Abstract: An apparatus for physical fitness physical strength, agility and endurance training. A controllable pressurized flow of fluid is first received via a hose to a source of the pressurized fluid. In response to this flow of fluid, a force is generated along at least one of a plurality of selected directions using one or more apertures or nozzles. The force is then transferred to a user of the apparatus so as to supply physical resistance training to the user. The apparatus further includes a user engaging mechanism that is connected to the propulsion system, and is configured to transmit exercise forces to an associated user. The apparatus further includes controls for controlling the magnitude and direction of the reaction force vector applied to the user engaging mechanism. Various embodiments of user engaging members, including blocking dummies, handles, gloves, helmets, shoes, straps or balls, may be attached to the propulsion system.

Abstract: A lighting system for illuminating artwork includes a housing; a lamp mounted within said housing and including a halogen bulb and a reflector, said reflector having a dichroic coating; a linear spread lens positioned in front of said lamp and having an etched portion covering less than one hundred percent of a first surface of said lens; and a door associated with said housing and defining an opening therein, said opening having a flattened portion and a rounded portion, said linear spread lens positioned over said opening, and the light emitted by the lighting system being directed through said linear spread lens and said opening. The resulting lighting system produces safe light diffused evenly substantially over the entire surface of a piece of artwork.

Abstract: A lighting system for illuminating artwork includes a housing; a lamp mounted within said housing and including a halogen bulb and a reflector, said reflector having a dichroic coating; a linear spread lens positioned in front of said lamp and having an etched portion covering less than one hundred percent of a first surface of said lens; and a door associated with said housing and defining an opening therein, said opening having a flattened portion and a rounded portion, said linear spread lens positioned over said opening, and the light emitted by the lighting system being directed through said linear spread lens and said opening. The resulting lighting system produces safe light diffused evenly substantially over the entire surface of a piece of artwork.

Abstract: A lighting system for illuminating artwork includes a housing; a lamp mounted within the housing and including a halogen bulb and a reflector, said reflector having a dichroic coating; a linear spread lens positioned in front of the lamp, said lens having an etched first portion and a lighter etched second portion of a first surface, and said lens further having a color-adjusting tint and an ultraviolet filter coating; and a door associated with the housing directing the light emitted by the lighting system through the linear spread lens. The resulting lighting system produces safe light diffused evenly substantially over the entire surface of a piece of artwork.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing device and associated methods. The device is adapted to be positioned in proximity to a fire and operable in response to heat output by the fire. The device includes a first reservoir, containing a fluid, adapted to receive the heat from the fire and thereby exert a pressure and a second reservoir, communicating with the first reservoir, containing a firefighting material. The device further includes a pressure-sensitive membrane, forming a pressure-sensitive barrier between the first reservoir and the second reservoir, adapted to rupture upon a predetermined pressure being attained in the first reservoir and thereby releasing a steam into the second reservoir. The steam expels the firefighting material onto the fire. Additionally disclosed are methods for using the device to control and extinguish fires.

Abstract: A lighting system for illuminating artwork includes a housing; a lamp mounted within the housing and including a halogen bulb and a reflector, said reflector having a dichroic coating; a linear spread lens positioned in front of the lamp, said lens having an etched first portion and a lighter etched second portion of a first surface, and said lens further having a color-adjusting tint and an ultraviolet filter coating; and a door associated with the housing directing the light emitted by the lighting system through the linear spread lens. The resulting lighting system produces safe light diffused evenly substantially over the entire surface of a piece of artwork.