Abstract: There is provided a shape measuring apparatus which defines an XYZ-axis coordinate and measures a surface shape of an object, the apparatus including a plurality of probes arranged in a Y-axis direction, the probes contacting a surface of the object, and moving in a Z-axis direction according to the surface shape of the object, a probe holder for holding each of the plurality of probes movable in the Z-axis direction, a moving mechanism for moving the probe holding mechanism in an X-axis direction relative to the object, first and second measuring instruments for measuring positions of each probe in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, a third measuring instrument for measuring a position of each probe in the Z-axis direction; and a computing unit for calculating the surface shape of the object based on measuring results from the first, second, and third measuring instruments.

Abstract: There is disclosed: a measurement scale suitable for use with scale reader for determining displacement; various tracks all for holding the scale and all having a channel into which the scale is magnetically attracted; and a scale tensioner which in use tensions the scale in situ by release of a preload, prior to the scale being secured to a substrate, the tensioner being removable thereafter.

Abstract: A tape measure that incorporates a marking device for allowing an individual to measure and mark a wide variety of materials in a more efficient and economical manner, and for measuring and marking the beginning point of reference and the measured position point simultaneously. The tape measure has a housing, a coiled measuring tape, a tape tip, and a marker having a marking wheel mounted on an axle.

Abstract: A tape measure that incorporates a marking device for allowing an individual to measure and mark a wide variety of materials in a more efficient and economical manner, and for measuring and marking the beginning point of reference and the measured position point simultaneously. The tape measure has a housing, a coiled measuring tape, a tape tip, and a marker having a marking wheel mounted on an axle.

Abstract: A web treatment device is disclosed capable of heating and creping a fibrous web with control systems for uniform operation. The web is pressed between two belts in a compression zone, where is it also subject to a temperature gradient that can assist in water removal. Durable coatings on the press belts can assist in maintaining good performance. The system can be used to apply texture to a fibrous web or drive chemical reactions or other physical changes in the web.

Abstract: A machine for the conditioning of laminar flexible products such as industrial hides and skins, including at least one conditioning unit crossed by the products to be processed, blowers for blowing and extracting air directed toward products, and a series of air jets blowing simultaneously on both sides of the products under treatment in a transverse direction with respect to the advancement direction of the products. The products are caused to advance along a substantially horizontal plane by means of pairs of annular threads uniformly distributed across the useful width of the conditioning paths. The threads of each pair are placed on opposite sides and in contact with the products to support and transfer them along the path leaving their side surfaces substantially free. As an alternative, the advancement means are formed by pairs of endless belts in mutually facing relationship to firmly hold the products while permitting passage of blown air.

Abstract: A removable insole for footwear is disclosed which is used for heating the wearer's feet. The insole includes a recessed area for containing a heat source. The improved insole comprises an upper layer, a padding layer, a lower layer, and a cover plate. The cover plate covers the recessed area, thereby forming a cavity for containing a heat source, and extends to the tip of the toe portion. The lower layer has a plurality of recessed channels formed therein which communicate with the recessed area to facilitate the flow of air to and from the heat source. The cover layer is attached to the lower layer in only a few discrete places to facilitate the flow of air to and from the heat source. The insole and/or cover plate have at least one cutout on the periphery of one of the sides in the area of the recessed area which allows for easy insertion and removal of the heat source.

Abstract: An article of footwear having an upper, an outsole, and a midsole. The midsole defines a plurality of upper and lower channels intersecting in a waffled construction to define openings. The channels and openings allow passage of water from the interior of the article of footwear. The upper channels extend across the upper half of the midsole in one direction and the lower channels extend across the bottom half of the midsole in another direction. The channels are of sufficient depth so that the upper and lower channels intersect one another to define the openings through which the water may pass from the upper channels to the lower channels. The outsole forms the wear surface and covers a majority of the undersurface of the midsole, preferably defining a plurality of outlets or ports through which water may drain from the bottom of the shoe.

Abstract: An inner lining for waterproof shoe includes a lining body made of waterproof material which has a full side wall forming a complete enclosure except for the top and bottom, the body being made to conform to the shape and size of the interior of the shoe; an insole board with its edge connected with the lower end of the side wall of the body; a bridging strip made of waterproof material having an upper end joined to the lower end of the side wall and a lower end that is turned back so that the strip encloses the seam of the body and forms a folded portion below the under side of the insole board; and the contact surfaces between the strip, the side wall and the insole board being sealed.

