Abstract: A system for retrieving a rope, line, or cable for use in, for example, mooring marine vessels of various sizes and configuration, the exemplary embodiment of the present invention being particularly suitable for mooring sport fishing vessels or the like, wherein there is provided a hand held retrieval device having a shaft with a boat hook affixed to one end and a grasping area at the other, the boat hook having a unique configuration wherein the arm or free end of the hook has situated thereabout a compressible layer of material having a high friction coefficient, and the opposing shank section of the hook has emanating therefrom first and second, parallel edges forming a channel therebetween, the edges and free end spaced and positioned to form a highly effective line retrieval hook.

Abstract: An on-stream sample collection and conditioning system, which is easier to construct, implement, maintain, and is more cost efficient then existing systems. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a modular system adaptable to a variety of diverse sample conditioning requirements. The system provides a docking surface specifically designed to receive modular conditioning or sampling components or the like in order to readily engage a system of passages to provide fluid flow between the mounted components. An embodiment of the invention provides a flow component having grooves formed therethrough reflecting the desired flow configuration, which is isolated from the flow component and sealed and to provide flow passages. The docking surface has access apertures formed to engage the flow passages, providing access to modular components mounted thereon.

Abstract: A multi-stage pressure regulator in which pressure is first reduced by a set ratio in one or more stages followed by an adjustable pressure output stage. The system of the present invention provides for distribution of the Joules-Thomson (JT) cooling effect between multiple stages. The present invention thereby provides a system to control pressure reduction and thus prevent condensation (and associated distortion of a vapor composition sample) of a gas due to J-T cooling effect.

Abstract: An on-stream sample collection and conditioning system, which is easier to construct, implement, maintain, and is more cost efficient then existing systems. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a modular system adaptable to a variety of diverse sample conditioning requirements. The system provides a docking surface specifically designed to receive modular conditioning or sampling components or the like in order to readily engage a system of passages to provide fluid flow between the mounted components.

Abstract: An assembly for insertion and retraction of probe or probe-like device which does not require a seal or packing gland, instead utilizing pressure equalization between pressurized process fluids and the housing containing a probe, so as to negate the use of a dynamic seal. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates an inserting/retraction mechanism for raising and lowering the probe into and from the pressurized fluid, respectively. A housing having a valve is configured to allow fluid communication between the pressurized fluid source, and the interior of the housing assembly. A conduit engages the housing assembly, and is formed to slidingly receive the outer diameter of the probe therethrough, such that a sliding seal maintains a fluid seal between the outer wall of the probe and the inner wall of the conduit, as the probe is telescoped therethrough during insertion and retraction of the probe into/from the pressurized process.

Abstract: A sample pump system for metering the amount of sample taken from a pressurized fluid process such as a natural gas pipeline or the like, the sample pump system designed for immersion, directly or indirectly, into the pressurized fluid stream so that the sampling is taken at the prevailing pressure and temperature of the fluid stream. A spot sample cylinder device is further provided which employs a method of collection wherein the initial cylinder volume of the collection vessel or sampling cylinder is zero. The spot sample cylinder is inserted into the pressurized gas (or fluid) source, said sample cylinder employing a piston or moveable end configured such that purging of the cylinder sample cavity is not required, since the sample cavity volume is essentially eliminated prior to sampling by the location of the piston within the cavity, the cavity expanding upon sampling via piston movement within the cavity.

Abstract: A gas sample cylinder outlet valve having a flow restricting element associated therewith. The preferred embodiment of the flow restricting element comprises an orifice constructed of a low thermal conduction material such as a plastic. Preferably the outlet valve Cv characteristic is large relative to the orifice Cv characteristic resulting in essentially all of the gas pressure drop taking place across said orifice and therefore essentially all of the J-T effect cooling taking place at said orifice. Due to the low thermal conductivity construction of said orifice an insignificant amount of cooling takes place upstream of the valve mechanism. Test have shown that the integral orifice outlet valve having a large Cv characteristic is more efficient then the typical sample cylinder outlet valve and extension tube and/or flow restrictor combination.

Abstract: A bag rack which is configured to support and dispense bags from bag stacks of varying size, wherein a larger size bag pack is positioned to receive a smaller bag pack overlying fashion, the bags positioned so that the smaller bag pack is situated distal the rack and closer to the user, the larger bag pack situated closer to the bag rack, with the smaller pack situated thereupon relative to the user. The rack of the present system comprises contemplates a generally horizontally situated support bar having provided thereon, in slidingly adjustable fashion, support hooks or prongs formed to engage support apertures in the handles of the bags.

Abstract: A bag and system for dispensing thermoplastic bags or the like from a stack of bags. The present system is configured for point of use dispensing to a customer, such as in the produce section of a grocery store or market. Each bag pack is dispensed from a station which includes an underlying, medially situated, angled bag pack support, configured to provide optimal support for the user in opening and removing the bag to be dispensed from the bag pack. Further contemplated is a unique cover which partially envelopes the bag pack to be dispensed, the cover defining an opening formed therethrough for the dispensing of bags therethrough, the opening configured to define the area for optimal dispensing of the bags while maintaining the remaining bags in a uniform bag pack. The cover not only facilitates uniform dispensing of bags from the pack, but also holds the pack down when the system is used in windy conditions.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus and method for cleaning dental and/or medical implements, and in particular to a system for quickly and thoroughly cleaning dental and/or orthodontic retainers, dental/orthodontic aligners, dental appliances, dentures, bridges, and the like. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a cleaning system utilizing a vibrating sonic wave bath comprising a vibration means to oscillate a container having at least some fluid therein engaging the item to be cleaned, coupled with the utilization of a preferably flavored tablet containing a non-toxic cleaning material, the tablet preferably also formulated to effervesce upon contact with water, generating bubbles and foam. It has been found that the sonic bath substantially enhances the cleaning and flavoring ability of the effervescent cleaning tablet, while reducing the amount of time to clean the dental appliance.

