Abstract: A connecting system for connecting a first mesh sheet to a member comprising a housing member, a first loop portion, and a first pin member. The housing member defines a loop passageway, and the housing member is adapted to be rigidly connected to the member. The first loop portion is formed on the first mesh sheet and extends into the loop passageway. The first pin member extends through the first loop portion of the first mesh sheet such that a force applied to the first mesh sheet away from the housing member causes the first pin member to engage the housing member and the loop portion to inhibit movement between the first mesh sheet and the member. In one preferred embodiment, the member is a concrete panel. In another preferred embodiment, the member is a second mesh sheet.

Abstract: A boat-lift system adapted to move a smaller boat relative to a larger boat. The boat-lift system comprises a structural support, a lift structure, a pivot system, and an actuator assembly. The structural support is adapted to be rigidly connected to a transom of the larger boat. The lift structure defines a second pivot portion, an actuator portion, an extension portion, and first and second boat-engaging portions. The pivot system connects the first and second pivot portions to allow rotation of the lift structure between first and second lift positions relative to the structural support. Actuation of the actuator assembly causes the lift structure to move between the first and second lift positions. When the smaller boat is in a docking position adjacent to the lift structure, operation of the actuator assembly moves the lift structure to lift the smaller boat from the docking position to a first storage position.

Abstract: A removal system for removing a waste metal from a waste solution. The removal system comprises outer and inner containers, inlet, intermediate, and outlet conduits, and first and second reaction media. The inner container defines an upper wall portion and is located within the outer container. The inlet conduit allows fluid to flow to the inner chamber and extends through the upper wall portion of the inner container. The intermediate conduit allows fluid flow from the inner chamber to the outer chamber. The outlet conduit allows fluid flow out of the outer chamber. The first reaction media located in the inner container. The second reaction media located in the outer container. The waste solution is forced along a removal path through the inlet conduit, the first reaction media, the intermediate conduit, the second reaction media, and the outlet conduit.

Abstract: A tidal gate system for a regulating the flow of tidal waters between a first side and a second side of a main opening. The tidal gate system comprises a primary door member defining a regulated opening, a secondary door member sized and dimensioned to cover the regulated opening, a door float, and a regulation float Gravity biases the primary and secondary door members into their closed positions. The door float causes the secondary door assembly to move out of its closed position when a primary water level on the first side of the main opening exceeds a predetermined regulated opening level. The regulation float is operatively connected to the secondary door assembly such that the regulation float forces the secondary door assembly into its closed position when the primary water level exceeds a predetermined regulation float level.

Abstract: A cockpit system for a kayak having a deck and a cockpit opening defined in the deck. The cockpit system comprises bow and stern deck portions, a coaming assembly, and a transition member. The bow and stern deck portions form the deck. The cockpit opening is formed in the bow deck portion. The deck gap region is formed between the bow deck portion and the stern deck portion. The coaming assembly extends around the cockpit opening. The transition member is arranged between the bow deck portion and the stern deck portion. The transition member is sized and dimensioned to fill the deck gap region.

Abstract: Methods and wheel assemblies for supporting a bag that is tilted and pulled along a surface. A wheel housing, a strut member, a spring member, and a wheel member are provided. The wheel housing is rigidly attached to a bottom edge of the bag. The strut member is mounted within the housing for movement between first and second positions. The spring member is arranged between the wheel housing and the strut member to oppose movement of the strut member from the first position to the second position. The wheel member is rotatably attached to the strut member such that at least a portion of the wheel member extends out of the wheel housing as the strut member moves between the first and second positions. The wheel member engages the surface and rotates to allow the bag to roll along the surface when the bag is tilted and pulled. The strut member is substantially vertically aligned when the bag is tilted and pulled and when the strut member moves between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A rake system for removing underwater vegetation comprising a plate assembly, a handle assembly, and a line. The plate assembly comprises first and second engaging members each defining an engaging edge. The handle assembly is attached to the plate assembly. The line is attached to the handle assembly. During use, the user grips the handle assembly to toss the plate assembly to a first underwater location. The user then pulls the line to displace the plate assembly from the first underwater location along a harvest path. The engaging edges of the engaging members are adapted to engage the underwater vegetation to fix the underwater vegetation relative to the plate assembly such that continued pulling on the line removes the underwater vegetation in a harvest region defined by the harvest path.

Abstract: A distancing system for determining a distance between first and second locations comprising mobile and fixed units. The mobile unit is arranged at the first location and comprises first receive and first transmit portions operating at respective first and second frequencies, first and second baseband processors operating based on first and second clock signals, and a first control portion. The fixed unit is arranged at the second location and comprises second receive and transmit portions operating at the respective second and first frequencies, a third baseband processor operating based on a third clock signal, a second control portion, and a mode switch. The configuration of mode switch circuit allows communication between the fixed and mobile units or a determination of the distance between first and second locations.

Abstract: A diesel hammer system for driving piles. In one form of the invention, a control pinion is attached to a cam member employed to adjust the volume of a fuel portion of a pump chamber. A control rack is arranged to engage the control pinion such that linear movement of the control rack is translated into rotational movement of the control pinion. A hydraulic cylinder assembly is provided having a control housing and a control piston. The control piston is attached to the control rack such that linear movement of the control piston is transferred to the control rack. Hydraulic fluid is introduced into the control housing to cause linear movement of the control piston. Conventional hydraulic controls may be used at a remote location to introduce hydraulic fluid into the appropriate portions of the control housing chamber. In another form of the invention, indicia are formed on a housing of the variable fuel pump to allow an operator to see the setting of the fuel pump.

