Abstract: A capillary reactor distribution device comprising first and second capillary pathways (2, 3) which meet at a junction (5) and a third capillary pathway (4) which leads away from the junction (5), the capillary pathways (2, 3, 4) being dimensioned such that, when first and second immiscible fluids (14, 15) are fed along respectively the first and second capillary pathways (2, 3) under predetermined laminar flow conditions, the first and second fluids (14, 15) chop each other into discrete slugs (16, 17) which pass along the third capillary pathway (4). Molecular mixing between the fluids (14, 15) takes place by way of axial diffusion between adjacent slugs (16, 17) and by way of internal circulation within each slug (16, 17) as the slugs (16, 17) progress along the third capillary pathway (4).

Abstract: An apparatus for locating rectovaginal fistulas, including a cannula of a predetermined length, open-ended on its first end having an inflatable balloon portion on its closed second end; the first end of the cannula further comprising a cone portion along its length to seal up against the exterior wall entrance to the rectum, after the second end of the cannula has been inserted into a patient's rectum; a fluid line is positioned within the cannula space for inflating the balloon after the cannula is in place in the rectum to seal the distal end of the rectum passage; a plurality of openings are provided along the wall of the cannula between the balloon and the cone at the first end of the cannula; a colored gel or other fluid insertable into the cannula to the extent that the gel or other fluid escapes the cannula through the openings and enters the void between the cannula and the wall of the rectum, with sufficient gel or other fluid entering the void so that gel or fluid would seep into any fistulas prese

Abstract: A vessel (10) designed to operate efficiently as both a catamaran and air cushion vessel can travel at low speed (e.g. Froude number (Fn)=0-0.3) in a catamaran or displacement mode and at high speed (e.g. Froude numbers (Fn)=0.3 or more) in an air cushion or dynamically supported mode. The vessel (10) includes molded catamaran hulls (11, 12) with parabolic waterlines, a flexible, air cushion seal system (16, 17), surface piercing propellers (20) and a propulsion system (e.g. combined diesel and gas turbine). There are preferably auxiliary gas turbines for generating lift air pressure. Forward mounted independently stabilizing foils (30), can optionally facilitate ride stabilization and load compensation at high and low speeds. The foils also generate transverse roll forces to improve high speed maneuvering.

Abstract: An improved tape measure apparatus which can be used as a marking gauge and/or compass comprising a tape measure, an insert comprising a base, a guide attached to the base and generally parallel to graduated indicia markings of the rule blade when extended from the tape measure whereby the graduated markings of the tape measure's rule blade may be read. An alternative embodiment includes an insert enabling standard tape measures to be used as marking gauges and/or compasses.

Abstract: A combination baseball or visor style cap and light assembly wherein in one embodiment the light assembly can be at least partially recessed in the underside of the bill so that the cap appears substantially unaltered in its aesthetic appearance. In one embodiment the light source can be a high intensity LED similar to those used in miniature flashlights and can be furnished in 3 mm or 5 mm size designations (however, any commercially available light source may be used).

Abstract: Method for consolidating an earth stratum situated in a subgrade by withdrawing water that is present in there from it, comprising the stepwise arrangement from the surface of the soil, at some depth, of vertical drain, such as drains, in the earth stratum, the arrangement of horizontal drainage provided by a drainage pipe or pipes, in the upper area of the earth stratum and connecting them to the vertical drain for water transfer between them, the arrangement of an air sealing layer directly over the horizontal drainage pipes and the closing of the surface of the soil, as well as the connection of the horizontal drainage pipes to a pump for discharge of the water.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for altering the charge distribution upon living membranes with functional stabilizational of the membrane physical electrical integrity further comprising a method for using submicroscopic, quadripolar, circular, center charged, energy balanced magnetic device in a four (4) magnet array of alternating polarity in which the magnetic poles are separated only by a distance which will allow a magnetic sphere of influence on all adjacent poles to suppress the firing of action potentials of mammalian sensory neurons. The method and apparatus further provides a static magnetic device for production of a magnetic field for treatment of various disorders.

Abstract: A climbing tree stand apparatus provides upper and lower platforms that are independently movable up the tree by the hunter alternatively sitting and standing on one or the other of the platforms. In order to adjust the angular position of a selected platform relative to the tree, an easily accessible adjustable anchor point is provided. This anchor point enables a cable associated with each platform to be lengthened or shortened in order to maintain the orientation of the platforms in a nearly horizontal position.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus for joining aluminum allow panels (eg. 2090-T83 aluminum lithium alloy). The method preliminarily positions two panels and skin panels next to each other so that a stringer panel overlaps a skin panel. A friction stir weld pin tool penetrates through one panel and at least partially into another panel. The panel material around the pin tool is frictionally heated, plasticized and joined until the faying surface is substantially consumed. In another embodiment, a tee-shaped structure is formed using friction stir welding to join three panels together. A projecting part of one panel (center, vertical) provides material that becomes a contoured corner panel below two side, horizontal panels after friction stir welding is completed (FIGS.

