Abstract: A system for releasably joining balloons and the like to form a structure, novelty, educational, or play item. The present invention comprises a modular system of inflated cells having connection members placed about each cells periphery, said cells configured to form various polyhedral shapes. The preferred embodiment of the present invention teaches the utilization of generally ellipsoidal balloons of a non-elastomeric material, such as MYLAR, each said ellipsoid forming a cell, and being configured to selectively engage neighboring balloons to form generally radial or other multi-celled structures. While the preferred embodiment of the present system contemplates the utilization of hook and loop fasteners, such as VELCRO, for joining the cells, alternative modes of releasable attachment are also contemplated such as adhesives, ties, tape, and shrink wrap.

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.

Abstract: A high cleat rubber carrier system for conveying material at various angles, from generally horizontal to sixty degrees plus. The present invention also teaches a new and unique system for conveying chopped cane or bagasse at low, moderate, or high angles (for example, 40 degrees plus) during the refining process, for example, from a gravity chute to a donnely chute gravity compactor. Unlike traditional bagasse under-carrier conveyors, the present invention teaches a top carrier conveyer arrangement, which, as designed, has been found to convey even traditionally difficult materials, including, for example, chopped cane, bagasse, and other fibrous materials, even at relatively high angles, with little or no clogging.

Abstract: A marine seismic cable deployment and retrieval system for utilization in conjunction with a marine vessel. The present, searched for invention teaches a large wheel mounted in the front of the vessel for retrieving seismic cable from the water, and a horizontally mounted cable handler comprising an eight wheel cable puller for pulling the cable, the cable puller comprising four pairs of tires in frictional, rotational contact with one another along their outer surfaces configured to frictionally grab and pull a seismic cable along a linear path. A smaller rear cable puller further urges the cable to the rear of the vessel, and down into the main deck via a chute arrangement.

Abstract: A new and improved release holding mechanism for utilization in conjunction with a wrist strap or the like, the present embodiment configured for utilization in conjunction with a caliper-jaws type release. As configured, the present system contemplates unique pivotal connection between the release extension member and the wrist strap, wherein the user can frictionally pivotally position the release relative to the wrist strap within a wide angular range, and the release will remain in the chosen position until re-positioned.

Abstract: A golf practicing aid and its method of use which includes written and graphic indicia in the form of a diagrammatic depiction of a typical golfing hole to be used at a driving range or other practice area which is employed by its user for recording thereon the user's shot pattern established during the course of making various actual practice shots. The aid further includes directions for its use and a shot statistical tabulation to allow the user to summarize the user's performance in terms of shot quality which allows the golfer to identify and correct errors in his golf game (swing, grip, etc.).The practice materials are preferably provided in booklet form consisting of a multitude of such golf hole diagrams and attendant statistical tabulations. Basic golfing tips are also preferably included in the booklet.

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. The trenching/drive mechanism 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.

Abstract: An oyster and other molluscan cleansing system suitable for purifying, or promoting the growout of, for example, oysters, clams, mussels, or the like. The preferred embodiment of the present invention teaches a system wherein there is provided a central platform/support structure from which uniformly emanates a plurality of stacked rack-support structures, that in turn have therein generally horizontally-situated, vertically-stacked tiers of molluscan support racks. The present invention as implemented teaches a system particularly suitable for use in open water, as the structure is configured to be implemented in a variety of underwater environments, including salt, brackish, and fresh water, as desired, depending upon the species utilized therewith.

Abstract: A marine seismic cable deployment and retrieval system for utilization in conjunction with a marine vessel. The present, searched for invention teaches a large wheel mounted in the front of the vessel for retrieving seismic cable from the water, and a horizontally mounted cable handler comprising an eight wheel cable puller for pulling the cable, the cable puller comprising four pairs of tires in frictional, rotational contact with one another along their outer surfaces, configured to frictionally grab and pull a seismic cable along a linear path. A smaller rear cable puller further urges the cable to the rear of the vessel, and down into the main deck via a chute arrangement.

Abstract: A system for teaching the basic concepts of mathematics utilizing a ball or the like having situated thereon certain mathematical problems and solutions, each such problem having framed thereabout certain colored geometric symbols, the symbols indicating certain commonalities in the problem. The ball of the present invention is to be utilized in organized or unorganized play, and is configured in such a manner as to relay to the user certain basic themes associated with mathematics, including (but not limited to) addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. The preferred embodiment of the present invention teaches a generally spherical ball having multiple diverse geometric configurations, each like configuration having a common mathematical type of problem thereon, as well as a common color. In the preferred embodiment, the configurations could be situated randomly across the surface of the ball, or could be arranged along the longitudinal and/or latitudinal axis of the ball.

Abstract: A bag and system for dispensing self-opening thermoplastic bags or the like from a stack of bags. The present system is configured such that it may be utilized with a variety of off-the-shelf rack configurations, and to provide optimal characteristics for dispensing bags one at a time, while further providing a system wherein the 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.

