Abstract: An attachment for use with a nebulizer for delivery of aerosol medication to respiratory airways of a user has an elongated conduit provided with a one-way valve for admitting ambient air on one of its ends and a mouthpiece—on its opposite end. A calibrated pressure exhalation valve allows escape of exhaled gas once the pressure in the conduit exceeds a pre-determined setting of the valve. The outlet valve is spring-loaded and allows for various calibrations. The conduit is attachable to a nebulizer and facilitates build-up of positive pressure in the user's sealed airways to help maintain the airways distended for more effective delivery of the medication.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating female stress-induced incontinence and other similar diseases associated with weakening of the pelvic floor muscles. A guiding catheter with temperature sensor(s) is positioned in patient's urethra. An inflatable balloon carried by a forward end of the catheter is inflated to sit in a neck of a bladder. Measuring indicia on the exterior of the catheter is indicative of a distance between the bladder neck and external meatus. A vagina probe member provided with a laser output in a forward portion thereof is then positioned in place such that the laser output is at about a level of the bladder neck, as facilitated by the guiding catheter. The laser output is operationally connected to a medical laser generating and monitoring device that delivers a laser beam to selected areas in the pelvic floor to cause denaturing and recoiling of the tissue collagen in the area surrounding the urethra.

Abstract: The method for sealing a seam between adjacent structural panels significantly reduces the time for finishing a drywall in comparison with conventional methods, which use multiple applications of a joint compound to seal the seam. A drywall joint compound is mixed with a synthetic fiber, such as Colombian Fiber, or polypropylene, and sufficient water to facilitate soaking of the synthetic fiber and mixing with the joint compound. An optional liquid adhesive, such as liquid adhesive for vinyl wallpaper, or water-based liquid adhesive, is added to the mixture. The mixture is then applied as one coat to the seam and allowed to dry. No subsequent coatings of the mixture are necessary.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for retaining closure of shells of raw molluscan shellfish prior to high pressure processing involves positioning of heat-shrinkable band around each individual shellfish. The shellfish is then exposed to heated air of about 300-400 degrees Fahrenheit to 2-3 seconds, a time sufficient to cause shrinking of the band and secure adherence of the band to the shells. To prevent denaturing of raw shellfish the banded shellfish is then immediately exposed to a stream of cold air, about 30 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 second. Cooling of the banded shellfish arrests the heating process and helps retain sensory qualities of the product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for eliminating pathogenic organisms and other bacteria from raw food products, such as raw shellfish, whereby the molluscan shellfish is exposed to hydrostatic pressure of relatively high value, for example between 10,000 p.s.i. to 60,000 p.s.i. for 1-15 minutes. The process is conducted at elevated temperatures, in the range of between 50 and 130 degrees Fahrenheit, leaving the raw shellfish substantially unaffected, in its desired raw state, such that the pathogenic organisms are destroyed, while sensory characteristics of the raw shellfish remain high. The same process can be used for shucking bivalve mollusks without any mechanical force, with the pressure ranging from 10,000 p.s.i. to 60,000 p.s.i. Taste of raw seafood is enhanced by adding flavor enhancing agents to the pressure vessel before application of pressure.

Abstract: A food-cooking vessel has a bottom plate and an upwardly extending continuous sidewall. A spigot assembly is secured to the sidewall above the bottom plate to allow draining of liquid from the vessel. A valve mounted in the spigot assembly regulates the flow of liquid from the vessel to an outlet spout. A filter is mounted in the spout to filter solid particles from the drained liquid. The spigot assembly has an attachment plate that is fixedly secured on the convex exterior surface of the sidewall surrounding a drain opening formed in the sidewall. A cylindrical attachment member is fixedly attached to the plate and extends through the plate into the drain opening without contacting the wall of the container, thereby avoiding the necessity of having the cylindrical member to conform to the convex wall of the vessel.

Abstract: A liquid level measuring device for measuring the level of liquid in a storage or dispensing tank has an elongated tubular hollow body that carries a threaded coupler adapted for engaging a threaded nipple on top of the tank. A buoyant float is attached to a lower portion of the elongated body. The body slides in relation to the coupler while the coupler remains stationary in relation to the tank. As the liquid is dispensed from the tank, the buoyant float that was positioned on the surface of the liquid in the tank, lowers in relation to the tank, moving the elongated body into the tank. Measuring indicia placed on the exterior surface of the elongated body allows visual observation of the changing level of liquid in the tank.

Abstract: A process of transferring a photographic image to a stone surface, such as slate tile, provides for the use of a gelatin subbing solution in a step of preparing the stone surface for the receipt of the image. Additional steps include application of polyacrylic coating and concrete staining material to the surface prior to exposing the surface to the gelatin subbing solution, and using conventional photo developing compounds for permanently affixing a transferred image to the stone surface. Mixing gelatin, chrome alum and water makes the gelatin subbing solution. For an “antique” look, the photograph can be exposed to a sulfide sepia toner prior to transfer of the image to the stone surface.

Abstract: A cleaning composition for treating and removing stains from a non-porous surface has one or more salts, such as quaternary ammonium salts, sulfates and chlorides, a chelator and a dispersant, dissolved in an aqueous solution of alcohol. Optional active ingredients include methyl cellosolve and ammonia. The quaternary ammonium salts are myristyltrimethylammonium bromide and benzethonium chloride, the chelator is tetrasodium salt ethylenediamine of tetraacetic acid, and the dispersant is polyvinyl alcohol. The cleaning composition is incorporated into a product, which has a non-woven polyester carrier impregnated with the cleaning composition.