Abstract: A sole for a shoe with a foot guiding mechanism which has the particularity that the sole comprises a sole body which has, on an outer face thereof, at least one protrusion. The at least one protrusion is flexible in order to produce a desired movement of the protrusion which is suitable to force a guided sequence for a foot, wearing the shoe sole, from when the heel section initially contacts a ground surface to when the front edge of the sole breaks contact with the ground surface.

Abstract: A footwear structure including an upper and a separate midsole having interlocking shank portions. The upper has an upward extending arc in the shank area which defines a shank interlock portion therein. The midsole has a corresponding arc which defines a shank interlock portion on a bottom surface thereof which mates with the arc in the upper for resisting motion of the midsole relative to the outsole in the case where the midsole is unsecured within the structure to allow for removal of the midsole. The structure may include an outsole having a shank interlock area that mates with the shank interlock of the midsole, with or without an upper disposed between the midsole and the outsole. The shank interlock areas may include a continuous arc or an abruptly changing arc, and the midsole may be removable or non-removable from the structure. A rigid shank insert may be provided between the midsole and outsole, and the midsole may include a variety of layers.

Abstract: An athletic shoe includes a sole, an upper, a plurality of band-shaped members, and a fastening member. The upper has a toe portion, a heel portion, a forefoot portion and a lower periphery. The upper is secured to the sole and has a plurality of elongated through holes at regions except the toe portion and the heel portion. The band-shaped members are secured to the sole or the lower periphery of the upper and extend upwardly toward an instep of a foot of a shoe wearer. The fastening member is connected to each upper end of the band-shaped members.

Abstract: A rotatable traction pad for a shoe can be mounted in a circular cavity in the shoe sole bottom surface, with the cavity being relatively shallow in relation to the shoe sole thickness. The pad mounting mechanism can include an annular bearing housing adhesively bonded to the circular side surface of the cavity, and an anti-friction bearing carried within the annular housing. The traction pad includes a rigid central post that extends upwardly through the bearing.

Abstract: An improved snow plow for use with light and medium duty trucks is disclosed which has blade trip springs which are mounted using brackets located to direct the force of the springs in directions which are orthogonal to the axis upon which the plow blade pivots, thereby increasing the predictability of the tripping forces exerted by the trip springs as well as eliminating lateral trip spring forces which could warp the plow blade. The forces exerted by the trip springs are exerted proximate planes which are orthogonal to the pivot points at which the snow plow blade is mounted to the snow plow blade support structure. Either a single trip spring on either side of the snow plow blade or two trip springs on each side of the snow plow blade may be used, and the size of the trip springs is minimized by ensuring that all of the forces which they exert are directed properly in the requisite directions.

Abstract: A portable structure supports a subsurface imaging system and is moveable over a given imaging site. At least a first antenna of a plurality of antennae is oriented in a manner differing from an orientation of a second antenna of the plurality of antennae, such as the first antenna being orientated substantially orthogonal to the second antenna. The antennae may operate in a bi-static mode. Transmitter and receiver circuitry, coupled to the antennae, respectively generates electromagnetic probe signals and receives electromagnetic return signals resulting from the probe signals. A processor processes the received electromagnetic return signals. A display may be provided as part of the subsurface imaging system and/or as part of a processing system separate from the subsurface imaging system which processes the received electromagnetic return signals. The processor can generate two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional detection data using the received electromagnetic return signals.

Abstract: An adjustably locking stethoscope identification tag having a first body and a second body, the first body defining a first surface and a second surface, the second body defining a third surface and a fourth surface, a first leg positioned adjacent to the second surface of the first body and extending in a direction away from the second surface of the first body, and a first leg retainer positioned adjacent to the third surface of the second body and extending in a direction away from the third surface of the second body, wherein a space defined between the first body and the second body is increased by moving the first body in a direction away from the second body and is decreased by moving the first body in a direction toward the second body.

Abstract: A marker for attachment to a helmet head covering or the like of a friendly force member, and more particularly to an on-the-go hand securable marker having at least one extension with a retaining head for inserting into a hole in the uniform with the retaining head sufficiently rigid to prevent withdrawal therefrom under field conditions with the marker having a limited wavelength reflective surface thereon to enable a person observing under nighttime conditions to determine if a person is a friendly force member by the presence of reflections of electromagnetic radiation from the marker on the friendly force member. If field conditions change one can quickly remove the marker and replace the marker with conventional camouflage materials.