Abstract: A tray for retaining poultry trusses. The tray includes at least one longitudinally extending truss support having a first support structure for supporting the U-shaped central portion of a truss, first and second outward extending surfaces extending outwardly from the first support structure, and second support structures extending outwardly from the outward extending surfaces for supporting the truss legs. The first and second support structures are optionally shaped and dimensioned to support a poultry truss with the shoulders of the truss spaced above the outward extending surfaces. The tray optionally includes stacking members for stacking the tray above a second tray with the first-mentioned tray selectively positioned in a nested arrangement with an empty tray and spaced above a filled tray.

Abstract: A hazardous waste barrier system for preventing the generally lateral, subterranean migration of certain fluid substances (including both liquid and gaseous fluids) beyond an established perimeter, while providing controlled collection of same for monitoring or disposal. The present system utilizes a barrier wall, which may be formed in-ground via horizontally rolled plastic sheeting or slidingly or otherwise engaged panels. The present system may be configured to intersect the flow path of the substance to be contained, and may be configured with additional systems to enhance containment or collection of the fluid. In use, the barrier of the present invention is installed by first making an excavation to accommodate the barrier system, and the excavation and barrier wall is implemented to a depth so as to allow for the interception with the established or anticipated migration path of the substance to be contained or collected, and/or processed.

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 and positioning the spikes and plates.

Abstract: An engine mount for supporting an inboard powerboat engine on a light marine craft. The present invention teaches an inboard, truss engine mount for marine engines, tailored for supporting the weight of the engine in spaced, transverse fashion along weight distributing supports situated along the chines of the watercraft. The present invention is particularly suitable for use in mounting an inboard engine in conjunction with lightweight aluminum boats traditionally referred to as skiffs of flatboats, which typically are of a length of about 7-22 feet. The present system allows the utilization of inboard engines with a boat which traditionally relied upon outboard engines affixed to the transom, as the weight of inboard engines could not be supported by the floor of the light weight boats. However, the present system overcomes this problem, by distributing the weight in a novel fashion, while taking advantage of the relative strength and rigidity of the chines in this type of watercraft.

Abstract: An enclosed shaft system for tunnel jet drive marine propulsion systems for providing an improved lubrication and coolant system over current designs. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates the utilization of an enclosed shaft system wherein the drive propeller drives a portion of the water passing through the tunnel drive through a water intake, which water is filtered and directed to a "T" fitting, wherein a portion of the water is directed to the engine for cooling, and the remaining water is directed to the base of the shaft housing, wherein the water passes through an shaft sleeve enveloping the shaft, the shaft sleeve terminating at an open end wherein the cutlass bearing and propeller is fitted. The water passing through the shaft sleeve both lubricates the cutlass bearings, as well as cooling same.

Abstract: A system for preventing nosocomial infection and contamination through usage of a stethoscope, utilizing a stethoscope sleeve and fitting accessory configured to be utilized in conjunction with off-the-shelf stethoscopes and the like. A first embodiment (FIGS. 1 & 2b) includes a one-use, disposable sleeve, wherein the head or diaphragm-retaining ring is covered in its entirety, with the full covering up of the body to the ear tubes, the cover being composed of a bacterial, viral, and fluid impermeable, acoustically transparent medium. The accessory includes a spreader attachment removably affixed to the upper body of the stethoscope and containable within the sleeve when mounted on the stethoscope. In combination with the spreader attachment accessory, the system provides a sterile system for preventing infection which isolates the stethoscope from both the user as well as the patient, greatly reducing any risk of contamination. A second embodiment (FIGS.

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. The trenching/drive mechanism 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 trailer locking system configured to be utilized with a variety of wheeled vehicles. The preferred embodiment of the present invention teaches a system configured to be utilized in conjunction with a boat, vehicle, or utility trailer, the system contemplating a locking member configured to be easily installed to most such trailers. In operation, the locking member of the present invention is pivoted relative the trailer frame, until a gripping member physically engages with a tire on the trailer, to the point of preventing rotation of the tire, thereby preventing theft of the trailer. Further, the tire engaged by the gripping member is immobilized so as to prevent removal of same, while the locking member itself is secured to the trailer in such a manner as to prevent undesired removal.

Abstract: A sialidase capable of cleaving a glycoconjugate to yield 3-deoxy-D-glycero-D-galacto-2-nonulosonic acid (KDN) is isolated from hepatopancreas of mollusks. Preferably, the sialidase is isolated by processing crude oyster hepatopancreas to form a crude extract of the sialidase enzyme. The crude enzyme is further concentrated and refined utilizing sequential column chromatography fractogel EMD DEAE-650 (M), sephacryl S-200, and fractogel EMD SP 650 (M) chromatography, respectively. Using this procedure, the sialidase is purified over 155 fold with a 17% recovery. Ferric ion exerts a three fold stimulation in the activity of the sialidase, at a concentration of 3 mM. The sialidase cleaves 4-methylumbelliferyl-KDN, KDN.alpha.2.fwdarw.3Gal.beta.1.fwdarw.4GlcCer, KDN.alpha.2.fwdarw.6Gal.beta.1.fwdarw.4GlcCer, or KDN.alpha.2.fwdarw.6GalNAc-o1 to yield KDN.