Abstract: An orthopedic cast removal tool and method uses an unmodified, typically cordless, rotary impact driver and a embedded wire to cut through an orthopedic cast for removal. By merging it with a slotted spacer block specifically for this cast removal purpose, an ergonomic tool is provided which allays fears of orthopedic patients. When rotating and encountering high resistance of the plaster or fiberglass material of the cast, the cordless rotary impact driver does not bog down; since it seamlessly engages impact action, which offers an order of magnitude or more torque multiplication via short frequent pulses (several per second) to overcome this torque resistance. Thus a high amount of torque with very little reaction force is made available to cut through a cast while affording the technician good control. The cast is cut very rapidly with little dust creation and no jostling of the patient.

Abstract: Apparatus usable with a safety swimming pool incorporating a buoyant submersed rescue floor is described. In one instance, a winch coupling a gear motor to a cable drum via an electrically disengageable clutch is used as a device to re-deploy the buoyant floor to the bottom after a rescue. In another instance a solar powered dedicated power supply is used to power the trigger/sensor subsystem. In yet another instance an electro-mechanical circuit for sensing and triggering a rescue episode is described.

Abstract: A system substitutes digitized images for human vision, in determining the presence or absence of rip tides among sea water wave patterns at a public swimming beach. Computer analysis of these images involves image pre-filtering that enhances the telltale signs of rip tides, before the digital data is processed for classification as NORMAL or RIP TIDE. The classification itself can proceed along by expert systems which mimic the manner in which a human observer performs the detection; or by building a neural network, that determines its own classification criteria for identifying rip tides.

Abstract: A system substitutes digitized camera images for human vision, in determining the presence or absence of rip tides among sea water wave patterns at a public swimming beach. Computer analysis of these images involves image pre-filtering that enhances the telltale signs of rip tides, before the digital data is processed for classification as NORMAL or RIP TIDE. The classification itself can proceed along by expert systems which mimic the manner in which a human observer performs the detection; or by building a neural network, that determines its own classification criteria for identifying rip tides.

Abstract: A system substitutes digitized camera images for human vision, in determining the presence or absence of rip tides among sea water wave patterns at a public swimming beach. Computer analysis of these images involves image pre-filtering that enhances the telltale signs of rip tides, before the digital data is processed for classification as NORMAL or RIP TIDE. The classification itself can proceed along by expert systems which mimic the manner in which a human observer performs the detection; or by building a neural network, that determines its own classification criteria for identifying rip tides.

Abstract: A swimming pool rescue apparatus includes a safety pool bottom substrate, having a periphery made of a buoyant material and at least one non-peripheral portion is buoyant. The buoyant material is urged into a fixed position at a bottom of the pool by a retaining member. A lifting mechanism raises and lowers the safety pool bottom substrate. The lifting mechanism communicates with a detection signal device detecting the presence of a person under water in the pool for a predetermined period of time. The electronic signal device has a trigger engaging the lifting mechanism to release the buoyant material from a fixed position at the bottom of the pool to a further position at an upper area above the water level of the pool.

Abstract: A swimming pool rescue apparatus includes a safety pool bottom substrate, having a periphery made of a buoyant material and at least one non-peripheral portion is buoyant. The buoyant material is urged into a fixed position at a bottom of the pool by a retaining member. A lifting mechanism raises and lowers the safety pool bottom substrate. The lifting mechanism communicates with a detection signal device detecting the presence of a person under water in the pool for a predetermined period of time. The electronic signal device has a trigger engaging the lifting mechanism to release the buoyant material from a fixed position at the bottom of the pool to a further position at an upper area above the water level of the pool.

Abstract: A swimming pool rescue apparatus includes a safety pool bottom substrate, having a periphery made of a buoyant material and at least one non-peripheral portion is buoyant. The buoyant material is urged into a fixed position at a bottom of the pool by a retaining member. A lifting mechanism raises and lowers the safety pool bottom substrate. The lifting mechanism communicates with a detection signal device detecting the presence of a person under water in the pool for a predetermined period of time. The electronic signal device has a trigger engaging the lifting mechanism to release the buoyant material from a fixed position at the bottom of the pool to a further position at an upper area above the water level of the pool.

Abstract: A swimming pool rescue apparatus includes a safety pool bottom substrate, having a periphery made of a buoyant material and at least one non-peripheral portion is buoyant. The buoyant material is urged into a fixed position at a bottom of the pool by a retaining member. A lifting mechanism raises and lowers the safety pool bottom substrate. The lifting mechanism communicates with a detection signal device detecting the presence of a person under water in the pool for a predetermined period of time. The electronic signal device has a trigger engaging the lifting mechanism to release the buoyant material from a fixed position at the bottom of the pool to a further position at an upper area above the water level of the pool.