Abstract: A system and method ensures that the wet lines of a bottom loading petroleum cargo tank remain free of hazardous liquid during transit. The system and method continuously monitor and automatically purge liquid that collects in the wet lines during transit, for example from a leaking emergency valve. The system includes a liquid sensor positioned at a low point in the wet line, a low pressure purge controller in electrical communication with the liquid sensor and a solenoid valve in electrical communication with the purge controller. The system further includes a one-way flow valve in flow communication with the solenoid valve and the wet line. The solenoid valve is also in flow communication with an external source of compressed gas, such as the air system of the cargo tank or an auxiliary air supply. Preferably, the system further includes a remote warning indicator for indicating to the operator of the cargo tank that a particular wet line is leaking excessively.

Abstract: A drum tuning device distributes the drawing force exerted on the drumhead by the tensioning lugs over an increased circumferential segment of the drum hoop. The tuning device includes a generally planar, relatively thin tuning plate having a circumferential dimension, a radial dimension and a thickness dimension. The circumferential dimension is substantially greater than the radial dimension and the thickness dimension. The tuning plate includes an arcuate inner surface conforming to the radial contour of the drum hoop and an outer surface substantially parallel to the inner surface. The tuning plate has an opening therethrough positioned medially between the inner surface and the outer surface. The tuning plate is positioned between the head portion of one of the tensioning lugs and the drum hoop.

Abstract: A method of reducing the curing time of drywall joint compound, and thereby reducing the time required to finish drywall joints or to repair plaster walls, includes adding a predetermined amount of a drying agent to a conventional ready-mixed drywall joint compound. The drying agent preferably comprises at least one compound selected from the group of compounds consisting of plaster of Paris, calcium carbonate, gypsum, crystallized silicon dioxide (quartz), Portland cement, perlite, lime, hydroxy ethyl ether of cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, starch, wood fiber, potassium naphthalene sulfon, aluminum sulfate, sodium citrate, ammonium tartrate, hydrolyzed protein, monosodium phosphate, sodium naphthalene sulfonate, potassium sulfate and various trace materials, or mixtures thereof A sufficient amount of water is added to the drying agent to facilitate mixing the drying agent with the drywall joint compound to form a joint compound mixture.

Abstract: A composite yarn formed of melt-fusible thermoplastic fibers combined with selected other fibers and/or materials includes a containment barrier that encapsulates one or more core materials which may present a threat of contamination to workers and/or the environment. The composite yarn includes a core covered by an adhesive layer of thermoplastic material which forms a containment barrier, combined with one or more subsequent overlying layers of fibers wrapped or otherwise applied thereto using conventional yarn construction methods. In a preferred embodiment the core material is coated with a liquid adhesive, and preferably a polyester-based polyurethane which contains silicon grit, just prior to being wrapped with one or more layers of fibers which form the containment barrier. The cured and finished composite yarn is designed for knitting and weaving fabrics, or for otherwise forming cordage and non-woven products.

Abstract: A jumper management assembly for managing the routing of fiber optic cable jumpers is disclosed. The assembly fits within a conventional equipment rack. The assembly has a panel with two fiber support trays attached on its back side. The assembly also has ports located in the panel near the support trays. An excess length of a fiber optic cable jumper may be routed from the rear of electronics or other components in the equipment rack using the support trays, portals, and panel.

Abstract: A versatile, lightweight and compact utility cart is provided for supporting and transporting a variety of landscaping appliances. The utility cart includes a base defining a generally planar platform, a plurality of wheels rotatably mounted to the base and a handle extending upwardly from the base. The utility cart may also include a mounting arm extending outwardly from the base in the plane of the platform for adjustably mounting an accessory of the landscaping appliance. In one embodiment, the utility cart further includes a retaining arm pivotally mounted to the base and the retaining arm includes an adjustable retaining guide for temporarily retaining the landscaping appliance between the retaining arm and the platform. In a second embodiment, the utility cart further includes a mounting bracket having a U-shaped flange at one end and an L-shaped flange at the other end for temporarily securing the landscaping appliance to the platform.

