Abstract: A method of treating inflammatory skin diseases and/or hair loss, comprising administering to a patient in need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of a leukotriene receptor anatagonist, an antihistamine, or other anti-inflammatory drug, preferably at least twice a day, preferably for at least two months.

Abstract: A hearing aid instrument of the in-the-ear type (and preferably CIC) provides a receptacle with electronic hearing aid components mounted thereto. The receptacle has a cavity for holding electronic components (eg. battery, microphone, amplifier). A soft polymeric body is preliminarily formed by encapsulating a plurality of the electronic hearing aid component shaped inserts. The body is soft and is shaped to conform to the ear canal of the user. After forming, the insert is removed to provide an insert cavity that can carry electronic components. The soft polymeric body and encapsulated electronic hearing aid components define a soft structure compliant to the ear canal during use and that is substantially solid and free of void spaces between at least some of the components and the ear canal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method wherein ozone layer-damaging dichlorodifluoromethane is substituted with a mix of less environmentally damaging refrigerants chlorodifluoroethane and tetrafluoroethane in dichlorodifluoromethane-based air-cooling systems. While less environmentally damaging than dichlorodifluoromethane, the substitute refrigerant has a temperature-pressure relationship similar to that of dichlorodifluoromethane, making the substitute refrigerant suitable for use with dichlorodifluoromethane-based air-cooling systems. The substitute refrigerant can be used alone or in combination with dichlorodifluoromethane. In either event, it is mixed with a relatively small percentage of a hydrophobic lubricating oil which is compatible with both the substitute refrigerant and with dichlorodifluoromethane.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing an oil, water, and gas well using a gas carrier/transport system to remove produced liquids and contained solids by altering the flow regime of the production fluids towards or into a flow regime in which gas is the continuous fluid. This can be accomplished by use of supplemental gas flow (hydrocarbon or non-hydrocarbon) and/or stimulation of the production sand or coal bed gas flow with a reduced pressure drop across the well once near or in a gas-continuous flow regime. This invention can be applied to any well with insufficient formation gas pressure to prevent liquid buildup within the well during production. The present invention utilizes a second production pipe (or the annulus between the casing and the pipe), sized to transport compressed gas from the wellhead area down into the production liquid and into the production pipe. This flow of gas will cause the well fluids to flow up the pipe by approaching or entering a gas-continuous flow regime.

Abstract: A method and system of drilling straight directional and multilateral wells utilizing hydraulic frictional controlled drilling, by providing concentric casing strings to define a plurality of annuli therebetween; injecting fluid down some of the annuli; returning the fluid up at least one annulus so that the return flow creates adequate hydraulic friction within the return annulus to control the return flow within the well. The hydraulic friction should be minimized on the injection side to require less hydraulic horsepower and be maximized on the return side to create the desired subsurface friction to control the well.

Abstract: An integral concrete body for erosion control includes three separate sections of differing configuration. The sections include a lower tapered section that is in the form of an elongated tapered pile-like member. The upper section of the concrete body is generally rectangular. A transitional section that is also tapered forms a connection between the upper and lower portions of the concrete body. The plurality of the concrete bodies can be installed side by side with tongue and groove connections interlocking the bodies upon assembly. A plurality of the concrete bodies can be placed side by side to form a bulkhead or breakwater. In one embodiment, each concrete body can be comprised of separate connectable members. Anchors can be used to support the concrete bodies laterally, to prevent tilting or tipping when exposed to erosion, wind, or wave action.

Abstract: A tobacco product is formed by rolling a sheet of material supplied by a roll or rolls (e.g. moistened tobacco leaves) and/or homogenized sheet tobacco about a slit mandrel to form a shaped tube. The shaped tube is then packaged for shipment to an end user or consumer. The shaped tube remains in the rolled, shaped tube form inside the package. After the shaped tube is removed from the package, a consumer can fill the tube with crushed tobacco leaves or other tobacco filler material of a favorite blend, thereby eliminating some steps in the making of a “roll-your-own” tobacco product. A liquid can be added to the sheet or to the finished tube to moisturize same. The liquid can include flavoring. The tubes are unfilled when packaged and sent to a consumer/end user in tube form so that they have a “memory” that helps hold a tubular cigar shape after they are filled with selected tobacco fill material.