Abstract: A remote-controlled motor-driven drum is provided to wind and unwind a cord which holds a self-balancing sign carrier. The sign carrier, which has telescoping rails, is adjustable in width. Its center rail includes two sheaves to receive the cord and lead it from the drum back to an end secured to the ceiling. Rotation of the drum raises and lowers the sign carrier and a sign carried by it. The sheaves on the carrier also serve to make the unit self-balancing. The motor responds to actuating signals for raising and lowering the sign and to safety features. Safety features include a limit switch which stops the motor when an object gets in the way, an overload control which stops the motor if excessive weight is detected, and the use of the motor for braking.

Abstract: A sign kit according to the invention includes a stiff backing in a predetermined size and a transparent cover sheet having dimensions sufficient to cover one face of the backing. Suitable means for mounting a sign, such as a built in stand or hanger, may be included along with a flexible sheet such as a sheet of paper printed on a front face thereof with sign information and adhered by a rear face thereof with an adhesive to a front face of the backing. The sign kit provides makes it possible to use desktop publishing, i.e., personal computers and software, to prepare professional quality signs in various sizes shapes and designs.

Abstract: An emblem (20, 20a, 20b) with encapsulated embossed 3-D graphics is provided by a substrate (22) having a first side (24) and an opposite second side (26), an ink pattern (28) printed on the second side and providing embossed 3-D graphics, and a transparent layer (30) molded on the first side and through which the graphics are viewable. The substrate is softer than the ink pattern and deforms therearound during molding of the transparent layer, to provide differing depths. A mold (36, 38) has a smooth nonembossed surface (42) engaging the second side of the substrate without a 3-D mold-insert.

Abstract: A point of purchase label construction for being associated with a displayed item for purchase. The label construction includes a label face stock, an opaque liner ply, the first face of the liner ply having an adhesive release coating portion and a release coating free portion. A line of weakness is disposed in the liner ply separating it into a first portion having the release coating for being readily removed to expose adhesive on a portion of the face stock, and a second release coating free portion. That exposed adhesive is pressed into contact with a surface of a point of purchase display so that the point of purchase indicia is readily visible. The second portion of the liner ply may have point of purchase indicia so that it can be bent to define a point of purchase flag.

Abstract: A personalized picture postcard for holding inserted photographs includes a backing sheet of a rectangular shape that has an exposed lower surface provided with printed indicia indicating the location of a mailing address and a position for writing a message to the recipient, a rectangular transparent window sheet adhesively bonded to an upper surface of the backing sheet along three aligned side edges to define an envelope therebetween that is open on one end. The backing sheet has a strip of pressure-sensitive adhesive extending along the remaining edge i.e., the free edge thereof. A removable cover strip or liner is releasably secured over the pressure-sensitive adhesive strip to define an open end into which a photo can be inserted by the user. A rectangular border is bonded to the postcard for framing the inserted photo. The border is aligned with the side and end edges of the postcard over the adhesive so as to obscure the adhesive and thus provide an attractive appearance.

Abstract: A gun safety device includes a barrel plug assembly (A) which is installed in a barrel of a gun. The barrel plug assembly (A) has an expansion tube (14), a pair of compression members (12, 16) and a joining member (10). The expansion tube (14) applies a force radially outward when compressed longitudinally. The pair of compression members (12, 16) are arranged at opposite ends of the expansion tube (14) and are rotationally fixed with respect to one another. The joining member (10) operatively links the compression members (12, 16) together and selectively draws them together to longitudinally compress the expansion tube (14) therebetween. The gun safety device also includes a wrench assembly (B) which is selectively attachable and mated to the barrel plug assembly (A). The wrench assembly (B) operates the joining member (10).

Abstract: A weapon barrel includes a hard chromium layer provided on an inner barrel surface. The hard chromium layer contains at least 500 fissures/cm in a cross-sectional plane.