Abstract: Protective articles that provide an unprecedented level of safety and comfort are made of a composite fabric in a continuous, one-step process. The composite fabric incorporates two or more dissimilar yarns or materials, such as thermoplastics, elastomers, metals and other materials not commonly viewed as textiles, each having dissimilar mechanical properties and characteristics that provide optimum protection against the threats of injury associated with a particular application. The continuous, one-step manufacturing process overcomes the disadvantages of the existing labor intensive, costly process of piecing together a protective article from a plurality of separate fabrics made of different materials. Thus, the invented process is both cost effective and minimizes the inefficient use of a heavy weight fabric in regions of the article where exceptional protection is not critical to avoid the accompanying loss of tactile sensitivity and increase in the stiffness and rigidity of the article.

Abstract: A transport hood for protecting personnel from exposure to the bodily fluids of a detainee includes a top portion, a bottom portion joined to the top portion and a cinching grommet. The top portion is made of a transparent, fine mesh material and has a continuous lowermost edge. The bottom portion is made of a breathable, fluid impervious material and has a continuous uppermost edge and a continuous lowermost edge. Preferably, a first length of elastic is sewn to the lowermost edge of the top portion and to the uppermost edge of the bottom portion to gather the bottom portion of the transport hood below the eyes of the detainee. A second length of elastic is preferably sewn to the lowermost edge of the bottom portion to gather the bottom portion just below the chin of the detainee. Preferably, the cinching grommet is a thin disk having an opening formed therethrough for grasping and securing a variable amount of the excess material of the top portion of the transport hood.

Abstract: A composite yarn formed of melt-fusible thermoplastic fibers combined with selected other fibers and/or materials includes a containment barrier that encapsulates one or more core materials which may present a threat of contamination to workers and/or the environment. The composite yarn includes a core covered by an adhesive layer of thermoplastic material which forms a containment barrier, combined with one or more subsequent overlying layers of fibers wrapped or otherwise applied thereto using conventional yarn construction methods. In a preferred embodiment the core material is coated with a liquid adhesive, and preferably a polyester-based polyurethane which contains silicon grit, just prior to being wrapped with one or more layers of fibers which form the containment barrier. The cured and finished composite yarn is designed for knitting and weaving fabrics, or for otherwise forming cordage and non-woven products.

Abstract: An adjustable male condom securely retains the male condom on the penis of the wearer, thereby effectively preventing unwanted pregnancy and protecting against communicable diseases transmitted by the exchange of bodily fluids. The adjustable male condom includes a flaccid pouch made of an elastic, thin, disposable film material that is impervious to bodily fluids. The flaccid pouch includes an elongate, hollow, generally cylindrical body defining a longitudinal axis and having a first end and a closed second end. The adjustable male condom further includes a flaccid pouch harness attached to the first end of the body of the flaccid pouch. The flaccid pouch harness includes an annular retaining ring and a pair of elongate retaining straps. Each of the retaining straps has a first end attached to the retaining ring and a second end that remains unattached. Preferably, the retaining ring has a gap formed therein between the pair of retaining straps.

Abstract: A male condom harness securely retains a conventional male condom on the penis of the wearer, thereby effectively preventing unwanted pregnancy and protecting against communicable diseases transmitted by the exchange of bodily fluids. The male condom harness includes an annular retaining ring defining a longitudinal axis and having a first end and a second end. The male condom harness further includes at least one application handle attached to the retaining ring and depending outwardly therefrom. The application handle is utilized to properly apply the male condom harness on the penis of the wearer. In a preferred embodiment, the male condom harness further includes at least one retaining band attached to the retaining ring and depending generally rearwardly therefrom. In another preferred embodiment, the male condom harness further includes a pair of elongate retaining straps. Each of the retaining straps has a first end attached to the retaining ring and a second end that remains unattached.

