Abstract: Provided are centering, support plane screwdrivers comprising: a retention housing having a top portion with an upper support surface having an outer perimeter and surrounding a central walled recess extending below the support surface, the recess configured to center and receive a screw head, or portion thereof, therein; an optional lip at the support surface perimeter; and a turning face on the retention housing for application of a torquing force. Additionally provided are centering, support plane screwdrivers comprising: a retention housing having a top portion with an upper support surface having an outer perimeter and surrounding a central screwdriver tip extending above the support surface; a lip positioned at the support surface perimeter; and a turning face on the retention housing. Methods for removing or installing a screw assembly (e.g., an espresso machine shower screen assembly) using the screwdrivers are also provided.

Abstract: Provided are centering, support plane screwdrivers comprising: a retention housing having a top portion with an upper support surface having an outer perimeter and surrounding a central walled recess extending below the support surface, the recess configured to center and receive a screw head, or portion thereof, therein; an optional lip at the support surface perimeter; and a turning face on the retention housing for application of a torquing force. Additionally provided are centering, support plane screwdrivers comprising: a retention housing having a top portion with an upper support surface having an outer perimeter and surrounding a central screwdriver tip extending above the support surface; a lip positioned at the support surface perimeter; and a turning face on the retention housing. Methods for removing or installing a screw assembly (e.g., an espresso machine shower screen assembly) using the screwdrivers are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sealing device for an opening. The device includes a body that has a first side and a second side. A passageway is formed through the body such that the passageway has a first end adjacent to the first side and a second end that is adjacent to the second side. A sealing member is provided that includes an outer gasket and an inner gasket. The outer gasket is positioned adjacent the first side and the inner gasket is positioned adjacent the second side. A seal connector connects the inner gasket and the outer gasket and the seal connector passes through the passageway. In this way, the inner gasket and the outer gasket are mechanically attached to the ring. The sealing device is configured for use in such applications as sealing the cargo opening on the deck of a kayak.

Abstract: A mount for mounting a drive module to a watercraft is described herein. The mount in-use with the drive module is also described. The mount in-use with the drive module and the watercraft is also described. The mount includes a frame configured to be attached to the watercraft. The mount is also configured to attach to the drive module to selectively allow the drive module to translate from a first position to a second position. When in the first position, the drive module is capable of propelling the watercraft. The frame has a retainer to fix the drive module in the first position and a first spring to assist translation of the drive module toward the second position. The second position is a relatively raised position compared to the first position.

Abstract: A mount for mounting a drive module to a watercraft is described herein. The mount in-use with the drive module is also described. The mount in-use with the drive module and the watercraft is also described. The mount includes a frame configured to be attached to the watercraft. The mount is also configured to attach to the drive module to selectively allow the drive module to translate from a first position to a second position. When in the first position, the drive module is capable of propelling the watercraft. The frame has a retainer to fix the drive module in the first position and a first spring to assist translation of the drive module toward the second position. The second position is a relatively raised position compared to the first position.

Abstract: An elevated seat for a kayak. A floor of the kayak generally defines a reference plane. The seat may include a first support bar configured to be releasably attached to the kayak at a first location and a second support bar configured to be releasably attached to the kayak at a second location spaced along a bow-stern direction of the kayak relative to the first location. The seat may also include a seating member extending from a distal end of the first support bar to a distal end of the second support bar. The seating member may be inclined at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the floor. When in use, the first and second support bars are configured to position the seating member above the floor by a sufficient distance to support a user substantially standing on the floor.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for purging atmospheric air from a chamber with a gas including means for generating a substantially non-turbulent, laminar flow front of the gas into the chamber with minimal turbulence to displace the atmospheric air in the chamber, the chamber having exhaust means associated therewith to permit the displaced atmospheric air to exit the chamber. The chamber is preferably a welding chamber and the gas is preferably argon.

Abstract: An elevated seat for a kayak. A floor of the kayak generally defines a reference plane. The seat may include a first support bar configured to be releasably attached to the kayak at a first location and a second support bar configured to be releasably attached to the kayak at a second location spaced along a bow-stern direction of the kayak relative to the first location. The seat may also include a seating member extending from a distal end of the first support bar to a distal end of the second support bar. The seating member may be inclined at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the floor. When in use, the first and second support bars are configured to position the seating member above the floor by a sufficient distance to support a user substantially standing on the floor.

Abstract: A cart system for a watercraft, a watercraft with the cart system, and a method of transporting a watercraft using the cart system. The cart system has a skid plate configured to be fixedly mounted to a hull of the watercraft, and a wheeled cart removably attachable to the skid plate. The skid plate remains attached to the hull during use of the watercraft in the water. The wheeled cart is attached to the skid plate during launch of the watercraft and the wheeled cart is removed from the skid plate during use of the watercraft in the water.

