Abstract: A base (100) for use with a temporary habitable enclosure or non-enclosed area houses a centralized, modular MEP system affording highly efficient use of floorplan to provide a variety of utilities and associated functionality to the occupants. The base includes a housing (20) forming several compartments containing MEP system components, appliances, and fixtures (30,40,50,60). The housing may include a structural frame and external cladding providing options for interior and exterior aesthetic and environmental protection, while providing access to the compartments. An integrated network interconnects the MEP system with the fixtures and appliances, such as ambient environment regulating devices, plumbing and lighting devices, and cooking devices. Different configuration bases can be used in different applications, including those that are stand-alone off-grid, those that are connected to temporary or local grid service(s), or those that are connected to existing permanent grid service(s).

Abstract: A core for a building is adapted for use with a centralized, modular functional performance infrastructure system affording highly efficient use of floorplan. The core includes a structural frame forming a plurality of compartments containing the functional performance infrastructure system components that may be accessed readily for servicing, maintenance, and replacement. An integrated network interconnecting the compartments affords flexibility in the functional performance infrastructure system component locations in the core, while providing common locations for interfacing the components with distribution and collection systems servicing the building.

Abstract: A propulsion device for use with skate equipment includes a frame having an upper end and a lower end, an engine mounted on the frame, a single wheel and first and second hand grips. The single wheel is mounted at the lower end of the frame and operatively connected with the engine to be driven thereby. The first hand grip is mounted on the frame above the engine, spaced apart from the upper end of the frame when the propulsion device is placed in its normal angle of use, and in front of a user's body. The second hand grip is adjacent the upper end of the frame and is positioned behind the user's body when the device is in an operable position. Additionally, the hand grips are positioned to enable a user to position the propulsion device between operative and raised positions while the user is in motion.

Abstract: Failure of the acoustic seal in “in-the-ear” hearing aid earmolds is a principle cause of acoustic feedback. The ongoing development of smaller hearing aids with close proximity between the hearing aid microphone and receiver mandates the highest quality earmold fit. This invention relates eliminates the feedback problem by placing a soft, pliant, and durable hydrogel coating (16) on the earmold (18) The coating swells after the hearing aid is inserted and, thus, seals off any pathways for acoustic feedback. After removal at night, the earmold dries and returns to its smaller size, ready for insertion the next day.

Abstract: A transformer arrangement is provided which has a primary and at least one secondary winding coupled via a movable armature which is outside of the windings. A second transformer can be provided which has primary and secondary windings coaxial with and surrounding the corresponding windings of the first transformer. The armature is tubular and slidable in the radial clearance defined between the windings of the first transformer and the windings of the second transformer.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying belt-linked ammunition to a gun. Belt-linked ammunition is supplied to a gun by an apparatus comprising a plurality of standard rectilinear ammunition boxes in which the ammunition belts are arranged so that both of their ends are accessible. The boxes are secured beneath an arcuate supporting guide which traverses with the gun and which has openings through which both ends of each belt can pass, for leading in respective directions towards an adjacent box or towards the gun. The boxes are arranged to extend tangentially of the guide so that the axes of rounds of ammunition within the guide are directed radially of the axis of curvature thereof.