Abstract: A facilitator, physically present with a patient, uses a portable device or handheld device (such as a laptop, a tablet computer, a smartphone, or a similar device) to connect wirelessly to a web-based application. This web-based application communicates with a designated or pre-selected number of other applications—such as an e-mail service, a TWITTER account, and a FACEBOOK account. In some embodiments and for some applications, the web-based application retrieves data from the other applications—for example, retrieving e-mails from an e-mail service. In some embodiments and for some applications, the web-based application signs in the patient to that patient's account, e.g., TWITTER account or a FACEBOOK account. The web-based application and the facilitator then assist the patient in reading messages, in viewing pictures and video, and in composing and sending messages to other persons through the various applications accessed through the app.

Abstract: A collapsible safety railing system to be used with a roof-top hatch opening, the hatch opening having a hatch cover to open and close the hatch opening, the system including a plurality of post members configured such that each of the respective post members is pivotally coupled to a point proximate each respective perimeter corner of a base portion of the hatch opening, and such that the post members pivot between a substantially upright position and a closed position, one or more safety rails extending between adjacent ones of the post members on at least two sides of the hatch opening, a gate member provided at a side of the hatch opening at which the safety rails are not provided, and a linkage member to link the hatch cover to the collapsible safety railing system to move the post members to the substantially upright position when the hatch cover is in the open position, and to move the post members to the substantially collapsed position when the hatch cover is in the closed position.

Abstract: A remote controlled overhead ladder system including a ladder structure having at least a first section and a second section. The ladder structure can be mounted to a support structure located above an opening of the overhead surface, and can include a remote controlled lifting cable connected to the first and second sections such that upon receipt of a remote control signal, the lifting cable pivots the second section toward a front surface of the first section until the second section is oriented adjacent to the front surface of the first section, at which time the lifting cable pivots the first section and the adjacent second section as a group toward the overhead surface until the ladder sections are contained above the overhead surface.

Abstract: A remote controlled overhead ladder system including a ladder structure having at least a first section and a second section. The ladder structure can be mounted to a support structure located above an opening of the overhead surface, and can include a remote controlled lifting cable connected to the first and second sections such that upon receipt of a remote control signal, the lifting cable pivots the second section toward a front surface of the first section until the second section is oriented adjacent to the front surface of the first section, at which time the lifting cable pivots the first section and the adjacent second section as a group toward the overhead surface until the ladder sections are contained above the overhead surface.

Abstract: A sectional overhead ladder with a fold assist feature for controlling the extension of the sectional overhead ladder. The fold assist feature of the sectional overhead ladder limits the possibility of free extension of the extendable overhead ladder by preventing gravitational forces from causing the ladder sections to fall into their extended configuration. The sectional overhead ladder includes generally a stair structure and an extendable dampening system. The extendable dampening system is comprised of a dampener and, optionally, a housing. The stair structure includes a first section and a second section. The dampening system is attached to the first and second sections of the stair structure such that the dampener limits the free extension of the stair structure and assists with the collapse of the stair structure.

Abstract: A thermal storage system (10) provides a means for storing thermal energy acquired from electricity purchased at off-peak demand times and from other fuel sources such as fossil fuels, waste heat, and solar energy. The thermal storage system (10) is also designed to supply a plurality of system outputs (124) at individually selected temperatures. The thermal storage system (10) includes a storage tank (12) for storing and heating fluids. Insulation (44) is provided to prevent energy from being transferred to the environment surrounding the storage tank (12). An external housing (46) is provided to protect the insulation (44) and to further insulate the storage tank (12). Heating elements (76) are included for the heating of the stored fluid. A fluid circulator (22) is provided for circulating the fluid to obtain a substantially constant temperature throughout the storage tank (12).