Abstract: A girth adjustable waist belt that easily converts to a diver's buoyancy compensator with/without integrated weight system and can also easily convert to a utility backpack and belt in which one single size will fit the general population is provided. The mega-adjustable feature also provides secure yet expandable lower back and abdominal support offering physical protection in stressful work conditions. A dive belt is also provided for use by divers during underwater activities, such as scuba diving. The belt comprises a body member and a rapid release weight system which is quickly removal while the belt remains in place on the diver. The belt can also provide for horizontally mounted supplemental air supply system, for use in the event a main air supply is lost or not wanted. In all embodiments, an elastic depth compensator can be built into the belt, insuring a snug fit of the belt at any depth. The belt has a plurality of D-rings for convenient equipment management.

Abstract: An inflatable diver marker and collection bag is disclosed which can be utilized by a diver for collecting lobster, conch, etc., as well as providing for a diver location marker to boats and other water vehicles traveling in the vicinity of the diver. The dive marker/collection bag also provides for an individual ascent line for the diver. The inflatable dive marker/collection bag allows the diver to send the collected items to the surface without the diver having to surface. In one embodiment, the shape of at least the bottom half of the collection bag is “bell” shaped to help prevent the collected items from escaping when additional items to the collection bag. Additional embodiments for a dive marker are also shown.

Abstract: A method and composition to help persons reduce or quit smoking is disclosed, employing raw tobacco leaves, or tobacco fluid extract, or food grade tobacco like flavor and aroma, and Antioxidants, with or without and SAMe and caffeine. All ingredients can be in a micro-powdered or liquid form, for buccal administration. The composition can be in a tablet or capsule that is intended to be slowly sucked and dissolved in the mouth, and that delivers the nicotine, caffeine or SAMe, proved to be effective in alleviating smoking withdrawal symptoms. The composition can also be embedded inside a soft squeezable plastic cigarette for simulated smoking, providing additional periodic doses of nicotine, caffeine and SAMe to satisfy cravings for cigarettes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the tension in bolts, screws, rivets, and other fasteners, is disclosed wherein the deformation of the fastener head is measured, (or the end of fastener in such cases as there is not a distinct formed head, for example stud bolts). The deformation generally is an analytic function of the tension in the fastener. The deformation is a continuous two-dimensional distribution over the surface of the fastener head, which allows redundant measurement and therefore more reliable measurement of fastener total axial tension, and also allows in some instances an evaluation of the bending stresses in the fastener from the distortion of the deformation pattern on the head. An advantage of the invention is that the length of the fastener or its temperature need not be known. The measurements can be determined by optical, capacitance, optical imaging, air gauging and piezoresistive techniques.

Abstract: A multi-chambered torque personal flotation device for corrective turning action of a weighted individual. The multi-chambered device is capable of being adjusted to provide a wide range of buoyancy as might be needed under differing degrees of ballistic protection. An eccentric mobile buoyant system complements a massive displacement required to float the armored victim by providing the energy required to reliably initiate corrective turning action, regardless of the gear worn, position of water entry, or state of consciousness of the wearer. In the event the conscious victim desires to shed the body armor, a series of quick release members allow the victim to shed their ballistics vest while retaining their life jacket. The integrated life jacket upon separation from the heavily ballasted body armor continues to provide reliable airway protection.

Abstract: An integrated or attached (built in or retrofitted) space occupying (fills space beneath the chin) cephalic restraint collar (holds the head in the axis of rotation) for improved personal flotation device (“PFD”) performance. The restraint assists with aligning and securing the head and neck in line with the axis of rotation. In this position the ballast of the head is divided evenly about the axis of rotation negating its ability to oppose effective rotation. The cephalo-cervical restraint improves the efficacy of all PFD designs elements targeting turning. By guiding the head into a cylindrical notch in the posterior cervical foam behind the victim's head the head is then aligned along the axis of rotation where the heads 14-17 pounds of ballast is symmetrically distributed about that axis.