text:
ERGONOMIC WINDOW CLEANING APPARATUS
A surface treatment apparatus (10) comprising an elongated application head (12) including at least one application implement (12A, 12B), a lockable swivel arm (14) connected to a terminal end of the application head, a lockable universal positioning joint (16) connected to the swivel arm, and an extendible wand (18) connected to the universal positioning joint. The universal positioning joint is disposed between the swivel arm and the extendible wand and is configured to pivotally join the swivel arm and the extendible wand such that the application head is adjustably disposed at any one of a multiple of positions relative to the extendible wand.
JP3133979 Bath ceiling toilet brush
JP3065956 Waterdrop removal wipers, such as a windowpane
PARK, Sung (91 Waban Avenue, Waban, MA, 02468, US)
DAYTON, Douglas, C. (108 Harvard Depot Road, Harvard, MA, 01451, US)
US2007/011330
UMAGINATION LABS (C/O Ideo, 485 Massachusetts AvenueCambridge, MA, 02139, US)
A47L1/06; A47L13/42; B25G3/38
Domestic Patent References:
WO2004086931A1 2004-10-14
MIRABITO, Jason, A. (Mintz, Levin Cohn, Ferris,Glovsky And Popeo, P.C.,One Financial Cente, Boston MA, 02111, US)
CLAIMS r
1. A window cleaning apparatus comprising: an elongated cleaning head including at least one cleaning implement; S a lockable swivel arm connected to a terminal end of the cleaning head; a lockable universal positioning joint connected to the swivel arm; and an extendible wand connected to the universal positioning joint, wherein the universal positioning joint is disposed between the swivel arm and the extendible wand and is configured to pivotally join the swivel arm and the extendible wand such that the cleaning head is adjustably 0 disposed at any one of a multiple of positions relative to the extendible wand.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the universal positioning joint is configured to permit the cleaning head to be disposed substantially perpendicular to the extendible wand.
5 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the universal positioning joint is configured to permit the cleaning head to be disposed substantially parallel to the extendible wand.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the universal positioning joint is configured to permit the cleaning head to be disposed in at least one of: (i) a substantially perpendicular orientation 0 relative to the extendible wand, (ii) a substantially parallel position relative to the extendible wand, and (iii) any one of a multiple of positions between a substantially perpendicular orientation and a substantially parallel orientation to the extendible handle.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the universal positioning joint includes a locking mechanism configured to releasably lock the swivel arm and the extendible wand when disposed in at least a first position and when disposed in at least a second unlocked position to permit the swivel arm and the extendible wand to pivot about the universal positioning joint.
6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the universal positioning joint includes a locking mechanism configured to releasably lock the swivel arm and the extendible wand when disposed in at least a first position and when disposed in at least a second unlocked position to permit the swivel arm and the extendible wand to pivot about the universal positioning joint to incrementally and adjustably position the cleaning head at any one of a multiple of positions relative to the extendible wand.
7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to permit at least one of: the swivel arm and the extendible wand to pivot about 360 degrees about the universal locking joint.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one cleaning implement comprises at least one of: (i) a wiper blade, (ii) a sponge, and (iii) a scrubber rail along at least a portion of the length of the cleaning head.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the at least one surface cleaning implement is disposed along one of: (i) a first side of the cleaning head and (ii) a second side of the cleaning head opposite to the first side.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the cleaning head defines a cross sectional profile of at least one of: (i) less than about one inch and (ii) less than about two inches.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the swivel arm includes a locking mechanism configured to releasably lock the swivel arm when disposed in at least a first position and when disposed in at least a second unlocked position to permit the swivel arm to pivot about the locking mechanism.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the extendible wand includes a first portion connected to the universal positioning joint, the first portion being configure to be telescopically and slidably received by a second portion of the extendible wand, such that, the first portion retracts into and extends from the second portion to shorten or to lengthen the extendible wand.
13. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a handle connected to the extendible wand opposite to the universal positioning joint, the interior of the handle defining a fluid reservoir and the handle comprising an actuating mechanism disposed and configured in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir to express fluid from the reservoir.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the fluid reservoir is in fluid communication with an interior channel defined by the interior of the extendible wand such that the interior channel receives fluid expressed from the fluid reservoir.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the interior channel of the extendible wand is in fluid communication with an interior channel defined through the universal positioning joint, an interior channel defined by the interior of the swivel arm and an interior channel within the interior of the cleaning head.
16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the handle further comprises a pressurizing mechanism configured and disposed to pressurize fluid contained within the fluid reservoir.
17. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the cleaning head further comprises one or more jets or nozzles to express fluid from the interior of the cleaning head.
18. A surface treatment apparatus comprising: an elongated application head including at least one application implement; a lockable swivel arm connected to a terminal end of the application head; a lockable universal positioning joint connected to the swivel arm; and an extendible wand connected to the universal positioning joint, wherein the universal positioning joint is disposed between the swivel arm and the extendible wand and is configured to pivotally join the swivel arm and the extendible wand such that the application head is adjustably disposed at any one of a multiple of positions relative to the extendible wand.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the universal positioning joint is configured to permit the application head to be disposed substantially perpendicular to the extendible wand.
20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the universal positioning joint is configured to permit the application head to be disposed substantially parallel to the extendible wand.
21. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the universal positioning joint is configured to permit the application head to be disposed in at least one of: (i) a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the extendible wand, (ii) a substantially parallel position relative to the extendible wand, and (iii) any one of a multiple of positions between a substantially perpendicular orientation and a substantially parallel orientation relative to the extendible handle.
22. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the universal positioning joint includes a locking mechanism configured to releasably lock the swivel arm and the extendible wand when disposed in at least a first position and when disposed in at least a second unlocked position to permit the swivel arm and the extendible wand to pivot about the universal positioning joint.
23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the universal positioning joint includes a locking mechanism configured to releasably lock the swivel arm and the extendible wand when disposed in at least a first position and when disposed in at least a second unlocked position to permit the swivel arm and the extendible wand to pivot about the universal positioning joint to incrementally and adjustably position the cleaning head at any one of a multiple of positions relative to the extendible wand.
24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to permit at least one of: the swivel arm and the extendible wand to pivot about 360 degrees about the universal locking joint.
25. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the at least one application implement comprises at least one of: (i) a wiper, (ii) a sponge, (iii) a scrubber rail, (iv) a roller, (v) a scraper, (vi) a sander, (vii) a brush, and (viii) an applicator along at least a portion of the length of the application head.
26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the at least one application implement is disposed along one of: (i) a first side of the application head and (ii) a second side of the application head opposite to the first side.
27. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the application head defines a cross sectional profile of at least one of: (i) less than about one inch and (ii) less than about two inches.
28. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the swivel arm includes a locking mechanism configured to releasably lock the swivel arm when disposed in at least a first position and when disposed in at least a second unlocked position to permit the swivel arm to pivot about the locking mechanism.
29. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the extendible wand includes a first portion connected to the universal positioning joint, the first portion being configure to be telescopically and slidably received by a second portion of the extendible wand, such that, the first portion retracts into and extends from the second portion to shorten or to lengthen the extendible wand.
30. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising a handle connected to the extendible wand opposite to the universal positioning joint, the interior of the handle defining a fluid reservoir and the handle comprising an actuating mechanism disposed and configured in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir to express fluid from the reservoir.
32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the interior channel of the extendible wand is in fluid communication with an interior channel defined through the universal positioning joint, an interior channel defined by the interior of the swivel arm and an interior channel within the interior of the application head.
34. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the application head further comprises one or more jets or nozzles to express fluid from the interior of the application head.
An object of the invention includes an improved surface treatment apparatus and, more particularly, an improved window cleaning apparatus, which defines an ergonomic form factor that permits a user of the apparatus to effectively, safely and comfortably employ the apparatus to access and contact surfaces for treatment and/or cleaning.
In general, in an aspect, the invention provides a window cleaning apparatus comprising an elongated cleaning head including at least one cleaning implement, a lockable swivel arm connected to a terminal end of the cleaning head, a lockable universal positioning joint connected to the swivel arm, and an extendible wand connected to the universal positioning joint. The universal positioning joint is disposed between the swivel arm and the extendible wand, and is configured to pivotally join the swivel arm and the extendible wand such that the cleaning head is adjustably disposed at any one of a multiple of positions relative to the extendible wand. Implementations of the invention may include one or more of the following features. The apparatus further comprises the universal positioning joint configured to permit the cleaning head to be disposed substantially perpendicular to the extendible wand. The universal positioning joint is configured to permit the cleaning head to be disposed substantially parallel to the extendible wand. The universal positioning joint is configured to permit the cleaning head to be disposed in at least one of: (i) a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the extendible wand, (ii) a substantially parallel position relative to the extendible wand, and (iii) any one of a multiple of positions between a substantially perpendicular orientation and a substantially parallel orientation to the extendible handle.
The universal positioning joint includes a locking mechanism configured to releasably lock the swivel arm and the extendible wand when disposed in at least a first position and when disposed in at least a second unlocked position to permit the swivel arm and the extendible wand to pivot about the universal positioning joint. The universal positioning joint includes a locking mechanism configured to releasably lock the swivel arm and the extendible wand when disposed in at least a first position and when disposed in at least a second unlocked position to permit the swivel arm and the extendible wand to pivot about the universal positioning joint to incrementally and adjustably position the cleaning head at any one of a multiple of positions relative to the extendible wand. The locking mechanism is configured to permit at least one of: the swivel arm and the extendible wand to pivot about 360 degrees about the universal locking joint.