Abstract: A dump truck system comprising a vehicle, a trailer assembly, and hitch assembly. The trailer assembly comprises a trailer frame assembly. The hitch assembly connects the support member to the vehicle. In one embodiment, the trailer assembly further comprises a support member attached to the trailer frame assembly and a suspension assembly arranged between the support member and the trailer frame assembly. The suspension assembly resiliently opposes transmission of shocks from the trailer frame assembly to the vehicle as the vehicle pulls the trailer assembly. In another embodiment, the vehicle comprises a vehicle bed having a gate assembly movable between open and closed positions, the a trailer frame assembly is operable in a selected one of a rail configuration and a notch configuration, and a trailer bed is adapted to be supported by the trailer frame assembly. The trailer assembly is operable in a tow configuration a transfer configuration.

Abstract: A modular pile system. The pile system comprises first and second cylindrical plastic pile members and a detent system. Each of the pile members has an upper end and a lower end. The detent system connects the upper end of the first pile member to the lower end of the second pile member. The detent means allow the second pile member to be displaced into a desired position relative to the first pile member but substantially prevent relative movement between the first and second pile members when the second pile member is in the desired position.

Abstract: A clip for sheet materials comprising a clip member and a collar member. The clip member is made of resilient material such that the clip member may be deformed from a normally open configuration into a closed position. The clip member defines first and second finger portions that do not engage each other when the clip member is in the open configuration and engage each other when the clip member is in the closed position. The collar member defines at least one latch portion, a lever portion, and a housing interior. The collar member is made of resilient material such that applying a force to the lever portion causes the collar member to deform from a normally engaged configuration to a disengaged configuration.

Abstract: A system for converting hydrogen into mechanical energy. The system comprises a combustion chamber, an ignition system, and accumulator, a propulsion system, and a control valve. Hydrogen, oxygen, and water are introduced into the combustion chamber. The ignition system ignites a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen in the combustion chamber. A source of working fluid is operatively connected to the combustion chamber such that expanding fluid within the combustion chamber acts on the working fluid to pressurize the working fluid. The accumulator is connected to the combustion chamber such that pressurized fluid within the combustion chamber flows into the accumulator. The propulsion system comprises a cylinder and a piston member arranged within the cylinder. The control valve is connected between the accumulator and the cylinder to control a flow of pressurized working fluid from the accumulator to the cylinder to cause the piston member to move relative to the cylinder.

Abstract: A storage system for paint roller sleeves defining a core cavity. The storage system comprises a bucket member, a lid member, and a roller projection. The bucket member defines a bucket chamber and an upper edge, and paint is arranged within the bucket chamber. The lid member defines an edge wall adapted to engage the upper edge of the bucket member. The roller projection extends into the bucket chamber to support the paint roller sleeve within the bucket chamber. The roller projection defines at least one roller surface sized and dimensioned to engage the core cavity of the paint roller sleeve. The lid member seals the bucket chamber and thereby inhibits drying of the paint stored within the bucket chamber, including any paint on the roller sleeve suspended therein by the roller projection.

Abstract: A retaining wall system for stabilizing an earthen wall. The retaining wall system comprises a plurality of face panels, a plurality of anchor mesh panels, and a plurality of connecting pins. The face panels each comprise a wall portion and at least one connecting portion. Each connecting portion defines a void system comprising at least one third passageway that intersects the mesh opening. In use, the face panels are stacked in a plurality of vertically spaced rows with openings between vertically spaced wall portions. The anchor mesh panels are buried within the earthen wall with a portion of one of the anchor mesh panels inserted into each of the mesh openings. Connecting pins are inserted into one of the third passageways and one of the mesh openings to connect the anchor mesh panels to the face panels. The earthen wall is accessible through the gaps or openings defined by the wall portions.

Abstract: A system for driving a large diameter caisson into the ground, comprising a crane assembly, a plurality of vibratory devices, a clamp assembly, a suspension assembly, and a timing system. Each vibratory device generates a vibratory force. The clamp assembly rigidly secures each of the vibratory devices to one of a plurality of predetermined angularly spaced locations about the caisson. The suspension assembly connects the vibratory devices to the crane assembly such that transmission of vibratory forces from the vibratory devices to the crane assembly is inhibited. The timing system operatively connects the plurality of vibratory devices to synchronize the vibratory forces generated thereby.

Abstract: A hand float for forming a concrete slab. The hand float comprises a substantially rectangular float member, a handle member, first and second screw members that attach the handle member to the float member, and a leveling device attached to the handle member. he user of the hand float grasps the handle member to work the concrete slab before the slab is cured. The user of the hand float views the leveling device while working the concrete slab to ensure that the portion of the slab being worked is substantially flat and substantially at a desired level.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly through which texture material is dispensed from an aerosol system to substantially match an existing texture pattern. The nozzle assembly comprises an actuator member, at least one outlet member, and an outlet structure. The actuator member has a stem portion adapted to engage the aerosol system, an actuator opening, and an actuator passageway for allowing fluid to flow between the stem portion and the actuator opening. The at least one outlet member defines at least one outlet opening. The outlet structure secures the at least one outlet member to the actuator member. The at least one outlet member may be configured such that the outlet opening defines a plurality of cross-sectional areas each corresponding to a predetermined texture pattern. One of the cross-sectional areas is a selected cross-sectional area. The predetermined texture pattern associated with the selected cross-sectional area substantially matches the existing texture pattern.

Abstract: A system for forming ink impressions. The system comprises a housing, a stamping wheel, and an inking assembly comprising an inking member and a support member comprising a single part and defining at least resilient one arm portion. The housing defines a handle portion and first and bracing portions. The support member deforms to force the inking member against the stamping wheel. The support member may comprise a base portion and an engaging portion, where the engaging portion engages and supports the inking member against the stamping wheel. The at least one arm portion may be arranged between the base portion and the engaging portion.