Abstract: A measurement interferometer (40) having a frame structure (43), a laser source (12), a detector (14), a beam splitter (18), a reference retroreflector (28), a reference holder (20) and a test retroreflector (30). The reference rertoreflector (28) and beam splitter (18) are disposed in fixed relation to the reference holder (20) to constitute a splitter-holder assembly (16). The test retroreflector (30) and the splitter-holder assembly (16) are movable relative to each other and both are movably mounted on the fine structure (43). Preferably, the test retroreflector (30) is situated between the reference holder (20) and the beam splitter (18). In a particular embodiment the beam splitter (18) is connected to the reference holder (20) by a carbon composite rod (22), and the test retroreflector (30) is mounted on a probe (34) made from a carbon composite. In one embodiment, the reference retroreflector (28) is integral with the beam splitter (18).

Abstract: A collection device (10) or a recovery device (13) made up of several interconnected collection devices is usable in a method for collecting a floating liquid, e.g., oil, from the surface of a body of a first liquid, e.g., water. Recovery device (13) includes one or more collection devices (110, 210, 310, 410), each of which includes a flotation member (112, 212, 312, 412) having a first regulator frame (114, 214, 314, 414) connected to a receiving tray (118, 218, 318, 418) having a suction port (120, 220, 320, 420). The respective suction ports of the receiving trays are connected to one or more pumps (22, 22′, 24, 24′) which transport the collected floating liquid from the receiving trays to a collection conduit (34). A liquid separator (36) may be connected to the collection conduit (34) for receiving the collected liquids and separating them. The pumps may be operated by movement of the body of liquid on which the device (13) floats, such as the natural wave action of a body of water.

Abstract: A collection device (10) or a recovery device (13) made up of several interconnected collection devices is usable in a method for collecting a floating liquid, e.g., oil, from the surface of a body of a first liquid, e.g., water. Recovery device (13) includes one or more collection devices (110, 210, 310, 410), each of which includes a flotation member (112, 212, 312, 412) having a first regulator frame (114, 214, 314, 414) connected to a receiving tray (118, 218, 318, 418) having a suction port (120, 220, 320, 420). The respective suction ports of the receiving trays are connected to one or more pumps (22, 22′, 24, 24′) which transport the collected floating liquid from the receiving trays to a collection conduit (34). A liquid separator (36) may be connected to the collection conduit (34) for receiving the collected liquids and separating them. The pumps may be operated by movement of the body of liquid on which the device (13) floats, such as the natural wave action of a body of water.

Abstract: A hanger (100) comprising a suspension hook (102), a shank (104) and a retainer (106) is fashioned from a single piece of heavy gauge wire curved into a predetermined shape. Suspension hook (102) has a tip (114) capable of easily penetrating heave gauge sheeting material such as 6 mil polyethylene or canvas. Retainer (106) is configured to engage a ceiling tile support rail either between a support rail and a ceiling tile or between a support rail and a wall. In other embodiments, the hanger (100) may be configured to engage a masonry nail or other fastener or may be configured to be driven directly into the wall. The hanger may be bent in a single plane or bent in two or more planes.

Abstract: A pump (10) comprises a pair of bladders (28,30) attached to respective opposite sides of a flexure plate (32) for pumping fluid by alternately compressing and expanding the bladders. Each bladder has at least one input connector (22, 34) with a one-way valve (38) therein and at least one output connector (24, 36) with a one-way valve (40) therein, in order to provide one-way flow of fluid through each of the bladders. The pump (10) is positioned to be acted upon by a moving liquid, such as natural wave action of a body of water, for example, by being connected to floating objects on the surface. The moving liquid causes the flexure plate (32) to bend in an undulate manner, first in one direction and then in the other. This bending action causes fluid to be alternately drawn into and expelled from the bladders as the bladders are alternately expanded and compressed.