Abstract: A microbiological method of desulfurization (MDS) of hydrocarbon fuels such as coal, coal tar and petroleum uses an aqueous microbial biocatalytic agent which is not significantly reproducing but is still capable of oxidizing inorganic sulfur compounds and/or of selectively cleaving sulfur-carbon bonds in organic compounds, thereby removing sulfur with insignificant losses in fuel value. Microorganisms are selected according to the type of fuel sulfur present and the environment in which the desulfurizing process is to take place. One embodiment allows droplets of highly concentrated cell-water suspensions to pass from the top surface of the fuel through to the bottom, desulfurizing along the way and removing the sulfur products of the process as well. This MDS method can be used during hydrocarbon fuel production, storage, transport, and/or processing conditions, thereby also providing an added benefit in corrosion protection of the vessels used for these functions.

Abstract: A sound attenuating device including an earmuff-like headset with two earpieces that is adjustable to accommodate different sized heads and includes a removable headband sleeve that eliminates hair entanglement. Additionally, one of the earpieces is fixedly attached to an end of the headband while the second earpiece is removable to allow for the removal and replacement of a fitted cotton sleeve which covers the headband. The headband washable cotton sleeve prevents hair entanglement, provides protection related to health and sanitary issues and also provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance. In addition to the removable cotton sleeve for the headband, each of the earpieces is also provided with a removable fitted cotton cover.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to building construction flashing materials that are presented in both liquid and solid form and is useful in new building construction as well as retrofit procedures. The liquid form is comprised of a silicone base which has been reformulated to improve its flowability and self-leveling qualities allowing it to be applied by brush, pump or spray apparatus. It can be used alone or it can serve as a complementary effective moisture barrier when used with the solid form of the elastomeric flashing materials. The solid form of the elastomeric flashing materials can be extruded sheet material, formed specialty accessories, and/or a readily formable metallic substrate material which has been completely coated with the reformulated liquid silicone, resulting in a highly bendable, formable and shape retaining flashing component.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an integral electric range surface burner control switch user interface made up of two components. The first component, which controls the burner temperature setting, is a standard knob which is rotated to turn the burner on, as well as set the desired temperature of the particular surface burner. The second component is a timer control ring integrally mounted around the surface burner temperature control knob. The timer control ring is concentric with and has the same central axis as the surface burner temperature control knob, and is rotatable to set the desired cooking time for the particular surface burner. When the selected amount of time expires, the power to the surface burner element is automatically disconnected and the surface burner is disabled, thus requiring a resetting of the timer for further use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combined portable scoring system and storage/carrier unit. There is disclosed a portable storage/carrier unit which is intended to be used for storing and carrying sporting equipment of any type when used or not used for scoring a game. Upon arrival at a game site, the equipment and first-aid supplies are removed as needed from the storage/carrier unit, closed and placed in an upright position. The storage/carrier unit includes a plurality of pockets formed in the outer planar surface of at least one side of the unit by a plurality of continuous tracks and accommodates scoring number packets, home team and guest team names as well as a sponsor's name. A centrally located rotary pointer dial is provided to indicate the inning or quarter of play. An out indicator is provided as well.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a retractable caster assembly for use on large safes weighing in the 1000 pound range and above. The caster assembly utilizes a plurality of retractable casters which can be lowered to permit moving a safe from one place to another. Once the safe has been moved to its desired location, the caster assembly is raised while the safe is simultaneously lowered to the building floor. The caster assembly eliminates the need for specialized equipment to move the safe. Once the safe is lowered and the caster assembly is retracted, it is totally hidden from view, thus preventing the unauthorized movement of the safe since access to the caster assembly is only available when the safe door is open.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a convertible adjustable crutch/cane which is initially used as a crutch and subsequently used as a cane after the need for a crutch no longer exists. The crutch/cane includes a novel connector hand/grip support that is made of lightweight, high strength molded plastic. The connector hand/grip eliminates the need for complicated metal working steps previously required in known prior art devices. Additionally, there is disclosed a novel underarm support which is economical to produce requiring a minimum amount of material and is useful in a single support crutch.

Abstract: The disclosure pertains to a method and apparatus for converting a standard anaerobic septic tank system to an aerobic system where the effluent discharged has a high level of quality, sufficient to meet or exceed all known national and state standards. The method provides a series of steps that are used to convert a pre-existing anaerobic septic tank to a highly efficient aerobic system. Additionally, there has been provided an apparatus for individual home wastewater treatment that is designed for new construction units. The conversion and new construction units are highly effective in geographical regions where the native soils have inadequate percolating capacity and also areas in which the groundwater table is very near the surface. Both of these units include an aeration and a clarifier insert with the capability of adding an optional chlorine chamber which dispenses chlorine into the effluent line in its final stages.