Abstract: A portable tree stand capable of being erected and levelled within a leaning tree is provided. The stand comprises a tree engaging support member which is pivotally connected to the frame of the stand. This arrangement allows the seat and platform of the stand to be adjusted to a level position when erected in a leaning tree where the direction of the lean of the tree is sideways with respect to the erected stand. A back rest is also provided to give support to the hunter.

Abstract: A progressive filtration system for a chest drainage unit during continuous autrotransfusion comprising a gross filter for filtering incoming blood at the inlet portion of a collection chamber of a chest drainage unit and a conventional fine micron filter assembly located at the bottom portion of the collection chamber for refiltering collected blood prior to reinfusion of that blood back to the patient. The micron filter assembly includes a valve cap at the top portion of the assembly that functions as a plug to seal the top portion of the assembly and as a one way valve that permits reflux of later developing blood clots that might clog the tubing once the blood has already passed through the assembly.The valve cap is also adapted for sealing engagement with a drop tube that places the filter assembly in fluid flow communication with an outlet of the collection chamber located at the top portion of the chamber.

Abstract: An improvement for a bracket assembly of the type used in lifting and supporting a foundation upon a pier is provided. An adjustable brace member is provided in the bracket assembly to decrease the available front to back space within the bracket to prevent movement of the retained pier within the bracket so as to reduce bending moment on the pier. The brace member comprises a slot disposed within a top of the bracket, which receives one or more locking tabs to retain the pier. Threaded bolts which enable the bracket to engage and be supported on the pier are received in elongated holes on the bracket to allow positioning of the lifting and support hardware directly over the pier. The modified bracket assembly allows for the replacement of any size or configuration of pier.

Abstract: A foam core ceiling tile having closed edges is provided. An inner foam core is surrounded by a mixture of resin and fiberglass which is cured to a rigid consistency. The sealed surface panel is impermeable to moisture, chemicals and microbial contamination. The sealed panel can achieve up to a 40 pound uniform load capacity. The panel has beveled edges with a perimeter lip for a better fit in suspended T-grid ceiling support systems.

Abstract: A portable, potable-water generator for producing high-purity liquid water by condensation of dew from ambient air. The generator employs filtration subsystems to remove particulates and acrosols from the incoming air. An enclosed heat absorber cools the filtered air to its dew point and collects droplets of condensate into a closed system. The collected dew is further continually treated in a bacteriostat loop to destroy adventitious living organisms and to filter out undesirable and dangerous contaminants. All the subsystems are fail safe-interlocked to disable the generator immediately and prevent delivery of water if any one of them stops functioning within predetermined safe limits.

Abstract: The invention comprises a propulsion system attachment for use with a flotation board adapted with a mounting plug. The propulsion system comprises a shell housing which is adapted to be removably attached to a mounting plug member provided on the flotation board, a propeller motor, a power supply for the motor, and a remote control for operating the speed of the motor. The propulsion system also comes equipped with an air bag for maintaining buoyancy to the flotation board and to support the weight of the snorkeler. The air bag is provided with an air line so that the snorkeler can inflate and deflate as necessary to effect the proper buoyancy level. The snorkel board has handles for the user to grasp to aid in maneuvering the board. A supplemental air bag may be disposed underneath the rear of the snorkel board to help provide additional buoyancy to the board in the water.

Abstract: A detachable propulsion unit for a scuba diver's air tank is provided to create a hands-free personal propulsion device. The invention comprises an air tank receiving boot member, a propeller motor, power supply and quick connect straps for attachment to the diver. The unit may be quickly released from the air tank in the event of an emergency. A buoyancy and trim control air bag is also provided to help the diver maintain horizontal trim in the water and to control ballast. If desired, an attachment is provided to allow conversion into a hand held propulsion unit separate from connection with the air tank.

Abstract: A foot and ankle orthosis is adapted for use by a patient in both resting and walking modes. The orthosis includes a generally L-shaped support member which has a leg portion positioned behind the patient's lower leg, a heel portion positioned behind the patient's heel and Achilles' tendon area, and a foot portion positioned substantially entirely against the sole of the patient's foot, when in normal operative use position. The foot portion has an upper surface and a lower surface and the heel portion connects the leg portion and the foot portion. A walking sole plate is releasably connectable to the generally L-shaped support member, to thereby permit optional use by the patient of the walking sole plate in combination with the generally L-shaped support member for facilitating ambulation by the patient.

Abstract: A hair styling iron for straightening and curling hair is provided. The iron is comprised of a pair of tongs having a first blade member with a flat portion and a barrel portion, and a second blade having a flat portion and a channel portion. The blades come together when the tongs are closed, with the flat portions engaging and the barrel portion being received within the channel portion. Thus, one half of the length of the tong blades is flat for straightening hair and the other half is barrel shaped for curling the hair. This arrangement allows the steps of straightening and curling to be carried out with just one set of irons.