Abstract: A hand-held breathing device for use by patients having respiratory problems creates a sealed backpressure in the airways of the patient by creating resistance to exhalation. A peep valve is mounted inside a hollow body, and a pre-set compression spring is mounted between the valve and an adjustable cap or cam lever in the main body of the device. A pair of valve openings extend through the wall of the main body, one opening serving as an intake port for inhaling of air by the patient and the second port—for exhalation of carbon dioxide. An intake valve is mounted inside the body between a normally open end of the device and the exhalation valve. In one of the embodiments, the device is attached to a nebulizer to facilitate buildup of positive pressure and delivery of medication to the patients' lungs.

Abstract: An inverted pedestal crane has a base mountable to an underside of a horizontal support structure, such as for example a rig floor. A crane pedestal extends downwardly from the base, and a boom connects pivotally to the pedestal. The pedestal and the crane base rotate about a vertical axis, while the boom moves pivotally in relation to the pedestal. The crane has one main and a pair of auxiliary hydraulic rams for moving the boom during load handling operations. A robust slew bearing assembly mounted above the crane pedestal allows rotation of the base and the pedestal. The slew bearing assembly has a pair of parallel plates, a plurality of centering rollers and a plurality of stabilizing rollers mounted adjacent to an outer circumference of the parallel plates, between the plates. A winch assembly is mounted on top of the base, the winch assembly carrying a cable that extends over a pulley secured to a free end of the boom.

Abstract: A self-elevating drilling unit has dual cantilever assemblies that move longitudinally and transversely in relation to the jack-up platform to allow drilling operation to be performed from two drilling floors. The twin cantilever assemblies permit simultaneous drilling on an 8 feet×8 feet spacing. The cantilever assemblies are retained attached to the platform by a hold down beam that extends over and across the cantilever assemblies. The hold down beam is positioned in a stationary manner on the platform deck. A movable strut that engages the underside of the hold down beam moves along the beam to counteract upward bending forces acting on the beam when the cantilever assemblies are extended from the platform. The cantilever assemblies are made of tubular truss work and can be moved to an infinite number of horizontal positions.

Abstract: A tool for retrieving metal debris from a wellbore has a plurality of magnet assemblies spaced longitudinally along a tool body. Each magnet assembly has a magnet member, which forms a primary debris settling area. Each magnet member is protected by a magnet protector. A secondary debris settling area is formed between a magnet and an adjacent magnet protector to allow utilization of the residual magnetic force created by the magnet members. The secondary debris settling area occupies at least half of the surface area of the primary settling area.

Abstract: A perspiration band and a method of making thereof is disclosed. The perspiration band formed from a moisture-absorbing fabric and is provided with a pair of notches that allow the band to be secured by fasteners on a headband on a headgear. The outwardly flaring end portions extend the reach of the band along the headband. A plurality of non-aligned fasteners attached along the sides of the band facilitate creation of an excess of material on the portion of the band that contact the user's head, thus increasing moisture-absorbing capabilities of the perspiration band.

Abstract: A flood prevention assembly uses a flexible plastic sheeting for positioning across the entryway of a building. A pair of plates are permanently attached on vertical door frame members, each plate defining a channel for receiving a hollow insert herein. The insert has a central opening for receiving an elongated bar of a shield assembly. The shield assembly has plastic sheeting stretched between the two elongated bars and secured to the bars by attachment panels. A plurality of tabs are secured along to the top edge of the shield; the tabs are folded over and secured to an elevated cross bar that is engaged with the bars of the shield assembly. An upper portion of the shield is attached to the elongated bars and the lower portion remains unsecured. The lower portion flares outwardly for positioning in front of the entryway. A primary water weight is filled with water and placed across the doorway, on the lower part of the shield.

Abstract: An assembly for a seafood cleaning machines provides increased efficiency and decreases loss of meat of cleaned seafood items, such as shrimp, prawns, and the like. The assembly has a plurality of parallel rollers, a plurality of secondary rollers spaced between and mounted slightly above the power rollers, and a plurality of insert rollers fitted between adjacent power rollers and secondary rollers. Each insert roller has a variable diameter outside surface, gradually increasing from an upstream portion to the downstream portion. Smaller diameter upstream portion forms a tighter channel between the rollers and help the rollers to grab even smaller portions of the inedible parts of the crustaceans. To remove peeled off inedible portions, the assembly provides for a two-level water spraying, from above and below the insert rollers, thereby preventing a build-up of debris on the rollers and decreasing a possibility of over-peeling.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for eliminating pathogenic organisms and other bacteria from raw food products, such as raw shellfish, whereby the molluscan shellfish is exposed to hydrostatic pressure of relatively high value, for example between 20,000 p.s.i. to 150,000 p.s.i. for 1-15 minutes. The process is conducted at minimal elevated temperatures, in the range of above ambient temperature to 150° F., leaving the raw shellfish substantially unaffected, in its desired raw state, such that the pathogenic organisms are destroyed, while sensory characteristics of the raw shellfish remain high. The same process can be used for shucking bivalve mollusks without any mechanical force, with the pressure ranging from 10,000 p.s.i. to 100,000 p.s.i. Taste of raw seafood is enhanced by adding flavor enhancing agents to the pressure vessel before application of pressure.

Abstract: An attachment for use with a nebulizer for delivery of aerosol medication to respiratory airways of a user has an elongated conduit provided with a one-way valve for admitting ambient air on one of its ends and a mouthpiece—on its opposite end. A calibrated pressure exhalation valve allows escape of exhaled gas once the pressure in the conduit exceeds a pre-determined setting of the valve. The outlet valve is spring-loaded and allows for various calibrations. The conduit is attachable to a nebulizer and facilitates build-up of positive pressure in the user's sealed airways to help maintain the airways distended for more effective delivery of the medication.