Implementations of the invention may also include one or more of the following features. The at least one cleaning implement comprises at least one of: (i) a wiper blade, (ii) a sponge, and (iii) a scrubber rail along at least a portion of the length of the cleaning head. The at least one surface cleaning implement is disposed along one of: (i) a first side of the cleaning head and (ii) a second side of the cleaning head opposite to the first side. The cleaning head defines a cross sectional profile of at least one of: (i) less than about one inch and (ii) less than about two inches.
Implementations of the invention may also include one or more of the following features. The swivel arm includes a locking mechanism configured to releasably lock the swivel arm when disposed in at least a first position and when disposed in at least a second unlocked position to permit the swivel arm to pivot about the locking mechanism. The extendible wand includes a first portion connected to the universal positioning joint, the first portion being configure to be telescopically and slidably received by a second portion of the extendible wand, such that, the first portion retracts into and extends from the second portion to shorten or to lengthen the extendible wand.
Implementations of the invention may further include one or more of the following. The apparatus includes a handle connected to the extendible wand opposite to the universal positioning joint, the interior of the handle defining a fluid reservoir and the handle comprising an actuating mechanism disposed and configured in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir to express fluid from the reservoir. The fluid reservoir is in fluid communication with an interior channel defined by the interior of the extendible wand such that the interior channel receives fluid expressed from the fluid reservoir. The interior channel of the extendible wand is in fluid communication with an interior channel defined through the universal positioning joint, an interior channel defined by the interior of the swivel arm and an interior channel within the interior of the cleaning head. The handle further comprises a pressurizing mechanism configured and disposed to pressurize fluid contained within the fluid reservoir. The apparatus further includes one or more jets or nozzles to express fluid from the interior of the cleaning head.
In general, in another aspect, the invention provides a surface treatment apparatus comprising an elongated application head including at least one application implement, a lockable swivel arm connected to a terminal end of the application head, a lockable universal positioning joint connected to the swivel arm, and an extendible wand connected to the universal positioning joint. The universal positioning joint is disposed between the swivel arm and the extendible wand and is configured to pivotally join the swivel arm and the extendible wand such that the application head is adjustably disposed at any one of a multiple of positions relative to the extendible wand.
Implementations of the invention may include one or more of the following features. The universal positioning joint is configured to permit the application head to be disposed substantially perpendicular to the extendible wand. The universal positioning joint is configured to permit the application head to be disposed substantially parallel to the extendible wand. The universal positioning joint is configured to permit the application head to be disposed in at least one of: (i) a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the extendible wand, (ii) a substantially parallel position relative to the extendible wand, and (iii) any one of a multiple of positions between a substantially perpendicular orientation and a substantially parallel orientation relative to the extendible handle. The universal positioning joint includes a locking mechanism configured to releasably lock the swivel arm and the extendible wand when disposed in at least a first position and when disposed in at least a second unlocked position to permit the swivel arm and the extendible wand to pivot about the universal positioning joint. The universal positioning joint includes a locking mechanism configured to releasably lock the swivel arm and the extendible wand when disposed in at least a first position and when disposed in at least a second unlocked position to permit the swivel arm and the extendible wand to pivot about the universal positioning joint to incrementally and adjustably position the cleaning head at any one of a multiple of positions relative to the extendible wand. The locking mechanism is configured to permit at least one of: the swivel arm and the extendible wand to pivot about 360 degrees about the universal locking joint.
Implementations of the invention may also include one or more of the following features. The at least one application implement comprises at least one of: (i) a wiper, (ii) a sponge, (iii) a scrubber rail, (iv) a roller, (v) a scraper, (vi) a sander, (vii) a brush, and (viii) an applicator along at least a portion of the length of the application head. The at least one application implement is disposed along one of: (i) a first side of the application head and (ii) a second side of the
application head opposite to the first side. The application head defines a cross sectional profile of at least one of: (i) less than about one inch and (ii) less than about two inches.
Implementations of the invention may further include one or more of the following features. The apparatus includes a handle connected to the extendible wand opposite to the universal positioning joint, the interior of the handle defining a fluid reservoir and the handle comprising an actuating mechanism disposed and configured in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir to express fluid from the reservoir. The fluid reservoir is in fluid communication with an interior channel defined by the interior of the extendible wand such that the interior channel receives fluid expressed from the fluid reservoir. The interior channel of the extendible wand is in fluid communication with an interior channel defined through the universal positioning joint, an interior channel defined by the interior of the swivel arm and an interior channel within the interior of the application head. The handle further comprises a pressurizing mechanism configured and disposed to pressurize fluid contained within the fluid reservoir. The application head further comprises one or more jets or nozzles to express fluid from the interior of the application head.
Various aspects of the invention may provide one or more of the following capabilities. A surface treatment apparatus may be provided including a lockable universal positioning joint that articulates the apparatus to configure the apparatus in an ergonomically safe and comfortable form factor that permits a user of the apparatus to safely and comfortably access and contact surfaces. A surface treatment apparatus may include a lockable universal positioning joint to define an optimal geometry between an application head and an extendible wand to permit a user of the apparatus to easily and safely access and contact a surface, including a difficult to reach surface, wherein the application head may include one or more implements for cleaning, treating, and/or otherwise affecting the surface. The extendible wand may incorporate an adjustable
length into the apparatus. The position of the application head relative to the extendible wand, and/or the length of the extendible wand, may enable the surface treatment apparatus to be configured for a particular surface treatment application or task. The positions of the application head and extendible wand, and/or the length of the extendible wand, may permit a user of the « apparatus to access and contact a surface without placing the user in an uncomfortable and/or unsafe position. The universal positioning joint may articulate the apparatus to position the application head vertically above a user's hand and arm, horizontally parallel to a user's hand, and/or at any one of a multiple of positions to enable the user to effectively, comfortably and safely perform a surface treatment motion or stroke and to facilitate movement of the apparatus
K to avoid or increment the apparatus around obstacles in its path. The surface treatment apparatus may include any of a number of fluid delivery systems for increasing efficacy in delivering fluid to the application head and a surface to be treated. A fluid delivery system of the apparatus may enable a portable and convenient fluid supply. The fluid delivery system may include a handle attached to the apparatus including an internal fluid reservoir and a channel or conduit system in
If fluid communication with the reservoir to deliver fluid to the application head. The fluid reservoir may be pressurized to express fluid under pressure into the channel or conduit system of the apparatus for immediate and effective delivery of fluid to the application head. A surface treatment apparatus may be provided including a first and a second universal positioning joint that articulates the apparatus to configure the apparatus in an ergonomically safe and comfortable
2C form factor that permits a user of the apparatus to safely and comfortably access and contact surfaces. Such apparatuses for surface treatment may be provided for cleaning window surfaces. These and other advantages of the invention, along with the invention itself, will be more fully understood after a review of the following figures, detailed description, and claims.
2f BRIEF DESCRIPTON OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a surface treatment apparatus according to the invention configured as a window cleaning apparatus.
FIGS. 2-3 are schematic perspective views illustrating a user employing the window cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in a vertical motion or stroke.
3( FIGS. 4-5 are schematic perspective views illustrating a user employing the window cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in a horizontal motion or stroke
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an internal configuration of a cleaning head of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 7.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating another exemplary embodiment of a window cleaning apparatus according to the invention. FIG. 8A-8B are cross-sectional views of quick connect couplings of a handle, an extendible wand and/or an extension element of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 7.
FIGS. 9-10 are perspective views illustrating a remote fluid supply container for connection to the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 7.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of a handle of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 7.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a fluid delivery system of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 7.
FIG. 13 is another exemplary embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention including a first and a second universal positioning joint.
The invention provides a surface treatment apparatus including an application head, a lockable swivel arm configured to position or angle the head, a lockable universal positioning joint configured to articulate the apparatus, an extendible wand incorporating an adjustable length into the apparatus, and a handle. The swivel arm and the universal positioning joint configure and orient the apparatus relative to a surface and/or a position of a user's hand and/or arm. The apparatus defines a form factor that permits movement of the application head along various directions, enables extension of the application head to contact remote or difficult to reach surfaces, and facilitates moving or incrementing the head about obstacles along its path. The apparatus essentially defines an ergonomically safe and comfortable user form factor that permits a user of the apparatus to articulate the application head and/or the extendible wand at a preferred angle or orientation relative to a surface and/or the user's arm and body, to extend the wand for sufficient length, and to facilitate contact and movement of the application head along the surface. The application head may be configured in any of a variety of constructions and may incorporate one or more of a range of implements to achieve different functions or surface treatments using the apparatus. The apparatus according to the invention essentially enables a user to safely and comfortably access or reach surfaces and, in particular, difficult to reach
surfaces, with the apparatus without the user positioning their arm or body in unsafe and uncomfortable positions, and to contact and move the apparatus along a surface in a motion or stroke that is effective and comfortable to the user.
For purposes of disclosure, and not to limit the invention, the invention is described below in the context of window cleaning and the apparatus includes a window cleaning apparatus and the application head includes a cleaning head constructed and arranged to contact and clean interior and exterior window surfaces. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate other embodiments of the surface treatment apparatus according to the invention are possible that incorporate one or more application heads and implements, each constructed and arranged to perform one or more functions in a variety of surface treatment applications including, but not limited to, treating, sealing, polishing, painting, texturizing, sanding and otherwise affecting a surface. Other embodiments are within the scope of the invention.
