Abstract: An elongated containment tube is formed to serve as a retaining means during high-pressure compaction of ash resulting from cremation of humans and animals, and thereafter as an extended service life containment system for interment. In preferred embodiments, the containment tube may be made of various impervious metals, plastics, or ceramics, and employs one or more end caps having a range of sealing means that ensure high-integrity retention of its contents. End cap sealing means, such as circumferential deformable/deforming teeth and compression rings, are employed, and the long-term and stable burial of a large number of individual containment tubes in a single, conventionally sized grave plot is described.

Abstract: A template for aiding in the accurate alignment of a human subject undergoing upright X-ray examinations requiring one or more oblique views is formed of graphical indicia specially arranged for highly intuitive interpretation by the subject. The indicia include one or more lines of obliquity, as well as an orthogonal line, with which the subject aligns his feet responsive to instructions from an X-ray technician. In various preferred embodiments, a range of visual means is employed to ensure that stress-free and highly repeatable oblique views are obtained, these means including unique line patterns and orientations, as well as distinct line colors and shapes.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for loading a poultry coop. Each compartment in the coop has a rectangular frame opening which is blocked or unblocked by a pivoted door. A flexible vision blocking curtain is hung across the opening to prevent the escape of any poultry during the loading procedure.

Abstract: A friction tilt mechanism is specially configured to provide precisely controllable tilt angles to devices requiring smooth and stable angular adjustability, by virtue of employing one or more unique frictional tilt devices. Each friction tilt device includes a pair of bronze bearing blocks, one responsive to precisely applied compressive forces to produce user controllable amounts of static and rotational friction to the tilt axis. When a pair of the friction tilt devices are arranged on a support adapted to carry a flat panel display, smooth and precise viewing angle adjustments are readily accomplished and stabily retained for a wide range of display weights.

Abstract: An improved hurricane tie-down member is formed of a unitary flat metallic preform to restrain roof trusses experiencing high wind conditions by optimally transferring dynamic roof uplift forces from a planar saddle portion to a vertical wall via a pair of side arm members and flat anchor surfaces. In a preferred embodiment, over Kips of shear resistance is provided per tie-down member, and when used in sets of four tie-downs, a highly effective method for pitched roof protection is provided.