Abstract: A system and method isolate a nuclear power plant from effects of seismic action. An artificial lake is formed as a depressed area in the ground surrounded by walls or banks to constrain a volume of water within the depressed area. The lake has a concrete reinforced bed. The lake is surrounded by a land-based support area. The lake is filled from a source of water in liquid communication with the lake. The source is controlled to release water into the lake to maintain the lake at a selected level. At least one vessel floats on the surface of the water. The vessel is connected to the walls or banks of the lake with a plurality of shock absorbers to dampen movement of the vessel. A nuclear power plant erected on the vessel includes at least one cooling tower that receives cooling water from the lake.

Abstract: A system and method provide portable protection against a fire. An expandable fire protection enclosure has at least a base enclosure member, an intermediate enclosure member and a top enclosure member. The enclosure members are nested in a transportable configuration. When needed, the expandable fire protection enclosure is placed on a surface and the enclosure members are pulled from the nested, transportable configuration to an occupiable, expanded configuration. The enclosure members are constructed from a thermally-resistant material such as thermal protection system (TPS) silica. The system may include a flexible barrier positionable around an inner perimeter of the base enclosure member. The system may be placed on a thermally protective blanket.

Abstract: An oil recovery system recovers oil released at the bed of a body of water. The system includes a fluid collector assembly positionable proximate to the bed of the body of water. The collector assembly has an open lower end to receive fluid and has an upper end coupled to a lowermost fluid transfer tube. Fluid transfer tubes are interconnected in a string between the lowermost fluid transfer tube and a vessel positioned to receive fluid transferred through the fluid transfer tube. A guide cable is anchored at the bed of the body of water to guide the fluid collector assembly and the fluid transfer tubes to the bed. A lift cable selectively lowers the fluid collector assembly and the fluid transfer tubes to the bed. Fluid entering the collector assembly rises to the water surface via the transfer tubes.

Abstract: A system and method support the forearm and hand of a user performing repetitive tasks. In one embodiment, the system includes a support bar having a low friction upper surface. First and second cradles are coupled to the support bar to receive and support a user's hands and lower forearms. The cradles have curved bottom surfaces that rest upon the curved upper surface of the support bar to provide a small, low-friction contact area, which enables the user's arms and hands to move effortlessly forward and backwards and left and right. The cradles also tilt and swivel with respect to the support bar. The system and method reduce strains on the arms and shoulders of the user by supporting at least a portion of the weight of the user's arms and hands while the user performs the repetitive tasks.

Abstract: A system and method support the forearms, wrists and hands of a user performing repetitive tasks. A support pad has a low-friction upper surface. A cradle is attached to each of the user's wrists. A first portion of a cradle supports the lower portion of the forearm, including the wrist, when the first portion rests upon the upper surface of the support pad. A second portion of each cradle supports the hand of the user. A retaining device attaches the cradle to the lower forearm. The low-friction upper surface advantageously comprises neoprene material (e.g., wetsuit material). The system and method reduce strains on the arms and shoulders of the user by supporting the user's arms and hands while the user performs the repetitive tasks.

Abstract: A support system for a user of a computer keyboard or for a person performing other manual tasks of extended duration includes a pair of supports which are positioned proximate to respective ends of the keyboard. A rod is supported between the pair of supports to provide a horizontal guide rail. A pair of trolleys support a pair of independently moveable cradles. Each cradle supports a portion of a user's lower arm, wrist and hand. When the user places his or her lower arms, wrists and hands in the cradles, the hands and lower arms are supported above the keyboard or other work surface so that the user is assisted in supporting the weight of his or her arms and hands. The cradles can be moved horizontally from left to right and vice versa as well as arcuately as the user's hands are moved closer to and farther from the user's body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting modular structures include I-beams which are placed beneath and longitudinally perpendicularly to the integral longitudinal supporting beams of the modular structures. A pair of upper plates and a pair of lower plates are positioned with respect to the upper beams and the lower I-beams, respectively. Bolts are passed through the upper plates and the lower plates, and nuts are tightened on the plates to cause the upper and lower beams to be clamped together. The plates are installed on the beams without requiring any structural modification of the beams, such as, for example, cutting, drilling, welding, or the like. Thus, the beams are not weakened by the process, and the modular structures can be readily disconnected and transported to another location for reconnection.

Abstract: A support system for a user of a computer keyboard or for a person performing other manual tasks of extended duration includes a pair of supports which are positioned proximate to respective ends of the keyboard. A rod is supported between the pair of supports to provide a horizontal guide rail. Two pairs of rollers roll along the upper portion of the rod to provide a pair of trolleys from which are suspended a pair of independently moveable wrist cradles. When the user places his or her wrists in the cradles, the hands and lower arms are supported above the keyboard or other work surface so that the user is assisted in supporting the weight of his or her arms and hands. The cradles can be moved horizontally from left to right and vice versa as well as arcuately as the user's hands are moved closer to and farther from the user's body.