Abstract: A freestanding coin holder capable of displaying a coin such that all sides, namely the front, back, and circumferential edge are viewable. First and second panel members are connected in opposing face-to-face relation such that a coin may be received in a generally cylindrical and laterally projecting coin-receiving chamber defined by optically transparent portions so that the front and back of the coin (e.g. heads side and tails side) as well as the circumferential edge of the coin are clearly visible. A base functions as a stand thereby allowing the coin holder to be disposed in a vertically free-standing manner.

Abstract: An aviation navigational system and method for predicting glide range for an aircraft for specific airports and other potential emergency landing locations in proximity to the aircraft. Information is presented to the pilot by complementing a conventional moving map display with symbols centered on each landing location. GPS altitude, airport elevation, and the aircraft's glide ratio are factored into an equation to determine glide range for each airport within proximity to the aircraft. A circular symbol representing the glide range boundary is displayed around each airport. Each circular symbol represents a sectional view of an imaginary inverted cone, having the apex thereof centered on a given landing location. The size and shape of the cone is based on the gliding performance of the aircraft and the altitude differential between the aircraft and the target landing location. As the altitude differential increases the radius of the circle increases.

Abstract: An electric cutting utensil adapted to receive a variety of shaped attachments for cutting any of a variety of foods into fanciful shapes is disclosed. The cutting utensil includes a housing having an ergonomically designed external shape adapted to comfortably fit in a user's hand. The housing contains an electric motor having an output shaft connected to an attachment-receiving tip by an oscillation-generating coupling. The attachment-receiving tip includes a chuck lock assembly for receiving a plurality of variously sized and shaped interchangeable cutting heads. Each cutting head includes a projecting knife-like edge formed into a fanciful shape, such as a heart or a star, or any other suitable shape. The electric motor may be powered by one or more batteries contained within the housing, or by direct connection to an electrical outlet using a power cord. A base is provided for storage of the device and attachments.

Abstract: A projectile firing gun or weapon barrel is adapted with a gas porting system having conduits and outlets specifically configured, positioned and adapted for maximizing reductions in muzzle jump and/or recoil in accordance with principles of reverse thrust. The conduits or flow tubes are contemplated to be configured to function as nozzles whereby varying the shape and size of the conduit walls can maximize the outlet velocity of gases flowing at subsonic as well as supersonic velocities and the stream of redirected gas flow can be concentrated. The system incorporates porting holes located further rearward than at the barrel muzzle, but at a proven safe distance from the barrel chamber, which porting holes are in fluid communication with gas conduits/nozzles.

Abstract: A holder adapted for removable insertion within a pocket for holding a number of artificial fishing lures and accessories in a secure yet readily accessible location. The holder includes: a rectangular front panel of nominal thickness having layer of foam-like material connected thereto for providing a surface upon which fishing lures may be affixed; and a rear panel comprising a double wall, transparent member having an opening to allow for removable placement of sheet material therein, such as a fishing license, instructional material, advertising, etc. The lower edge of the rear panel includes a gripping structure for securing the device inserted within a shirt pocket.

Abstract: A process for producing hydrophobic cotton fabric useful as material for forming a wide variety of useful articles. The process includes the steps of (1) bleaching the cotton fabric with a suitable optical whitener; (2) affixing the fabric to a conveying machine; (3) applying approximately 7 lbs. of water resistance substance for each approximately 100 lbs. of fabric by conveying the fabric through a pad bath; (4) conveying the fabric through a tenter frame machine having a heating chamber set a approximately 340° F.; (4) conveying the treated fabric through the heating chamber at a speed of approximately 17 yards per minute; (5) repeating step 4 a second time to effect curing of the chemicals thereby resulting in a water-resistant cotton fabric. Alternate methods are disclosed for treating fabric with various antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-odor and/or anti-stain substances.

Abstract: A cable clip having a locking jaw structure capable of securing a coaxial cable for subsequent mounting to a surface is disclosed. The cable clip is formed with upper and lower jaw portions defining a cable-retaining opening adapted for receiving at least one cable therein. The jaw portions are connected so as to be generally configurable between an open configuration wherein at least one cable may be insertably received, and a closed configuration wherein the cable is received and secured within the clip body. An automatically engaging locking mechanism and interlocking teeth on the upper and lower jaw portions provide for the alignment of the jaws and securing of the cable prior to mounting. The upper and lower jaw portions each define a fastener-receiving aperture for securing the clip (and cable) to a mounting surface.

Abstract: A fall protection lanyard apparatus incorporating an automatic emergency release is disclosed. Competing concerns of fall protection (for the load) and on-demand emergency release (for the aerial lift) are each enabled by providing the first lanyard with a quick release mechanism and the second lanyard with a release triggering mechanism. The lanyard apparatus is adapted for attachment to a human or non-human load. The first lanyard incorporates a quick-release mechanism, which, upon activation, results in the separation of the connectable end portion thereof. The second lanyard incorporates a mechanism for activating the quick-release upon application of a predetermined force thereon. The lanyard apparatus provides total fall protection during the transfer of a load to a structure in any elevated environment while providing an on-demand quick-release in emergency situations.