Referring to FIG. 1, in an aspect, the invention provides a window cleaning apparatus 10 including a cleaning head 12, a lockable swivel arm 14, a lockable universal positioning joint 16, an extendible wand 18, and a handle 20. The lockable universal positioning joint 16 and the lockable swivel arm 14 are constructed and arranged to adjustably articulate the apparatus 10 such that the cleaning head 12 is disposed at an optimal angle or orientation relative to the extendible wand 18 and a user's hand and arm to enable the user to safely and comfortably contact the window surface with the cleaning head 12 and to move the cleaning head 12 along the window surface in an effective and comfortable motion or stroke. The extendible wand 18 adjustably configures the apparatus 10 with sufficient length to permit a user to access all portions of window surface, such as difficult to reach exterior surfaces.
Referring to FIGS. 2-3, and with further reference to FIG. 1, the swivel arm 14 and/or the universal joint 16 adjust the apparatus 10 and, in particular, adjust the geometry of the cleaning head 12 and the extendible wand 18 relative to one another and to a user's hand and arm, while the extendible wand 18 adjusts the length Li of the apparatus 10, to help to configure the apparatus 10 for use in cleaning different types and sizes of windows. As shown in FIG. 2 and 3, a user applies the apparatus 10 to clean an exterior window surface of a casement window whereby the extendible wand 18 provides sufficient length Li to permit the user to reach all areas of the window surface, including difficult to reach areas, with the cleaning head 12 without the user extending their arm far outside the window and without the user experiencing body strain and discomfort. The length Li of the extendible wand 18 is slidably
adjustable, as shown by arrow 300 in FIG. 1. The swivel arm 14 and/or the universal positioning joint 16 position the cleaning head 12 at an optimal geometry for a particular cleaning application. As described below, the swivel arm 14 and/or the extendible wand 18 pivot about the universal position joint 16, as shown by arrow 200 in FIG. 1 to adjust the geometry of the cleaning head 12 and the extendible wand 18 and a user's hand and arm. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the cleaning head 12 is positioned in a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the extendible wand 18 and above a user's hand and arm to enable access to exterior surfaces of a window, while the user remains in a safe and comfortable position inside the window casement. In addition, the geometry of the cleaning head 12 relative to the extendible wand 18 and a user's hand and arm helps to permit the user to safely and comfortably move the cleaning head 12 along the exterior window surface. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a user performs a vertical cleaning motion or stroke from inside the window casement.
As described below, the swivel arm 14 further disposes the cleaning head 12 by pivoting, as shown by arrow 100 in FIG. 1, to position or angle the cleaning head 12 toward a window surface to help to facilitate effective contact of the cleaning head 12 with the window surface.
In addition, as shown in FIG.3 and as will be described below, the apparatus 10 defines a low or narrow profile to permit the apparatus 10 to extend between two panes of, for instance, a double hung window to enable window surface cleaning. As described above, the geometry of the cleaning head 12 relative to the extendible wand 18 and a user's arm and hand help to facilitate access to difficult to reach window surfaces, such as those shown, and to enable the user to safely and comfortably clean such surfaces.
Referring to FIGS.4-5, and with further reference to FIG. 1, the swivel arm 14 and/or the universal joint 12 also position the cleaning head 12 in a substantially horizontal orientation relative to the extendible wand 18 and a user's hand whereby the cleaning head 12 is horizontally parallel to the wand 18 and a user's hand. In addition, the cleaning head 12 may be further aligned with the wand 18 and a user's hand to dispose the head 12 at approximately the same height as the wand 18 and the user's hand. This configuration of the apparatus 10 is useful for cleaning exterior surfaces of windows that are relatively wide and would typically require a user to reach far outside a window casement, with difficulty, danger and discomfort to the user, to enable the user to reach all areas of an exterior window surface. As mentioned, the length Li of the extendible wand 18 configures the apparatus 10 with sufficient length to enable a user to reach all areas of an exterior surface of a wide window with the cleaning head 12 without the
user dangerously extending their arm or body far outside the window and experiencing body and arm strain. The swivel arm 14 and/or the universal joint 16 dispose the cleaning head 12 at an optimal geometry relative to the wand 18 and a user's hand to help to achieve effective contact of the cleaning head 12 with a window surface and to enable the user to safely and comfortably move the cleaning head 12 along the window surface in an upward/downward vertical motion or stroke.
In addition, configuration or orientation of the apparatus 10, as shown in FIGS.2-5, may be adjusted, e.g., turned about 45 degrees, such that a user can employ the apparatus 10 to accomplish a safe and comfortable back and forth horizontal motion or stroke across a window surface. Further, the cleaning head 12 and the extendible wand 18 may define any other geometry than those shown in FIGS.2-5 to position or orient the cleaning head 12 relative to a user's hand and/or arm and to optimize a form factor the apparatus 10 defines relative to a particular type and size of window.
Referring to FIG. 6, and with further reference to FIG. 1, the cleaning head 12 is a low profile member including at least one cleaning implement, such as, for instance, a wiper blade 12 A, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6. Preferably, the cleaning head 12 is an elongated member and the at least one cleaning implement covers at least a portion of the length of the member to provide the apparatus 10 with sufficient and effective surface cleaning area. The length of the cleaning head 12 and the cleaning implement may be any of a range of lengths, depending upon the window cleaning application.
The cleaning head 12 may be one-sided, wherein the cleaning head 12 includes a single implement, such as the wiper blade 1OA, disposed along a first side of the cleaning head 12. Optionally, the cleaning head 12 may be two-sided, wherein a second implement, such as, for instance, a scrubber rail or sponge 12B, may be disposed along a second side of the cleaning head 12, e.g., opposite to the first side, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, to incorporate the cleaning head 12 with multiple functions. In addition, the implement and, in particular, the wiper blade 1OA and the scrubber rail or sponge 12B may be removably secured to the cleaning head 12 such that the wiper blade 1OA and the rail or sponge 1OB can be removed for cleaning, storage, or repair or for replacement with other cleaning implements. The invention is not limited to the type of implement disposed along the cleaning head 12 and envisions the cleaning head 12 is configured to accept any of variety of other implements including, but not limited to, a scraper, a
brush, a roller, a drier, an applicator, and any other implement configured to clean, treat and/or otherwise contact a window surface for a particular application.
The wiper 12A and the scrubber rail or sponge 12B are disposed and angled along at least a portion of the length of the cleaning head 12 and are configured to contact a surface, e.g., substantially the entire length of the wiper 12A or the scrubber rail or sponge 12B contacts a surface, to be cleaned.
The interior of the cleaning head 12 defines an internal fluid channel 12C configured to receive fluid from a fluid channel the interior of the swivel arm 14 defines, as described below.
The internal fluid channel 12C extends along at least a portion of the interior of the cleaning head 12 to distribute fluid through the member. The cleaning head 12 further includes one or more spray jets or nozzles 12D disposed along the cleaning head 12 and configured in fluid communication with the internal fluid channel 12C. Each spray jet or nozzle 12D includes an outlet 12E configured in fluid communication with the internal fluid channel 12C to receive fluid from the channel 12C to enable the jet or nozzle 12D to express fluid from the cleaning head 12. The jets or nozzles 12D may be positioned substantially equidistant from one another along the cleaning head 12. Optionally, one or more of the jets or nozzles 12D are adjustable such that the positions of the outlets 12E are altered to change the direction in which the jets or nozzles 12D express fluid.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the jets or nozzles 12D are disposed along the second side of the cleaning head 12 preferably above the scrubber rail or sponge 12B, or other implement(s), to express fluid from the cleaning head 12 above the rail or sponge 12B to a surface to be cleaned.
For instance, when the rail or sponge 12B contacts a surface to be cleaned, one or more jets or nozzles 12D express fluid above the rail or sponge 12B to help to prevent running or streaking of fluid along the surface below the rail or sponge 12B to thereby facilitate efficient application of fluid and surface cleaning. Alternatively, or additionally, the jets or nozzles 12D may be disposed along the first side of the cleaning head 12 above the wiper blade 12A, or other implement(s).
FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the low profile of the cleaning head 12 that results from the compact dimensions of the cleaning head 12 and the low profile of the wiper blade 12 A, the scrubber rail or sponge 12B, andJor the plurality of jets or nozzles 12D. As shown, the cleaning head 12 may define a width Wi that is relatively narrow, e.g., approximately one inch or two inches. In addition, the width Wi of the cleaning head 12 may be related to the
application, e.g., the type of windows or other surfaces, in which the apparatus 10 is being used. As an example, FIG. 6 shows the cleaning head 12 positioned between the separate panes 6OA and 6OB of a double hung window, illustrating the low profile of the cleaning head 12 that permits the apparatus 10 and, in particular, the cleaning head 12 to access the interior surfaces of the panes 6OA and 6OB for cleaning.
