Abstract: A device for reducing knot slippage comprising a ring or tube segment having inner and outer walls forming an opening therein and top and bottom rims. Either one or both of the rims have a series of pointed protrusions extending from the rim. Laces passing through the opening and then knotted at least partially engage the protrusions, thereby reducing slippage of the knot and keeping the laces tied.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and process for conveying a printed object, such as a printed bottle. The apparatus comprises a vacuum pump for supplying a vacuum and a rotationally driven central shaft operably associated with the vacuum pump. The central shaft has a bore therethrough for carrying a vacuum. A rotary disc is mounted on the central shaft for rotation therewith for conveying the printed object sequentially from a receipt station to a discharge station. The rotary disc has a front face, a back face and an internal vacuum chamber for carrying a vacuum. The internal vacuum chamber is in communication with the central shaft's bore and the vacuum pump. Additionally, the front face has at least one vacuum port. A valve system is preferably associated with the vacuum port for controlling the delivery of the vacuum to the vacuum port so that suction created by the vacuum picks-up the object at the receipt station.

Abstract: A spill containment device for a ship such as an oil tanker includes a pouch which is mounted on the outer, uppermost hull section. The pouch completely encircles the hull. A flexible fluid-impervious skirt is affixed along one edge to the interior of the pouch. The skirt is folded and stored within the pouch, which is held shut by a releasable closure device such as a zipper. When activated, the pouch is caused to fully open about its bottom by a deployment mechanism enabling the skirt to drop and depend down from the hull into the water. The skirt is preferably weighted about its bottom and provides an impervious barrier to the leaking contaminant, trapping the contaminant with its periphery. Rescue vessels can then pump the oil out from within the skirt into a removal vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying printed material to a cylindrical object is provided which eliminates the need for individually chucking each object, thereby significantly decreasing production time. The need for a squeegee to transfer the paint or dye onto the cylindrical object is also eliminated, resulting in longer screen life and further decreasing production time. A process for using this improved apparatus is also provided for.