Abstract: The invention relates to a process for eliminating pathogenic organisms 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 50,000 p.s.i. for 1-15 minutes. The process is conducted at ambient temperatures, 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 oysters without any mechanical force. A high pressure processor for elimination of bacteria in raw food products is disclosed.

Abstract: The safety harness assembly has a body harness securable on the user's torso. Shoulder straps of the body harness are provided with non-stretchable sleeves enclosing an insert with limited stretching capabilities that provide shock-absorption during an accidental fall. The length of the sleeve is greater than that of the insert in a normal, non-stretched mode. If the user falls, the insert stretches to the maximum length of the enclosing sleeve, distributing forces to the leg and breast straps of the harness. The shoulder straps slide through a floating O-ring and are fixedly secured to a D-ring in the back of the harness. A lanyard with limited stretching capabilities is fixedly secure to the O-ring and the D-ring. The three-point safety shock-absorbing harness allows retaining the user in a vertical position during an accidental fall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a semi-submersible vessel designed to operate in harsh environment. The vessel has a twin-hull pontoon structure that supports four corner caissons extending vertically from the pontoons above an operational draft of the vessel. A pair of slender parallel horizontal braces connects each pair of opposing caissons, the braces extending in a general plane perpendicular to longitudinal axes of the pontoons. One of the pair of braces is secured between the forward columns and another of the pair of braces is secured between the aft columns. The braces reduce spreading and torque-induced forces acting on the columns, while not substantially increasing water plane area of the vessel. Each brace has an internal “redundancy” feature, being divided into two independent watertight compartments to continue providing buoyancy to the structure if one of the compartments is breached.

Abstract: A garment for supporting lower abdomen of a wearer and a supporting device therefor has a pair of elongated flexible strips adapted for securing along inside side seam of the garment a distance below a waistline of the user. A plurality of eye fasteners are secured along a free edge of each flexible strip. A pair of flexible resilient stretchable panels are provided for detachable securing to the flexible strips and for extending across the lower abdomen of the user. Each support panel has spaced-apart hooks secure along one edge of the panels for engaging with the eye fasteners of the flexible strips. Strips with hook and loop fasteners are secured along opposite edges of each panel for bringing the panels together and attaching them to each other for tightening the lower abdomen of the user.

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 tool for retrieving metal objects from a wellbore has a plurality of magnet assemblies spaced longitudinally along a tool body. Each magnet assembly has a plurality of magnet members, which can be arcuate or longitudinal, covering a majority surface area of the tool body. In the embodiment of the invention having longitudinal members, magnet protectors are secured immediately adjacent to a corresponding magnet member for deflecting striking force of the metal particles being attracted to the magnet during rotation of the tool. A trap space if formed between the magnet and an adjacent magnet protector for retaining more metal particles within the magnet assemblies.

Abstract: A tool for retrieving metal objects from a wellbore has a plurality of magnet assemblies spaced longitudinally along a tool body. Each magnet assembly has a plurality of magnet members, which can be arcuate or longitudinal, covering a majority surface area of the tool body. In the embodiment of the invention having longitudinal members, magnet protectors are secured immediately adjacent to a corresponding magnet member for deflecting striking force of the metal particles being attracted to the magnet during rotation of the tool. A trap space if formed between the magnet and an adjacent magnet protector for retaining more metal particles within the magnet assemblies.

Abstract: A radiotherapy stent device has a flexible, collapsible mesh body that can be expanded in a blood vessel of a patient to deliver radiation to the tissue surrounding the site of stent implantation. One or more hollow sleeves are secured on the body. The sleeves are loaded with radioactive material immediately prior to positioning of the stent in the vascular structure. As a result, the shelf life of the stent is substantially increased, and dosage of the radiation can be more precisely controlled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispensing machine for printed publications. The vending machine allows to dispense one copy at a time by providing a metering break next to a dispensing channel. The vending machine has a hollow housing, within which a detachable module is slidably mounted. An operational portion of the machine includes a motor controlled by a microchip that constantly adjusts the speed of the motor depending on the thickness of the dispensed publication. A paper speed sensor sends a signal to the motor to facilitate adjustment in the speed control. Printed publications rest in an upright position on moving endless belts that are connected to the motor for advancing the publications toward the dispensing channel. One or more torsion springs support the front face of the forwardmost publication immediately prior to dispensing to prevent premature opening of an unfolded edge of the publication and jamming of the dispensing channel.

Abstract: A tool for retrieving metal objects from a wellbore has a plurality of magnet assemblies spaced longitudinally along a tool body. Each magnet assembly has a plurality of magnet members, which can be arcuate or longitudinal, covering a majority surface area of the tool body. In the embodiment of the invention having longitudinal members, magnet protectors are secured immediately adjacent to a corresponding magnet member for deflecting striking force of the metal particles being attracted to the magnet during rotation of the tool. A trap space if formed between the magnet and an adjacent magnet protector for retaining more metal particles within the magnet assemblies.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for protecting data transmitted by a facsimile machine and provides for encrypting and decrypting of data converted to a binary code. The device is detachably connectable to a facsimile machine for receiving the data and for encrypting/decrypting the data in accordance with a pre-selected key. The encrypted data is stored by the device for subsequent retrieval upon demand. A keypad and an associated visual display allow programming of the electronic function of the device.

Abstract: A hair roller has a multi-layer construction, with all layers being soft and comfortable to allow the user to wear the hair rollers during sleep. The hair roller has an inner cellular foam layer, a compressible intermediate layer made of d-suede or velvet and an outer layer made of satin or silk. The roller may have a solid core. Pair of chenille cord securing members extends from opposite ends of the cylindrical roller body to allow securing of the hair roller in place after a strand of hair has been wound on the roller body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispensing machine for printed publications. The vending machine allows to dispense one copy at a time by providing a metering break above a dispensing channel. The vending machine has a hollow housing, within which a detachable module is slidable mounted. An operational portion of the machine includes a drive screw connected to a motor by a gear assembly. The printed publications are supported in an upright position on a bearing plate and are advanced towards the dispensing channel by a push plate connected to the drive screw.

Abstract: A “frozen” rack chock of a jack-up rig is released by a moving force imparted on the rack chock by a worm gear assembly. The worm gear assembly has a tooth wheel with a plurality of teeth and a worm gear member provided with a worm thread that engages the teeth for transmitting rotational force from a drive motor to the tooth wheel. A shaft of the tooth wheel is operationally connected to the rack chock to cause disengagement of the rack chock from the contact surface of a leg chord when the tooth wheel is rotated.