Abstract: A device to assist in removing a fetus from a woman's vagina during childbirth is provided comprising a pliable, elongated, hollow member sized to fit over the head of the fetus and a size adjustable collar attached at one end of the member to restrict the opening of the hollow member at that end to the desired size.

Abstract: A lap top keyboard is provided having an outwardly curved center for user mfort and efficiency. The lap support on an underside of the keyboard is recessed, allowing the keyboard to extend downward to an outside of the user's thighs.

Abstract: An aquatic animal trap is provided, comprising a center enclosed cell having a bottom and mesh sides having at least one entrance passageway formed therein; and at least three radially spaced outer enclosed cells, each of the outer cells having a bottom and mesh sides having at least one entrance passageway formed therein and connected to the center cell via a radial passageway.

Abstract: A boat seat stabilizing apparatus is provided which includes a support column having a base fixedly attachable to the deck of a boat for supporting other connected parts of the device; a first support arm having a front portion pivotally attached to the support column in a manner to remain about horizontal; a second support arm having an upper portion pivotally attached to the first support arm in a manner to remain about vertical, and further including a chair mounting post to which a boat seat chosen by the operator is attachable; a pitch guard mechanism operatively connected to the first support arm and the support column to substantially prevent foreign objects from entering the area of attachment between the first support arm and the support column; and a roll guard mechanism operatively connected to the second support arm and the first support arm to substantially prevent foreign objects from entering the area of attachment between the second support arm and the first support arm.

Abstract: A sample extraction system is provided, comprising a sample container having an inlet and an outlet; a sample inlet line, fluidly connected at one end to a source of sample fluid and at the other end to the inlet of the sample container; a sample exit line, fluidly connected at one end to a desired outlet point and at the other end to the outlet of the sample container; a sample inlet valve, positioned in the sample inlet line; a sample exit valve, positioned in the sample exit line; a dip tube fluidly connected between the sample inlet line and the inlet of the sample container, the dip tube extending a desired distance into the sample container; a disposal line, fluidly connected to the sample inlet line; valves for selecting between inlet flow and disposal flow, adapted to select a flow path either between the source of sample fluid and the inlet of the sample container or between the disposal line and the inlet of the sample container; and a sight glass for determining the presence of gas or liquid in the

Abstract: A process for improved hydrophobic waste storage is described wherein a latex comprising a preformed, high molecular weight polymer having a high affinity for hydrophobic liquids, is sprayed on the waste prior to admixing an inorganic matrix material. Alternately, a liner for use in a waste pit which is to contain hydrophobic waste liquids or concentrated aqueous salt solutions is produced in situ by blending and compacting a latex comprising a hydrophobic polymer and clay onto the surface of the waste pit.

Abstract: A biofeedback activated orthosis for foot-drop rehabilitation is provided including a lifting mechanism, a control circuit, a muscle activity sensing mechanism, and an electrogoniometer. The lifting mechanism lifts a foot through the swing phase of a gait cycle by way of a drive motor mechanism which pulls a cable passing between a foot brace and a shin brace. The drive motor mechanism allows the cable to unwind upon heel-strike by way of a slip coupling. The drive motor mechanism is controlled by a control circuit which assimilates and processes an incoming electromyographic (EMG) signal from the muscle activity sensing mechanism detected by EMG electrodes placed on the skin above the dorsiflexor muscles of the user. The control circuit also processes a leg position information signal obtained by a radial resistor attached to a knee brace strapped to the knee for sensing the angular position of the lower leg.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a liner for a waste container is provided, comprising the steps of extruding a flexible envelope, the envelope having ends; flattening the envelope so as to form a top side and a bottom side; cutting a lengthwise slit in the top side of the envelope substantially along the centerline of the envelope; sealing the ends of the envelope; folding the envelope along the centerline; and rolling one end toward the other to form a rolled bundle. A waste container liner may be formed by this process, comprising a flexible envelope including a top side; a bottom side; first and second ends; gusseted side panels connecting the top side and the bottom side; a lengthwise slit in the top side between the first and second ends substantially along the centerline of the envelope; and wherein the top and bottom sides are sealed together at the first and second ends.

Abstract: A method for protecting crops against soil-borne fungi, which method comprises: treating the soil with a fungicidal effective amount of a composition selected from: (a) an N-phosphonomethyl glycine, or salt thereof; (b) a 2-(2-imidazolin-2 yl)quinoline, or salt thereof; and (c) mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A test plug for in-service circuit system and device testing of a power system protective relays and meters utilizing the General Electric type drawout case comprising a base assembly having (i) a series of separated normally closed make-before-break test jacks to receive a test probe, and (ii) an improved male plug assembly attached to and operatively electrically connected to the base assembly and structured to be inserted into the drawout case relay or meter.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for obtaining a spontaneous potential curve, which pparatus is comprised of: (a) an elongated body: (b) a series of vertically spaced electrodes for measuring electrical potential, wherein one of the electrodes is a reference electrode; and (c) a means for recording or transmitting the various electrical potentials to the surface. Preferably the apparatus is part of drillstring for taking measurements while drilling.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a liner for a waste container is provided, comprising the steps of extruding a flexible envelope, the envelope having ends; flattening the envelope so as to form a top side and a bottom side; cutting a lengthwise slit in the top side of the envelope substantially along the centerline of the envelope; sealing the ends of the envelope; folding the envelope along the centerline; and rolling one end toward the other to form a rolled bundle. A waste container liner may be formed by this process, comprising a flexible envelope including a top side; a bottom side; first and second ends; gusseted side panels connecting the top side and the bottom side; a lengthwise slit in the top side between the first and second ends substantially along the centerline of the envelope; and wherein the top and bottom sides are sealed together at the first and second ends.

