Abstract: A multi-layered fire extinguishing blanket including a fire-proof blanket of fire-resistant, fabric layer having a peripherally attached, non-porous, laminated almuinum layer on one side, creating insulating air pockets between the two, and two handles on the fabric backside of the blanket for manually grasping the blanket prior to placing it over a fire aluminum side down. The handles are mounted at positions spaced substantially below the top edge of the blanket, so that a portion of the blanket between the handles and the top edges, which is of a material having little if any rigidity, is allowed to drape back over, covering and protecting the hands, the handles also providing greater control of the blanket for more effective operation.

Abstract: A weedless turtle exclusion device which excludes turtles and like sized things from trawl nets and the like, while allowing the desired catch therethrough. A deflector, through which the catch passes en route to the net's tail bag or codend is situated between optional spacer rings in the trawling net and comprises a circular frame angularly affixed to the internal walls of the net's chute. Situated at upstream connection points are parallel deflection bars, running from the upstream connection points toward the downstream side of the frame. The bars are spaced allowing passage of the desired catch, e.g., shrimp, while narrow enough to deflect the larger turtles. They are unconnected on their downstream side and angled about five to thirty-five (5-35) degrees relative to the frame, forming an opening between their downstream end and the frame. In operation (FIG. 4) the catch and turtles are directed into the trawl via a large mouth opening into the chute area.

Abstract: An infant protection device configured to comfortably yet effectively protect the rear, side and front portions of an infant's head from injury. An alternative embodiment of the present invention additionally provides head protection for the top of the infant's head, as well as for the front, sides and back. The present invention is designed to protect the infant's head during daily activities, such as crawling, walking, and playing, preventing injury due to the infant hitting its head on furniture, floor, etc. The invention is configured and designed such that the child wears it early in infancy, and, becoming used to it, should want to continue to wear the device. The headgear of the present invention may be configured to include such fanciful figures as, for example, mouse or rabbit ears, or other novel designs which may be enjoyed by the child, thereby further encouraging wearing of the protective device.

Abstract: A disposal system comprising a temporary, disposal work surface covering of substantially flat, flexible sheet material, such as extruded plastic or the like, having cinch means incorporated therein. While the preferred embodiment of the present invention is exemplified as a disposable tablecloth, the invention is useful in a variety of applications, including lawn care, garbage collection, and any use which requires traditional garbage bags, but at a significant decrease in disposal effort and expense. An alternative embodiment of the invention teaches a tablecloth or the like having a upwardly extended, peripherally surrounding, raised edge areas for preventing liquids from spilling onto the users. Likewise, incorporated therein is a cinch strap system for enveloping the contained refuse.

Abstract: An ice box rack designed to keep the stored food and other items dry, while slowing the melting of the ice. The preferred embodiment of the present invention teaches an ice box rack sized and configured to fit the container of a variety of currently sold ice chests, the rack including as a novel and unique feature a planar lower surface to facilitate the uniform application of compressive pressure on the ice. It has been found that this uniform pressure acts to pack the ice, particularly crushed or chipped ice, causing it to melt less quickly, thereby prolonging the cooling process. The present invention may be configured in a variety of different ways, and may be constructed of a number of different materials, including extruded or molded plastics, wood, aluminum, or the like, all with satisfactory results. Further, the rack design of the present invention may be configured to support a variety of differently configured items, such as unpackaged or packaged foods, can beverages, bulk items, etc.

Abstract: A conversion backhoe-to-crane type system, including preferably a box type, 50' boom and two, hydraulically driven cable or line winches, the hoist one of which is mounted directly on the crane-like boom. The winches have "true free fall" characteristics, by using a high torque, radial piston hydraulic motor directly driving the drum, which motor cn be put into a "neutral" disposition, exerting no significant drag on the cable winch drum when it unwinds under the force of the suspended load and/or work implement falling under the force of gravity. Additionally, a supplemental braking system, e.g. a disc brake carried on the winch drum shaft, is added. Thus, the winch drum becomes truly free wheeling, when the hydraulic winch is put in "neutral," but can still be controlled, when desired, by the supplemental disc brake sub-system. A second, spring apply, disc brake is included for emergency back-up. For exemplary purposes, the backhoe conversion is illustrated in a dragline configuration (FIG.

