Abstract: Apparatus for securing adjacent tiers of a retractable bleacher to prevent relative vertical movement between the adjacent tiers when the retractable bleacher is fully extended are described. The retractable bleacher includes a first engagement member that is secured to a first decking tier, a second engagement member secured to a second adjacent decking tier. The first engagement member and the second engagement member are configured and cooperative to prevent relative vertical movement of the second decking tier with respect to the first decking tier when the retractable bleacher is fully extended in the open configuration.

Abstract: Apparatus for securing adjacent tiers of a retractable bleacher to prevent relative vertical movement between the adjacent tiers when the retractable bleacher is fully extended are described. The retractable bleacher includes a first engagement member that is secured to a first decking tier, a second engagement member secured to a second adjacent decking tier. The first engagement member and the second engagement member are configured and cooperative to prevent relative vertical movement of the second decking tier with respect to the first decking tier when the retractable bleacher is fully extended in the open configuration.

Abstract: A portable bleacher seating structure includes an active descent and lift mechanism that includes a placement assembly having an arm and an arm wheel at a distal end thereof. A bracket connects the arm to a gas spring. The pressure within the gas spring opposes the arm as the bleacher is positioned in order to control the descent of the bleacher as it is tipped into position.

Abstract: A self-cleaning litter box (50) provides various advantages over the prior art. In particular, in one embodiment, the self-cleaning litter box (50) is configured to use a one piece litter cartridge (20) having a litter compartment (26) and a waste compartment 24. In another embodiment, the cartridge (20) is non-compartmentalized. In another embodiment, the system includes a rake assembly (56) configured with a drive assembly (58) that is protected from waste contamination. In accordance with the invention, the self-cleaning litter box (50) is configured to be used with all types of litter including crystal type litter.

Abstract: A self-cleaning litter box (50) provides various advantages over the prior art. In particular, in one embodiment, the self-cleaning litter box (50) is configured to use a one piece litter cartridge (20) having a litter compartment (26) and a waste compartment 24. In another embodiment, the cartridge (20) is non-compartmentalized. In another embodiment, the system includes a rake assembly (56) configured with a drive assembly (58) that is protected from waste contamination. In accordance with the invention, the self-cleaning litter box (50) is configured to be used with all types of litter including crystal type litter.

Abstract: A self-cleaning litter box (50) provides various advantages over the prior art. In particular, in one embodiment, the self-cleaning litter box (50) is configured to use a one piece litter cartridge (20) having a litter compartment (26) and a waste compartment 24. In another embodiment, the cartridge (20) is non-compartmentalized. In another embodiment, the system includes a rake assembly (56) configured with a drive assembly (58) that is protected from waste contamination. In accordance with the invention, the self-cleaning litter box (50) is configured to be used with all types of litter including crystal type litter.

Abstract: A self-cleaning litter box (50) provides various advantages over the prior art. In particular, in one embodiment, the self-cleaning litter box (50) is configured to use a one piece litter cartridge (20) having a litter compartment (26) and a waste compartment 24. In another embodiment, the cartridge (20) is non-compartmentalized. In another embodiment, the system includes a rake assembly (56) configured with a drive assembly (58) that is protected from waste contamination. In accordance with the invention, the self-cleaning litter box (50) is configured to be used with all types of litter including crystal type litter.

Abstract: A self-cleaning litter box (50) provides various advantages over the prior art. In particular, in one embodiment, the self-cleaning litter box (50) is configured to use a one piece litter cartridge (20) having a litter compartment (26) and a waste compartment 24. In another embodiment, the cartridge (20) is non-compartmentalized. In another embodiment, the system includes a rake assembly (56) configured with a drive assembly (58) that is protected from waste contamination. In accordance with the invention, the self-cleaning litter box (50) is configured to be used with all types of litter including crystal type litter.

Abstract: A self-cleaning litter box (50) provides various advantages over the prior art. In particular, in one embodiment, the self-cleaning litter box (50) is configured to use a one piece litter cartridge (20) having a litter compartment (26) and a waste compartment 24. In another embodiment, the cartridge (20) is non-compartmentalized. In another embodiment, the system includes a rake assembly (56) configured with a drive assembly (58) that is protected from waste contamination. In accordance with the invention, the self-cleaning litter box (50) is configured to be used with all types of litter including crystal type litter.

Abstract: A self-cleaning litter box (50) provides various advantages over the prior art. In particular, in one embodiment, the self-cleaning litter box (50) is configured to use a one piece litter cartridge (20) having a litter compartment (26) and a waste compartment 24. In another embodiment, the cartridge (20) is non-compartmentalized. In another embodiment, the system includes a rake assembly (56) configured with a drive assembly (58) that is protected from waste contamination. In accordance with the invention, the self-cleaning litter box (50) is configured to be used with all types of litter including crystal type litter.