Abstract: A universal firearm cleaning system 4 is presented that includes a universal barrel fastener 6 and waste container 8 to catch cleaning patches and the splattering solvent that exits the barrel bore during the firearm cleaning process. The fastener 6 attaches the container 8 to the muzzle or breech of the gun barrel using tongs that can easily accommodate various diameters of gun barrels and virtually any sight system. The waste container 8 is attached to the fastener 6 and has removable end caps. One end cap 42 closes the container. The other end cap 38 forms an opening for receiving the end of the barrel of a gun and connects to the barrel fastener 6. When a cleaning rod is pushed through the bore 16, the waste container 8 catches the solvent, splatter and other debris that exits the bore 16. The end cap 42 may then be removed to easily clean out the waste container 8.

Abstract: A gun barrel cleaning tool is provided for rifle, shotguns and handguns including a rod to which any number of different cleaning devices may be sequentially interconnected in any desired order as is appropriate for a particular cleaning operation. Typical cleaning devices include brushes, mops and loops.

Abstract: A cartridge containment device and method is designed to contain or catch unfired cartridges ejected from an automatic or semi-automatic firearm during unloading. To accomplish this, a cartridge containment box having an open top and otherwise configured with the general external configuration of a standard cartridge magazine is inserted into the firearm in place of the cartridge magazine. A blocking plate is attached to the cartridge containment box; and when the box is inserted into the firearm, the blocking plate is located adjacent the ejection port of the firearm, and prevents cartridges from being expelled therefrom. The cartridges then drop into the containment box for removal from the firearm.

Abstract: A universal scope mount for attaching a scope to a variety of rifles, without requiring the rifle to be modified by drilling, or the need to purchase multiple scope mounts. Comprised of identical front and rear mounting assemblies having a mounting plate and a corresponding scope attachment ring. The bases comprise a planar mounting surface embodying a radial recess down the center, along with at least 3 pairs of mounting holes for attachment to rifles having different screw patterns and mounting surfaces. The mounting rings are received and attached within longitudinal channels along the mounting bases, and the scope subsequently clamped in place by the upper and lower attachment rings.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the relative positions of a first module and a second module on a firearm system includes an intermediate barrel adapted for mounting to the firearm system such that an axis of the intermediate barrel is fixed relative to the first module. A first adjusting cam is rotatably supported on the intermediate barrel and operatively engages the second module at an attachment point so as to displace the attachment point along a first adjustment line in response to rotation of the first adjusting cam. A second adjusting cam is rotatably supported on the intermediate barrel and is rotatable independently of the first adjusting cam. The second adjusting cam operatively engages the second module at the attachment point and is arranged to displace the attachment point along a second adjustment line in response to rotation of the second adjusting cam. The first and second adjustment lines are non-parallel to each other.

Abstract: Disclosed is a double wire spinning bait lure. The lure preferably comprises a multi-piece construction, in particular, a hook, a molded lead head, two stainless steel wires connected to form a frame, and two spinning blades. The design of the lure is able to retain its original form and functionality after repeated use and provides a spinning effect that is capable of maintaining produces greater vibrations, thus, making the lure more attractive to fish and increasing the odds for catching more fish.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispersing a volatile composition, which comprises dispersing the composition into an air stream and generating an ion wind, thereby causing the molecules of the composition to become electrically charged. The composition can be an insect repellent, an insecticide, an anti-microbial, an anti-allergenic or a room-fragrancing composition.

Abstract: Seed tape (1) for a controlled germinating process is made of at least two paper layers (1′ and 1″) and is intended to be used while placed edgewise. Each germinating unit includes a seed (5), additives (6) and a carrier (8). Each germinating unit (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) is formed as a planar member. The longitudinal axis of each planar member extends substantially transverse to the longitudinal direction of the tape. The additives are places in discrete locations around the seed. The seed, the additives and the carrier are adhered to the inner face of at least one paper layer (1′), which is air-permeable. A narrow stripe (10) of water-absorbing, super-absorbing polymer (SAP) is placed on the adhesive layer of at least one paper layer (1′ or 1″). The resulting seed tape is particularly suited for providing a controlled moist microclimate around the seeds during a two-step germinating process.

Abstract: A system for remote monitoring of plants is provided. The system includes (a) at least one sensor positioned on, or in proximity to, a plant, the at least one sensor being for collecting data pertaining to at least one plant related parameter; (b) at least one user client being for receiving and optionally processing the data from the at least one sensor to thereby determine a state of the plant; and (c) a communication network being for communicating the data from the at least one sensor to the at least one user client.

