Abstract: The following invention represents a postcard, comprising a laminar body adapted to be decorated externally with at least one predefined illustration. Said body has an opening for access to an internal recess, said opening is normally closed by a removable cover. The recess accommodates at least one seed and a substrate, and that at least one seed is arranged on the top of the substrate and directed toward said opening, for the sprouting of a plant after the removal of the cover and the addition of water into the recess. The seed is normally being retained on the top of said substrate by a laminar containment element, which is made of water-soluble material and is interposed between the substrate and the cover.

Abstract: Examples of techniques for geomechanical risk and hazard assessment and mitigation are disclosed. In one example implementation, a method may include generating, by a processor, a geomechanical model for a location for drilling a borehole; performing a risk assessment to identify at least one risk associated with drilling the borehole; updating, by the processor, the geomechanical model as a pre-drill updated geomechanical model by applying a mitigation solution to mitigate the at least one risk associated with drilling the borehole; generating, by the processor, a drilling plan for drilling the borehole based on the pre-drill geomechanical model; and drilling the borehole based on the drilling plan.

Abstract: The following invention represents a postcard, comprising a laminar body adapted to be decorated externally with at least one predefined illustration. Said body has an opening for access to an internal recess, said opening is normally closed by a removable cover. The recess accommodates at least one seed and a substrate, and that at least one seed is arranged on the top of the substrate and directed toward said opening, for the sprouting of a plant after the removal of the cover and the addition of water into the recess. The seed is normally being retained on the top of said substrate by a laminar containment element, which is made of water-soluble material and is interposed between the substrate and the cover.

Abstract: Examples of techniques for geomechanical risk and hazard assessment and mitigation are disclosed. In one example implementation, a method may include generating, by a processor, a geomechanical model for a location for drilling a borehole; performing a risk assessment to identify at least one risk associated with drilling the borehole; updating, by the processor, the geomechanical model as a pre-drill updated geomechanical model by applying a mitigation solution to mitigate the at least one risk associated with drilling the borehole; generating, by the processor, a drilling plan for drilling the borehole based on the pre-drill geomechanical model; and drilling the borehole based on the drilling plan.

Abstract: A portable exercise apparatus consists of several lightweight, separate components. The apparatus has a resilient, flexible, somewhat bouncy base member shaped as a half spheroid, having rounded lateral surfaces and a substantially flat bottom surface. A height adjustable support post member is connected to and extends up from the base member. It is removeably secured to the base member. A foot supporting member comprising laterally extending support arms is removeably attached to the upper end of the post member. The apparatus supports the feet and legs of the user, by maintaining the legs elevated at a selected height off the ground, when the user is lying on his or her back in a sit-up position. In this position, with legs supported, the user can do a variety of rotational and sit-up type exercises.

Abstract: A combination backpack and seat article incorporates a built-in seat element having a cushioned base member pivotably connected to the backpack and a cushioned back rest section attached to the backside of the backpack. When in the closed position, the base member is flush with the back rest section on the backside of the backpack and buckles securely in a locked position. When in the open, seat configuration, the cushioned base member folds down from the back rest section. Comfort adjustable lateral straps and attached buckles connect the rear of the backpack to the outboard end of the base member. Bar members located in the base member and back rest section provide structural integrity and stability when the article is used as a seat.

Abstract: A jack plate (9) moveable upwardly and downwardly between various positions has a trim tab (28) disposed on a fixed portion (10) of the jack plate near the base of the transom (11) of a boat. The moveable portion (12) of the jack plate has a push cap (44) that, at a pickup position of the jack plate, pushes a rod (43) which rotates a lever (38) to move an arm (33) to push the trim tab (28) into an operative position aft of and below the hull of the boat. Above the pickup position, the push cap does not contact the rod; a return spring (50) causes the trim tab (28) to rotate upwardly, into a position where it is ineffective.

Abstract: A trim tab (18, 204) hinged (19) at the bottom edge of a boat transom (12, 179) is rotated into a position below the boat when the drive (58, 186) is in a lowest-most trim position, and is raised up, when the drive is above a selected pickup trim position. A push tube (58) connected to the motor (16) operates a push rod (49) and a trim tab (18). A push bar (96, 97) is moved by the drive, causing pieces (104, 105) to rotate trim tabs (18a). A fluidic slave cylinder (142) is operated by a master cylinder (134) or by a pump (148) responding to a position detector (150). Levers (164, 167) may be connected by a cable (155). A hydraulic master cylinder (195) is disposed on a part (186) of an outdrive that rotates for trim, its cylinder rod (200) contacting a fixed part (184), driving fluid to a slave cylinder (201) mounted on a fixed part (183) with its piston rod (202) moving a trim tab (204).

