Abstract: A method of assembly of an offshore tower comprises engaging a column with a sleeve of a support structure by positioning the column so that its longitudinal axis is vertical or nearly vertical, positioning the support structure so that the column-receiving sleeve is uppermost and the axis of the sleeve is vertical or nearly vertical, with the sleeve above the top of the column, and positioning the column in the sleeve by relative longitudinal movement between the column and support structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for electrical dosimetry control in the application of electric currents to the human body, dosage being determined by the product of time and electrical current, wherein electrical current magnitude and/or time may be selectively varied by the patient or therapist during an administration procedure, for the comfort or convenience of the patient, without altering the total predetermined dosage to be administered, the system typically including means for setting the desired total dosage to be administered, means for selectively varying the magnitude of electrical current applied to the patient, means for integrating the applied current over time to obtain an electrical current-time product providing a running measure of dosage during the administration procedure, means for comparing the running measure with the total dosage desired, and means for terminating the administration procedure once the desired total dosage has been delivered to the patient.

Abstract: Self-venting balloon dilatation catheter having an elongate flexible tubular member having at least one lumen therein extending longitudinally thereof. A balloon is carried by the flexible tubular member and is in communication with the lumen. A fitting is carried by the tubular member for inflating the balloon with a balloon inflating medium. A plurality of small passages are formed which permit air to escape from the interior of the balloon but inhibit the passage of the balloon inflation medium from the balloon.

Abstract: A propellant containing device for use in association with a gun with a detonator mechanism and drive mechanism for the purpose of driving an attachment member into a structure. The device has an elongate or circular base. A plurality of cartridge members are formed integrally with the base and each member contains an explosive charge. The base and the cartridge members are formed in one piece from a material selected from plastic or ceramic. The region of the cartridge members integral with the base are closed by a cap which is adapted to fit within a recess formed in the periphery of the closed ends of the cartridge members. The cap is adapted to be hit by the detonator mechanism to detonate an explosive charge located in the cartridge member. A drive engagement fitting on the base allows the base to be moved progressively so that each cartridge member aligns successively with the detonator mechanism of the gun.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring biological specimens such as nucleic acid samples from a gel such as an agarose gel to a cooperating transfer membrane by means of a liquid transfer process is disclosed herein along with its method of use. The arrangement includes means for supporting a given gel on top of a given transfer membrane and a trough located below both. An arrangement is provided for defining a reservoir for containing a transfer liquid on top of the gel and means are also provided for causing transfer liquid contained within the reservoir to pass through the gel and transfer medium and into the trough, so as to effect a transfer of particular biological specimens carried by the gel onto the membrane.

Abstract: A differential assembly for a motorized vehicle and method of construction are disclosed, the assembly including a lock ring secured around each of a pair of differential shafts for providing a spring lock permitting each shaft and road wheel to turn with a differential housing when driven by a ring gear, the lock ring structure and method of construction evenly distribute the acceleration torque to both differential shafts simultaneously for improving traction, the lock ring being circular and tapered, and including a straight, split separation orthogonal to the circumference of the circular lock ring for providing the spring-like lock, and a plurality of radial grooves for channeling lubrication.

Abstract: A slide switch assembly having a slide contact movable by a slide actuator across aligned flat blade contacts of a plurality of electrical terminals fixed in position between complemental halves of an inner housing disposed within an outer housing. The slide actuator and outer housing include complemental detents providing a tactile indication of the attainment by the slide contact of a predetermined switch position relative to the fixed blade contacts. The inner housing includes a pair of resilient, oppositely extending cantilever members engaged upon the slide actuator to bias the complemental detents together to enhance the tactile indication. The arrangement eliminates coil springs, centering balls and the like. The inner housing halves and outer housing are made of plastic material whose resilience is utilized to snap fit them together without the use of conventional fasteners.