Abstract: Disclosed adjustable seat systems that provide a self-contained height-adjustable seat system for sit-on-top kayaking that allows the seat to be adjusted into various height and angle positions, while maintaining independent adjustment to the fore/aft position of the seat in the kayak. Some of the adjustable seat systems include a seat upper that includes a seat bottom and a seat back; a seat base adapted to slidably engage a flat surface in the watercraft; and at least two pivot mechanisms coupling the seat upper to the seat base, wherein the at least two pivot mechanisms allow the seat upper to be raised and lowered relative to the seat base. Some of the adjustable seat systems further include a front seat axis, a rear seat axis, a front base axis, and a rear base axis, a front pivot mechanism that pivotally engages both the front seat axis and the front base axis, and a rear pivot mechanism that pivotally engages both the rear seat axis and the rear base axis.

Abstract: Disclosed adjustable seat systems that provide a self-contained height-adjustable seat system for sit-on-top kayaking that allows the seat to be adjusted into various height and angle positions, while maintaining independent adjustment to the fore/aft position of the seat in the kayak. Some of the adjustable seat systems include a seat upper that includes a seat bottom and a seat back; a seat base adapted to slidably engage a flat surface in the watercraft; and at least two pivot mechanisms coupling the seat upper to the seat base, wherein the at least two pivot mechanisms allow the seat upper to be raised and lowered relative to the seat base. Some of the adjustable seat systems further include a front seat axis, a rear seat axis, a front base axis, and a rear base axis, a front pivot mechanism that pivotally engages both the front seat axis and the front base axis, and a rear pivot mechanism that pivotally engages both the rear seat axis and the rear base axis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sealing device for an opening. The device includes a body that has a first side and a second side. A passageway is formed through the body such that the passageway has a first end adjacent to the first side and a second end that is adjacent to the second side. A sealing member is provided that includes an outer gasket and an inner gasket. The outer gasket is positioned adjacent the first side and the inner gasket is positioned adjacent the second side. A seal connector connects the inner gasket and the outer gasket and the seal connector passes through the passageway. In this way, the inner gasket and the outer gasket are mechanically attached to the ring. The sealing device is configured for use in such applications as sealing the cargo opening on the deck of a kayak.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for purging atmospheric air from a chamber with a gas including means for generating a substantially non-turbulent, laminar flow front of the gas into the chamber with minimal turbulence to displace the atmospheric air in the chamber, the chamber having exhaust means associated therewith to permit the displaced atmospheric air to exit the chamber. The chamber is preferably a welding chamber and the gas is preferably argon.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for purging atmospheric air from a chamber with a gas including means for generating a substantially non-turbulent, laminar flow front of the gas into the chamber with minimal turbulence to displace the atmospheric air in the chamber, the chamber having exhaust means associated therewith to permit the displaced atmospheric air to exit the chamber. The chamber is preferably a welding chamber and the gas is preferably argon.

Abstract: A process for reorienting the plies within a multi-ply web includes the steps of: providing at least two plies, each ply having a first and a second opposing surface; combining the at least two plies together to form a multi-ply web; treating either the first or the second opposing surface of at least one ply of the multi-ply web forming a treated multi-ply web; winding the treated multi-ply web into a roll; unwinding the roll; and changing the orientation of the treated surface within the multi-ply web as the roll is unwound.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically testing device drivers is disclosed. The invention is applicable to any system wherein software or a device driver receives primitive errors from a device and reports high level errors to a client. The invention generates error test data from tables in the software and creates a test data table. The invention then uses the test data table to simulate primitive errors in the device through hardware or software means. Finally, the invention ensures that the client has received the correct error messages from the software or device driver.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically testing device drivers is disclosed. The invention is applicable to any system wherein software or a device driver receives primitive errors from a device and reports high level errors to a client. The invention generates error test data from tables in the software and creates a test data table. The invention then uses the test data table to simulate primitive errors in the device through hardware or software means. Finally, the invention ensures that the client has received the correct error messages from the software or device driver.

Abstract: A soft uncreped throughdried tissue product includes a distribution of surface deposits of an additive composition adapted to reduce skin irritation and redness or otherwise deliver a benefit to the user. An array of primary delivery zones with a relatively high additive add-on amount in combination with supplementary delivery zones with a relatively lower add-on amount effectively maximize consumer benefit while minimizing the total amount of additive on the tissue.

Abstract: A soft tissue product includes deposits of a surface additive composition disposed in primary and supplementary delivery zones having different add-on levels. The supplementary add-on level is greater than 0 and less than the primary add-on level. For example, the supplementary add-on level may be from about 0.5 to about 80 percent of the primary add-on level. In particular embodiments, the primary delivery zones cover from about 30 to about 90 percent of the tissue and the supplementary delivery zones cover from about 10 to about 70 percent of the tissue. The different add-on levels effectively maximize consumer benefit while minimizing the total amount of additive on the tissue.