Abstract: An improved biomechanical ankle is provided which imitates the three primary categories of movement in a human foot. Parallel sole and limb supporting plates are held in spaced relationship by an upright post. The limb supporting plate is connected to the post with a ball and socket joint. A helical spring is fixed between the plates to provide resilient support to the anterior portion of the foot in imitation of normal muscular control. The ball and socket joint, in cooperation with the spring, permits the biomechanical ankle to imitate the inversion-eversion, plantar flexion-dorsiflexion, and lateral rotation found in a normal human foot.

Abstract: Wellhead and welder protector comprising an easily erected, temporary shelter designed to envelope a wellhead and the immediate surrounding area of either a production platform, well bay area or jack up rig "texas deck", for providing an optimal environment for welding, heat treatment, and similar processes. The overhead protection means can be in the form of a horizontal, planar surface comprised of aluminum, galvanized sheet metal, thick fabric or the like, supported via telescopic support means above the wellhead for providing overhead protection for its occupants from overhead falling objects and liquids. Self contained ventilation means for the removal of any toxic fumes and gases associated with welding and related processes is also included.

Abstract: A floating, barge unloader system by which open hopper barges containing granular materials are rapidly unloaded by picking up, rotating the barge and dumping its contents. The open, loaded hopper barge is positioned above a lowered barge lifting platform and secured to it by latch beams and hydraulic clamps. Compressed air is released into the ballast tanks of the barge lifting platform, forcing the ballast water from the tanks, causing the barge lifting platform with the barge secured on it to rise along guide rails. Hydraulically operated, rotating arms affixed to the support structure upon which the guide assembly is mounted attach to the barge lifting platform and rotate the barge lifting platform with the mounted barge and up and about the guide assembly, including pivot elements located along the sides of said support structure during the pivoting of the barge/platform up approximately one hundred angular degrees.

Abstract: A stabilizing system for use in joining flanged pipe sections together in an underwater environment including at least one flange stabilizing element having a back plate portion with a support portion affixed thereto and extending orthogonally out therefrom a distance substantially in excess of the thickness of one flange, providing laterally spaced lines of support adjacent to the front of the flange at different vertical positions along its width defining a curved support tray area consistent with the curvature of the flanges of the pipe sections to be joined. At least one stub also extends orthogonally out from said back plate portion having a diameter less than the diameter of the bolt holes of the flanges.

Abstract: An individual wastewater treatment plant 1 including an aeration piping sub-system 27, 28 and an inverted, cone-shaped clarifier 13 concentrically suspended within an outer tank 10, the clarifier being supported by a support grid of standard-type PVC plastic pipe elements, including a series of four radially disposed pipe sections 21 engaging the clarifier and supporting and positioning the aeration piping system. The aeration piping is force fitted into "U" shaped slots formed in the support grid. Two embodiments for the clarifier engagement and support sub-system are disclosed, one using a series of peripherally spaced, thin slotted, inverted "T" elements 23 (FIG. 4) and the other using radial pipe sections 30 extending through the wall of the clarifier (FIG. 6), with the latter using a side-ways "U" slot 31 to hold the aeration piping and the first embodiment using inverted "U" 26 slots formed in the bottom of additional "T" elements 25 (FIG. 3).

Abstract: A hand manipulable device for removing the intestine or "vein" from the tall of crustaceans such as shrimp or the like. The device includes means to pierce the body or "tail" of the shrimp, blocking means to prevent overpenetration, pressing means, gripping means for gripping the vein of the shrimp, and handle means for gripping the device. The exemplary embodiment of the present invention is in the general form a pincer for gripping and lifting the vein from the shrimp tail. A new and unique method of deveining crustaceans utilizes a heretofore undisclosed pulling action, as compared to the pushing action disclosed in the prior art. The present invention teaches a superior device and method which work with any size shrimp, will not mutilate the shrimp, can be used with shelled or unshelled shrimp, and remove the whole vein in a consistent manner from uncooked shrimp with ease.