Abstract: A lug nut display apparatus and method of product selection having a triangular heavy wire gauge construction, for supporting a plurality of sizing studs which penetrate a color-coded application and identification chart, cooperates with a plurality of lug nut container boxes suspended from a plurality of adjustable lozier pegs for significantly increasing the display capacity of automotive lug nuts for maximum utilization of retail floor space, the application and identification chart having a directory for identifying a color assigned to a particular listed vehicle for identifying and verifying on the sizing studs the actual wheel stud size, with the color code being employed to select the correct replacement or stylized lug nut based upon thread size, wheel style, and material of construction.

Abstract: A basketball mounting hoop including a vertical slot for receiving a hoop mount. The hoop mount includes a fastener slidably received in such slot and operable to clamp the mount to the back board slot at a selected height.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating a food product from a tray having apertures defining a supporting lattice to which the food product is adhered. A conveyor belt carries the tray in an inverted position with the food product on the bottom and engaging the upper surface of the belt. The undersurface of the belt is slidably supported by a first row of fixed, transversely spaced apart supports. A first row of roller bands with radially directed fingers is located above the belt with the roller bands midway between the supports. The fingers project through the tray apertures and move the product away from the tray and toward the conveyor belt. The conveyor belt sags between the supports, providing room for the product to move for separation from the tray.

Abstract: A composite structure is prepared in a mold using an elastic diaphragm which allows the application of a uniformly distributed pressure during a curing cycle. The elastic diaphragm seals a resin impregnated lay-up throughout the curing cycle during which the lay-up is heated and compressed, and ensures a constant resin-to-reinforcement ratio by preventing the escape of resin from the lay-up as the viscosity of the resin is lowered during the initial stages of the curing cycle. In instances where entrapped air or volatile removal from the lay-up is necessary, a separate step including the application of a vacuum and/or heat to the lay-up can be performed prior to the final curing cycle.

Abstract: A stuffed toy animal including an enclosed flexible fluid container and a soft furry exterior having a head portion and a plurality of extremities stuffed with a non-flammable material and a body portion accessible via a zipper for accommodating the flexible fluid container which is secured in place by a plurality of elastic securing straps. The flexible container is filled with a hot fluid if heat is to be radiated or filled with a cold fluid if heat is to be absorbed. The flexible container is then fitted with a leakproof stopper and inserted into the stuffed toy animal beneath the securing straps of the body portion. The stuffed toy animal may now be held by a human or be utilized as a pillow for a small pet for providing a warming or cooling effect.In a second embodiment, the fluid container is permanently formed within the body portion and access to the container is provided by removing the head portion.

Abstract: A nose roller tip for a cutter bar of a chain saw. There is a mounting web to engage the cutter bar. A pair of rollers are each mounted on opposed sides of the mounting web. There are outer plates, one adjacent each roller. The mounting web, rollers and outer plates are attached together to allow free rotation of the roller relative to the nose roller tip.

Abstract: A leakage detection apparatus for drum wheels having a pair of plates which sealingly engage the wheel to define an inner first chamber under vacuum, a reciprocating container enveloping the engaged plates and wheel to define an annular helium chamber sharing the wheel as a common wall with the inner first chamber, a probe gas introduced into the annular helium chamber, and a mass spectrometer, in gaseous communication with said inner first chamber scanning for a trace of the probe gas indicating the presence of a leak path in the structual integrity of the wheel. A method of use is also disclosed.

Abstract: Particulate nutrient material for use as fertilizer or animal feedstock is produced from absorbent paper shreds or particles, for example of newsprint, impregnated with animal manure--for example as a result of use of the paper as bedding for chickens. The impregnated paper shreds or particles are compacted and pelleted, and may be mixed with superphosphate and/or fishmeal before pelleting.

Abstract: A standing support having a truncated lower horizontal side frame member has an extension flange mounted thereon to laterally displace the drive wheel assembly outward relative the side frame member to widen the rear facing cavity defined therebetween. A cantilevered floor pan configuration removes transverse obstructions between the side frame members to allow the further longitudinal insertion of a conventional wheelchair within the cavity therebetween. A hand crank assembly mounted to the main frame aids in the transfer of the handicapped user from the conventional wheelchair to the improved standing support of the present invention.