Abstract: A system for cultivating tropic plants in a planting area having a ground surface. A hole is initially dug to a depth of approximately three feet below the ground surface. A layer of ceramic tiles is established at the bottom of the hole, and is covered with a layer of small rocks. A tank having a plurality of wick assemblies extending upward therefrom is positioned within the hole. A layer of vegetative cuttings and manure is established thereabove. Then fertile topsoil originally from the hole is replaced in a mix with sand to a depth of substantially one foot. The contents are allowed to settle and are thoroughly watered, the tank is filled using a fill hose. The exotic plants is then planted in potting soil thereabove, and is maintained and allowed to thrive by the unique moisture, nutritive and thermodynamic properties established by the various layers. When necessary, the tank is refilled through the fill hose.

Abstract: A method of covering a pot with a plant cover, the plant cover at least comprising a base portion, and optionally having a skirt or a detachable upper portion. The plant cover has a heat shrinkable bonding material which can be heat shrunk to secure the plant cover about the pot.

Abstract: A plant packaging and covering system including a floral sleeve having a decorative pattern thereon. The sleeve may have a lower portion sized to cover a pot and an upper portion which can surround a plant disposed in the pot and which can be detached once the protective function of the upper portion is complete or which can be used to support the sleeve from a support device prior to use. The decorative pattern preferably has a non-linear upper boundary which gives the sleeve the appearance of having a non-linear upper edge or skirt extending from the lower portion.

Abstract: An improved louver rotation mechanism for use in a louvered shutter having a frame and a plurality of rotating louver rotationally engaged in the frame. The device features one or a plurality of rack gears slidably engaged in one of the vertical stiles of the frame. The racks are geared about their exterior sides to concurrently engage gears formed on the louver axles of the louvers and a geared knob assembly operatively mounted in the stile such that a twist of the handle of the knob assembly is communicated to at least one of the racks which in turn twists the louvers. When two racks are used of equal weight they function as a counter weight in their engagement with the louvers thereby stabilizing them. Optionally a brake mechanism may be included in the knob assembly to hold the louvers stationary and the brake mechanism may also function as a clutch to prevent damage to the louvers if force is applied to the louvers sufficient to overcome the clutch.

Abstract: A pulley apparatus (27) is disclosed which is adapted for use with a double hung wind. (10). The apparatus is used in pairs which are mounted in a recess (30) formed in the head (20) of the double hunt window. A pair of sash cords (25) are routed through the apparatuses and are attached to each sash so as to counterbalance one to the other, without the use of springs or extra weights.

Abstract: A vehicular slide door apparatus includes a movable slide door, inside and outside door handles operable to initiate opening and closing movement of the door, a drive device that assists the slide door movement, and a remote control device that includes a door lock device and a switch. An open lever is operatively associated with the inside door handle to transmit operation of the inside door handle to the lock device, and a child-proof lever is operable to prevent operation of the inside door handle from being transmitted to the open lever. The switch is engageable by the open lever and is operatively associated with the drive device such that operation of the inside door handle produces selective actuation and non-actuation of the switch depending upon the position of the child-proof lever, with the actuation of the switch effecting driving operation of the drive device.

Abstract: A by-pass shower door system has a compression mounting system including a horizontal header and curb and upright jambs. The header includes a header rail with parallel tracks for slidably mounting the door panels and a threaded header expansion assembly. The curb is mounted beneath the header and includes two curb rails and a threaded curb expansion assembly coupled to the curb rails. The compression assemblies have threaded shafts that engage nuts mounted to the rails such that adjusting the compression assemblies (by turning the shafts) applies a compressive force on opposing end walls of a shower enclosure to mount the header and curb. A cap overlapping the header rail conceals the header expansion assembly. A center guide, having parallel tracks for bottom ends of the door panels, conceals the curb expansion assembly.

Abstract: Device for restricting or controlling and regulating the movement of remote-controlled parts, more particularly parts of a vehicle bodywork as well as a process for operating the device. The device and process can be used with particular advantage as a collision protection for window winders, sunroofs, doors or flaps, more particularly in connection with electrical displacement devices for motor vehicles. The device is characterized by an actuator and a sensor which are mounted on a cohesive uninterrupted transmission path which is a constituent part of the closing surface area of the remote-controlled part and/or of the fixed part interacting therewith. The arrangement is selected so that a part of the energy supplied by actuator is converted into acoustic surface waves which can scatter over the transmission path and can be received by the sensor.