Abstract: In a gas-generating chemical reaction carried out in a borehole that is largely filled with water, substantial pressure increases can be generated. This pressure can be used to fracture rocks around the borehole and, hence, stimulate water, oil or gas wells in tight rock formations. This pressure increase can also be used to fracture coal seams for enhanced in-situ gasification or methane recovery. This invention discloses the use of a new, novel system, based on the homogeneous reaction of aluminum alkyls with water, to create a controlled pressure increase. The most appropriate reaction mixture, as characterized by the rise of time of the generated pressure pulse and the energy content per unit length of borehole charge, is disclosed in this new invention.

Abstract: An improved scaffold connection is provided, comprising a first ring member having an upper side and a lower side, fixedly attachable to a vertical scaffold member; a connector body having a first end, a second end, a top, a bottom and sides, fixedly attachable at its second end to one end of a horizontal scaffold member having an upper surface, the connector body including a section for attachment of the connector body to the upper side of the first ring member, extending from the first end of the connector body; a cavity, extending through the body and opening exterior of the body at a first opening in the first end and a second opening in the second end; and a support element fixedly positioned in the cavity, the support element having a curved support surface; and a latch member, positioned in the cavity and having a first end extending through the first opening, the latch member being pivotal within the cavity and having a curved base section, matingly slidable on and supported by the support surface.

Abstract: An aquatic animal trap is provided, comprising a center enclosed cell having a bottom and mesh sides having at least one entrance passageway formed therein; and at least three radially spaced outer enclosed cells, each of the outer cells having a bottom and mesh sides having at least one entrance passageway formed therein and connected to the center cell via a radial passageway.

Abstract: A video inspection system for hazardous environments is provided, comprising a housing, sealable so as to contain a pressurized gas therein, having a view opening therein and further including a valve for introducing pressurized gas into the housing, connected to the housing; and a transparent lens, sealingly affixed across the view opening; a camera for recording visual images through the view opening, mounted within the housing; and a power supply, for powering the camera, mounted within the housing and operatively connected to the camera. A method for operating the above system is also provided, including the steps of substantially purging undesirable gases from the interior of the housing; sealing the housing, eliminating external connections thereto; introducing non-flammable gas to the interior of the housing until the pressure in the housing reaches a desired level; and operating the camera within the housing.

Abstract: A keyboard instrument is provided, comprising a keyboard housing having a top and a bottom; a handle attached to and extending from the bottom of the keyboard housing; a keyboard having a plurality of keys operatively attached to the top of the housing; a plurality of keyboard controls, mounted on the keyboard housing; a sound component housing; at least one speaker mounted in the sound component housing; a synthesizer, mounted within the sound component housing; and keyboard, sound component and communications circuitry. The instrument may include a volume expression control mounted in the handle, enabling user to control volume expression while maintaining the instrument in a horizontally oriented plane.

Abstract: A tool coupler is provided, comprising an elongated body having upper and lower ends and further including a non-circular first axial bore extending at least partially through the body from the upper end toward the lower end, a flange extending radially from the body, and at least one radial bore communicating between the first axial bore and the exterior of the body, the radial bore being located just above the flange. A collar is positioned around the body, the collar having upper and lower ends, an inner wall and an outer wall, and an annular retaining flange extending radially from the inner wall, the retaining flange being alignable with the radial bore. A cap is positioned in the collar, the cap having an upper surface, an annular outer surface facing the inner surface of the collar, an annular lower surface, the cap further including an axial opening at least as large as and aligned with the first axial bore in the body.

Abstract: Accordingly, a display system is provided whereby visual elements can be independently transported not only around but also parallel to the display axis. The display comprises a central shaft; carriages mounted along the length of this shaft; and visual elements borne by the carriages. Each carriage has a circumferential drive train which can propel it around the shaft, and an axial drive train engageable with a visual element such that the visual element can be passed generally parallel to the shaft from one carriage to an axially adjacent carriage. Ideally, the system is controlled by a computer system which may be programmed to move the carriages and visual elements in complex configurations.

Abstract: A spaceship is provided with a freely spinning propeller mounted on the front end. The propeller significantly reduces resistance to flight and also deflects space particles which might otherwise slow the craft. The sides of the spacecraft have ridges which are coated on the front side with radiation reflecting material and on the back side with radiation absorbing material. The resultant force of radiations being absorbed from the rear and reflected from the front propels the spacecraft forward.