With further reference to FIG. 1, the lockable swivel arm 14 is connected to a terminal end 12F of the cleaning head 12 and is configured to swivel or pivot, as shown by arrow 100 in FIG. 1, about a lockable swivel joint 14A to permit adjustment of aposition or an angle of the cleaning head 12. The swivel arm 14 includes a first portion 14B connected to the cleaning head terminal end 12F and slidably received by a second portion 14C that is connected to the lockable universal positioning joint 16. The swivel joint 14A is defined at about the point at which the first and the second portions 14B and 14C interface and is constructed and arranged to releasably lock the first and the second portions 14B and 14C and to permit the portions 14B and 14C to pivot about one another, as shown by arrow 100 in FIG. 1, when disposed in an unlocked position. The swivel joint 14A may include any of a variety of locking mechanisms constructed and arranged to releasably lock the first and second portions 14B and 14C in place to securely position the swivel arm 14 and the cleaning head 12 at a desired or required position or angle. Suitable locking mechanisms enable the swivel joint 14A to be configured as a fluid tight joint and may include, but are not limited to, screw clamps, cam locks, collet locks, ratchet locks, friction clamps, tooth locking mechanisms, cammed magnetic locks, magnetic cable locks and similar configurations. When unlocked, the swivel joint 14A helps to facilitate position adjustment and angling of the cleaning head 12 relative to a surface to be cleaned such that the cleaning head 12 effectively contacts the surface for cleaning. In addition, the swivel arm 14 helps to further facilitate adjustment of a position and/or an angle of the cleaning head 12 to help configure an optimal geometry of the cleaning head 12 relative to the extendible wand 18 such that a user of the apparatus 10 achieves, as described above, an ergonomically comfortable and effective extension of the apparatus 10 and a cleaning motion or stroke of the cleaning head 12. Further, the swivel arm 14 helps to angle or position the cleaning head 12 to enable a user to manipulate the apparatus 10 and/or the cleaning head 12 to move around obstacles in the path of the cleaning head 12. The cleaning head 12 permits a user to move around or next to, for instance, window frames, panes, and other obstacles with a comfortable and effective cleaning motion or stroke.
As shown in FIGS. 1-5, the first portion 14B of the swivel arm 14 defines a right angle to dispose the cleaning head 12 at a distance from the extendible wand 18 sufficient to permit pivoting movement and angling adjustment of the cleaning head 12 toward a window surface to facilitate effective contact of the cleaning head 12 with the window surface. The angle of the swivel arm 14 also helps to dispose the universal locking joint 16 at a position opposite to the cleaning head 12 that is in alignment with approximately the center of the elongated cleaning head 12, as shown in FIG. 1. In this configuration, the apparatus 10 conveys pressure or force that a user applies to the apparatus 10 to the cleaning head 12, such that, the pressure or force the cleaning head 12 applies to a surface is substantially consistent along at least a portion of the length of the cleaning head 12 in contact with the surface. The contact the cleaning head 12A makes with a surface and the pressure or force the cleaning head 12 applies to the surface, e.g., during movement of the cleaning head 12 along the surface, is substantially consistent along at least a portion of the length of the cleaning head 12 in contact with the surface. For example, when a user applies pressure or force to the apparatus 10 configured as shown in FIG. 1, the wiper blade 12 A contacts and applies pressure or force to a surface substantially consistently along at least a portion of its length in contact with a surface. As a result, the motion or stroke of the wiper blade 12A along a surface is more consistent and effective.
The angle of the swivel arm 14 further helps a user of the apparatus 10 to manipulate or work the cleaning head 12, and, more particularly, any cleaning implement attached to the cleaning head 12, into corners and narrow openings, around or adjacent obstacles in the cleaning head path, such as window panes and frames, and other difficult to access or clean areas of window surfaces.
Still referring to FIG. 1, and with further reference to FIGS. 2-5, the apparatus 10 includes the lockable universal positioning joint 16 constructed and arranged to articulate the apparatus 10 whereby a position or an angle of the cleaning head 12 relative to the swivel arm 14, the extendible wand 18 and/or the handle 20 is achieved to adjustably position or orient the cleaning head 12 and/or the extendible wand 18 at an appropriate and optimal geometry. As mentioned, the universal joint 16 configures the apparatus 10 in an ergonomically safe, comfortable and effective user form factor. Such form factor enables a user to access difficult to reach areas of window surfaces with the apparatus 10 and to produce an effective and comfortable cleaning motion or stroke along window surfaces with the cleaning head 12 while the user remains in a safe and comfortable position inside window casements. The form factor
also helps to eliminate the need for a user to extend their arm and/or body dangerously and/or uncomfortably outside a window casement.
As shown in FIGS. 2-5, the joint 16 permits the swivel arm 14 and/or the extendible wand 18 to pivot, in a direction shown by arrow 200 in FIG. 1, about the joint 16 to position or orient the cleaning head 12 in a variety of positions relative to the swivel arm 14, the extendible wand 18, and/or the handle 20, as may be required or desired for a particular application. The geometry of the cleaning head 12 relative to the extendible wand 18, the swivel arm 14 and/or the handle 20 may permit a user's hand and arm to be disposed approximately below the cleaning head 12 during use of the apparatus 10, or to be disposed parallel to and, optionally, inline with the cleaning head 12 to configure the apparatus 10 in the required or desired form factor.
The universal positioning joint 16 includes a locking mechanism constructed and arranged to releasably and securely lock the swivel arm 14 and the extendible wand 18 in a given position and is configured as a fluid tight joint. Suitable locking mechanisms include, but are not limited to, screw clamps, cam locks, collet locks, ratchet locks, friction claims and any locking configurations or combinations.
With further reference to FIG. 1, an interior of the swivel arm 14 defines an internal fluid supply channel (not shown) that is disposed in fluid communication with an internal fluid supply channel (not shown) that an interior of the positioning joint 16 defines. The internal fluid supply channels of the arm 14 and the joint 16 help to deliver fluid to the internal channel 12C of the cleaning head 12.
The internal fluid supply channel of the positioning joint 16 may include an enclosed, gasketed cavity internally disposed within the joint 16. Alternatively, the fluid supply channel of the joint 16 may be disposed along an outer surface of the joint 16, and configured at one end to connect to the internal fluid channel of the extendible wand 18 and at another opposite end to the internal fluid channel of the swivel arm 14 via fluid-tight ports. In this case, the channel would extend from an output port of the extendible wand 18, along the external surface of the joint 16, and terminate into an input port defined in the swivel arm 14 to convey fluid from the wand 18 to the swivel arm 14. As described below, an interior of the extendible wand 18 defines an internal fluid supply channel in fluid communication with the channel of the joint 16 to deliver fluid expressed from
an interior reservoir 21 of the handle 20 to the channels of the joint 16 and the arm 14 and ultimately to the internal fluid channel 12C of the cleaning head 12.
As shown in FIG. 1, the extendible wand 18 is constructed and arranged to adjust the length and the geometry of the apparatus 10 relative to the application or surface, e.g., the type and size of a window, in which the apparatus 10 is used. The extendible wand 18 includes a first portion 18A that is telescopically and slidably received by a second portion 18B. The first portion 18A moves inward into the interior of the second portion 18B to reduce the length Li of the extendible wand 18 and extends outwardly from the interior of the first portion 18A to increase the length Li of the extendible wand, as shown by arrow 300 in FIG. 1. The extendible wand 18 is further configured along one end 18C of the second portion
18B to releasably lock the first and the second portions 18A and 18B in place. Such a configuration may include, but is not limited to, a sliding joint 18C configured as a fluid tight seal between the two portions 18A and 18B when the portions are disposed in a locked position. Alternatively, the extendible wand 18 includes a locking mechanism to releasably lock the first and the second portions 18A and 18B and to define a fluid tight seal. The locking mechanism may include any of a variety of locking mechanisms, including, but not limited to, a sliding joint, a collet and O-ring combination, a cam and lever combination fitted with O-rings, a screw-type fastener, a spring notch, and other similar configurations.
As shown in FIG. 1, the handle 20 is connected to a second end 18D of the extendible wand 18 and includes within its interior a fluid reservoir 21 configured to contain a fluid, e.g., a cleaning, coating, sealing, or drying fluid. The handle 20 further includes a manual air pump 22 disposed along a terminal end of the handle and in fluid communication with the reservoir 21 to deliver or pump air into the reservoir 21. The pump 22 is slidably connected to the handle 20 to permit the pump 22 to be actuated by moving the pump into and out of the handle 20, as shown by arrow 400 in FIG. 1. The action of the pump 22 introduces air into the reservoir 21 which pressurizes the interior of the reservoir 21 such that the reservoir 21 contains fluid under pressure. The handle 20 further includes an actuating trigger 23 that, when manual actuated, e.g., pulled, the trigger 23 enables an amount of pressure to be released from the reservoir 21 and, as a consequence, an amount of fluid to be expressed from the reservoir 21 into the internal channel of the extendible wand 18. The invention is not limited in this respect and envisions other means of pressurizing and expressing fluid from the fluid reservoir 21 of the handle 20, as described below.
Referring to FIG. 7, the length I* of the apparatus 10 may be further adjusted, e.g., lengthened, with the attachment of one or more extension elements 30 via a quick disconnect coupling 32 along one end of the element 30 configured to removably connect to the second end 18D of the extendible wand 18, and a quick disconnect coupling 34 along another end of the element 30 configured to removably connect to a distal end 20A of the handle 20. The quick connect couplings 32 and 34 are configured as fluid tight couplings.
Referring to FIG. 8, exemplary couplings are illustrated. Any of the disconnect couplings 32 and 34 shown in FIG. 7 may be configured as coupling 40 or 50. In addition, the second end 18D of the extendible wand 18 and the distal end 2OA of the handle 20 shown in FIG. 7 may be configured as coupling 45 or 55. The couplings 40 and 50 include an O-ring fluid seal to configure the couplings 40 and 50 as fluid tight joints or connections between the extension element 30 and the extendible wand 18 and the handle 20. The invention is not so limited and anticipates that fluid tight joints or connections between the extension element 30, the extendible wand 18 and the handle 20 can be configured and achieved with other designs including, but not limited to, elastomeric scrapers, spring and elastomer sealing and other similar configurations and devices.
