Abstract: A storage system is described, having a rectangular platform adapted to be raised and lowered. The platform includes a top surface configured to support one or more items to be stored, a bottom surface, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side. The system also includes a first bracket, with an upper portion attached to the first side of the platform and a lower portion extending below the bottom surface. The lower portion of this first bracket is shaped in such a way as to provide a first surface on which a portion of an additional item rests. The system also includes a second bracket, likewise with an upper portion attached to the second side of the platform and a lower portion extending below the bottom surface. The lower portion of the second bracket is also shaped in such a way as to provide a second surface on which a portion of the additional item rests. In this way, the first and second brackets cooperate to support the additional item below the platform.

Abstract: A storage system is described, having a rectangular platform adapted to be raised and lowered. The platform includes a top surface configured to support one or more items to be stored, a bottom surface, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side. The system also includes a first bracket, with an upper portion attached to the first side of the platform and a lower portion extending below the bottom surface. The lower portion of this first bracket is shaped in such a way as to provide a first surface on which a portion of an additional item rests. The system also includes a second bracket, likewise with an upper portion attached to the second side of the platform and a lower portion extending below the bottom surface. The lower portion of the second bracket is also shaped in such a way as to provide a second surface on which a portion of the additional item rests. In this way, the first and second brackets cooperate to support the additional item below the platform.

Abstract: A toilet for administering a product to a user is disclosed. The toilet includes a bowl, a mechanism for administering the product to the user, a storage structure for storing the product, a sensor that detects a property of the product, and a processor. The bowl is adapted to receiving excreta from the user. The processor compares the detected property with a range of values indicating the suitability of the product for being applied to a user. The processor generates an alert when the detected property falls outside the range of values.

Abstract: An analytical toilet is disclosed. The toilet includes a bowl for receiving excreta, a mechanism that uses a consumable for analyzing a sample of excreta, a storage structure for storing the consumable, a sensor that detects at least one property of the consumable, and a processor that generates an alert when the property is outside a predetermined parameter. The property the sensor detects can be used to determine at least one of the identity of the consumable, the quantity or supply of the consumable, or a property related to the suitability of the consumable.

Abstract: An overhead storage system is disclosed. The storage system includes an overhead frame that supports a ceiling for a room, at least one storage box, and a roof or floor for a second room above the first. Attached to the frame is at least one raise/lower mechanism which raises and lowers a storage box. The storage box(es) fit within the frame when raised and are accessible when lowered. Each storage box has a bottom wall that includes a ceiling surface for the room and a structure with at least one storage surface. The raise lower mechanism(s) is a winch driven pulley system that winds up and lets out at least one line.

Abstract: A mounting system using a force indicator is disclosed. A screw is used to mount a bracket to a structure. While the screw is being threaded into the structure, the force indicator deforms to provides a visual indication when the screw is tight enough to secure the bracket to the structure without damaging the structure or mounting components. Additionally, a washer may be used with the mounting system. The force indicator can be cylinder shaped with a hole for the screw to pass through. The force indicator can extrude radially as it deforms in order to provide the visual indication.

Abstract: An overhead storage system is disclosed. The storage system includes an overhead frame that supports a ceiling for a room, at least one storage box, and a roof or floor for a second room above the first. Attached to the frame is at least one raise/lower mechanism which raises and lowers a storage box. The storage box(es) fit within the frame when raised and are accessible when lowered. Each storage box has a bottom wall that includes a ceiling surface for the room and a structure with at least one storage surface. The raise lower mechanism(s) is a winch driven pulley system that winds up and lets out at least one line.

Abstract: A self-cleaning toilet is disclosed. The toilet includes a bowl adapted to receive excreta, a mechanism that uses a consumable to clean at least a portion of the toilet, a storage structure for storing the consumable, a sensor for detecting a property of the consumable, and a processor. The sensor detects a quantity of the consumable. The processor generates an alert if the quantity of consumable is below a predetermined level. The alert can include providing a maintenance alert, ordering more consumable, and enabling or disabling features of the toilet.

Abstract: A toilet for administering a product to a user is disclosed. The toilet includes a bowl, a mechanism for administering the product to the user, a storage structure for storing the product, a sensor that detects a property of the product, and a processor. The bowl is adapted to receiving excreta from the user. The processor compares the detected property with a range of values indicating the suitability of the product for being applied to a user. The processor generates an alert when the detected property falls outside the range of values.

Abstract: An analytical toilet is disclosed. The toilet includes a bowl for receiving excreta, a mechanism that uses a consumable for analyzing a sample of excreta, a storage structure for storing the consumable, a sensor that detects at least one property of the consumable, and a processor that generates an alert when the property is outside a predetermined parameter. The property the sensor detects can be used to determine at least one of the identity of the consumable, the quantity or supply of the consumable, or a property related to the suitability of the consumable.

Abstract: An underfloor storage system is disclosed. The storage system comprises a frame with a storage box and at least one raise/lower mechanisms to raise and lower the storage box. A raise/lower mechanism include at least one winch driven pulley system. The storage box includes a floor. Raising the storage box provides access to underfloor storage. In a preferred embodiment, each winch driven pulley system provides an ideal mechanical advantage of 4 and includes an additional pulley which is configured to pivot relative to the winch and thereby adjust the orientation of the pulley to the winch as the line tracks across the winch during wind up or let out of the line.

Abstract: An underfloor storage system is disclosed. The storage system comprises a frame with a storage box and at least one raise/lower mechanisms to raise and lower the storage box. A raise/lower mechanism include at least one winch driven pulley system. The storage box includes a floor. Raising the storage box provides access to underfloor storage. In a preferred embodiment, each winch driven pulley system provides an ideal mechanical advantage of 4 and includes an additional pulley which is configured to pivot relative to the winch and thereby adjust the orientation of the pulley to the winch as the line tracks across the winch during wind up or let out of the line.