Abstract: Dynamically-variable graphic displays, including a panel comprised of a plurality of electrostatic particles and a plurality of electrodynamic contacts supported within a nonconductive substrate, wherein each electrostatic particle is situated within a channel in the nonconductive substrate such that the nonconductive substrate comprises a plurality of channels oriented in one direction. Also included within the invention are dynamically-variable graphic display panels comprising electrostatic particles that each comprise a plurality of sectors, each having a different color and a fixed magnetic polarity relative to said sectors, and a plurality of electrodynamic contacts, each contact located adjacent to an electrostatic particle and positioned for interaction with one of the electrostatic particles.

Abstract: Dynamically-variable graphic displays, including a panel comprised of a plurality of electrostatic particles and a plurality of electrodynamic contacts supported within a nonconductive substrate, wherein each electrostatic particle is situated within a channel in the nonconductive substrate such that the nonconductive substrate comprises a plurality of channels oriented in one direction. Also included within the invention are dynamically-variable graphic display panels comprising electrostatic particles that each comprise a plurality of sectors, each having a different color and a fixed magnetic polarity relative to said sectors, and a plurality of electrodynamic contacts, each contact located adjacent to an electrostatic particle and positioned for interaction with one of the electrostatic particles.

Abstract: The invention is a set of modular telescoping tools. A first preferred embodiment is a power-transmitting telescoping extension pole, to which various specialized tools, including power tools, may be attached. The apparatus comprises an inner tube and outer tube, wherein the outer tube receives said inner tube, a coupling at the tool-end of the pole, a power transmission, capable of transmitting power from the user-end of the pole to the tool-end of the pole, and a control mechanism attached to the telescopic tube at the user-end of the telescopic tube. A second preferred embodiment is a set of telescoping bar clamps and spreader tools. In the simplest embodiment, the invention comprises a telescoping tube and a set of jaws, wherein the telescoping tube includes a first shaft having a first diameter, a second shaft having a second diameter that is less than the first diameter, and a locking mechanism.

Abstract: Dynamically-variable graphic displays, including a panel comprised of a plurality of electrostatic particles and a plurality of electrodynamic contacts supported within a nonconductive substrate, wherein each electrostatic particle is situated within a channel in the nonconductive substrate such that the nonconductive substrate comprises a plurality of channels oriented in one direction. Also included within the invention are dynamically-variable graphic display panels comprising electrostatic particles that each comprise a plurality of sectors, each having a different color and a fixed magnetic polarity relative to said sectors, and a plurality of electrodynamic contacts, each contact located adjacent to an electrostatic particle and positioned for interaction with one of the electrostatic particles.

Abstract: Dynamically-variable graphic displays, including a panel comprised of colored microspheres, each a single pixel with an embedded electrical charge; one or more electrodes capable of receiving an electrical charge, each electrode situated so that it can interact with at least one of said microspheres; an energy source connected to the electrodes via conductive elements capable of changing the polarity of said electrodes, such change in polarity causing the microspheres to move to change the color displayed to a viewer; and a substrate. Also included within the invention are dynamically-variable graphic display panels that enable one-way graphics through distribution of pixels to create image and silhouette patterns, wherein the image pattern is visible from the front of the panel under conditions of illumination, and wherein the silhouette pattern creates a substantially transparent area of clear vision from the back of the display panel through the panel.

Abstract: A fastening system comprising a sheet of filaments that form a plurality of loops that are bent to form hooks, attached to a support matrix, such that when a first sheet and second sheet of filaments are brought into contact, the hooks can mate with the loops of the opposing sheet in a reversible locking position. In a second embodiment, the fastening system comprises a first base material having a multiplicity of filament loops and a second base material having a carpet of straight filaments, each filament having at least one notch sized to lock onto the filament loops of the first base material. Methods for manufacturing said materials are also described.

Abstract: The invention is a set of modular telescoping tools. A first preferred embodiment is a power-transmitting telescoping extension pole, to which various specialized tools, including power tools, may be attached. The apparatus comprises an inner tube and outer tube, wherein the outer tube receives said inner tube, a coupling at the tool-end of the pole, a power transmission, capable of transmitting power from the user-end of the pole to the tool-end of the pole, and a control mechanism attached to the telescopic tube at the user-end of the telescopic tube. A second preferred embodiment is a set of telescoping bar clamps and spreader tools. In the simplest embodiment, the invention comprises a telescoping tube and a set of jaws, wherein the telescoping tube includes a first shaft having a first diameter, a second shaft having a second diameter that is less than the first diameter, and a locking mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for warming substances comprising a container, said container including a first compartment containing a substance that reacts exothermically with water, a second compartment containing water, wherein said second compartment is attached to said first compartment by a valve, and a third compartment, wherein at least 50% of the third compartment's volume is surrounded by said first compartment, and wherein said first and third compartments are separated by a thermally conductive wall. In a preferred embodiment, the substance that reacts exothermically with water is an anhydrous zeolite.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for desalination use kinetic energy in ocean waves as a power source. The apparatus comprises a wave tank and a condensation tank, the wave tank and condensation tank being connected by two pipes, each with a one-way valve, that produced a cycle of water saturated air from the wave tank to the condensation tank with a return of relatively desaturated air back to the wave tank following condensation of water. The wave tank captures the up and down motion of the waves and converts it to a pumping action. Air inside the wave tank is compressed when a wave comes in and has a negative pressure when the wave recedes. A saline water spray is introduced during wave troughs. Water evaporates into the negative pressure air hydrating the air. When the next wave comes in the water level rises inside the wave tank pressurizing the air.

