Abstract: A hand operated tool includes a gripping surface. The gripping surface defines a first plurality of elements situated in at least one first region on the surface, the at least one first region defining a first friction level; a second plurality of elements situated in at least one second region on the surface, the at least one second region defining a second friction level, wherein the second friction level defines a relatively lesser amount of friction than the first friction level; and a third plurality of elements defining a transitional friction level between the first friction level and the second friction level, the third plurality of elements interconnecting each of the at least one first regions with each of the at least one second regions.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate to a vibration reduction mechanism for a hand operated striking tool. The vibration reduction mechanism includes a collar coupled to a portion of a handle of the hand-operated striking tool; at least one sleeve interposed over the collar; and at least one pin interconnecting the collar to the handle, wherein the at least one pin retains a position of the collar near a first end of the handle.

Abstract: A system that can be used to provide highly controlled thermal therapy and compression to both cool and heat a skin surface and a joint and surrounding tissue below the skin surface is provided. The system includes a joint conforming wrap; a power supply module for supply power to the joint conforming wrap and a cable operably coupling the wrap and the power supply module. The joint conforming wrap and power supply module include opposing thermoelectric modules. The joint conforming wrap is designed to provide heat transfer processes to the body of a patient to warm or cool the skin and a joint and surrounding tissue disposed under the skin.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for moving and placing in hard to reach locations granular and other particulate material such as sand, gravel, earth and similar materials. The system includes an improved auger for moving the material and an improved rotary airlock mechanism designed to withstand the abrasive action of the particulate material and at the same time move the material several hundred feet through a flexible conduit for placement in a pre-designated location. A system and apparatus is also disclosed for transporting on one vehicle all of the devices needed at a remote site for operation the particulate placement system, including a front loader.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for moving and placing in hard to reach locations granular and other particulate material such as sand, gravel, earth and similar materials. The system includes an improved auger for moving the material and an improved rotary airlock mechanism designed to withstand the abrasive action of the particulate material and at the same time move the material several hundred feet through a flexible conduit for placement in a pre-designated location. A system and apparatus is also disclosed for transporting on one vehicle all of the devices needed at a remote site for operation the particulate placement system, including a front loader.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling oxygen delivery is disclosed. An oxygen delivery control apparatus comprises a valve for controlling an oxygen flow from an oxygen supply to a delivery apparatus, a pressure sensor for detecting a period of inhalation by the user, an oximeter arranged to measure a blood-oxygen saturation level of a user, a flow sensor for measuring the flow rate of oxygen, and a processor for controlling the valve to permit oxygen to flow when the output signal from the oximeter indicates a blood-oxygen saturation which is below a selected blood-oxygen saturation level and a condition of inhalation is detected. The processor utilizes flow rate data to calculate average flow and changes in average flow, and sounds an alarm in the event changes in average flow exceed a predetermined amount. The invention includes one or more methods and control strategies for delivering the oxygen to the user.

Abstract: An aviation or similar headset having an ear cup includes an oximeter. In one embodiment, the oximeter is mounted to a cushion of the ear cup so as to be generally coplanar thereweith. When the headset is worn, the ear cup is located about the ear of the wearer and the oximeter is positioned proximal to or against the skin of the wearer near the ear. The oximeter obtains blood-oxygen content information. The oximeter output may be provided to an oxygen delivery control apparatus arranged to control the flow of oxygen to a user in an open-loop breathing system including an oxygen supply and a delivery apparatus for delivering supplemental oxygen to a user.