Abstract: A gutter protection system and method of installation is provided. In a first aspect, the gutter protection system includes a gutter cover having an upper portion and a lower portion, with the lower portion having a nose portion including a return portion that is bent downward and backward substantially toward a center region of the gutter to guide a water stream into the gutter, and a bracket for holding the gutter cover, with the bracket having a lower portion engaging the gutter and an upper portion extending above the gutter and engaging the lower portion of the gutter cover, wherein the bracket holds the gutter cover in position in relation to the gutter so that the upper portion of the gutter cover is positioned over a roof and the lower portion is positioned over the gutter at a predetermined angle.

Abstract: An automatic downspout system for automatically extending a downspout during periods of precipitation and retracting the downspout during periods of no precipitation. The automatic downspout system includes an upper tube, a lower tube having a lower reservoir, wherein the lower tube is slidably positioned about a lower end of the upper tube, a lower opening and a side opening within the lower tube, a downspout member pivotally attached to the lower tube, and a ballasting structure connected to the lower tube and the downspout member for extending the downspout member when the lower tube is lowered.

Abstract: An attic access apparatus has a housing with a passage open to the attic and a door located in the passage for closing the passage. Insulating material in the passage above the door limits heat loss and air flow through the passage.

Abstract: A partition includes a partition frame having a face and a cavity behind the face, and a covering attached to the partition frame that aesthetically covers the face. The covering includes an access slit through which the cavity can be accessed, and is sufficiently flexible so that the slit can be opened to access the cavity. A pouch can be attached to the covering material along the slit, so that a purse-like pouch is created for holding personal items and/or excess electrical wiring. A zipper or closure device can be used on the access slit. In one form, the skin is releasably attached with hook-and-loop material, so that a corner of the skin can be pulled loose for accessing the cavity.

Abstract: A storage enclosure including a plurality of panels defines an interior space. At least one of the plurality of panels includes a mounting interface configured to couple an accessory to one of the plurality of panels, and a panel interface configured to couple adjacent panels.

Abstract: A folding structure supports a duct in a generally horizontal orientation, and permits sweeping and serpentine movement of the duct. The structure is foldable for storage and transport. The structure comprises an array of panels hinged together, with the structure biased upward from its base to its free end for counteracting the weight of the loaded duct.

Abstract: An energy absorbing seismic brace for both retrofit and new construction. The brace comprises a central strut of either multi-legged or homogeneous section fabricated from low strength aluminum, whose characteristics maximize the seismic energy absorption for a building installation. This central strut absorbs energy at high weight-specific levels by virtue of the hysteresis in its load-deflection relationship. In order to eliminate the possibility of buckling of the energy absorbing strut when it passes through the compression portion of a load cycle, it is surrounded by a system of spacers and an external sleeve providing very high bending rigidity at low weight. The spacers may be fabricated from low-density foams, pseudo-concrete, fibrous composites, or metals, depending upon the application. The outer sleeve may also be fabricated from a variety of materials, depending upon whether the embodiment calls for the principal bending rigidity to be provided by the spacers or sleeve.

Abstract: A double glass system is disclosed in which not only the sunbeams are completely shielded, but also the firefighting is made easier at a fire accident. An incombustible or combustion-resistant liquid with a pigment added therein is used as the solution to be supplied into the double glass. Thus the double glass can shield the sight and the sunbeams, and can serve as a compartment wall, while it is helpful to firefighting at a fire accident, because the solution generates a fire-suppressing gas upon being burned. Thus the functions of the double glass are diversified. Further, an opaque liquid such as mercury is used in place of the solution, so that a sunbeam-shielding effect, a sight blocking effect (to the required degree) and a mirror effect can be obtained. Mercury is supplied into double glass by expanding the mercury and the air by heating them, and therefore, a driving means such as pump is not required.

Abstract: A workspace system includes a working region and a plurality of work surfaces or desktops placed in the working region. The working region provides a first environment suitable for a right hemisphere-dominant job, a second environment suitable for a left hemisphere-dominant job, a third environment different from the first and the second environments, and a seating area in which a job performer takes a seat. Accordingly, the desktops may include a first desktop for the first environment, a second desktop for the second environment, and a third desktop for the third environment. The three working environments are arranged about the seating area. The first, the second and the third desktops are different in e.g. feel, material, shape and color from each other.