Abstract: A surgical instrument for ophthalmic surgery, allowing the user to form a uniform circular incision of the anterior lens capsule of an eyeball, as part of an anterior capsulotomy. The capsulectomy device of the preferred embodiment of the present invention has first and second ends, with a rotor emanating from one end, the rotor having a cutting blade or bin situated at the distal end of the rotor, the rotor rotating in pivotal fashion up to 360 degrees, while simultaneously reciprocating the cutting blade at a consistent stroke so as to provide optimal incision edge and depth of the anterior lens capsule of the eyeball. The device is hand held and relatively compact, having provided therein a motor and gear reduction/transmission system for driving the rotor and providing the reciprocating action to the cutting blade or pin.

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 heat exchanger system suitable for facilitating the economical cooling of hot fluids in the vicinity of a body of water. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a vertical, or combination vertical and horizontal thermosyphonic, passive, heat exchanger column situated in a body of water and enveloped by a caisson or the like, and configured to facilitate, through percolation, enhanced circulation of seawater therethrough and effecting significant cooling of a hot, hydrocarbon well stream, or other hot fluid in the vicinity of a body of water. A vertically situated bundle of tubes forms the heat exchanger, which may include a system of staggered baffles to direct the flow of cooling seawater to effect even temperature distribution throughout the tube bundle. The present system further teaches a system for cooling high pressure, hot fluids as may be found in a deep hydrocarbon reserve offshore, utilizing a the vertical heat exchange column of the present invention.

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 transportable living quarters configured for maximum comfort and spaciousness, with a relatively small footprint. In order to enhance the efficiency of the layout of the present invention, 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 means 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 bag and dispensing system system wherein the thermoplastic bag to be dispensed may be retained in an open position, to allow for the loading thereof with contents for carrying, such as purchased goods or the like. The system is further configured such that the loaded bag, when dispensed, draws the next bag in the stack forward into an open loading position such that it is ready to be loaded with goods without further manipulation by the attendant. The preferred embodiment of the present invention teaches the utilization multi-edged penetration punch applied to the handle area of the bags to hold said handles together for handling of the bag pack, and for facilitating opening of the next bag in the stack on the rack, when a loaded bag is removed.

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 thermal applicator for medical use which is worn upon or applied directly to the body of a patient to modify its temperature for therapeutic treatment. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates the utilization of a heat pipe having first and second ends and a length, the first and second ends communicating with first and second thermally conductive plates, respectively, the first thermally conductive plate configured to communicate with an exterior portion of the body of the patient and to provide localized thermal treatment, the second thermally conductive plate placed at an area removed from the area to be treated, and configured to accept, for example, an ice pack (or other thermal material or apparatus) to affect a change in the temperature of the second thermally conductive plate, cooling the second end of the heat pipe and allowing the heat pipe to cool the first thermally conductive plate, thereby providing localized cooling of the area to which it is applied.

Abstract: A heavy-duty game hoist for suspending large game, such as deer, or other animals for processing in a stable, non-rotating manner. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a hoist configured to be affixed to a pole, tree, or the like, the hoist including a first vertical support member which engages the pole or tree, the first vertical support member engaging a frame which includes a laterally emanating horizontal support member having first and second ends, the first end engaging the first vertical support member, the second end distal from the first vertical support member, the second end of the horizontal support member supporting a second vertical support member. In the preferred embodiment, the second vertical support member has a square or other configured conduit formed longitudinally therethrough, and is configured to telescopically engage a vertical boom member which includes a gambrel for engaging and supporting the game.

Abstract: A stabilizing scaffold bracket for a ladder or the like. The preferred embodiment of the present invention configured to affix a ladder to a scaffold in a stable, yet removable fashion, the apparatus of the invention including first and second aligned plates spaced by a spacer bar, the plates having first and second ends, the first end of the plates having formed therein an upper hook member to engage a horizontal bar of the scaffold, the second end of the plates having formed therein a lower hook member configured to engage the horizontal rung of a ladder, the second end further including an upper engagement member to engage the lateral supports of the ladder. Further provided are first and second pivotal cams to removably, yet firmly, secure the unit to the scaffold, once installed.