Abstract: A self-cleaning litter box (50) provides various advantages over the prior art. In particular, in one embodiment, the self-cleaning litter box (50) is configured to use a one piece litter cartridge (20) having a litter compartment (26) and a waste compartment 24. In another embodiment, the cartridge (20) is non-compartmentalized. In another embodiment, the system includes a rake assembly (56) configured with a drive assembly (58) that is protected from waste contamination. In accordance with the invention, the self-cleaning litter box (50) is configured to be used with all types of litter including crystal type litter.

Abstract: A self-cleaning litter box (50) provides various advantages over the prior art. In particular, in one embodiment, the self-cleaning litter box (50) is configured to use a one piece litter cartridge (20) having a litter compartment (26) and a waste compartment 24. In another embodiment, the cartridge (20) is non-compartmentalized. In another embodiment, the system includes a rake assembly (56) configured with a drive assembly (58) that is protected from waste contamination. In accordance with the invention, the self-cleaning litter box (50) is configured to be used with all types of litter including crystal type litter.

Abstract: The present invention provides an abdominal restraint for use in medical and surgical procedures that is specially adapted for restraining an abdominal pannus and exposing the groin area of a patient. The abdominal restraint of the present invention includes a base member and a support member that is selectively attachable to the base member. Alternatively, the abdominal restraint of the present invention includes a lateral member that is selectively attachable to at least one longitudinal member, which in turn may be attached to an operating or examining table. In its various embodiments, the present invention discloses a number of designs for the safe and efficient restraint of an abdominal pannus.

Abstract: A self-cleaning litter box (50) provides various advantages over the prior art. In particular, in one embodiment, the self-cleaning litter box (50) is configured to use a one piece litter cartridge (20) having a litter compartment (26) and a waste compartment 24. In another embodiment, the cartridge (20) is non-compartmentalized. In another embodiment, the system includes a rake assembly (56) configured with a drive assembly (58) that is protected from waste contamination. In accordance with the invention, the self-cleaning litter box (50) is configured to be used with all types of litter including crystal type litter.

Abstract: A self-cleaning litter box is disclosed which provides various advantages over the prior art. In particular, in one embodiment, the self-cleaning litter box is configured to use a cartridge which may include a litter compartment and a waste compartment. In another embodiment, the cartridge may be non-compartmentalized. The cartridge may be disposable, thus eliminating the need for the user to clean the litter tray and handle heavy litter containers. In other embodiments, the system includes a rake assembly configured with a drive assembly that is protected from contamination. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the self-cleaning litter box is configured to be used with all types of litter including crystal type litter.

Abstract: A gravity powered snow vehicle employing a crank 5 and steering mechanism 4, able to twist a sliding element 21 along its length, and enabling intuitive and direct control over the vehicle to increase performance and agility. Twisting the sliding element 21 generates on its edges varying levels of bite in the snow, allowing the rider to control both speed and direction. The rider in position, holding the handlebar 4, sitting on a seat 14 or standing on foot pegs 15, similar to riding a bicycle, controls the sliding element in a way similar to how snowboarders interact with their sliding element. The vehicle's linkage and architecture allows the sliding element 21 to flex. The vehicle has a collapsible configuration, facilitating transport and access to ascending systems, and their related receptacles, used at ski resorts.

Abstract: A housing for an IV port, the housing including two or more joinable shell portions sized and shaped to accommodate an IV port when joined, and means for usably attaching the two or more joined shell portions accommodating the IV port to a mount. A method for administering an IV fluid to a subject that includes providing a housing for an IV port. The method includes the housing having two or more joinable shell portions sized and shaped to accommodate an IV port when joined, and means for usably attaching the two or more joined shell portions accommodating the IV port to a mount. Further, attaching the housing to the mount and administering the IV fluid to the individual. An alternate embodiment is an IV port having an integrally formed non-fluid carrying engagement element that engages an attachment site on a mount, so as to secure the IV port.

Abstract: The present invention includes a device for inducing hemostasis in an artery, such as the femoral artery, and a method of doing the same. The device includes a base, vertical and horizontal members, an angular selector, and a compression arm adapted for providing constant mechanical pressure to a wound site. The angular selector and compression arm coordinate to maximize the device's degrees of freedom such that the pressure applied is perpendicular to the wound site for maximum efficacy. The compression arm includes a compressor and a cam that are used in concert for providing an optimal pressure that is easily referenced and can be reproduced by the attending medical personnel.

Abstract: A system and related method to enable six-axis movement of a structure. The system is related to hexapods, Stewart platforms and other mechanical movement systems. It includes a plurality of moveable supportive legs coupled to a platform. For the Stewart platform version of the system, there are six supportive legs, each of which connects to a triangular platform that acts as a base.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein include hexapod systems, Stewart platform systems and other mechanical movement systems, in which a set of independently moveable trucks support legs that couple to a working surface capable of holding a machine tool or other end-effector, and preferably wherein the trucks travel across a reference surface, such as around the circumference of a circle or along some other pre-defined geometrical pattern or track. For example, as described herein, the systems include Stewart platform machines that have six supportive legs each of which connects to a truck that can travel independently along a track. By coordinating the movement of these six trucks, the working surface can be moved in three dimensional space and can be oriented about three axes, providing control of roll, pitch and yaw.