Abstract: A shot shell such as would be utilized in a shotgun or the like, wherein the cartridge forming the shell has a collapsible extension removably or permanently engaging the shot end of the cartridge, with the cartridge configured to provide a un-compressed length of, for example, 2.50 inches (the minimum length of shell for conventional automatic or semi-automatic, magazine fed shotguns. The collapsible extension is configured to be compressed when placed in a spring-fed magazine, so as to provide increased magazine capacity when compared to standard length shells, while expanding when removed by from the magazine during a loading cycle, so as to facilitate reliable placement of the shell into the breach from the magazine. The collapsible extension in the loaded cartridge of the present invention is configured to be ejected from the barrel upon firing of the cartridge. The present system thereby provides a means to increase the capacity of conventional automatic or semi-automatic (i.e.

Abstract: A trap door system for receiving a plurality of articles from a pick and place mechanism, moving those articles to the vicinity of an underlying tray on a conveyor, and dumping those articles on said conveyor in a pre-arranged layout, forming loaded trays, which loaded trays may then be positioned in a frame to form a cube for retort processing of the contents of the articles. The preferred embodiment of the invention contemplates a horizontally situated product gate for receiving a plurality of pouches which are received upon four side-by-side holding slots running the length of the pouch gate by a pick and place mechanism.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for comminuting and drying material utilizing a closed-loop cyclonic system including a cyclonic comminution chamber, and further incorporating heated or dried air for desiccation of the material, as well as reducing the air pressure of the system to provide enhanced drying of the material. The present invention further contemplates to a cyclonic mill system configured to fiberize and dewater cellulose and other materials in a highly efficient and cost effective manner. The present system employs indirect heat drying and fiberizing for the continuous drying and processing of moist cellulose (i.e., bagasse, paper, etc) material by cyclonically agitating same in a hot air flow via a specially designed cyclonic mill, which is configured to effectively dewater and decimate wet cellulose material from a variety of sources for form fiberized cellulose material suitable for thermal insulation or other products.

Abstract: A system for converting an off-the-shelf syringe into a safety syringe for preventing accidental needle stick or infection. The preferred embodiment of the present invention is configured to mount to an off-the-shelf syringe via threaded, snap, permanent, or other engagement to the cannula hub of the syringe, wherein the device may include the needle for mounting to the syringe, or via barrel rings configured to mount about the barrel of the syringe. The device is configured to convert the syringe into a safety syringe including a protective cover in longitudinal communication with the syringe needle, the protective cover configured to longitudinally envelope the base of the needle in a storage position, and engage and cap the needle tip in a protected configuration after the instrument has been utilized.

Abstract: A cargo bin dumping system wherein there is provided a cargo bin as disclosed in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, with the addition of first and second lateral receiving stinger tubes for the engagement of a stinger therethrough, so as to facilitate the safe, and efficient dumping of the contents of a cargo basket into a waste bin or the like utilizing an ordinary forklift. A stinger specifically designed to work with the present system is also provided.

Abstract: A support structure for supporting a lift crane, and in particular to a lift crane jack-up structures, including rigs, platforms, barges, boats or the like, wherein the lift crane is positioned about a leg of the jack-up structure atop the jack-house. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a system for elevating a lift crane above the deck and about the leg of the jack-up structure, without relying upon the leg for structural support. A structurally reinforced jack-house having jacking units interfacing with the leg is provided at the deck of the vessel the jack-house configured to engage and support a crane tube column upon the roof of the jack house, which crane tube column in turn has situated thereupon the lift crane.

Abstract: A magnetic bar stock puller for a CNC type, numerically controlled turret lathe, the magnetic bar puller configured to engage and pull bar stock for positioning same. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bar puller has a body having an engaging end and a mounting end, the mounting end mounted to a station on the rotary turret. The bar puller is actuated by fluid pressure from liquid coolant flowing from the cooling system of the lathe, the coolant passing through a longitudinal bore in the body of the unit so as to urge a piston, having a high field strength magnet, to migrate within the longitudinal bore towards the engaging end of the bar holder, so as to provide a magnetic field in the vicinity of the engaging end, to selectively engage a bar or other ferrous object in the vicinity of the engaging end of the bar puller.

Abstract: A minimum tillage planting/renovation system configured to facilitate an enhanced seedbed in a variety of soil conditions, while maintaining nominal surface disturbance. The present invention may further be configured to provide intercrop planting, renovating, and/or fertilizing. The system of the present invention contemplates a planter/fertilizer wherein there is provided a ripping point configured to penetrate a predetermined depth into the soil or sod, the ripping point designed to facilitate a splitting and lifting of the soil, forming a seed bed void, while cutting any organic ground cover, which might comprise, for example, sod, widening the ground cover, and lifting same to a prominent head, wherein first and second coulters, situated above and about the ripping point, are configured to independently engage and cut first and second sides of the lifted ground cover, trash and the like, respectively, then cutting the lifted ground cover, etc.

Abstract: A pulverizer/grinder configured, its principle embodiment, to process drilling mud having cuttings utilizing a shaft on a horizontal axis having multiple rotors emanating therefrom. The rotors are surrounded by a cylindrical housing having inner walls situated near the tips of the rotors, each rotor further including first and second pulverizing members. The upper portion of housing includes input ports for the ingress of cuttings, drilling mud, and fluid, the lower portion of the housing including a cuttings screen having the desired aperture size for the egress of appropriately ground cuttings, particles, and fluid. Included with the system is a specially designed lug which emanates from the inner surface of the upper housing unit, the lug configured to securely communicate with the upper edge of the cuttings screen, securely holding same in place and preventing the buildup of debris thereabouts.

