Abstract: A system for containing and disposing solid waste includes a container and a structure for supporting the container. The container has an opening attachable to the structure. The structure includes vacuum ports, a heating element, and may have an air-tight sealing device or material. The container is attached to the structure, waste is placed inside of it, the container is sealed, vacuum removes gas from the container, and the container is then sealed a second time using heat.

Abstract: A ceiling fan includes a hub with a plurality of sockets and a plurality of blades. Each of the blades can be received in and attached to one of the sockets, which connects the blades to the hub without use of external fasteners. The structure of the blades and/or engagement structure reduce the likelihood that the fan blades will move from side-to-side in the slot or disengage from the slot.

Abstract: An interactive whiteboard system includes a combination electrical writable and dry erase marker, an interactive whiteboard to receive writing on the interactive whiteboard with the combination electrical writable and dry erase marker, and a computer operatively coupled to the interactive whiteboard to capture writing on the interactive whiteboard with the combination electrical writable and dry erase marker.

Abstract: A writing system includes a pen with a two-dimensional optical sensor and a three dimensional acceleration sensor positioned to indicate movement of the pen. A calibrator is coupled to receive path coordinate signals from the two-dimensional optical sensor and the three dimensional acceleration sensor. The calibrator and the two-dimensional optical sensor and the three dimensional acceleration sensor are configured to operate in one of two modes, a contactable mode of operation wherein both the two-dimensional optical sensor and the three dimensional acceleration sensor supply path coordinate signals to the coordinator and a contactless mode of operation wherein only the three dimensional acceleration sensor supplies path coordinate signals to the coordinator.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fan blade includes providing a fan blade blank including opposed major faces, opposed inner and outer extremities, and opposed first and second sides defining opposed first and second edges, respectively. The method further specifies cutting the fan blade blank asunder into first and second parts along a cut line extending from the inner extremity of the fan blade blank to the outer extremity of the fan blade blank inboard of one of the first and second edges forming a first cut edge of one of the first and second parts and a second cut edge of the other of the first and second parts, chamfering one of the first and second cut edges forming a chamfered one of the first and second cut edges, and affixing the chamfered one of the first and second cut edges to the other of the first and second cut edges forming a fan blade consisting of the first part affixed to the second part, the first part being angled relative to the second part.

Abstract: A transport vehicle includes a bed formed in the rear end thereof. A base is seated on the bed and supports a load-bearing platform opposing the bed forming a storage space therebetween and an opening therebetween into the storage space at the rear end of the vehicle. A wheeled trailer is also provided, which is positionable in the storage space, is removable from the storage space, and has a hitched drawbar engagable to a tow bat secured to the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: A transport vehicle includes a bed formed in the rear end thereof. A base is seated on the bed and supports a load-bearing platform opposing the bed forming a storage space therebetween and an opening therebetween into the storage space at the rear end of the vehicle. A wheeled trailer is also provided, which is positionable in the storage space, is removable from the storage space, and has a hitched drawbar engagable to a tow bat secured to the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: A convertible shoe includes a sole assembly having a forward end and a rearward end and including an outer sole receivable upon a walking surface, an inner sole to receive a foot of a wearer thereon, a toe section proximate the forward end, and a heel section proximate the rearward end. A convertible section is attached to the sole assembly, which moves between a retracted position revealing one of the toe and heel sections, and a deployed position opposing the one of the toe and heel sections. A recess formed into the sole assembly is provided to receive the convertible section in the deployed position.

Abstract: A transport vehicle includes a bed formed in the rear end thereof. A base is seated on the bed and supports a load-bearing platform opposing the bed forming a storage space therebetween and an opening therebetween into the storage space at the rear end of the vehicle. A wheeled trailer is also provided, which is positionable in the storage space, is removable from the storage space, and has a hitched drawbar engagable to a tow bat secured to the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: A shoe includes a toe section fabricated of a plurality of ribs which are pivotally movable relative the sole and support a flexible panel. The toe section is movable between an extended position to enclose the toes of the foot of a wearer and wherein the several ribs are circumferentially spaced and a retracted position in which the toes of the foot are exposed and the ribs reside mutually adjacent. Also provided is a heel section including a plurality of ribs supporting a flexible panel and movable between an extended position in which the heel of the foot is at least partially enclosed and a retracted position in which the heel is exposed.

Abstract: A transport vehicle includes a bed formed in the rear end thereof. A base is seated on the bed and supports a load-bearing platform opposing the bed forming a storage space therebetween and an opening therebetween into the storage space at the rear end of the vehicle. A wheeled trailer is also provided, which is positionable in the storage space, is removable from the storage space, and has a hitched drawbar engagable to a tow bat secured to the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: A hanger assembly includes a tubular member attached to a first joist bracket and which is severed along a length thereof forming an end gap therein. An insert is attached to a second joist bracket and extends into and through the tubular member. The tubular member is movable into a collapsed configuration in response to a force applied thereto at least partially closing the end gap grippingly securing the insert extending therethrough. A hanger bracket has a central portion overlying the elongate tubular member and opposing ends affixed to a junction box, and the central portion of the hanger bracket applies the force to the tubular member.