Abstract: The invention consists of disc replacement implant for the lumbar spine designed for insertion into the disc space via a posterior approach. The implant can be stabilized in the disc space by connection to the vertebra or can be connected to dynamic spinal stabilization device consisting of interconnected bullets nested in a spring nested in a woven sleeve. By controlling the limits of elongation and compression the device prevents movement beyond normal physiological limits. In the midrange of movement flexibility is allowed. A method for using the dynamic spinal stabilization device is also provided.

Abstract: A portable overlapping secured mat system with uniformly sized plastic mats joined together to form structural support surface for use by persons or equipment. The mats' edges have recessed upper and lower lips with finger projections extending from the upper lips sized to fit into holes of adjacent mats' lower lips securing the mats together when the front edge of the finger projections are moved into a recesses of the back wall of the hole.

Abstract: An mat system with each mat having sloping lips which overlap with an adjacent mat's sloping lips and are secured by interlocking joints in the mats' lips and/or by captive locking pins to form an easily assembled and interconnected flat surface. In use, opposing ledges forms a slot within holes in the top overlapping lips to receive a captive locking pin. The pin is captive by mid body prongs which fix underneath the ledges in a mat's upper lip's holes, and the pin locks and unlocks with rotary turning of the pin resulting in the pin's keeper feet fixing underneath the similar ledges in the holes of the lower lip of an adjacent mat.

Abstract: A fastening device having a pin with an enlarged head and a central longitudinal bore to receive a rod having a head with a drive receiving recess and a footed keeper. The pin and rod have adjacent surfaces that aid in the prevention of turning relative to each other. In use, the pin, with the footed keeper in alignment, is inserted to aligned openings in overlapping maps used in roadways and a tool is used to turn the keeper a quarter turn to prevent the pin from coming out of the opening and securing the mat.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a unique tank and ring system for transporting and circulating high specific gravity soluble fluid on board a vessel.

Abstract: A window for a support structure, such as a hull of a freighter or tanker or other large ship having clips, studs, glue and protective ultraviolet paint.

Abstract: A ship including a multi-layer composite piping system formed from a laminated pipe structure comprising: (a) a metal tube; (b) a bonding layer disposed on both sides of the metal tube; and (c) an internally cross-linked polymer layer disposed on both bonding layers.

Abstract: A vessel having a moon pool positioned in the center of the vessel. The moon pool plug is adapted to have controllable positive and negative buoyancy. The plug has a top, a cover, a bottom, a first angled side, a second angled side, a third angled side, a fourth angled side; first plates disposed traversely across the bottom of the plug; and second plates disposed perpendicular to said first plates across the bottom of the plug. These is a water valve for permitting sea water to egress from the plug; an air valve for permitting air to be pumped into the plug. There is a guiding device secured to the plug to guide the plug into the moon pool. There is a hoist secured to the plug to lift the plug into the desk of the vessel.

Abstract: A paddle drive system comprising: a slow speed hydraulic motor drive having at least one bearing which is axial, radial or both axial and radial; and a shaft secured to the at least one bearing of the hydraulic motor; and at least one, and preferably two paddlewheels, secured to said shaft, each paddlewheel comprising: a plurality of diaphragm plates, each diaphragm plate secured on one end to said shaft; a plurality of radial arms, each arm having a first end and a second end, said radial arms secured to said diaphragm plate on said first end; and at least one bucket secured to said second end of said plurality of radial arms.

Abstract: A marine engine fresh water cooling system and a marine vessel using a coolant system for use on double bottomed hulls or single hulled vessels which has a unique flange and bushing combination.