Abstract: A self-regulating irrigation system utilizing a hydro-expansive material to regulate fluid flow. an irrigation control valve that includes (i) a sprinkler with a control valve, wherein said control valve comprises a control spring and a diaphragm located within the sprinkler head, (ii) a base extending down from said sprinkler head, and (iii) a hydro-expansive control membrane attached to the diaphragm and the base. The hydro-expansive control membrane is a length of hydro-expansive material that is short enough and strong enough to overcome the force of the control spring when the control membrane is dry, yet long enough that it will extend when wet so that the force of the control spring overcomes the force of the control membrane to close the diaphragm.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for binding sheets of material, comprising two mating binding strips are placed on opposite sides of a stack of sheets of perforated material, such that retaining surfaces can hold the sheets of material together in a bound volume. The binding strips mate via retaining straps that lock using a zip or ratcheting mechanism in the fastening head. At least one retaining tooth on the fastening head catches with a ratchet tooth on the retaining strip. In one preferred embodiment, one binding strip has at least two flexible retaining strips of notched material having at least one surface covered with detents, ridges, or retaining teeth. The female binding strip (or “locking strip”) has a plurality of fastening heads with locking mechanisms such as pawls. Each fastening head receives a retaining strip through a receiving passageway oriented in the same plane as the sheets of bound material.

Abstract: Dynamically-variable graphic displays, including a panel comprised of colored microspheres, each a single pixel with an embedded electrical charge; one or more electrodes capable of receiving an electrical charge, each electrode situated so that it can interact with at least one of said microspheres; an energy source connected to the electrodes via conductive elements capable of changing the polarity of said electrodes, such change in polarity causing the microspheres to move to change the color displayed to a viewer; and a substrate. Also included within the invention are dynamically-variable graphic display panels that enable one-way graphics through distribution of pixels to create image and silhouette patterns, wherein the image pattern is visible from the front of the panel under conditions of illumination, and wherein the silhouette pattern creates a substantially transparent area of clear vision from the back of the display panel through the panel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for one-way graphics using a projector that projects an image onto a screen, wherein the screen is comprised of a non-transparent material, and the screen contains voids sufficient in size and distribution to allow clarity of vision when viewed through from the side opposite the projection, and wherein the area of the screen substantially reflects the projected image so that on observer viewing the screen from the projection side of the screen sees the image that is projected onto the screen. The apparatus and method may further comprise a light-absorbing layer on the back of the screen, wherein the voids in the screen extend through the light-absorbing layer. The one-way screen may include additional transparent layers for mounting and adhesion.

Abstract: Included herein are base materials and methods for use in creation of one-way graphics, including a dye-receptive substrate with a pattern of ink-repellent material over the dye-receptive substrate. An image may be printed selectively onto the base material to leave a visual perforation pattern that allows vision through the printed image under appropriate illumination. Also disclosed are printing methods involving the application of variously ordered layers of light-absorbing, light-reflective, and image mediums to printing substrates with physically raised and lowered areas to create one-way graphics. The invention also includes new forms of one-way graphics, including lenticular and holographic one-way displays, and one-way displays having internal lighting sources.

Abstract: An improved display product and method of making a display wherein a perforated panel is provided with layers of paint which are kept on the panel. Thus, a sign painter can have a wide latitude of designs which can be applied to see-through graphics. The resulting product can be opaque to an observer looking from one side of a display product yet the observer is able to see through the product from the other side of the product. A window to be provided with a display product is masked with masking paper and masking tape to cover the exposed parts. A perforated panel is cut to fit the window and attached over the masking paper and the masking tape. The perforated panel is painted with an image that is desired.

Abstract: One or more panels define a support for an image layer and a relatively dark layer. Holes extend through the panel and the layer. The holes allow viewing through the panels in one direction without seeing the image, yet the image can be viewed by looking at the panel assembly from the opposite direction. Thus, the image is suitable as an advertising medium as applied to the transparent windows of buildings, vehicles and the like. A person sitting in a building or in a vehicle cannot see the image on a window by looking outwardly through the window. Looking in the opposite direction, from outside to inside the vehicle, a person will see the image through the assembly of panels.

Abstract: A mask body of semi-rigid material having a plurality of holes through the body which permit visibility and breathability. The inner surface of the mask body is of a dark color so as not to impair the vision of the wearer. The outer surface of the mask is preferably painted with a desired image or a solid color. The holes can be made in the body before or after the body forming process. The mask can be covered with different materials for different visual and textural effects. For example, the mask could be partially or fully covered with hair, fur, fabric, appendages, paint or other finishes. The mask could be reversible if desired, and it could have a rotatable mask body on the whole head and the head can be rotatable on the head or have spinning effects on the head or other desired effects.