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 manually switchable corona electrode array and method of operation for use in a corona treater station. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates an electrode array which incorporates in its structure a low pressure conduit system for providing a low pressure field in the vicinity of the corona field, in order to remove ozone and other contaminants generated by the corona field. The electrode array further includes means to quickly and easily urge the array from a first position, wherein the array is situated adjacent to the treatment area, to a second position, removed from the treatment area, so as to facilitate maintenance and spooling of the material to the treated therethrough. The present invention provides a more compact footprint than traditional systems, as well as providing an ozone removal system requiring a cheaper, less powerful exhaust blower for providing the low pressure differential to remove the pollutants, including ozone, from the treatment area.

Abstract: A system for loading retorts, sterilization systems, and the like. The preferred embodiment of the present system provides both loading and unloading modules, the loading module designed to automatically load fragile containers, in mass and layer by layer into a self-supporting cube array of stacked trays nested in a basket frame. The unloader module automatically unloads the cube array layer by layer after the contents of the cube array are processed in mass. The stack of trays, or batch cube remain as an intact, stacked unit throughout the entire retort process. A hydraulic ram which is associated with each the loader and unloader, lifting the batch cube from the basket frame and indexing the batch cube vertically during the loading/unloading process, respectfully. Each layer in the stack is either loaded or unloaded as that layer is positioned in the home position.

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 is placed over the bag pack to be dispensed, the cover having an opening formed therethrough for the dispensing of bags therethrough, the opening configured to provide optimal dispensing of the bags while maintaining the remaining bags in a uniform bag pack.

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 system for the retrieval and initial conditioning of sample gas for “on line” analyzers or filling of gas sample cylinders. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a system configured to obtain a representative gas phase sample from a process gas containing entrained liquid, or a process gas which generally is highly susceptible to partial condensation of some gas phase components. The preferred embodiment of the present invention teaches an assembly including a phase separation membrane and housing configured to facilitate the removal of entrained liquid from a sample gas stream. Accuracy of the sample is enhanced, and compositional changes are avoided by first extracting a sample from the process gas followed by removal of entrained liquid it may contain, with the entrained liquid removal being conducted at the prevailing process gas pressure and temperature.

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 “chemical heater” in the form of a cartridge containing an exothermic agent such as sodium hydroxide (caustic) soda, or the like, which, when infused into water, releases heat in the form of an exothermic reaction. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a cartridge is provided which contains the exothermic material. Water or the like is then directed through said cartridge so that the exothermic material dissolves, providing a solution of water infused with the exothermic material. The solution is heated by virtue of the exothermic reaction, said solution passing out of the cartridge and into a bladder located in a pipe, filling same. Situated about the bladder is a patch or sleeve of material including heat cured resin, which is urged to line the pipe by virtue of the bladder inflating, while simultaneously heated to cure same by virtue of the heated solution.

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. The preferred, exemplary embodiment of the present system teaches a free standing bag dispensing stand configured to hold at least a single pack of produce bags, but which may include as many as four or produce bag packs of equal or different sizes. 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 is placed over the bag pack to be dispensed, the cover having an opening formed therethrough for the dispensing of bags therethrough, the opening configured to provide optimal dispensing of the bags while maintaining the remaining bags in a uniform bag pack.

Abstract: A cryoprobe system utilizing a monolithic, insulated, hand-held thermal mass having an exposed tip for cryosurgical applications and the like, as well as a heat extraction base configured to interface with the thermal mass to quickly and efficiently reduce the heat of the thermal mass to cryogenic temperatures. The heat extraction base of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is configured to interface with the tip of the thermal mass, such that the tip plugs in securely to the base, to permit an efficient thermal transfer of heat from the thermal mass through the base via a heat exchange system communicating with the base which employs a low temperature cryo-refrigeration unit.

Abstract: A putter including a shaft having first and second ends, the first, lower end pivotally engaging a “T” configured putter head via a spring biased, rotatable hosel, the upper end of the putter having first and second grips pivotally adjustable into a wishbone or other spaced configuration. The configuration of the present system allows each hand to independently engage a separate, spaced grip with the hands engaged with the thumbs gripping the upper portion of each respective handle, as desired by the user. The club is configurable into multiple positions, with the grips and putter head pivotally adjustable so as to allow side putting with the putter head to the side of the user, center putting with the user facing the target croquet style and the putter drawn back between the legs of the user, or pendulum style.

Abstract: A bracing structure is provided in the form of an elongated bracing member having first and second ends, the first end having a pile sleeve for engaging the bottom, the second end having a doubler plate or the like for engaging a caisson above the water line. A pulley may be provided on the caisson above the water line, in the vicinity of where the doubler plate is to be mounted on the caisson. A cable having first and second ends is provided, the first end affixed to the bracing member in the vicinity of the doubler plate, the second end engaging the tugger or winch. In use, the tugger draws the cable so as to urge the doubler plate to the caisson above the water line in the vicinity of the installation area.

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 transportable living quarters configured for maximum comfort and spaciousness, with a relatively small footprint. A unique sofa/bed arrangement is contemplated, wherein first and second, facing fold-out sofas are provided which are convertible to a single bed, which may be full size or larger. One of the sofas further provides a mechanism to manipulate, via bracketed supports, the sofa back to form a long counter area, which, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, is situated adjacent to the kitchen counter and thereby extends same. The present invention further contemplates a dining/work table which is configured to be stored along the ceiling of the unit, in a relatively hidden capacity, and easily deployed between the first and second sofas when needed, providing a relatively large, stable work surface.

Abstract: A taillight (stop and signal) for marine and utility trailers, as well as general use. The assembly consists of a light emitting diode (LED) array, circuitry and reflecting/diffracting surface which may have holographic characteristics all encapsulated in a clear resin. The reflecting/diffracting surface is positioned in the back of the assembly; its shape consists of a multitude of sharp edges or corrugations, forming a reflecting body. The LEDs within the array are directing their light beams on the knuckle edges of the reflecting body. Each light beam shows reflection on more than one surface. The reflected light beams generated induce a glow to the encapsulating medium. The duplication of the light beam results in an intensified array displaying a uniform light generation.

Abstract: A drive hub configured to mount to the spokes of an off-the-shelf spoked wheel on a vehicle such as, for example, a bicycle, so as to allow said wheel to be driven by a motor mounted to the frame of the vehicle. The hub has an outer face including a channel or belt track for engaging a drive belt from the motor, and the inner side of the hub has formed therein spoke slots configured to accept and lock upon spokes situated on the front or rear wheel of the bicycle, and are situated such that the hub is self-centering upon installation, namely, when all of the slots are lined up to engage spokes on the bicycle, the hub is appropriately centered on said wheel. Each spoke slot is of a width so as to accept an individual spoke, with there being provided ridges, notches or the like in each slot for engaging and locking about the spoke to resist removal of the hub from the wheel, once mounted thereupon.

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.