Abstract: A fluid turbine may include a vertically-orientable shaft having at least one opening extending transversely therethrough, a first blade portion configured for vertical orientation on first side of the shaft, a second blade portion configured for vertical orientation on a second opposite side of the shaft, at least one rod extending through the shaft opening and connectable at a first end to the first blade portion and at a second end to the second blade portion. A reinforcing sleeve may extend through the shaft opening and may be interposed between the rod and the shaft opening for reinforcing at least one of the shaft, the at least one shaft opening, or the rod against forces exerted by the first and second blade portions when fluid impacts the first and second blade portions.

Abstract: A fluid infusion system includes an air pump connected to an accumulator tank to produce pressurized air that is stored in the accumulator tank. The system can include one or more fluid bag chambers wherein each fluid bag chamber includes an inflatable bladder positioned inside the fluid bag chamber to apply pressure on the fluid bag supported inside the chamber. The fluid bag can be connected by a tube set to deliver fluid from the fluid bag to a surgical tool at a surgical site. The fluid can, for example, be irrigation fluid or distention fluid. The system can include a controller connected to the pump to control the pump to produce the pressurized air and an adjustable pressure regulator can be connected between the accumulator tank and the inflatable bladder to control the pressure of air delivered to the inflatable bladder and the pressure that the fluid is delivered to the surgical tool.

Abstract: A reflector system includes a hoop assembly, a collapsible mesh reflector surface and an extendible mast assembly. The hoop assembly includes a plurality of link members extending between a plurality of hinge members and the hoop assembly is moveable between a collapsed configuration wherein the link members extend substantially parallel to one another and an expanded configuration wherein the link members define a circumferential hoop. The reflector surface is secured to the hoop assembly and collapses and extends therewith. The hoop is secured by cords relative to top and bottom portions of a mast that maintains the hoop substantially in a plane. The mast is stored on a spool and extends to release the hoop, pull the mesh reflector surface into a shape that is intended to concentrate RF energy in a desired pattern, and tension the cords that locate the hoop.

Abstract: A method of providing a game. A simulated environment is generated in which a user can play the role of a person building a personal relationship with one or more simulated individuals in the simulated environment, the simulated individual(s) representing one or more real world personalities and/or real world entities. The method includes receiving input from the user and receiving data representing real world facts related to the one or more real world personalities and/or entities. The user's progress in the game is determined based on the received user input and the received data representing the real world facts.

Abstract: A support for chairlifts includes bracketing for easily and simply retrofitting the support to an existing chairlift for providing support for snowboards on a chairlift which is easy to mount and provides a rugged, secure support. By changing orientation of the support on this chairlift, it may be utilized to support a mountain bike or skateboard.

Abstract: An insert is retained at the bottom of a portable liquid drink dispenser close to its nozzle. The insert has an inclined top surface for eliminating the need to tip the drink dispenser in order to dispense the final drinks. The insert has a coolant for cooling the fluid at the bottom of the drink dispenser in the area of the nozzle. The coolant may be water, gel or other high heat density material. The insert is chilled in a freezer prior to being retained in the drink dispenser. The insert is removably retained in the bottom of the drink dispenser using any or all of several retention means. The insert has the further advantage of allowing for the stacking of inserts during freezing and transport. Elimination of the need for tipping the drink dispenser allows for the stacking or mounting of drink dispensers while dispensing drinks.

Abstract: A support for chairlifts includes bracketing for easily and simply retrofitting the support to an existing chairlift for providing support for snowboards on a chairlift which is easy to mount and provides a rugged, secure support. By changing orientation of the support on this chairlift, it may be utilized to support a mountain bike or skateboard.