Abstract: An ergonomic keyboard having a Dvorak key layout. The keys are arranged in a V or U shape. The keyboard is tilted downward away from the user. The keyboard has a wrist rest, and a switch to change the key layout to QWERTY.

Abstract: Underwater communication device for diver communication by text messages. One embodiment is used to communicate text messages visually among divers in the same dive site. It has a keyboard and a display. The diver enters a message on the keyboard. The message appears on the display. The diver shows the display to the other divers in the vicinity, and they read the message. The diver can also select and display standard messages that are factory preset, or custom messages stored by the diver before the dive. A second embodiment is used to communicate text messages by data communication over a wire between divers and a ship, a submarine, an ocean rig or other divers at a distance. Two units of the text communication device are used, each unit connected to one end of the wire, and they function as data communication terminals. It is also possible to connect multiple units to the wire, forming a network.

Abstract: An ergonomic keyboard having a Dvorak key layout. The keys are arranged in a V or U shape. The keyboard is tilted downward away from the user. The keyboard has a wrist rest, and a switch to change the key layout to QWERTY.

Abstract: A drowning alarm is described. It is a device which activates an alarm when a person drowns, in order to alert bystanders to the drowning, so that they can save the drowning person. The device consists of two kinds of units: a portable unit, which is worn by each swimmer, and a base station, located on the pool deck or on the beach. The portable unit produces an alarm signal when the swimmer activates a manual alarm push button on the portable unit, or when a sensor on the portable unit detects that the unit is submerged in water for longer than a certain number of seconds. The alarm signal produced by the portable unit is ultrasound or audible sound, and it propagates in water to the base station. The base station activates an alarm such as a siren. The portable unit has a light emitting diode (LED), which is switched on when the portable unit activates an alarm. This identifies the portable unit which caused the alarm, so it helps deter intentional false alarms.

Abstract: A beach umbrella and garden umbrella is stabilized against wind gusts by tying the umbrella with ropes to stakes in the ground. The ropes are tied to the canopy or to the center pole. It is possible to have some ropes tied to the canopy, and some ropes tied to the center pole. The ropes are connected to the umbrella using detachable couplings. It is possible to increase wind resistance further by using a flat base or a heavy base for the center pole, or by using an anchor or ground screw for the center pole, or by using anchors instead of stakes, or by venting the canopy. Ornaments and decorations can be tied to the ropes to decorate the umbrella.