Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a towing equipment for towing a person by a vehicle. The towing equipment comprises a proximal portion intended to be associated with said person, a distal portion intended to be connected to said vehicle, and a junction region interposed between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The proximal portion includes a first flexible branch and a second flexible branch, which are connected to the distal portion at the junction region. A proximal end of said first flexible branch comprises a handle; a proximal end of said second flexible branch is configured to be associated with the waist of said person. The present disclosure further relates to an abdominal belt intended to be used in conjunction with a towing equipment. The present disclosure also relates to a method for towing a person by a vehicle or the like. In particular, the person is a water skier and the vehicle is a motor boat.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a towing equipment for towing a person by a vehicle. The towing equipment comprises a proximal portion intended to be associated with said person, a distal portion intended to be connected to said vehicle, and a junction region interposed between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The proximal portion includes a first flexible branch and a second flexible branch, which are connected to the distal portion at the junction region. A proximal end of said first flexible branch comprises a handle; a proximal end of said second flexible branch is configured to be associated with the waist of said person. The present disclosure further relates to an abdominal belt intended to be used in conjunction with a towing equipment. The present disclosure also relates to a method for towing a person by a vehicle or the like. In particular, the person is a water skier and the vehicle is a motor boat.

Abstract: Embodiments provide methods for the protection and consolidation of calcareous materials. An exemplary method includes providing an aqueous solution of a hydroxycarboxylic acid, adjusting the pH of the aqueous solution by adding an alkaline agent, and applying the pH-adjusted aqueous solution to a calcareous mineral to form a conversion layer on the mineral. The calcareous mineral may, for example, be carbonate rock, particularly limestone and marble, or may be part of masonry material, aggregates, or fillers. Adherent conversion layers are readily formed at ambient temperatures and, therefore, methods provided are suitable for field application. Conversion layers so formed are provided as further embodiments.

Abstract: A convertible wheel chair/bed for paralyzed invalids comprises a support on which the invalid rests, the support comprising a plurality of support segments which define a support surface. The support segments can be moved simultaneously so the parts of the skin which were in contact with some support segments are relieved from pressure and exposed to air so that perspiration on that portion of the skin can evaporate, while other parts of the skin of the invalid are engaged and supported by support segments.