The coupling 40 further includes one or more snap locks or lock tabs 42 configured for quick release from complementary snap locks 46 configured along the coupling 45. The coupling 50 further includes screw threads 52 configured to mate with complementary screw threads 56 along the coupling 55 to achieve a screw thread seal. The invention is not limited to these configurations and envisions the connection of the extension element 30 and the extendible wand 18 or the handle 20 can be configured and achieved with liquid tight screw connections, quick release catches, quick release slide collars and other similar configurations and devices.
As shown in FIGS. 8 A and 8B, the coupling 40 and 50 includes an interior fluid channel or conduit 43 and 53 defined by the coupling interior that is disposed in fluid communication with an interior channel or conduit 47 and 57 of its complementary coupling 45 and 55 to permit the extension element 30 to internally receive fluid from the reservoir 21 of the handle 20 and to channel fluid to the internal channel of the extendible wand 18.
With further reference to FIG. 7, in another aspect, the invention provides an apparatus 80 including the components described above and in reference to FIGS. 1-6 including an alternative handle 24. The handle 24 including an integrated fluid pump 25 and a manually- actuated trigger 26 operatively coupled to the fluid pump 25. As shown in the perspective view
of an interior of the handle 24 of FIG. 7, the fluid pump 25 is in fluid and operative communication with a fluid reservoir 27 and is operatively connected to a fluid pipe 28 disposed in contact with fluid contained in the reservoir 27. The fluid pump 25 configuration is known and further details need not be disclosed here. Actuation of the trigger 26, e.g., pulling trigger 26, causes the fluid pump 25 to draw fluid from the fluid reservoir 27 into the fluid pipe 28 and to express fluid from the fluid pipe 28 through the pump 25 and into the internal fluid supply channel within the interior of the extendible wand 18, and, if connected, within the interiors) of one or more extension elements 30, to ultimately supply the internal fluid channel 12C of the cleaning head 12 with fluid. The fluid pump 25 is constructed and arranged to express fluid from the fluid pipe 28 with pressure sufficient to cause fluid to flow to the cleaning head 12. Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 7 may be removably connected to a remote fluid supply container 60. In the preferred embodiment, the container 60 is portable and its interior defines an internal reservoir 61 to contain a volume of fluid to supply or refill the handle reservoir 21 and 27, such as, through a fluid tube 62. The fluid tube 62 is connected at one end to an output port 63 defined in the container 21 and in fluid communication with the container reservoir 61, and is connected at another end to an input port 64 defined in the handle 20 and 24 and in fluid communication with the handle reservoir 21 and 27. Each end of the fluid tube 62 and/or the input and output ports 63 and 64 is configured with a quick connect coupling constructed and arranged to release the fluid tube 62 and to accomplish fluid tight seals at the ports 63 and 64. The container 60 further includes a clip 65 to attach to, for instance, a user's belt, to enable the container to be portable during use of the apparatus 10. In addition, the container 60 includes a cap 66 to permit refilling the internal reservoir 61. In the preferred embodiment, the container 60 defines a configuration, shape, and/or profile that permit the container 60 to be comfortably disposed proximate to a user's body during use of the apparatus 10. As shown in FIGS.9 and 10, the container 60 defines a concave surface 67. The concave surface 67 is configured to help to promote portability of the container 60 and to dispose the container 60 in close proximity to a user of the apparatus 10 and/or to the user's body during use of the apparatus 10, such as, when the container 60 is attached or clipped to, for instance, the user's belt to enable the container 60 to be carried by a user with comfort and ease. Referring FIG. 11, in a further aspect, the invention provides an apparatus 10 as shown in either FIG. 1 or FIG. 7 including an alternative handle 70. The handle 70 is solid and includes an integrated pressurizing pump 25, as shown in FIG. 7, and an actuating trigger 72. Actuation
of the pump 25 is achieved by manually actuating the trigger 72, which draws fluid from the container 60 through the fluid tube 62 and into the internal fluid supply channel of the extendible wand 18. In this embodiment, the fluid supply is maintained solely by the container 60 in contrast to the handle 21 and 24 including the internal reservoir 21 and 27. Referring to FIG. 12, in another aspect, the invention provides an apparatus 80 including the components of the apparatus 10 described above and in reference to FIGS. 1-11 with an alternative fluid delivery system. The apparatus 80 includes, as an alternative to the fluid channels or conduits defined by the interiors of the extendible wand 18 and the one or more extension elements 30, an external fluid supply tube 82 disposed external to the fluid reservoir 27. The supply tube 82 is connected at one end to an output port 84 defined in the handle 24 and in fluid communication with the reservoir 27. The supply tube 82 is further connected at another end to an input port 84 defined in the swivel arm 14 and in fluid communication with the internal fluid supply channel defined by the interior of the swivel arm 14 and with the internal fluid channel 12C of the cleaning head 12. Each end of the fluid supply tube 82 and/or each of the input and output ports 82 and 84, 3 and 64 are configured with quick connect couplings that are constructed and arranged to releasably connect the supply tube 82 to the handle 24 and the swivel arm 14 and to accomplish fluid tight seals between the supply tube 82 and the ports 63 and 64. Alternatively, or additionally, the supply tube 82 may be connected with the cleaning head 12 to supply fluid to the internal fluid channel 12C. In this case, the cleaning head 12 would include an input port, e.g., defined along a terminal end of the elongated member, to releasably connect with the supply tube 82. The input port may be configured with a quick connect coupling that is constructed and arranged to releasably connect the supply tube 82 and to accomplish a fluid tight seal. Although the apparatus 10 and the handle 24 shown in FIG. 7 is illustrated in FIG. 12 and configured with the alternative fluid delivery system employing the fluid supply tube 82, it is understood that the apparatus 10 with the pump handle 20 shown in FIG. 1 may be similarly configured with the alternative fluid delivery system employing the fluid supply tube 82.
Referring to FIG. 13, the apparatus 10 and 80 described above and with reference to FIGS. 1-12 may further include a second lockable universal positioning joint 90 disposed between the extendible wand 18 and the handle 20 and 24. The joint 90 is constructed and arranged to releasably lock the extendible wand 18 and the handle 20 and 24 in any one of a multiple of positions relative to one another and to permit the wand 18 and the handle 20 and 24
to pivot about the joint 90 when the joint 90 is in an unlocked position. Similar to the universal positioning joint 16 located between the swivel arm 14 and the wand 18, the joint 90 enables a user of the apparatus 10 and 80 to articulate the handle 20 and 24 and the wand 18 relative to one another, as well as to articulate the handle 20 and 24 and/or the wand 18 relative to the cleaning head 12 to optimize their geometry. Alternatively, the second universal joint 90 may be disposed anywhere along the length Li of the extendible wand 18.
The second joint 90, alone or in conjunction with the joint 16, permits the apparatus 10 and 80 to be configured in an ergonomically safe and comfortable form factor that enables a user to employ the apparatus 10 and 80 to, for instance, reach and access window surfaces located relatively remotely from the user and the handle 20 and 24. The apparatus 10 and 80 is also configured to receive a second removable handle 95 constructed and arranged to apply pressure or force to the apparatus 10 and 80 to effect cleaning of window surfaces, e.g., located at relatively long distances from the handle 20 and 24.
The second handle 95 is configured to be releasably connected to the apparatus 10 and 80 via a collet 96 that is configured to be slidably received by the extendible wand 18 and/or the handle 20 and 24 to dispose the collet 96 along the apparatus 10 and 80 proximate to the positioning joint 90. The handle 95 may be connected to the collet 96 via a screw-down connection to releasably connect the handle 95 to the apparatus 10 and 80. Other connections between the handle 95 and the collet 96 are envisioned. The collet 96 may be configured with an adjustable diameter whereby the collet 96 may be disposed along the apparatus 10 and 80 at different positions relative to the positioning joint 90.
The handle 95 may also define a right angle grip or handle. In this case, the right angle of the handle 95 helps to convey pressure or force a user applies to the handle 95 and the apparatus 10 to the cleaning head 12, such that, the cleaning head 12 contacts and applies pressure or force to a surface substantially consistently along at least a portion of its length in contact with the surface.
Having thus described at least one illustrative aspect of the invention, various alterations, modifications and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications and improvements are intended to be within the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description is by way of example only and is not intended as limiting. The invention's limit is defined only in the following claims and the equivalents thereto. What is claimed is:
Previous Patent: ADHESIVE SUTURES
Next Patent: SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING VEHICLE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM


Business listing information: phone and fax number, opening hours, how to reach and other information. You can read the good or bad reviews about the DIAMOND INDUSTRIAL SERVICES INC company from Mount Vernon ALABAMA.
Know the exact time you can at the phone number 2519806225.
DIAMOND INDUSTRIAL SERVICES INC located at US Alabama in Mount Vernon city. Contact phone number: 2519806225. The exact address: Alabama in Mount Vernon, PO BOX 1517.Postal zip code: 36560.


"A Systematic Study of Nucleate Boiling in Microgravity" by Jason Farnsworth, Frank McCown et al.
UtahState University Student Showcase, Logan, UT, March 30, 2010.
Jason Farnsworth and Frank McCown with JR Dennison, "A Systematic Study of Nucleate Boiling in Microgravity," UtahState University Student Showcase, Logan, UT, March 30, 2010..


text:
Q: Why is factoring in NP, but not in P? Factoring: Gven an integer N, find integers 1 < a, b < N such that N = ab if they exist, otherwise say N is prime.
I know that primality testing is in P, but why not factoring?
Here is my algorithm:
For each a = 1 ... sqrt(N)
    if(N % a == 0)
        b = N/a
        add (a,b) to the result
    Endif
EndFor

This runs in O(sqrt(N)).

