Abstract: A manually-operable reciprocating rowing system having a reversible oar for forward or reverse propulsion. The oar has a plurality of pivoting blades mounted in a housing and movable between open and closed positions with each stroke of the oar. In the open position, the blades are positioned to allow water passage through the housing, while in the closed position, the blades are positioned to obstruct water passage through the housing. Gates are provided for stopping the pivoting movement of the blade at the blade housing. A reversing mechanism selectively pivots the gates to allow the blades to pass from one side to an opposite side of the housing, thereby allowing propulsion in a reversed direction.

Abstract: A rowing system in which a handlebar is attached to an axis that rotates when the handlebar is moved back and forth. This axis is attached to an arm loom fixed to a housing immersed in the water, at the other end. This housing supports shafts with oar blades hinged on them, and gates connected to them in parallel position. These shafts are attached with levers joined by a plate. A spring keeps the gates in the closed position, and stops the oar blades when they are pushed up by water's resistance. A cable connects these levers on the housing to one lever located on the handlebar; when this lever is pulled by the rower, the cable drags the housing's levers and opens the gates. The whole mechanism is supported by a block attached to the axis, and fixed at the boat by clamps.

Abstract: The invention consists of a granulated fertilizer which contains iron (11 to 13%), zinc (3 to 9%), manganese (0.1 to 2.5%), copper (0.5 to 0.7%), in the form of sulphates, also ammonium molybdate (0 to 0.1%) and a Caolinite, Ilite or Montmorillonite clay (45 to 57%), or a mixture of them in any proportion. All the percentages by weight are based on the total weight of the fertilizer. The product is 100% soluble, the high cationic exchange capacity which clays have allows the micronutrients to be adsorbed by the clay and prevent its leaching or reacting, making its assimilation by the plant more efficient and better. The use of sulphates in the soil, in the presence of water provoks an acidification of the soil which allows a better assimilation of the micronutrients in alkaline soils.

Abstract: A knee pad adapted to cover the knee of a user is made from a single sheet of durable, pliable sheet material, or from a plurality of separate segments made of such sheet material. It comprises a body having an open side, an elbow section and a leg section, said elbow section and a leg section joined to form a corner. A strap member is attached to extends between opposed sides of the leg section that enables the user to secure the knee pad to the user's knee with the knee placed into the open side and seated against the corner. Outer edges of the leg and elbow section are each inwardly contoured forming a concave indentation respectively in each of these outer edges.

Abstract: A cleaning composition for removing organic deposits from hard to reach surfaces. In its basic embodiment, the cleaning composition comprises: a) a water miscible solvent; b) an inorganic salt in crystal form; and c) water. The inorganic salt in crystal form comprises from about 30 to about 70% weight of the total composition.

Abstract: A surge protector having a failsafe mechanism including at least one overvoltage protection element, at least one arm assembly, at least one ground element, at least one resilient member, and at least one protrusion. The at least one resilient member is electrically connected to the at least one ground element and the at least one protrusion is generally positioned between the at least one resilient member and the at least one arm assembly. The at least one protrusion is in thermal contact with the at least one resilient member, prevents the at least one resilient member from electrically contacting the at least one arm assembly during normal operation, and is spaced away from the at least one arm assembly.

Abstract: A knee pad adapted to cover the knee of a user is made from a single sheet of durable, pliable sheet material, or from a plurality of separate segments made of such sheet material. It comprises a body having an open side, an elbow section and a leg section, said elbow section and a leg section joined to form a corner. A strap member is attached to extends between opposed sides of the leg section that enables the user to secure the knee pad to the user's knee with the knee placed into the to open side and seated against the corner. Outer edges of the leg and elbow section are each inwardly contoured forming a concave indentation respectively in each of these outer edges.

Abstract: A surge protector having a failsafe mechanism including at least one overvoltage protection element, at least one arm assembly, at least one ground element, at least one resilient member, and at least one protrusion. The at least one resilient member is electrically connected to the at least one ground element and the at least one protrusion is generally positioned between the at least one resilient member and the at least one arm assembly. The at least one protrusion is in thermal contact with the at least one resilient member, prevents the at least one resilient member from electrically contacting the at least one arm assembly during normal operation, and is spaced away from the at least one arm assembly.

Abstract: A point of sale device having a verifiable electronic journal system which maintains an electronic journal file in lieu of using a journal print station. Transaction information is first stored in a non-volatile random access memory. A data signature is determined based on the contents of the random access memory for a journal. Both the transaction information and the data signature are transferred to the separate journal memory. The journal memory may, for example, reside on the point of sale terminal and tampering with the journal transaction information may be detected by reference to the data signature which is also transferred and maintained in the electronic journal file. Preferably, the data signature is encrypted such as by a shared key encryption scheme and the associated public key is also transferred and stored in the electronic journal file from the device, such as a fiscal base, which is tracking the transaction information as it is created.