Abstract: A method for inspecting a marine vessel underdeck utilizes a video camera such as a digital video camera with a magnifying or telephoto lens. The method produces a magnified image on a monitor for viewing by an inspector that appears to be no more than about 24 inches away. The method includes the step of filming the underdeck of a distance of about 40-70 feet. The lens provides a focal length of between about 15 an 150 feet. Thus the method is conducted at a workable focal range of between about 15 and 150 feet. The lens preferably has a focal length of between 30 and 75 feet. The method includes the step of scanning the suspect area of the underdeck of a speed of about 1 inch per second to three feet per second. The preferred method contemplates scanning of the suspect area of a rate of about 1 foot per second.

Abstract: A medical electronic apparatus for treating human pain by the application of an electrical stimulus with the proper current density and a special magnetic flux generator stimulus to the body surface of animals which includes an electrode complex of the treatment device which includes an adhesive means for holding the 4 electrodes of the device in contact with the human body. The electrode complex is preferably comprised of 4 electrodes which are 2 positive and 2 negative electrode defining opposite diagonal vertices of the quadrilateral shape. The electrodes are supplied by power means to activate and generate an electrical stimulus. Each electrode pad contains a Magna Bloc™ which snaps into position by an aluminum snap.

Abstract: A pipeline laying ship and an improved method of laying a pipeline in a marine environment is disclosed. The pipeline laying ship is a dynamically positioned barge or self-propelled dynamically positioned vessel with a hull having a deck area that supports a pair of reels. The reels are independently rotatable, and are position to generally port and starboard relative to one another. A pipe joint storage area is provided for containing multiple joints of pipe. One or more pipeline welding stations are provided on the deck next to the reels, the pipeline welding stations being positioned to join the joints of pipe together to form an elongated pipeline that can be wound upon a selected reel of said pair of reels. A tower is provided for guiding the elongated pipeline as it is unwound from a selected reel, the tower including at least a bend controller, a straightener and a tensioner.

Abstract: A hearing aid instrument of the in-the-ear type (and preferably CIC) provides a plate member with electronic hearing aid components mounted thereto. The plate member is preferably of a harder material such as hard plastic. A soft polymeric body is bonded to the plate member and encapsulates preferably a plurality of the electronic hearing aid components. The body is soft and is shaped to conform to the ear canal of the user. The soft polymeric body and encapsulated electronic hearing aid components define a soft structure compliant to the ear canal during use and that is substantially solid and free of void spaces between at least some of the components and the ear canal. This combination of soft compliant structure and encapsulated electronic hearing aid components addresses problems of peripheral leakage, poor fit, pivotal displacement that occurs with jaw motion and internal cross talk of components housed in prior art hollow type hearing aids.

Abstract: A rest for guitar-like instruments is internally configured to receive the bottom of a guitar-like instrument and to allow the instrument to lean against another object. Preferably, a groove is provided in the bottom of the rest to allow the rest to fit over the handle of an amplifier. Also, the cavity is preferably shaped such that the back of the top of the guitar-like instrument leans on a wall or other supporting structure.

Abstract: A solid weight load testing system is disclosed for testing the load capacity of a crane. The apparatus includes a holder that includes a platform and a post, the post having upper and lower end portions and being structurally connective at its lower end portion to the platform. A plurality of weights are selectively placed upon the holder by a user in order to arrive at a selected capacity. Each weight has a central opening that is sized and shaped to fit the post as the weight is lowered to the platform. A pair of lifting eyes are provided on each plate, the lifting eyes being mounted to the periphery of a weight on a line that intersects the center of the weight opening. An attachment portion on the top of the post enables a connection to be perfected between the holder and a crane to be load tested. A crane lift line is rigged to the attachment portion after a selected plurality of weights have been added to the holder.