A: The input size of a single numeric value, is measured by the length of its binary representation. To be precise, the size of an input numeric value n is proportional to log_2(n). Therefore your algorithm runs in expotential time.
For instance, suppose we are factoring a number N with your algorithm. If N is prime, you have to test at least sqrt(N) factors. (Or alternatively you can compute a prime number table for this but it is still not linear).
Anyway, you test for sqrt(N) times. But the size of the problem is defined as S=log2(N). So we have N=2^S. Therefore it's a sqrt(2^S)=2^(S/2) which is expotential.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Georgia's secretary of state is asking a federal judge to suspend her order governing election officials' handling of absentee ballots and applications that have mismatched signatures while he appeals it.
U.S. District Judge Leigh May on Thursday issued a final order instructing the state to stop rejecting the ballots and applications because of a signature mismatch without first giving voters a chance to fix the problem.
She outlined a procedure to allow voters to resolve alleged signature discrepancies that she said must be used for the Nov. 6 midterm elections for all absentee ballots and applications that have a signature that doesn't match the one on file.
They asked that the judge's order be put on hold pending appeal.
A federal judge has tweaked her order governing Georgia's handling of absentee ballots and applications that have mismatched signatures.
U.S. District Judge Leigh May on Wednesday ordered the state to stop rejecting the ballots and applications because of a signature mismatch without first giving voters a chance to fix the problem.
— results won't have to be recertified for appeals not completed by the certification deadline unless the election outcome would change.


text:
Offering – Parshat Ki Tisa
My father-in-law once commented that when he attended minyan daily to say kaddish for his father, he would finish putting on his tefillin by Aleinu.
(The tefillin are ritual objects worn on the body, and the Aleinu is one of the very last prayers. He was joking that it took him the time of the entire service to get his tefillin on, which are supposed to be put on before you begin the service.)
It's true that for many Jews who attend synagogue, the Aleinu is the most familiar prayer, since all the latecomers are present by the time it happens. And it's appropriate, since Aleinu is the great equalizer:
Aleinu leshabeiakh Ladon Hakol – It is upon us to praise the Master of All.
It doesn't matter if you're early or late, if you put on your tefillin quickly or slowly – in the face of the Divine, in the face of the Mystery of Existence, we are all equal. As the Divine name proclaims, Reality unfolds however it unfolds:
Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh – I will be What I Will Be
We all equally have this supreme task: to harmonize ourselves with What Is:
Va'anakhnu korim umishtakhavim umodim lifnei… HaKadosh Barkhu Hu – We kneel and prostrate and surrender before the Holy Blessed One…
A disciple asked Rabbi Yekhiel Mikhal, the Maggid of Zlotchov: "Why is it that humility is the most important virtue, yet the Torah doesn't command us to be humble? It only says that Moses was the most humble of men, but it doesn't ever say that humility is a mitzvah."
"That's because," replied the master, "if humility were a mitzvah, we wouldn't be able to accomplish it; we would end up having pride in our humility!"
Once there was a rabbi who was davening with great intensity toward the end of Yom Kippur, when he suddenly became overwhelmed with the realization of his own insignificance. Before he knew what he was doing, he spontaneously cried out, "Ribono Shel Olam! Master of the universe! I am nothing! I am nothing!"
When the hazzan – the cantor – saw him do this, he too became inspired, and suddenly realized the same thing. "Ribono Shel Olam! I am nothing! I am nothing!" cried the hazzan.
Suddenly, Shmully the shoemaker also became deeply moved and cried out as well: "Ribono Shel Olam! I am nothing! I am nothing!" When the hazzan saw Shmully's enthusiasm, he turned to the rabbi with incredulity: "Look who thinks he's nothing!"
The essential quality of authentic spirituality involves meeting Reality as it appears – which is to say, meeting the Divine in the fulness of the present. The opposite of this is ego, which instead is concerned with one's own identity, with the "me." To accomplish the task of transcending ego and meeting the Divine, religion gives us all kinds of traditions and devices, but the irony is that the ego can co-opt all of that for its own self-bolstering purpose. Thus, according to the maggid, humility must remain free from being a mitzvah; it is a level higher than any particular religious practice.
כִּ֣י תִשָּׂ֞א אֶת־רֹ֥אשׁ בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵל֘ לִפְקֻֽדֵיהֶם֒ וְנָ֨תְנ֜וּ אִ֣ישׁ כֹּ֧פֶר נַפְשׁ֛וֹ לַֽיהֹוָ֖ה בִּפְקֹ֣ד אֹתָ֑ם וְלֹא־יִֽהְיֶ֥ה בָהֶ֛ם נֶ֖גֶף בִּפְקֹ֥ד אֹתָֽם
When you take a census of the children of Israel according to their numbers, let each one give to the Divine an atonement for their souls when they are counted; then there will be no plague among them when they are counted.
זֶ֣ה יִתְּנ֗וּ כָּל־הָֽעֹבֵר֙ עַל־הַפְּקֻדִ֔ים מַֽחֲצִ֥ית הַשֶּׁ֖קֶל בְּשֶׁ֣קֶל הַקֹּ֑דֶשׁ עֶשְׂרִ֤ים גֵּרָה֙ הַשֶּׁ֔קֶל מַֽחֲצִ֣ית הַשֶּׁ֔קֶל תְּרוּמָ֖ה לַֽיהֹוָֽה
This they shall give… a half a shekel … an offering to the Divine.
The ego wants to "count" – there is a self-image to maintain; this is the negef, the root plague of being human. The ego is insatiable, never satisfied for long, because it is by nature incomplete; it is only a "half shekel." The only way to become complete and avert the "plague" is to make it תְּרוּמָ֖ה לַֽיהֹוָֽה – an "offering" to the Divine.
How to do that?
Simply notice the impulse to "be" something – to be recognized, to be validated, to be seen in a certain way. Let that impulse be there, but don't buy into it; don't give the ego any reality. Recognize that it is just a bundle of thoughts and feelings. Offer it up: "Oh Hashem, I am only here to serve your purpose; only in aligning with You can there be wholeness."
In that letting go of the incomplete self into the One, there can arise a completeness that is not any particular thing, that is not dependent on anything, but it emerges and blossoms when there is openness to the truth of this moment.
"Ribono Shel Olam! I am nothing!
Sign up for Free Meditation and Updates Here.
Join One Month Free and Livestream Weekly Meditation Workshops.
Learn More and Sign Up Here.
More on Ki Tisa...
The Plague of Separation – Parshat Ki Tisa
This week's Torah reading begins with instructions to Moses on how to take a census of the Israelites. Everyone who is counted has to give a half shekel as an "atonement" to prevent a plague:
יא וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶל־משֶׁ֥ה לֵּאמֹֽר
11 The Divine spoke to Moses, saying:
יב כִּ֣י תִשָּׂ֞א אֶת־רֹ֥אשׁ בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵל֘ לִפְקֻֽדֵיהֶם֒ וְנָ֨תְנ֜וּ אִ֣ישׁ כֹּ֧פֶר נַפְשׁ֛וֹ לַֽיהֹוָ֖ה בִּפְקֹ֣ד אֹתָ֑ם וְלֹא־יִֽהְיֶ֥ה בָהֶ֛ם נֶ֖גֶף בִּפְקֹ֥ד אֹתָֽם:
12 "When you take the sum of the children of Israel according to their numbers, let each one give to the Divine an atonement for their souls when they are counted; then there will be no plague among them when they are counted.
יג זֶ֣ה יִתְּנ֗וּ כָּל־הָֽעֹבֵר֙ עַל־הַפְּקֻדִ֔ים מַֽחֲצִ֥ית הַשֶּׁ֖קֶל בְּשֶׁ֣קֶל הַקֹּ֑דֶשׁ עֶשְׂרִ֤ים גֵּרָה֙ הַשֶּׁ֔קֶל מַֽחֲצִ֣ית הַשֶּׁ֔קֶל תְּרוּמָ֖ה לַֽיהֹוָֽה:
13 This they shall give, everyone who goes through the counting: half a shekel according to the holy shekel. Twenty gerahs equal one shekel; half of [such] a shekel shall be an offering to the Divine.
But why would there be a plague for being counted in a census?
To be "counted" means to be discerned as a separate entity. This is the "plague" of the ego – the felt sense of being something separate, driving your life through a separate universe. Ordinarily, this is how we think of ourselves; there's "me in here" and "that out there." This is the basic duality of the egoic perspective.
But consider: whatever you perceive to be "out there" is always perceived within your consciousness. So when you think of yourself as being within your body, looking out at something separate, you've actually split yourself in half. You've identified with the half that's in your body, and exiled the part of your own awareness within which "out there" is perceived.
So to heal this rift and escape the "plague" of separateness, the two halves have to rejoin one another. That's the makhatzit hashekel – the half shekel. Give your awareness fully to whatever you perceive in the present moment, and the self-contracting activity of ego can relax and you merge back into Oneness. This is meditation, also called Presence.
But, sometimes there are powerful emotions that can become blocked. In that case, you may not be able to relax into Oneness through meditation alone. That's where prayer comes in. Through prayer, you invite your emotions to be fully felt by putting them into words or chants or even just sounds, crying out from the heart. In this way, previously exiled feelings can be released and an inner alchemy can take place, transforming negativity into love...
Greetings friends! I hope you enjoy these spiritual awakening teachings on this week's Parshat Ki Tisa, and there's more below. You can also:
Join the Torah of Awakening community and livestream weekly teachings, meditation and chanting, watch full videos, access extensive archive and schedule one-on-one time with me. Try it free one month, cancel any time, learn more here.