Abstract: A system and method for providing secondary containment for pipeline transmission systems that complies with environmental regulations for double wall applications. The outer surface of the pipeline is adapted with an epoxy bonded multi-ply fabric that forms a secondary containment structure external to the pipe with first and second spaced layers forming an interstitial space therebetween. An external coating of cured epoxy resin provides resistance to impact, abrasion, and chemically induced corrosion and deterioration. Probes may be installed at various locations along the pipeline for continuously sampling the environment within the interstitial space thereby providing leak detection. Secondary containment is constructed on an existing section of, steel, iron, fiberglass, composite, metal alloys, or concrete pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted for partial insertion within the user's mouth for preventing snoring, teeth grinding, and light forms of sleep apnea is disclosed. The apparatus includes a multi-lobed tongue receiving structure, an undulating connector for connecting the multi-lobed structure to an inner lip plate, a hollow tube connecting the lip plate to a dome-shaped structure formed on an outer shield. The device is inserted within the oral cavity of the user in an operative configuration such that movement of the tongue is restrained within the multi-lobed structure, and the teeth clamp down upon the undulating connector with the lip plate positioned between the teeth and the inner portions of the upper and lower lips. As a result of proper application of the apparatus breathing at night is normalized, while snoring, grinding of the teeth, and apnea are prevented.

Abstract: A fall protection lanyard apparatus for use in transferring loads in an elevated environment is disclosed. The fall protection lanyard may be connected to a load and used to safely transfer a human or nonhuman load in an elevated environment, such as from an airborne rotorcraft to an adjacent structure while providing fall protection for the load and emergency release capabilities for the aircraft. The lanyard apparatus provides total fall protection for the load throughout the transfer process without restricting or otherwise limiting available emergency flight options/maneuvers by incorporating an emergency release that automatically activates on demand. In a preferred embodiment, the fall protection lanyard apparatus includes first and second load-bearing lanyards, each terminating in a free end incorporating a connectable hook.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus adapted for installation in a variety of configurations to provide decorative illumination is disclosed. The apparatus includes a frame formed by a spine member and a plurality of spaced elongate bendable arm members connected to the spine member. Each arm member has a plurality of electric lambs connected thereto. The arms and spine are each semi-rigid to provide a supporting frame, and are further bendable so as to enable the structure to be formed into a variety of different configurations. The lighting apparatus is specifically adapted for use in decorating trees and/or columns by aligning the apparatus with the trunk of the tree and bending opposing arms around the trunk such that the trunk is encircled with lights. Electrical connectors allow a plurality of lighting devices to be connected in series thereby forming very large illumination displays.

Abstract: A light transmitting storm shutter system for homes, buildings and the like includes a combination of full width corrugated aluminum and half width clear polycarbonate panels arranged in alternating adjacent and partially overlapping relation over a given window or door opening. The aluminum panels provide structural integrity while the polycarbonate panels provide light transmittance. The combination of full width aluminum panels and half width polycarbonate panels provides a storm shutter system that is substantially stronger and more resistant to impact deflection than the light transmitting storm shutters disclosed in the background art, and eliminates the need for additional hardware, supports, and bracing.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system for use with a conventional septic tank, or other small-scale wastewater treatment facility, for enhancing wastewater treatment without requiring complex control or maintenance limitations. The system incorporates a plurality of primary functions that combine to oxidize, nitrify, denitrify and remove water borne total dissolved solids prior to effluent discharge. Included is a fluidized-bed reactor containing biofilm attached to carrier particulates for use in the purification of wastewater. The fluidized-bed reactor is configured to include two distinct regions, namely a “lower” aerobic region and an “upper” anoxic region, during normal operating conditions. The lower aerobic region uses aerobic facultative bacteria to oxidize Carbonaceous Biochemical Oxygen Demand (CBOD), organic (Kjeldahl) nitrogen, and ammonia while consuming the dissolved oxygen in the water.

Abstract: Improvements in rotorcraft external load operations are disclosed, including a method for transferring a load from an airborne rotorcraft to a structure while providing fall protection for the load and emergency release capabilities for the aircraft. A helicopter is adapted for carrying a load external to the aircraft fuselage which load may be restrained by an FAA approved safety restraint. The load is equipped with a safety harness and lanyard apparatus having first and second lanyards attached thereto. According to the method, a helicopter hovers next to a structure, and safe transfer is accomplished by: (1) attaching the free end of the first lanyard to the helicopter; (2) releasing any auxiliary safety restraint; (3) attaching the free end of the second lanyard to the structure; (4) detaching the first lanyard from the helicopter; and (5) effecting transfer of the load to the structure.

Abstract: A safety cover for swimming pool drains for dispersing suction pressure and preventing a person's hair or other body parts from becoming entangled and otherwise preventing injury or death. A generally dome-shaped drain cover is removably affixed to a new and/or existing suction drain using a universal mounting mechanism. The drain cover is preferably circular and includes a peripheral lip, a sidewall, and a segmented dome-shaped top portion. The peripheral lip functions to form a seal with the bottom surface of the pool surrounding the drain, while the sidewall defines a plurality of openings therein and the segmented dome-shaped top portion defines a plurality of segments each of which include a plurality of openings. Each opening incorporates screen mesh material for allowing water to flow therethrough.

Abstract: A marine engine muffler is provided having a silencing element with an inclined surface defining an array of elongate slotted apertures generally disposed in circumferential alignment. The slotted apertures are preferably defined by angled sidewalls such that exhaust gas flowing therethrough is forced to travel in a path that forms a reverse angle relative to the overall exhaust flow path thus conducting exhaust gases and entrained water to reverse direction while flowing through the silencing element. The conical silencing element is specifically sized to avoid resonant vibration within the operational RPM range of the engine and is further sized relative to the combined displacement of the engine and/or cylinder bank in fluid communication therewith to avoid resonant vibrations caused by reflected exhaust gas pressure waves generated by the internal combustion engine.