Abstract: A recreational lounge chair which can be used for upright sitting and also for lying prone on one's back or stomach has a seat section and a back section which is pivotally attached. This allows the chair to be converted between an upright chair and a lounge chair for reclining. A footrest section is attached to the seat section and can be pivotable down for upright seating or up for elevating the feet or for reclining in a prone position. The back section includes a through opening configured for the placement of the face of a user lying prone on his or her stomach, when the chair is so configured. The opening is bordered by cushioned pads, for the user's comfort. In this configuration, the user, lying face down and literally looking through the chair, can read a book, as there are cutout openings in the back section of the chair which allows the user to extend his or her arms under the chair, to hold the book.

Abstract: A recreational lounge chair which can be used for upright sitting and also for lying prone on one's back or stomach has a seat section and a back section which is pivotally attached. This allows the chair to be converted between an upright chair and a lounge chair for reclining. A footrest section is attached to the seat section and can be pivotable down for upright seating or up for elevating the feet or for reclining in a prone position. The back section includes a through opening configured for the placement of the face of a user lying prone on his or her stomach, when the chair is so configured. The opening is bordered by cushioned pads, for the user's comfort. In this configuration, the user, lying face down and literally looking through the chair, can read a book, as there are cutout openings in the back section of the chair which allows the user to extend his or her arms under the chair, to hold the book.

Abstract: An epicardial cooled stabilizer system is useful for surgical or laparoscopic applications, especially beating heart surgery. The system comprises a stabilizer connected to a cooler/pump where coolant flows into tubing at the distal end of the stabilizer. The tubing is positioned at a surgical site to enhance traction and minimize trauma.

Abstract: An epicardial cooled stabilizer system is useful for surgical or laparoscopic applications, especially beating heart surgery. The system comprises a stabilizer connected to a cooler/pump where coolant flows into tubing at the distal end of the stabilizer. The tubing is positioned at a surgical site to enhance traction and minimize trauma.

Abstract: In a method of fishing utilizing the flippin technique, a loop of line is drawn from between two eyelets, rather than from between the reel and an eyelet. A flippin rod (10a, 10b) has an additional eyelet (27) mounted between the reel (13) and the closest guide (19) of a plurality of conventional eyelet fishing guides (16-19). Fishing utilizing the flippin technique with the rod (10a, 10b) includes grasping the line (21) between the guides (19, 27) and pulling the line into a loop (29). The eyelet (27) prevents the loop (29) from tangling with the reel (13) when the loop is released, and also provides additional line (31) so the bait will achieve a deeper depth. In a telescoping rod (11b), the eyelet (27) is positioned so as not to interfere with retracting the distal portion (34) of the rod (11b) into the proximal portion (33).

Abstract: In a method of fishing utilizing the flippin technique, a loop of line is drawn from between two eyelets, rather than from between the reel and an eyelet. A flippin rod (10a, 10b) has an additional eyelet (27) mounted between the reel (13) and the closest guide (19) of a plurality of conventional eyelet fishing guides (16-19). Fishing utilizing the flippin technique with the rod (10a, 10b) includes grasping the line (21) between the guides (19, 27) and pulling the line into a loop (29). The eyelet (27) prevents the loop (29) from tangling with the reel (13) when the loop is released, and also provides additional line (31) so the bait will achieve a deeper depth. In a telescoping rod (11b), the eyelet (27) is positioned so as not to interfere with retracting the distal portion (34) of the rod (11b) into the proximal portion (33).

Abstract: A restraint for holding fishing poles to the deck of a boat includes an anchor screwed to the deck, a unidirectional snap fastener having its base portion screwed to the deck, and a double strand of bungee cord or other resilient strand extending from the anchor to a cap of the snap fastener. The unidirectional snap fastener is oriented so that no amount of force pulling up on the bungee cord will release the snap fastener, but a slight tug on a side of the snap fastener opposite to the anchor will easily cause it to release. The cap of the snap fastener includes a looped tab to facilitate separating it from the base. The anchor may be secured in the end wall of a hatch cover; the snap fastener may be secured adjacent to a gunwale.

Abstract: A fishing pole casing consists of a tubular sheath of plain or canvas backed, smooth, solid plastic sheeting with a longitudinal, stitched or welded seam, and an elastic loop; only the portion of the rod ahead of the reel is inserted into the sheath and the elastic loop engages the reel of the pole to urge the rod into the sheath.