Deepen your practice with free guided meditation recordings here.
Or, make a single contribution toward these weekly teachings. Thanks so much!
reb brian yosef
Is Your Motivation Disrupting Your Meditation? Parshat Ki Tisa
"Ki tisa et rosh b'nei Yisrael lifkudeihem..."
"When you take a census of the children of Israel to count them- every person should give an atonement for their souls to the Divine when you count them- so that there won't be a plague among them when they're counted."
This is a super strange passage. First God is telling Moses to take a census of the Israelites- not so strange- Moses is leading thousands of Israelites through the desert so it makes sense that he would want to keep track of them all. But then it says something strange- that every Israelite should give a kofer- an atonement or a ransom. This word kofer is the same as in Yom Kippur- the Day of Atonement. In the next line it explains that the kofer they give should be a half shekel, which is a kind of coin, and they should give this coin to prevent a plague from breaking out.
But why do they have to atone for being counted, as if being counted is some kind of sin that would bring on a plague?
But if we look more deeply at the words, the idiom for "When you take a census" is "Ki tisa et rosh"- which literally means, "When you lift up the head." What is lifting up the head? It is elevating consciousness- meaning, the disentanglement or dis-identification of consciousness with thoughts, feelings, personality- all that stuff that normally makes up the sense of "me" or ego. That process of ki tisa- of transcending the ego and experiencing the freedom and bliss of pure consciousness is, of course, the aim of meditation.
And normally, when we decide to meditate, we're motivated by wanting to experience something like that- maybe we want less stress, maybe we want to stop feeling the burden of our problems, or whatever. And these are all totally valid motivations, but the problem is, they're all rooted in the experience of "me" wanting to get "something." But since the thing you're trying to get is to let go of the "me," it doesn't work- it turns your meditation into a kind of plague, because you're chasing after something you can never get with that approach. The only way you can get it, is by changing your approach- changing your motivation- don't do it from that drive to get something.
Instead, do it as an act of giving- an act of love for its own sake. And that's the donation of the half shekel. It's only a half shekel because there's of course the acknowledgment that meditation is good for you- that's the other half of the coin so to speak- but what's good for you is also good for others. You have to put on your own oxygen mask before helping your children, otherwise you might not be able to help your children. So the donation of the half shekel means that you're dedicating your spiritual work that you do on yourself toward the service of others.
So this Shabbat Ki Tisa- the Sabbath of Elevation, is a good time to rededicate yourself to your meditation practice, through the intention of love.
Good Shabbos!
brian yosef
The Coconut Oil- Parshat Ki Tisa
Here in Costa Rica, it's hot. How hot is it?
Here's a good way to understand it:
When I was back in Berkeley last week, I was staying with some friends in their warm and cozy home. One morning, while the heat was on in the house due to the cold outside, I took out my jar of coconut oil to make my "bullet-proof" coffee (ask me about this if you don't know what it is). I was surprised to find that the coconut oil was completely hard and white, even though the house was so warm.
That's because in Costa Rica, the coconut oil is always clear liquid, even at night when the air seems cool in relation to how hot it was during the day.
That's hot.
And, because it's so dang hot, it's pretty common to take not one, but two showers per day.
Before Costa Rica, I would take a shower to go out and do something, or, I would take a shower when I returned home from somewhere.
But in Costa Rica, everything is hot, everything makes you sticky and filthy, so you've got to shower before going out and shower when you come in.
It reminds me of the mitzvah to repeatedly cleanse your inner space, chanting the affirmation of the Unity of Being with the Sh'ma, which is to be said-
"… when you sit in your house, when you walk on the way, when you lie down and when you rise up…"
In other words, there's a rhythm of inwardness and outwardness, of activity and rest, and staying present applies to all those times.
This week's reading, Ki Tisa, has it's own version of the "two shower" practice:
The parshah describes the construction the Kiyor- a special basin of water for the kohanim (priests) to wash themselves with. Whenever they entered the Sanctuary or burned offerings on the altar outside the Sanctuary, they would use the kiyor:
"V'asita kiyor n'khoshet bein ohel mo'ed uvein hamizbe'akh v'natanta shama mayim-
"You shall make a basin of copper between the Tent of Meeting and the (outer) altar, and you shall put water there."
The late Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M Shneerson z'l, taught that the outer altar represents the sanctification of ordinary life. The inner Sanctuary represents your avodah- spiritual practice- that you do separate from mundane life.
The fact that the kiyor- the water basin- was between the inner and the outer indicates that you need to inwardly "cleanse" your intentions before doing either one. Without the right intention, both outer and inner life will be expressions of ego, of the energy of self-enhancement rather than self-transcendence.
It makes no difference if you're praying, earning a living, enjoying some food, helping someone out, whatever. Without right intention, anything you do- holy or mundane- will have an ensnaring quality.
But with right intention, both inner and outer life become the arena of transformation, as the rhythmic movement between the two gently wears away at the substance of ego.
What is right intention?
It's being in service of the moment.
Whether it's inner or outer life, being in service of the moment means letting the movement around you and the movement within you be one thing. It means not opposing yourself to what is, but being what is. It means being fully yourself, as you are, here in this moment, as this moment is, without resistance.
What's the key to right intention?
It's knowing that your existence right now is fully an expression of Truth, of Reality, of God- just as it is.
Can you accept that ultimate Truth right now?
In the beginning of the reading from which the parsha gets its name, the Israelites are told they must all donate a half-shekel when they're counted in the census, in order to prevent a plague-
"Ki tisa et rosh b'nai Yisrael…
"When you take a census of the children of Israel… they shall give a half-shekel for atonement, so there won't be a plague…"
Being "counted" means being part of community life, part of the chaotic push and pull of multiple agendas and intentions. This life becomes a "plague" if you forget your essential unity with all that is, if you forget that you're ultimately here to serve the One, and that your very existence is already a service of the One.
Why a half-shekel?
Because your existence is half the equation- the piece that everyone brings equally. The other half is your unique task, the task that only you can do. But it begins with the "half-shekel"- it begins with knowing your own existence as non-separate from this moment.
Then, in this open embrace of Being, there can be balance between the inner and the outer. No need to run after external experiences, and no need to close yourself off to find internal holiness- though sometimes the moment requires one and sometimes the other.
Night and day, Hasidim of all ages and types knocked on the door of Reb Pinkhas of Korets. Some wanted spiritual guidance, others wanted wisdom, others sought special blessings.This disturbed Reb Pinkhas from his inward devotions so much, that he prayed he should become disliked by people.
"That would solve everything!" he thought. "If people hated me, they would leave me alone to my meditations and I'd be able to enjoy the Divine Oneness in peace."
His prayer was answered-
From that day onward, he lived a secluded life in blissful aloneness, and was never seen in the company of others, except at synagogue.
As the festival of Sukkot drew near, he had to build his sukkah all by himself, for nobody would help him (which was fine by him). On the first night of the holiday, the rabbi sat in his sukkah all by himself (which was fine by him), and he began chanting the invocation to Avraham, inviting the spirit of the ancient patriarch into his sukkah.
Reb Pinkhas looked up in wonder- the spirit of Avraham had appeared, and was standing just outside!
At first, Reb Pinkhas fell into an ecstatic wonder at the apparition before him, but soon became anxious because the spirit wouldn't enter the sukkah, despite Reb Pinkhas' invitational invocations.
"Master, why do you not enter my sukkah?" cried Reb Pinkhas.
Avraham Avinu replied, "It is not my custom to enter a place where there are no guests."
Avraham then disappeared.
Sad and regretful, Reb Pinhkas made Kiddush by himself, then took the special water vessel to cleanse his hands before the blessing over bread.
As he washed his hands, he prayed- "Ribono Shel Olam, cleanse me from my reclusiveness- may I accept the holiness of being with people as well as being alone. Please, Ribono Shel Olam, take away the hatred people have for me."
From that time onward, Reb Pinkhas was restored to his rebbe-hood and Hasidim began visiting him once again.
On this Shabbat Ki Tisa, the Sabbath of Raising Up, may we raise up the Reality that includes others and includes ourselves, for there's only One Reality, and we're all part of it. Let's remember the supreme middah of hospitality, honoring whomever we're with, allowing this moment to be a welcoming home for all we encounter... and may our hearts and minds flow with this moment... like the liquid coconut oil in Costa Rica!
Good Shabblisss!!
The Plumber- Parshat Ki Tisa
3/6/2015
I have a friend who told me an amazing story about how she used to earn a living. She is a particularly handy person, with a knack for things like plumbing, light carpentry, and so on. Several years ago, she discovered that most people (myself included) don't have such a knack and often need a handy person, so she started to take little fix-it jobs to earn extra money. For a while the jobs were easy for her. One day, she was asked to do a job that baffled her.
What did she do?
Did she say, "Sorry, I can't do that" and go on to an easier job? No. She pretended she knew how to do the job, went home and watched You Tube videos on how to fix that particular thing, then went and fixed it. That was just the beginning. Eventually, she was learning and growing by taking on harder and harder jobs. Her work became her school.
There is an analogue here to spirituality. Just as the basic point of work is to receive physical sustenance in the form of money, so the basic point of spirituality is to receive spiritual sustenance- the Inner Light of bliss and oneness that manifests as wisdom, joy, love and many other wonderful qualities.