Abstract: A presentation system and method of preparation thereof for the display of cremated remains. Further, the system teaches a particular methodology for the artistic application of cremated remains upon a substrate for presentation. The present system contemplates a unique presentation of the cremated remains as a wall hanging in the form of a painting or the like, which includes thereupon the application of the cremated remains in an artistic and aesthetic fashion into the artwork itself. The preferred embodiment of the present system includes the steps of rendering an abstract or other artwork upon a generally flat substrate such as canvas, art board, Bristol board, or the like, then selectively applying an adhesive or like medium such as glue or the like upon the substrate and, prior to the adhesive medium's curing, applying at least a portion of the cremated remains upon the adhesive so that it adheres to the substrate, and is visible as a part of the artwork.

Abstract: A system for displaying a message, which includes a base portion, which is mounted on wheels and securable to a movable vehicle such as an automobile; an inflatable balloon mounted to a supporting circular base member configured to engage the constricted portion of the balloon, the circular base member further having a diameter and a height emanating from the base portion; a blower positioned within the base portion for blowing air through the circular base member and into the lower opening of the balloon and inflating the balloon to a point above the circular base member; a light mounted on the base portion, and within the circular base member within the opening in the lower end of the balloon for providing light into the interior of the inflated balloon and the light, in turn, lighting the exterior of the balloon; Velcro strips positioned on an outer surface of the inflated balloon, so that a message display banner may be mounted to the Velcro strips for displaying messages on the inflated lighted balloon,

Abstract: A machine for fastening rail plates to cross-ties, utilizing spikes or the like, and method therefore, is disclosed in the present invention. The preferred apparatus of the present invention teaches a system wherein there is provided a conveyor for conveying a plurality of laterally arranged, aligned ties, a loader for loading a single tie upon a template conveyer, and a positioner for positioning a tie at each station during the pre-plating process. The present invention further includes a template system for securing the cross-tie or tie in place, feeding and positioning the rail-plate in place, feeding, dispensing, and positioning the spikes in place, driving the spikes, and discharging the processed tie, the template system utilizing as a principle motive force the displacement of the template reciprocating drive piston for positioning the template, as well as dispensing the plates.

Abstract: An in-stream sample collection and conditioning system which is easier to implement and maintain, more cost effective, and more reliable than existing systems. The preferred embodiment of the present system contemplates a modular system adaptable to a variety of diverse configurations and criteria, the system having incorporated therein a base piece formed of interconnecting modular base members, the base piece having fluid passageways formed therein to provide fluid flow between the adjacent base member. Situated adjacent to each of the modular base members forming the base piece are modular conditioning components, each selected from a field of diverse conditioning types and configurations, and adapted for the contemplated use.

Abstract: A machine for fastening rail plates to cross-ties, utilizing spikes or the like, and method therefore, is disclosed in the present invention. The preferred apparatus of the present invention teaches a system wherein there is provided a conveyor for conveying a plurality of laterally arranged, juxtaposed ties in bulk, a loader or retriever for loading a single tie upon a template conveyer, and a positioner for positioning the single tie during the pre-plating process. The present invention further includes a template system for securing the cross-tie or tie in place, feeding and positioning the rail-plate in place, feeding, dispensing, and positioning the spikes in place, driving the spikes, and discharging the processed tie, the template system utilizing as a principle motive force the displacement of the template reciprocating drive piston for positioning the template, as well as dispensing the plates.

Abstract: A paper towel dispensing rack designed for ease of installation and use, the preferred embodiment of the present system configured to be placed within the sink cabinet of kitchen cabinet, in such a manner that the rack is supported by a cabinet beam horizontally situated over the cabinet door. Unlike prior art systems, the rack of the present system supports the sheet to be dispensed such that it is easily accessible through a closed door, upon opening the door, as desired, but without the towel roll and rack blocking access to the cabinet or taking up unwanted space. The preferred embodiment of the invention utilizes a c-clamp structure to secure the rack to a horizontal beam commonly found in most kitchen cabinets supporting a sink, mounting the rack in a secure, yet removable fashion.

Abstract: A device for relocating dislocated shoulders, providing in-line humeral traction, wherein there is provided an arm isolation component for isolating the elbow area of the arm adjoining the shoulder to which traction is to be applied, the present invention further including a second strap placed about the chest of the patient, under the arm of the afflicted shoulder, for countertraction. The arm isolation component is of a unique design and includes an upper, generally wedge-configured upper isolation component, having a base configured to engage the underside of the upper (humeral) area of arm, the base further including first and second, somewhat aligned, cushion members emanating in generally lateral fashion from opposing sides of the base, the cushion members configured to each engage an opposing side of the upper arm when applied to the base, enveloping that portion of the arm with the application of a first strap which secures the base and cushion members about the arm.

Abstract: A method for improving a radio location system based on time-of-arrival. Time-of-arrival radio location systems are limited in ultimate accuracy by signal-to-noise ratio and by the time varying multipath environment in which they must operate. The present invention teaches techniques which maintain a high signal-to-noise ratio while identifying a feature of the received signal which is least affected by multipath. The technique uses correlation peak/envelope information to estimate the leading edge of the correlation function, then enhances discrete samples at the leading edge of the correlation function to yield high signal-to-noise ratio readings. The present invention can reduce required transmitted bandwidth, increase system resolution and accuracy by twenty to one, and maintain high message traffic throughput.

Abstract: A line guide with a freely rotating inner race supported on ball bearings for use with spincast and spinning fishing reels. The line guide is attached forward of line spool either on the reel or the fishing rod to reduce friction and line twist.