Abstract: A method of blocking dicarbonyls and carbonyls in vitro and in vivo includes using an effective quanity of an L- or D-arginine, substituted arginine, modified arginine or arginine-containing blocking agent. The method can, for example, include blocking toxic dicarbonyls and carbonyls in a patient suffering from a condition associated with toxic carbonyls and/or dicarbonyls, by administering to the patient a therapeutically effective dose of an L- or D-arginine, substituted arginine, modified arginine or arginine-containing blocking agent.

Abstract: A ladder for people with limited mobility comprising a first frame member defining a first sidewall; a second frame member defining a second sidewall; a plurality of steps spanning between the first and second sidewalls, from a first level above the surface to the upper level substantially to the height of a wheelchair seat; handles positioned above each of the steps, so that a person is able to place one's hands on the handles and lift oneself up the first step, and grasp the next highest handles and lift to the next highest step until the person is able to move from the highest step onto the wheelchair seat.

Abstract: A marine platform (and method of installation) provides a plurality of buoys, a platform having a peripheral portion that includes a plurality of attachment positions, one attachment position for each buoy, and an articulating connection that connects each buoy to the platform at a respective attachment position, the connection allowing for sea state induced buoy motions while minimizing effect on the platform. A method of installation places the platform (including oil and gas drilling and/or production facility next to the buoys. Ballasting moves the platform and buoys relative to one another until connections are perfected between each buoy and the platform.

Abstract: An improved lift boat includes a hull, a plurality of legs (preferably three), a plurality of pads, one pad attached to each leg, and a jacking mechanism for moving each upward and downward. Recesses in the hull receive the pads when the lift boat is underway. Preferably, the total bottom surface area of the pads is at least 30% of the surface area of the deck of the lift boat. Preferably, the total bottom surface area of the pads is large enough such that, when the boat is loaded to capacity and is jacked up, the pads exert pressure of less than 7 p.s.i. on the sea floor. Preferably, the pads are partially recessed into the hull and extend laterally outward from the hull when the boat is underway to provide increased stability to the lift boat when it is underway.

Abstract: Apparatus similar to a Weed-Eater® weed trimmer, but instead of monofilament line, it uses recycled coat hangers to cut weeds. There are two plates, the lower one having grooves within which to fit the coat-hangers after they are prepared using a special tool to bend them to the proper shape. Aside from the cutting part, the rest of the machine can be like a Weed-Eater® brand weed trimmer. The two plates are held together with a retaining nut. Hardwire, wire cable, nails, or heavy duty plastic cord can also be used as blades.

Abstract: A pipeline laying ship and an improved method of laying a pipeline in a marine environment is disclosed. The pipeline laying ship is a dynamically positioned barge or self-propelled dynamically positioned vessel with a hull having a deck area that supports a pair of reels. The reels are independently rotatable, and are position to generally port and starboard relative to one another. A pipe joint storage area is provided for containing multiple joints of pipe. One or more pipeline welding stations are provided on the deck next to the reels, the pipeline welding stations being positioned to join the joints of pipe together to form an elongated pipeline that can be wound upon a selected reel of said pair of reels. A tower is provided for guiding the elongated pipeline as it is unwound from a selected reel, the tower including at least a bend controller, a straightener and a tensioner.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the testing of railroad locomotive wheels and railroad car wheels using an ultrasonic probe and a probe holder that pivotally connects to the probe at a specially shaped yoke member. The probe has a pair of extension arms available in different lengths, such as four inches, seven inches, and fourteen inches long. These various handles in kit form enable a user to apply very even pressure to every portion of the inside and outside surfaces of the periphery of the wheel in the thickened peripheral portion of the wheel that is typically tested for defects. With the present invention, the user can pivotally position the handle or extension arm relative to the wear surface of the transducer notwithstanding the fact that the transducer must be positioned 360 degrees about the wheel and on both the inside and outside surfaces of the wheel as part of the testing procedure.