The most direct way to connect with your spiritual sustenance is to remove outer distractions and do your avodah- spiritual work such as meditation, chanting, and so on. If you really just want that spiritual sustenance, you should involve yourself with as few other things as possible. Do what you need to do to eat and have basic necessities, then devote yourself to spiritual practice. That would be analogous to my friend taking the easy handy jobs she already knew how to do.
But if your intention is not merely to get the sustenance, rather to learn and grow in your ability to stay connected to the Source of that sustenance even in the midst of life, then you can bring your spiritual Light into the chaos and complexity of life. Then, distractions are really not distractions anymore. They are what you need to train. They are your helpers on the path of becoming spiritually masterful.
Many folks tend toward one side or the other. Some get so caught up in the drama of life that it is impossible remain present and bring forth the Inner Light when things get stressful. Others tend toward the other direction, seeing the drama of life as a distraction and withdrawing into solitude. And, there are times in life when it's good to lean toward one side or the other.
The truth, however, is that these two sides are not really separate or opposed to each other. The Inner Light that flowers within wants to express Itself; it wants to connect with life and bring its power of healing and wisdom. But to balance the rhythm between the Eternal and the temporal, the Silent and the noisy, requires attentiveness and intention. It takes a special effort to create the boundaries you need to have the space in the day for spiritual avodah. And, no matter how complete your realization of the One is in solitude, life will generate challenges for you when you get back in its game. Receiving those challenges as your spiritual training, and not merely distractions, takes a tremendous effort; but it is ultimately an effortless effort.
This week's reading, Ki Tisa, contains instructions for constructing a special basin of water that the kohanim (priests) were to wash their hands and feet with whenever they entered the sanctuary space or brought offerings onto the altar that was outside the sanctuary: "v'asita kiyor n'khoshet- you shall make a basin of copper…bein ohel mo'ed uvein hamizbe'akh- between the Tent of Meeting and the (outer) altar…v'natanta shama mayim- and you shall put water there."
The late Lubavitcher rebbe Rabbi Menachem M Shneerson z'l taught that the outer altar represents the sanctification of ordinary life activities. The inner sanctuary represents one's spiritual practice and connection with Eternal, separate from mundane life. The fact that the kiyor- the basin- was between the two indicates that you need to inwardly "cleanse" your intentions before entering into your avodah, on one hand, and before entering into ordinary life activities as well. Having the right intention is the key to unifying the life of Being with the life of Doing.
Having right intention with your avodah means to approach it in the spirit of service. You meditate and davven not just to "get" something from it but also to serve as a conduit- to bring the Spirit into form. Similarly, you don't enter into mundane life only to derive material benefit from it, but also to receive its lessons, to be a student and become more and more adept at bringing the Spirit into expression.
What is the key to right intention? It's knowing you are here to serve. We are all constantly receiving, taking so much in so many different ways, but it must be for the sake of giving. That's why, in the beginning of the reading, the Israelites are told they all must donate a half shekel when they are counted for the census, in order to prevent a plague- "Ki tisa et rosh b'nai Yisrael- when you take a census of the children of Israel… v'natnu ish kofer- they shall give for atonement… v'lo yiyeh vahem negef- so there won't be a plague…makhazit hashekel- a half shekel…"
Being "counted" means being part of community life, part of the chaotic push and pull of multiple agendas and intentions. This life becomes a "plague" if you get stuck in it, if you forget right intention, if you forget that you are ultimately here to serve the One.
How do you serve the One? By being connected to the One and bringing Its Light and Bliss and Love into the mundane, into the chaos. And how do you do that? By taking time to separate from the mundane and doing your daily spiritual practice… not to mention the one full day of the week that is all spiritual practice- Shabbat.
May this Shabbat be a full immersion into the Eternal and may our world drink of Her healing power-
Good Shabbiiiisssss!!!!

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Product Description The  High Power (45W) indoor Cell phone Jammer + Omni Directional Antennas  is designed for an indoor cell phone jammer. The jamming device is a high power one... .
Product Description Most people want to enjoy the peaceful life and just don't want disturb by others after work or in weekends. In this situation this Handheld Cell Phone & WiFi... .
Basic Info Model NO.: CPJ303 Size: Antennas off -113*60*31mm (L X W X D); Gross Weight: 0.775kg; Color: Sky Blue;Black 2ggsm900MHz: 925-960MHz 2gdcs1800MHz: 1805-1880MHz 3G2100MHz:... .


text:
import {Service, get, action} from "./../../index";

class Teststate extends Service {
	defaultData() {
		return {
			hello: "miao~"
		};
	}
}

export default Teststate;

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Q: Use pixmap data instead of url for Qt stylesheet image property Because I'm loading my icons from a font, I cannot provide a url for a image property in stylesheets. I only have access to the QPixmap or QIcon. However I'm not sure what other kind of data the image property accepts besides url's. This is what I tried:
arrow_up_icon = FontIcon('arrow-up', color='white')
arrow_up_pixmap = arrow_up_icon.pixmap(QtCore.QSize(16, 16))

header = QtWigets.QHeaderView()
header.setStyleSheet("""
    QHeaderView::up-arrow{
        image: %s;
    }
""" % arrow_up_pixmap)


text:
Home › All articles for the topic: nepal
All articles for the topic: nepal
Seeing beyond climate impacts in rural Nepal
This paper considers a reframing of adaptation research towards the dynamics of household reproduction and changing rural political economies in order to reveal the challenges rural populations face.
Nepal Environment Society
Nepal Environment Society (NES) is a professional organization was established in 2013 with the aim to deal with the existing environmental problems in collaboration with skilled manpower working i
Engaging the private sector in financing adaptation to climate change
The ACT learning brief presents a framework of five approaches that policymakers, practitioners and donors can use to motivate the private sector to invest in climate change adaptation.
The Glacier Trust
The Glacier Trust is a UK based charity that works in partnership with Nepali NGOs to enable climate change adaptation in the Himalayas. Our work is innovative, delivered in partnership and tailore
Climate-Resilient Agriculture in South Asia: An analytical framework and insights from practice
The paper explores entry-points for and examples of climate resilient agriculture (CRA) in South Asia, and the current challenges and knowledge gaps affecting it's implementation.
Safer lives and livelihoods in mountains
This publication highlights 15 cases of good practice in development and applied research from mountain regions, and illustrates how the Sendai Framework's four priorities can be put into practice.
Climate-Resilient Water Management: An operational framework from South Asia
The paper presents a conceptual framework for Climate-Resilient Water Management (CRWM) and provides examples of CRWM interventions developed and deployed by the ACT programme across SE Asia.
Mainstreaming adaptation to climate change within governance systems in South Asia
The paper introduces a general analytical framework for mainstreaming adaptation to climate change within governance systems.
Valuing the Benefits, Costs and Impacts of EbA Measures
This sourcebook assists in building awareness, knowledge and capacity about why, how and in which contexts EbA valuation can be used to inform, guide and influence adaptation decision-making.
Learning from seven years of climate compatible development in Asia
A report by CDKN explores the value of stimulating climate compatible development at multiple levels of governance - drawing on seven years of work by in India, Indonesia, Nepal and Pakistan.
Framework for effectiveness and resilience of small- and medium-scale irrigation systems in Nepal
This paper synthesises the findings from a CDKN-funded project and is intended for policy-makers and implementers working in Nepal's irrigation sector under uncertain conditions.
Climate-smart agriculture in Nepal: Champion technologies and their pathways for scaling up
This brief synthesises CDKN, CGIAR, LI-BIRD and partners' research, field testing and policy work on climate-smart agriculture in Nepal.
72-hour Emergency Assessment approach
This document provides an overview of the aims, applications and general method behind the 72-hour assessment method, by which WFP can respond quickly and appropriately to humanitarian disasters.
Developing a Demonstration Site in Nepal on Community Forestry, Gender and Climate Change Adaptation
A framework for better understanding and assessing climate change vulnerabilities in a context of multiple competing interests in a community forestry landscape through a pilot site in Nepal.
USAID Adapt Asia-Pacific
The USAID Adapt Asia-Pacific program shared information and best practices about climate fund requirements and helped governments build capacity to access climate change adaptation finance.
Project Preparation Approach Paper
This initial approach paper of the USAID Adapt Asia-Pacific project highlights the variety of projects and readiness in each target country in Asia.
Disasters and national economic resilience
This paper aims to provide an analysis of economic resilience at the national level, presenting broad changes in resilience to climate extremes over a 42 year period.
Building Back Better After the 2015 Earthquake
After the earthquake of 2015 ninety-five percent of brick kilns, a major source of air pollution, in Kathmandu needed repair. This article describes how these kilns were 'built back better'.
Impacts of Climate Change on the indigenous Majhi community in Nepal
This study looks at the impacts of climate change on the indigenous Majhi people in Sindhupalchowk district in Nepal, and provides important details for the design of future projects.
Understanding Demand and Supply of Climate Change Knowledge: Nepal
This study explores ways in which climate change knowledge management in Nepal can be strengthened at the local to national level.
Climate Resilience in Nepal
The Anukulan ("resilience" in Nepali) project will help half a million poor and vulnerable people in rural Nepal build their resilience to climate shocks and extremes like floods and drought.
Developing climate-smart agriculture in Nepal
Climate-smart agriculture mitigates climatic threats to food production in Nepal, which particularly affect women and smallholders.
LEDS in Practice: Breathe clean
This paper presents two case studies from cities that have taken action on air quality to improve public health and have realized the benefits of reduced emissions.
From Tracking to Action
This report looks at emerging evidence of civil society engagement and identifies steps that providers of finance, governments, and CSOs can undertake to close the adaptation accountability gap.