Abstract: A heat suppressing wrap is provided for suppressing the transfer of thermal energy along a pipe during a thermal joining operation, such as a high temperature, open flame welding, brazing or soldering operation. The heat suppressing wrap is a blended fabric cloth made of at least 50% cotton that is saturated with a liquid solution of a heat, fire and smoke inhibiting agent, and preferably, a fire fighting agent. The fire fighting agent is preferably a fire fighting foam, and most preferably, is PYROCAP B-136.TM. fire fighting foam manufactured by PYROCAP International, Inc. of Woodbridge, Va. Short lengths of the wrap are rolled and placed in a container with the liquid solution so that the cloth wraps remain saturated with the fire fighting agent. The wraps are then positioned, and preferably wrapped, over the pipe adjacent a pipe joint to greatly reduce the transfer of thermal energy along the pipe generated by the thermal joining operation.

Abstract: An evaporative cooling system for cooling a poultry house includes at least one evaporative cooling pad, a bracket extruded from a lightweight, plastic or galvanized steel for supporting the evaporative cooling pad adjacent an opening formed in the sidewall of the poultry house, and an improved means for wetting the evaporative cooling pad. The bracket includes a base, an attachment leg depending from one side of the base, and a pair of retaining legs spaced sufficiently from the attachment leg and depending from the one side of the base. The retaining legs are spaced sufficiently from the attachment leg to permit a ventilation curtain mounted to the sidewall of the poultry house to be raised and lowered without interference from the bracket and the evaporative cooling pads. The evaporative cooling system further includes an automatic control means including a programmable logic controller (PLC), a timer, and a solenoid.

Abstract: An evaporative cooling system and a method of cooling a poultry house includes at least one evaporative cooling pad, a bracket extruded from a lightweight, plastic or galvanized steel for supporting the evaporative cooling pad adjacent an opening formed in the sidewall of the poultry house, and an improved device for wetting the evaporative cooling pad. The bracket includes a base, an attachment leg depending from one side of the base, and a pair of retaining legs spaced sufficiently from the attachment leg and depending from the one side of the base. The retaining legs are spaced sufficiently from the attachment leg to permit a ventilation curtain mounted to the sidewall of the poultry house to be raised and lowered without interference from the bracket and the evaporative cooling pads. The evaporative cooling system further includes an automatic control apparatus including a programmable logic controller (PLC), a timer, and a solenoid.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing variable identifying information on the tape is disclosed. In a particular application, the apparatus replaces a labeling station and is combined with a case sealing station to seal cases with adhesive sealing tape on a conventional production line. The apparatus includes a variable image printer, and preferably a thermal printer. The thermal printer preferably includes a thermal transfer print head and a thermal transfer ribbon specially engineered to print through the release agent on the face of the tape. The tape is dispensed from a tape unwind spool and is routed past the print head with the thermal transfer ribbon positioned between the print head and the face of the tape, and the face of the tape opposite the print head. The thermal transfer ribbon is co-engineered with the tape to be compatible with the physical characteristics and chemical composition of the tape.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing variable identifying information on the face of tape is disclosed. In a particular application, the apparatus replaces a labeling station and is combined with a case sealing station to seal cases of products with adhesive sealing tape on a conventional production line. The apparatus includes a variable image printer, and preferably a thermal printer. The thermal printer preferably includes a thermal transfer print head and a thermal transfer ribbon. The tape is dispensed from a tape unwind spool and is routed past the print head with the thermal transfer ribbon positioned between the print head and the face of the tape, and the face of the tape opposite the print head. The thermal transfer ribbon is specially formulated to be compatible with the physical characteristics and chemical composition of the tape.

Abstract: A casing board for organizing, storing, protecting and displaying communications media, such as papers, audio and video cassettes and compact discs, includes a substrate made of a relatively rigid material. The substrate includes a front cover portion, a rear cover portion and a spine portion positioned between and hingedly connected to the front cover portion and the rear cover portion. The casing board further includes an outer wrap made of a flexible, polyolefin material and sized to have longitudinal and lateral dimensions slightly greater than the longitudinal and lateral dimensions of the substrate. The outer wrap is positioned adjacent the exterior surface of the substrate with the longitudinal and lateral edges of the outer wrap turned over the periphery of the substrate and affixed, preferably with an adhesive, to the interior surface of the substrate.