Abstract: An on-stream sample collection and conditioning system, which is easier to construct, implement, maintain, and is more cost efficient then existing systems. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a modular system adaptable to a variety of diverse sample conditioning requirements. The system having incorporated a seamless piece having a surface for docking multiple sample conditioning components and having a system of internal passages to provide fluid flow between sample conditioning components. The preferred embodiment of the present invention also contemplates a modular system containing essentially the entire sample conditioning components required for one or more fluid streams.

Abstract: A cargo bin formed of a medial cargo module having opposing open ends formed to securely engage an extension member to extend the length of the bin, or an end wall, for use when a non-extended bin is required. A unique engagement mechanism is provided for securely affixing the extension member or end wall to the medial cargo module, wherein there is provided a cradle formed to receive an engagement rod, the engagement mechanism formed to securely guide the components together so as to align engagement apertures associated with the side edges of the units, which engagement apertures, when aligned, are secured via retention pins or the like.

Abstract: A system for mitigating pain in a patient associated with needle penetration in the administration of medication, and in particular to a vibratory device configured to be utilized with a variety of existing hand-held intra-oral dental drills or like devices. The preferred embodiment of the present invention teaches a disposable or non-disposable vibratory tip formed to engage an off-the-shelf intra-oral dental drill, the vibratory tip utilizing an off-axis weight associated with a shaft drive engaging the dental drill, to provide a vibratory sensation to an application tip, the application tip configured to engage an area of a patient's mouth targeted for the subsequent needled administration of local anesthetic, or other medication. In use, the application tip is applied to the patient, the dental drill is engaged to rotate the shaft drive of the vibratory tip, vibrating same for period of time, so as to decrease the sensation of pain associated with the subsequent needle penetration.

Abstract: An assembly for insertion and retraction of probe or probe-like device which does not require a seal or packing gland, instead utilizing pressure equalization between pressurized process fluids and the housing containing a probe, so as to negate the use of a dynamic seal. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates an inserting/retraction mechanism for raising and lowering the probe into and from the pressurized fluid, respectively. A housing having a valve is configured to allow fluid communication between the pressurized fluid source, and the interior of the housing assembly. A conduit engages the housing assembly, and is formed to slidingly receive the outer diameter of the probe therethrough, such that a sliding seal maintains a fluid seal between the outer wall of the probe and the inner wall of the conduit, as the probe is telescoped therethrough during insertion and retraction of the probe into/from the pressurized process.

Abstract: A system for lining a container or the like containing an absorbent, utilizing the liner to contain and direct a treatment fluid into the absorbent to disinfect and renew. A complimentary system to the present invention teaches a deodorization, disinfectant, treatment bin for treating litter infused with animal waste, which treatment bin includes a treatment area utilizing ozone to contain and treat the contaminated litter, rendering same re-useable. The system of the present invention further contemplates an ozone generator having a timer circuit for providing a flow of ozone to the apparatus of the present invention, the ozone generator further contemplating as exemplary features a timer apparatus for providing optimal treatment, as well as a proximity sensor system for sensing the presence of an animal in the litter area, for controlling the ozone generator.

Abstract: A system for obtaining a representative sample of a natural gas stream, particularly a stream which is at or below its hydrocarbon dew point temperature (H.C.D.P.). The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a sample cylinder having a flexible isolation barrier and integrated valving to provide a controlled ingress of sample gas at nominal pressure differential. The system thereby avoids throttling of the sample gas and the inherent cooling problems associated therewith when the stream is at or below hydrocarbon dew point temperature. The flexible isolation barrier of the present invention is relatively inexpensive and is configured for quick and easy replacement, which may be routinely performed to insure sample integrity. Alternative embodiments of the invention contemplate a spherical sample cylinder configuration with flexible isolation barrier, as well as an improvement for piston-type sample cylinders to provide constant sample pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the physical separation of components from a multi-phase fluid stream into its component phases. More particularly, the invention relates to a housing for a phase separation medium which allows one to change the phase separation medium without the necessity of disconnecting the flow lines. An alternative embodiment of the present invention contemplates a housing incorporating a unique internal valve configuration for controlling and limiting the fluid pressure differential across the sheet of phase-separating material. The internal valve begins to throttle or reduce the fluid flow rate through the sheet of phase-separating material after the differential pressure across the sheet of phase-separating material exceeds a preset value. If throttling the fluid flow rate cannot prevent the differential pressure from exceeding the preset limit, then the internal valve will shut off the fluid flow completely.

Abstract: An assembly for insertion and retraction of probe or probe-like device which does not require a seal or packing gland, instead utilizing pressure equalization between pressurized process fluids and the housing containing a probe, so as to negate the use of a dynamic seal. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates an inserting/retraction mechanism for raising and lowering the probe into and from the pressurized fluid, respectively. A housing having a valve is configured to allow fluid communication between the pressurized fluid source, and the interior of the housing assembly. A conduit engages the housing assembly, and is formed to slidingly receive the outer diameter of the probe therethrough, such that a sliding seal maintains a fluid seal between the outer wall of the probe and the inner wall of the conduit, as the probe is telescoped therethrough during insertion and retraction of the probe into/from the pressurized process.