Abstract: A cargo rack for transferring loads between a marine vessel and an offshore marine platform (for example, oil and gas well drilling or production platform) provides a frame having a front, a rear, and upper and lower end portions. The lower end of the frame has a perimeter beam base, a raised floor and a pair of open-ended parallel fork tine tubes or sockets that communicate with the perimeter beam at the front and rear of the frame, preferably being structurally connected (e.g., welded) thereto. Openings in the perimeter beam base align with the forklift tine tubes or sockets. The frame includes a plurality of fixed side walls extending upwardly from the perimeter beam that include at least left and right side walls.

Abstract: A reactor including a rotatable disc (3) having a surface (5) onto which reactant (15) is supplied by way of a feed (4). The disc (3) is rotated at high speed, and the reactant (15) spills over the surface (5) so as to form a film (17). A shear member (18, 20) is mounted close to the surface (5) so as to contact the film (17) during operation of the reactor, thereby applying a shearing force to the reactant (15) so as to aid mixing.

Abstract: An electric motor includes a stator which carries permanent magnets, and a rotor which carries electromagnets. A particular arrangement of connecting up the windings of the electromagnets to the distributing collector and the selection of the ratio of stator magnets to rotor electromagnets enable higher torque to be achieved. The main field of application is in motor-wheels of vehicles.

Abstract: A reactor including a rotatable disc (3) having a surface (5) onto which reactant (15) is supplied by way of a feed (4). The disc (3) is rotated at high speed, and the reactant (15) spills over the surface (5) so as to form a film (17). The surface (5) is provided with features to enhance its surface area, such as a metal mesh (60), thereby helping to increase the residence time of the reactant (15) on the surface (5) and to help mixing.

Abstract: A reversible baseball style cap provides a crown having first and second layers of material that together form a dome shape that enables a user to wear and conform the crown to the user's head, and wherein either layer can be shaped into a concavity that abuts the user's head during use and wherein the outer layer defines an outer exposed surface. A bill of a floating foam material has a first curved edge that is stitched to the crown in between the first and second layers. The bill has a second curved edge defining a front of the cap. An adjustment cord extends through an opening in at least one of the layers at a position opposite the bill. The cord has end portions that are attached to the crown at two positions generally on opposite sides of the cord opening. A sleeve adjustably, slidably attaches to the cord to form an adjustable loop with the cord.

Abstract: An outdoor cooking apparatus includes a main burner section and an auxiliary burner section connectable thereto. A user can cook outdoors with either a single burner arrangement using the main burner section or a double burner arrangement using the main burner section and the auxiliary burner section connected thereto. Upon assembly, the burner sections each provide a burner element that are at respective differing elevational positions, the main burner section providing a burner element at a higher elevation and the auxiliary burner element providing a burner at a lower elevational position. The two burner sections are removably connectable so that the auxiliary burner section can be either connected to or disconnected from the main burner section as selected by a user.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus includes a frame with an upper section for holding a pot and a lower surface for resting upon an underlying support surface. The frame has a burner element that can be a nozzle tube having a commercially available burner nozzle for generating a cooking flame during use. The nozzle can be fueled with propane, butane or the like using a commercially available tank, regulator and supply hose. The frame can include upper and lower rings, the lower ring providing the lower surface and the upper ring having pot support members for holding the bottom of a pot. One or more heat shields positioned below the flame during use lessen heat transfer from the flame to the underlying support surface.

Abstract: A hyperbaric resuscitation system (10) includes a hyperbaric chamber (20) having a volume sufficient to enclose a human patient (1) and at least two operating personnel (60). The system (10) also includes a device for pressurizing the hyperbaric chamber (20) to at least 1.5 atmospheres with air. The concentration of oxygen in high pressure, oxygen-rich gas to be breathed by the patient (1) provided by an independent system (41) at chamber pressure is automatically regulated by a regulating system (33) which receives information about the amount of oxygen in cerebral tissue of the patient (1) from a spectrophotometer (51, 52). Although devices for measuring the exact amount of oxygen in cerebral tissue do not yet exist, the presently available devices can show trends in the amount of oxygen in the tissue. Since the physician working on a patient in a hyperbaric resuscitation system is more concerned about trending than exact values, the present system can still be of great benefit in resuscitating patients.

Abstract: A semi-automatic gift or package wrapping method and apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a machine frame that provides a work surface with measuring and wrapping sections. A sheet feed and cutting mechanism feeds paper from a role in two steps with a time pause in between for enabling a user or operator to partially wrap the package with part of the first section of dispensed paper web. Thereafter, the second section of paper web is dispensed and the web cut transversely at a trailing edge. Multiple selectable supply rolls are optionally provided, or a single roll machine can be used. Longitudinal cutters trim the sides of the paper to obtain a custom desired width for the full cut sheet. A user interface display controls machine functions such as start, continue and sheeter. In the sheeter mode, a selected number of sheets of a selected size can be dispensed and cut for use at another workstation to warp other boxes of known uniform size (i.e. shirt boxes at a department store).