Abstract: Delivery of pelletized carbon dioxide (dry ice) to a target material such as a hazardous material or a fire from a distance, by projection, spraying, or aerial dropping the pelletized carbon dioxide onto the target material using gravity. Delivery may be made by a mobile apparatus. The types of target material with which the present invention is designed to apply may include, e.g., hydrocarbon material, hazardous material, burning material, and the like. The carbon dioxide may be pelletized to diameters in a size range of about 3 mm to 100 mm.

Abstract: Delivery of pelletized carbon dioxide (dry ice) to a target material from a distance, by projection, spraying, or aerial dropping the pelletized carbon dioxide onto the target material using gravity. Delivery may be made by a mobile apparatus. The types of target material with which the present invention is designed to apply may include, e.g., hydrocarbon material, hazardous material, burning material, and the like. The carbon dioxide may be pelletized to diameters in a size range of about 3 mm to 100 mm.

Abstract: A football glove and method of use that protects a player's digits from hyperextending without impairing the player's ability to grasp objects and other players includes a hand covering portion for covering a palm and back of a user's hand. A plurality of form fitting finger receiving receptacles extend from the hand covering portion, and are in communication with the hand covering portion, each of the finger receiving receptacles includes a front and a back for receiving therebetween a finger of the user's hand covered by the hand covering portion. A unidirectional stiffener is fixed relative to at least one of the finger receiving receptacles adjacent the back of the at least one finger receiving receptacle, and extends toward the hand covering portion.

Abstract: A method for the extraction, separation, fractionation and purification of biopolymers from plant materials using supercritical and/or subcritical solvent extractions is disclosed. Specifically, the process can be used for the separation of resins and rubber from guayule shrub (Parthenium argentatum), and other rubber and/or resin containing plant materials, using supercritical solvent extraction, for example supercritical carbon dioxide extraction. Additionally, polar and/or non-polar co-solvents can be used with supercritical carbon dioxide to enhance the selective extraction of resins and rubbers from the shrub.

Abstract: An arm immobilizer comprises a closeable sleeve of a compressible material which can be placed around the patient's arm above and below the elbow joint with an opening on the inside of the arm positioned to give access to an intravenous site. One or more stays running the length of the immobilizer prevent excessive flexure movement at the elbow, while the compressible foam permits smaller movements that will not dislodge or impede the operation of the intravenous site and attached tube.

Abstract: A swimming pool slide capable of assembly in a plurality of configurations is disclosed. The slide body comprises a seat segment, a runway segment and an exit segment, the runway segment being attachable to the other two segments in more than one orientation, thereby varying the configuration of the slide.

Abstract: A precast concrete slab and framing system is placed in walkways, curb ramps, platform edges, and areas of pedestrian traffic where they intersect with vehicular traffic, warning the visually handicapped of dangerous crossings. The precast slabs, which incorporate raised, truncated domes on the top side and a floated finish on the bottom side, are made to be set in the frame which has been set and cast into fresh concrete. A number of slabs are placed in a frame abutting each other on top of sand and the edges are filled with sand to lock them into place. The top surface is placed to be flush with the walking surface.

Abstract: A backyard swimming pool slide includes a 90 degree runway curve, a banked runway rail to offset centrifugal force, and a high volume water diffuser source to enhance the ride. Also disclosed is an integrated ladder, platform and handrail assembly and a center stanchion for cantelever support at the exit end of the slide.

Abstract: A compact tankless water heater of modular configuration to accommodate a range of potential demands is disclosed. A heat transfer chamber is divided into subchambers, each of which may may mount more than one heating element. Notched passageways at the top of each dividing wall allow water passage between chambers, and a plurality of temperature sensors act in concert with a flow sensor and microprocessor control of the heating elements to maintain a constant set point output water temperature.

Abstract: An improved boiler of the warm water or steam type includes a door with a water chamber to assist in cooling the boiler. Water moves from the boiler to the door chamber through a bottom pipe on the connected vessels principle. Water or steam exit the door through a top pipe and return to the boiler. In a warm water boiler, a circulating pump in the upper pipe maintains water flow through the door.