Abstract: A multi-article storage carrier is based upon a sheet of flexible material comprising a plurality of compartments on one side for containing the articles, the sheet being folded at least once in each direction to form the carrier and enclose the articles securely. Securing and carrying means such as straps are provided on the surface of the sheet opposite the compartments so that they are exposed for use when the carrier is folded and/or rolled for carrying.

Abstract: Folding tools including a tool blade and a handle are foldably connected by a lockable hinge which permits folding the assembly for compact storage but automatically locks into a rigid assembly when fully unfolded. The hinge operates by the movement of a locking bar into locking groove(s) via a tensioning mechanism when the hinge components are aligned in the unfolded, extended configuration. The lockable hinges can be used to connect the blade and handle components of a variety of common tools including shovels, saws and the like, and are disclosed and claimed in Applicant's U.S. Pat. No. 6,588,240.

Abstract: Novel precast concrete boxes are disclosed which can be assembled together and/or with structural shapes disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,697,736 and 6,491,473 to form waterfront structures such as seawalls, boathouses and the like. Novel methods of waterborne transport and installation of the boxes are disclosed, including modular vessels having bow and stern sections which can be connected directly together or mounted to a mid-section containing assemblies of concrete boxes, other structural elements or other vessels such as floating drydocks. Modular vessels can be assembled with any or all of the bow, midship and stern sections comprising honeycomb arrays of vertically-oriented hexagonal boxes.

Abstract: An improved gas-fired water heater is disclosed which comprises a sealed cylindrical shell extending from the base of the water tank to the top, enclosing the burners and controls so as to shield them from flammable vapors in the immediate vicinity. The cylindrical shell forms an annular passage outside the tank (and insulation, if present), which facilitates the intake of combustion air. This annular passage is shielded from above and the side adjacent the top of the tank by a cover fitted to the tank top which extends downward from the top to form a lip which laterally shields the annular passage and directs intake combustion air upward from outside the shell to enter the annular passage. The bottom of the heater can be extended by a cylindrical skirt extension which encloses the burner of the heater in an airtight manner except for air inlets in the bottom of the extension.

Abstract: This invention describes a novel gravity-independent exercise unit designed for use in microgravity, or on the ground, as a means by which to counter muscle atrophy and bone degradation due to disuse or underuse. Modular resistive packs comprising constant torque springs provide constant force opposing the withdrawal of an exercise cable from the device. In addition to uses within the space program, the compact resistive packs of the CFREU allow the unit to be small enough for easy use as a home gym for personal use, or as a supplement for rehabilitation programs. Resistive packs may be changed conveniently out of the CFREU according to the desired exercise regimen. Thus, the resistive packs replace the need for expensive, heavy, and bulky traditional weight plates. The CFREU may be employed by hospitals, rehabilitation and physical therapy clinics, and other related professional businesses.

Abstract: Novel precast concrete boxes are disclosed which can be assembled together and/or with structural shapes disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,697,736 to form waterfront structures such as seawalls, boathouses and the like. The boxes can be sized and proportioned so as to be conveniently assembled in such structures and to be easily transported via intermodal transportation media. Novel methods of waterborne transport and installation of the boxes are disclosed. Shellfish habitats based upon the boxes are also disclosed.

Abstract: Explosive or propellant compositions containing at least one nitrocellulose contain an additive including at least one substituted tetrazine in amounts effective to increase the burning rate of the composition. A preferred additive is 3,6-dihydrazino-s-tetrazine.

Abstract: Folding handcuffs include a lockable hinge which permits folding the assembly for compact storage but automatically locks into a rigid assembly when fully unfolded. The hinge operates by the movement of a locking bar into locking groove(s) via a tensioning mechanism when the hinge components are aligned in the unfolded, extended configuration. The lockable hinges can also be used to connect the components of a variety of common tools including shovels, saws and the like.

Abstract: Novel precast concrete boxes are disclosed which can be assembled together and/or with structural shapes disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,697,736 to form waterfront structures such as seawalls, boathouses and the like. The boxes can be sized and proportioned so as to be conveniently assembled in such structures and to be easily transported via intermodal transportation media. Novel methods of waterborne transport and installation of the boxes are disclosed. Shellfish habitats based upon the boxes are also disclosed.

Abstract: A mobile self-propelled vehicle for fighting fires incorporates an extensible, trainable evacuation tube which can be introduced into a burning building or other enclosed space to remove smoke and gases by means of a power exhaust fan. Fire extinguishing materials can be injected into the space through the same evacuation tube.

Abstract: A tool holder or writing instrument is provided which includes a formable modeling compound material positioned around a flexible rod or tube which in a preferred embodiment is capable of holding an ink or other writing substance. The material is capable of conforming to the fingers and grip orientation of a user of the writing instrument to provide a comfortable, ergonomically correct writing instrument. Additionally, a portion of this writing instrument (e.g., the flexible tube) may be wrapped around at least one digit of the user's writing hand, e.g. the index finger, to provide additional support and comfort. One end of the tube can include means for removably attaching various hand tools such as scribes, knives, electrical contacts or the like.

Abstract: A portable batch pasteurizer for pasteurization or other heat treatment of contained fluids for consumption by animals or humans provides a heat transfer coil through which hot or cold fluids are pumped to heat or cool the fluid in which it is immersed. An impeller circulates the fluid in which the fluid is contained to ensure even heating or cooling.

Abstract: Protective hats having a crown and broad brim provide protection from the sun and by surfaces reflecting light and/or radar waves provide distress signalling means. The hats can be colored international orange for enhancing their usefulness as a distress signal. Due to stiffening means such as a springy hoop of suitable material contained within the peripheral binder of the hat's brim, it can be easily folded into a small package for storage or carrying on the person.

Abstract: Inflatable radar reflectors comprising three mutually orthogonal radar reflective planes incorporated within the structure thereof can take the form of a teardrop, a cylindrical drogue or a set of three intersecting discs. A preferred embodiment includes three inflatable hollow toruses of flexible material which mutually intersect in a manner such that their planes are mutually orthogonal and each intersection provides a passage for air to pass between the intersecting sections thereof, inflation means for filling the three toruses simulataneously and collapsible circular panels of radar-reflective material covering each torus so that they form mutually orthogonal radar reflective planes. The preferred embodiment can be encased in a radar permeable balloon.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to aqueous coating compositions comprising a resin component including a functional group-containing crosslinkable resin and, optionally, a curing/crosslinking agent for functional groups of the crosslinkable resin. More specifically, the resin component includes, at least in part, a special anionically or anionically/non-ionically stabilized functional group-containing crosslinkable resin which can function as either the primary crosslinkable resin (self-emulsifying system) or as a reactive emulsifier for other lipophilic crosslinkable resins (stabilized system).

Abstract: Distress signal kits comprise a parafoil for carrying aloft various emergency or distress signals such as radar reflective materials, lights, flares, distress flags or smoke signals. Preferably the parafoil itself is colored International orange and contains a U.S. Coast Guard-approved distress signal (BLACK SQUARE AND CIRCLE) on both top and bottom surfaces. The parafoil can be used to raise a spinnaker sail attached to a vessel or swimmer. The spinnaker can also carry radar reflective components and/or distress flags, and can be fitted for other survival uses.