Abstract: A holder for eyeglasses, which may include corrective lenses, sunglasses, or the like. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a holder having a generally rectilinear body structure having a longitudinal axis, a length, front, back, and first and second side walls, a top and a bottom, and a conduit formed therethrough for the passage of the eyeglass's earpiece shaft therethrough. To facilitate a secure storage of the glasses, the end of the temple bar which engages the frame at the endpiece engages an open area formed in the front face of the holder body which terminates in sloped fashion to a point situated generally at the longitudinal axis, the open face configured to engage a wide variety of configuration temple bars.

Abstract: A pressure vessel venting, dust collecting, and noise silencing system for continuous venting of dry process air during the filling and depressurization of pressure vessels configured to contain, for example, barite or the like, by filtering of vented air through a filter media, with the air discharge being controlled by a pressure sensor actuating a depressurizing regulator valve, located between the vessel and the filter. The present system contemplated a filter which may be cleaned by reverse pulse pressurization or backwash, thereby providing low maintenance filtration while preventing particle emissions into the atmosphere. The present system utilizes a high capacity, stacked filtration medium, which provides a greater filtration, with a surface contact area far in excess of the present systems on the market, which primarily rely upon bag house filtration.

Abstract: A self-guided system for trenching water bottoms for the installation of a pipeline. The preferred embodiment of the present invention teaches a system which is configured to be mounted about the pipeline to be buried, and which further contemplates a uniquely configured, forward mounted trenching/drive mechanism incorporating a cutter wheel generally about the width of the desired trench, the mechanism configured to propel the system as well as trench the desired area. An alternative embodiment of the contemplates a frontal high pressure jet array in lieu of the cutter head. The trenching/drive mechanism of the preferred embodiment of the present invention further includes a high pressure spray array mounted about the frontal cutter wheel area, and a suction/mud pump assembly to the rear of the cutter wheel. The high pressure spray array provides the dual purpose function of loosening the area to be trenched, as well as cleaning and removing the trenched matter from the cutter wheel.

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 terracing plow for providing a shallow water terrace system for wetlands remediation. The preferred, embodiment of the present invention comprises a terracing plow having a frame having front and rear ends and first and second sides, the rear end having a generally medially situated, angled chute member having first and second scalloped coulter blades situated at the first and second sides of the frame, adjacent to the opening of the chute member. The coulter blades are situated on the frame at an angle in relative alignment with the adjacent chute wall. The preferred system of the present invention contemplates pulling the terracing plow via linkage to the front end of the frame through a shallow wetlands, in order to facilitate borrowing of the earth from the marsh bottom and building up same via the chute member, forming a terrace for the planting of marsh grass or the like thereon.

Abstract: A mouth shield system configured to protect the lips and tongue of a user from an installed orthodontic appliance, dental work, or the like. The preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a strip formed from a light material such as, for example, mesh gauze, impregnated and surrounded by a plastic material such as, for example, dental wax or the like, the strip laminated on one outer side with a cover of, for example, cling wrap or the like. The strip is of an adequate width to envelope the raised portion of a dental appliance or other dental work, and of sufficient length preferably to cover the length of the appliance or dental work. In use, the user cuts the strip to the desired length so as to envelop the bracket and/or wire of the appliance, applying pressure to the strip and manipulating same so that it wraps about the exterior of the brackets, so as to allow the malleable properties of the strip to engage the brackets and retain the strip to same.

Abstract: A composition particularly useful in solidifying liquid wastes for disposal in landfills, including, for example, liquid industrial wastes. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a composition primarily composed of bauxite tailings that remain after alumina extraction, also known as "red mud". The tailings are dewatered, dried to a low moisture content, sized to an optimal particulate size, and then applied to the liquid waste. The addition of a small amount of pozzolanic material can improve the handling and solidification characteristics of the composition under certain situations, and is provided in an alternative composition.