Abstract: A sock with a pocket in which the fabric of the sock itself is used as the primary material used in the construction of the sock compartment. The present invention contemplates a variety of embodiments, including both horizontal and vertical opening members for the pocket(s), as well as teaching a variety of means of closure, including zippers (FIG. 4), "Velcro" (.TM.) (FIG. 5), buttons (FIG. 6), strings or ribbons (FIG. 7), and the like, or no closure (FIG. 8). The method of the present invention may be used with "off-the-shelf" socks and the like, and comprises essentially the folding over of the cuff of the sock, "sealing" the fold by sewing the folded portion to create a compartment, and providing resealable closure means to enter said compartment via the use of the "Velcro" (.TM.), buttons, zippers, snaps or the like, with a slit (which can be reinforced) being made through the material at the closure means to provide access into the compartment.

Abstract: A method for treating and curing the smoking habit and the like in adults, including the use of an oral, oval, disc-shaped object, which is of the size that can be easily placed in the mouth and on the tongue of the user. When the urge to smoke arises, the oral object is placed in the mouth on the tongue, and the object is sucked and moved about the mouth under the action of the tongue, causing salivation, gastric acid secretion, and stimulation of the cranial nerve endings in the tongue in a like-fashion to the stimulation caused by smoking cigarettes and the like. The invention can also be used to treat and cure over-eating. The oral device is preferably attached to a necklace-like chain or the like for wearing by the user about the neck, making the oral device readily available for oral use.

Abstract: An improvement in chemical cutting apparatus for use down within a well bore comprising improved means of discharging a cutting agent in conjunction with an automatic means of pressure relief. The relief also includes an expendable plug and an "O" ring assembly, which acts to prevent clogging of the relief port prior to firing of the cutting apparatus. The pressure relief is made small enough and is so located to prevent it from interfering with the normal operation of the cutting tool, but nonetheless is effective in relieving the built-up high internal pressure when the tool malfunctions. The improved means of application of cutting fluid includes a discharge/containment sub assembly which contains means of driving the cutting agent from the assembly via a piston actuation arrangement.

Abstract: A conversion backhoe-to-crane type system, including preferably a box type, 50' boom and two, hydraulically driven cable or line winches, the hoist one of which is mounted directly on the crane-like boom. The winches have "true free fall" characteristics, by using a high torque, radial piston hydraulic motor directly driving the drum, which motor can be put into a "neutral" disposition, exerting no significant drag on the cable winch drum when it unwinds under the force of the suspended load and/or work implement falling under the force of gravity. Additionally, a supplemental braking system, e.g. a disc brake carried on the winch drum shaft, is added. Thus, the winch drum becomes truly free wheeling, when the hydraulic winch is put in "neutral," but can still be controlled, when desired, by the supplemental disc brake sub-system. A second, spring apply, disc brake is included for emergency back-up. For exemplary purposes, the backhoe conversion is illustrated in a dragline configuration (FIG.

Abstract: An artificial submerged structure and underwater wellhead protection system for sheltering a submerged, permanently or temporarily abandoned wellhead utilizing a sloped structure configured to prevent nets, anchors, and the like from entangling or otherwise damaging the wellhead. The exemplary embodiment of the present invention is in the form of a pyramidal structure which is designed to rest on the sea floor, enveloping the wellhead. The present invention is prefabricated and designed to be assembled on the vessel above the well site before installation on the sea floor. The wellhead protector is designed to protect the wellhead from any anchoring, trawling or related activities, as well as protecting any nets or the like from becoming damaged due to entanglement with the wellhead. Anchoring means is also disclosed for providing a firm placement of the shelter relative the wellhead in those cases where large anchors, oyster dredges, trawl boards and the like might tend to knock over the structure.

Abstract: A disposable, internally applied penile erection aid having support means in the form of a hollow tube inserted into the urethra and having in combination therewith to hold the support tube in place comprising an exterior plastic or nylon member formed to fit over the head of the penis and latex sheath, formed to fit over the body of the penis. Another function of this invention is to aid in maintaining or prolonging an existing erection through the constriction of blood flow.

Abstract: An air control device, having a panel which opens and closes in response to changes in environmental conditions in a building, preferably is sized to replace a ceiling tile in a conventional drop ceiling. The air control device may be responsive, for example, to a change in temperature of the air space above a conventional drop ceiling, raising the panel when the temperature drops to near freezing, allowing air from below the drop ceiling to commingle with air above the drop ceiling. A support in rolling contact with the underside of the panel maintains the panel open, the support including a fusible fire link which fails or fractures in the event of a fire, thus allowing the panel to fall, insuring that the fire rating of the ceiling is not compromised.