Abstract: An emergency buoyancy system for small water craft without built-in flotation which includes an elongate, inflatable container of sausage-like shape having a support harness at each end. Flexible battens distributed crosswise of the container provide stabilization and an optional abrasion resistant envelope can protect the containers against abrasion or puncturing. The devices are to be suspended below the hull of a vessel and inflated to provide additional buoyancy to aid in the flotation of the craft.

Abstract: A biopsy needle for excising tissue specimens for microscopic examination including a tubular sheath having an axially extending open-side and a tapered point. The open side is provided with opposed grooves which guide a slidable stylet having a tapered end with sharp cutting edges. The tapered end of the stylet is either preformed to curve to the tapered point of the sheath or guided in internal grooves of the sheath to the insertion point of the sheath to occlude the tapered end of the sheath and incise and enclose a tissue specimen.

Abstract: A device for temporary application to the hull of small craft to close accidental breaches in the hull which includes a mat having a raised annular wall to surround and close off a breach from the water surrounding the hull. Suction cups are arranged on the mat around the wall to hold the mat against the hull. Reinforcing ribs can prevent pressure collapse of the mat within the wall and internal mechanical fastenings may supplement the action of the suction cups.

Abstract: A portable device for closing a breach in a boat hull from the inside or the outside which includes an inflatable shallow dome sortable in a cylindrical form and automatically inflatable by the use of a self-contained cartridge to cause expansion into a non-buoyant shallow dome which can seal against a hull breach and enable a damaged boat to reach port.