposure to spawning bed nests and to accommodate the spawning depth and/or preferred bed slopes of certain fish species.

Abstract: A floating island comprising a combination-cell thermoplastic foam. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is a floating island comprising: an island body comprising at least a first portion that comprises a combination-cell thermoplastic foam and having a cavity; and a bedding material that is disposed in said cavity; wherein said combination-cell thermoplastic foam is buoyant in water and permeable to gas and water. In another embodiment, the invention is a floating island comprising: an island body comprising a first matrix layer, a second matrix layer and a third matrix layer; and a gas-trapping insert that is disposed between two of said layers.

Abstract: A floating island comprising one or more layers of nonwoven mesh material and optional buoyant nodules. The mesh material is optionally coated with a spray-on elastomer or inoculated with nutrients or microorganisms. The island can include buoyant growth medium, floats, buoyant blocks, a prefabricated seed blanket, a dunking feature, capillary tubes, wicking units and/or bell flotation units. A larger embodiment is comprised of nonwoven mesh material, buoyant nodules, supplemental flotation units, stepping pads and optional load distribution members. Other optional features include a stepping stone flotation assembly, a stepping stone/vertical buoyant member flotation assembly, and a floating log assembly. The buoyancy of the island can be adjusted with a rigid framework of horizontal members, vertical members that can be moved vertically within the island, and/or a framework of prefabricated flotation tubes and cross members. The present invention also covers a floating island with a boat docking location.

Abstract: A floating island comprising a combination-cell thermoplastic foam. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is a floating island comprising: an island body comprising at least a first portion that comprises a combination-cell thermoplastic foam and having a cavity; and a bedding material that is disposed in said cavity; wherein said combination-cell thermoplastic foam is buoyant in water and permeable to gas and water. In another embodiment, the invention is a floating island comprising: an island body comprising a first matrix layer, a second matrix layer and a third matrix layer; and a gas-trapping insert that is disposed between two of said layers.

Abstract: A floating streambed comprising a circulation pump having an inlet hose or pipe, an inlet hose or pipe depth adjuster, and one or more treatment channels comprised of permeable matrix. The floating streambed floats on a water body. Water enters the inlet hose or pipe from the water body and is pumped by the circulation pump into the treatment channels. The treatment channels are comprised of permeable matrix, and water entering the treatment channels flows both horizontally through the treatment channel and into the water body and also vertically downward through the permeable matrix of the treatment channels.