Abstract: A data entry system includes a hand held data entry unit having a reading sensor for sensing commands and/or data, rewritable storage for storing information relating to selectable items, a controller (a microprocessor or other processing circuitry) and a display screen for displaying a user readable representation of the commands and/or stored information for a selected item, and a telecommunication interface for the telephonic transmission of information relating to a selected item or items from the storage to a remote processing center and for the telephonic information relating to selectable items from the remote processing center to the storage. Preferably a telecommunications interface is provided in the hand held unit for cellular or other wireless telephony systems. The hand held unit can be configured to combine the data entry functions with those of audio telephony.

Abstract: An articulating hemiarthroplasty prosthesis (10) for use in arthroplasty is provided. The prosthesis includes a stem (12) for implantation at least partially within the medullary canal (14) of a long bone (16) and a collar (20). The collar (20) is operably associated with the stem (12) and extends outwardly therefrom. At least a portion of the collar (20) includes a resorbable material. The prosthesis includes a head (30) and a cup (46) for engagement with the head(30).

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a liquid from a hard surface comprising a roller unit including a roller rotatably mounted on a handle and covered with an absorbant sponge-like material, and a compression unit into which the roller of the roller unit may be inserted for removing water from the roller by compressing the absorbant material. The compression unit includes a surface along which the roller can be rolled and means engageable with the roller for pressing the roller against the surface to compress the absorbant material when the roller is rolled along the surface.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for removing liquid from a mop (13) of a kind having a mop head in the form of a substantially flat plate (15) having a layer of absorbent sponge-like material (16) on one surface. The apparatus comprises a frame (11) carrying a substantially horizontal roller (22) and a pair of pressure wheels (23). The wheels (23) are spaced from the roller (22) by a distance less than the total thickness of the flat plate (15) and material (16). In use, the mop head is urged downwardly between the roller (22) and pressure wheels (23) substantially in its own plane with the pressure wheels bearing against the surface of the flat plate (15) opposite the sponge-like material (16). The pressure wheels (23) urge the sponge-like material (16) against the roller (22) which expels liquid progressively from the material (16) as the latter moves across it.

Abstract: A data entry system includes a hand held data entry unit having a reading sensor for sensing commands and/or data, rewritable storage for storing information relating to selectable items, a controller (a microprocessor or other processing circuitry) and a display screen for displaying a user readable representation of the commands and/or stored information for a selected item, and a telecommunication interface for the telephonic transmission of information relating to a selected item or items from the storage to a remote processing center and for the telephonic information relating to selectable items from the remote processing center to the storage. Preferably a telecommunications interface is provided in the hand held unit for cellular or other wireless telephony systems. The hand held unit can be configured to combine the data entry functions with those of audio telephony.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying a hard floor comprises a frame and first and second rollers mounted in the frame for rotation about substantially parallel axes. The first roller has a continuous roll of absorbent sheet material mounted thereon whose free end is attached to the second roller such that the sheet material may be drawn from the first roller to become wound on the second roller. A part of the sheet material at the periphery of each roll is exposed for contact with the floor.