Abstract: An apparatus for carrying and storing watercraft propellers comprises a soft-shell enclosure having a rigid bottom member. The apparatus further comprises means for securing the propeller within the enclosure. An embodiment of the apparatus may shaped in the form of a cube or other parallelepiped with an opening symmetrically bisecting the enclosure along the top and the sides, or a top with a single panel defining the bottom of the enclosure. Alternatively, the apparatus may have a cylindrical shape. An embodiment of the invention may further comprise an inflatable support member for protecting the propeller.

Abstract: A self-tapping insert is installed in a pre-existing bore hole in a workpiece by rotating the insert, causing cutting threads on the exterior of the self-tapping insert to cut new threads. Engagement threads on the exterior of the self-tapping insert engage the new threads to retain the self-tapping insert within the workpiece. The self-tapping insert may comprise internal threads which are used to replaced damaged threads in the workpiece. The exterior threads of the self-tapping insert may be configured as left-handed threads, while the internal threads are right-handed threads. The top of the self-tapping insert may comprise a plurality of castellations, and a drive head having matching castellations may be employed to install the self-tapping insert, eliminating the need for installing the insert with a drive bolt. The exterior of the self-tapping insert may further comprise a leading edge for cutting the new threads, where the leading edge has greater radial extension than the trailing edge.

Abstract: Petroleum asphalt emulsions which contain recycled tire rubber and processes for making the emulsions at temperatures above ambient or room temperature. These emulsions may contain significant quantities of recycled tire rubber and recycled and reclaimed motor oils and fluxes. All of these formulations meet current specifications for products used to make slurry seal asphalt pavement coatings, ASTM D 1227 emulsified asphalt roof coatings, and may have applications as crack fillers for asphalt and Portland cement pavements, and as parking lot seal-coat materials.

Abstract: A vegetation attachment device for supporting plant limbs is used in combination with an overhead support member, such as the horizontal support wire of a trellis system used to support grape vines. Embodiments of the device generally comprise an attachment hook configured to engage the overhead support wire, a closing hook, a catch member for engaging the closing hook, a deformable limb containment structure, and biasing means for maintaining the engagement of the closing hook to the catch member. The deformable limb containment structure deforms to accommodate limited lateral deflection or growth in the vine or plant limb. Embodiments of the disclosed apparatus may be used instead of currently known devices, such as wire ties, for supporting vines and branches.

Abstract: A pneumatically activated signal flag is used in combination with a first watercraft to provide a visual warning to other watercraft operators of various events which may be occurring around the first watercraft. For example, the signal flag may indicate that a swimmer is in the water adjacent to the watercraft. The signal flag is raised or lowered by activation of a pneumatic activating ram by an operator within the water craft.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for installing an insert within an aperture in a workpiece, the workpiece having a first side and a second side. The insert is the type in which a portion of the insert plastically deforms on the second side of the workpiece upon application of a linear force provided by a tool, thereby preventing withdrawal of the insert from the aperture. The insert comprises a sleeve member and an integral flange, where the flange has a larger diameter than the aperture. The disclosed installation system performs two actions. It causes the expansion of the sleeve and it also causes the flange of the insert to be fused or welded to the first side of the workpiece. The welded connection between the insert and the workpiece prevents any rotation or spinning of the insert within the workpiece, and increases the integrity of the insert-fastener connection.