Abstract: An endless conveyor belt comprising a plurality of interconnected segments forming a conveying surface to convey at least one article from one point to another. The conveying surface preferably has first and seconds ends and a plurality of openings. A splicing member preferably connects the first end of the conveying surface to the second end of the conveying surface to form an endless conveyor belt. The splicing member preferably includes at least first and second sections, a connecting member and at least one sealing member. The connecting member has first and second ends. A portion of the first section is connected to the first end of the connecting member thereby forming a first exposed area. A portion of the second section is connected to the second end of the connecting member thereby forming a second exposed area. The at least one sealing member is deposed relative to the connecting member and the first and second sections to seal at least one of the first and second exposed areas.

Abstract: A swivel hook is described that is comprised of a hook body and a swivel connector. The hook body has a generally uniform thickness and is stamped from a sheet of material. A hook member formed at a first end and a longitudinally oriented stem, having a generally rectangular cross-section, formed at a second opposite end of the hook body. The swivel connector is pivotally securable over the stem and formed from a forged metal. The swivel connector has a generally circular bore of a size exceeding the rectangular cross-section of the stem such that the stem may be received through the bore to secure the swivel connector to the hook body while permitting rotational movement of the swivel connector about the stem. Also described is a method of constructing a swivel hook.

Abstract: A device for lifting, carrying, and otherwise moving objects and articles such as appliances, boxes, cartons, building materials, construction materials, gardening products, furniture, landscaping supplies, lumber, and metal or non-metal piping, In one form, the device includes a base, a handle and at least two handle grips to provide the individual with greater flexibility in positioning his or her hands on the device to lift or carry a given object. In another form, the device is provided with a base, a handle and at least one moveable handle grip which again provides the individual with greater flexibility in locating his or her hands relative to the object to be lifted. In a further form, the device includes a base, a handle and at least one handle grip. In this form, at least one of the elements of the device is removable from the other components to allow an individual to readily substitute parts or vary the position of one part relative to another to make a given lifting or carrying task easier.

Abstract: A joint for rotatably connecting a distal part to a proximal part of a testing and training target the joint including a first member attachable to one of the distal part and the proximal part of the target, a second member attachable to the other of the distal part and the proximal part of the target with the first and second members being rotatable relative to each other and engageable with each other such that the first member may be rotated with respect to the second member between first and second positions and upon the application of a predetermined force rotated past the second position to a third position. A detent communicates with one or both of the first and second members preventing movement of the members past the second position to the third position until at least the first predetermined force is applied to one or both of the members.

Abstract: A multi-function device for testing masks such as NBC masks used in civilian and military applications. In its preferred form, the device is self-contained and can be readily transported to field sites by one or two individuals. The device includes a protective storage and transport case. The case includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion of the case houses the power unit assembly and includes sufficient storage space to store such things as an aerosol generator reservoir, various headform accessories, a containment shroud, manuals (e.g. installation, operation and maintenance manuals) and nominal tools. The lower portion of the case houses the head assembly and controller unit which are preferably mounted on a cover or top panel. Underneath the top or cover panel of the lower portion of the case are stored the light scattering chamber, flow sensor, pressure transducer, circuit boards and valves.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating pressurized drilling fluid returns from a well having a returns outlet.

Abstract: A vehicle seat comprising a seating substrate, an outer seat covering, and a housing containing an integrated self-inflating floatation device. The self-inflating flotation device includes one or more inflatable flotation bladders and an inflator that is activated to automatically inflate the one or more inflatable flotation bladders when the seat or a vehicle to which it is attached is immersed in water. The one or more inflatable flotation bladders are releasably received and secured within the housing when the bladders are deflated. The housing is received within the vehicle seat such that upon activation of the inflator the one more inflatable flotation bladders inflate and are completely released and detached from the housing and from the vehicle seat.

Abstract: A device having a fixture with a working surface and at least one hole, at least one stop rising above the working surface, a fastener, a gripping member having a first block portion and a second block portion where the first block portion is joined to the second block portion for relative movement. Each block portion has an inner wall and a gripper wall adapted to engage a workpiece, the inner walls of the first and second block portions form a through bore for receiving the fastener when the first and second block portions are joined and each inner wall has a lower radial surface and an upper conical surface.

Abstract: A cross block for use in a pneumatic conveying system. The pneumatic conveying system includes a substantially enclosed plenum and at least two bottle neck support means to support the neck of bottles or containers suspended from the plenum. The cross block comprises a frame member having means to maintain the bottle neck support means in a generally parallel and co-planer relationship to thereby help maintain the vertical alignment of bottles or containers when suspended by the bottle neck support means and transported along the conveying system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball position marker and method including a ball position marker having indicia thereon for determining the distance and direction of the original position of the ball on the surface of the putting green. The indicia can be in the form of numbers and arrows or can be simply dots indication the direction and number of clubheads away from the original position of the golf ball on the green. The marker is preferably flat and can have indicia on both the top and the bottom thereof. The indicia on one side may be advertisement. In an alternate embodiment, the marker may be applied as a sticker to another ball marking implement.

Abstract: A shower head generally comprising a backing plate, a diaphragm and a cover plate. The rear surface of the backing plate includes a receptacle for receiving a conduit through which pressurized water may be directed to an aperture extending through the backing plate. The front surface of the diaphragm has a plurality of nipples extending outwardly therefrom with each nipple having longitudinal bore extending therethrough. The cover plate has a plurality of holes extending therethrough for receiving the nipples on the diaphragm such that the cover holds the diaphragm against the front surface of the backing plate. Pressurized water delivered through the aperture causes an outward deflection of the diaphragm away from the backing plate allowing water to be expelled through the bores in the nipples.

Abstract: Sludge collection and removal systems are disclosed. The present invention provides methods and apparatus that include piping system of headers and laterals selectively provided with flow from a central point so that sludge can be removed from areas where it accumulates most rapidly. The adaptable nature of the piping system additionally permits the number of collection laterals and orifices to be varied to suit the sludge accumulation characteristics of the sludge basin. Additionally, improved multiple port valves are disclosed that permit the selective connection of the flow among sections in preferred embodiments of the sludge collection systems.

Abstract: An infant toothbrush is described that comprises a generally cylindrical handle member and a brush head. The handle member is in the form of a baby bottle having an upper end and lower end. The brush head is releaseably securable to the upper end of the baby bottle. The brush head is comprised of a generally conical central body having a lower generally cylindrical base and an upper reduced diameter neck portion ending in a generally rounded tip. The rounded tip has a plurality of protrusions positioned thereon. The cylindrical base of the brush head is releaseably securable to the baby bottle.

Abstract: An accessory for releasably securing to a ladder. The accessory has at least one stabilizing arm for stabilizing and supporting the ladder when leaned against a building or structure. The stabilizing arm has a generally U-shaped configuration with a pair of generally parallel leg members that are spaced apart by a distance approximating the distance between the centers of adjacent ladder rungs. Each of the leg members ends in a ladder rung engaging member having a fore and an aft end, and is receivable within the hollow interior of a ladder rung. The ladder rung engaging members are oriented in a convergent configuration such that inserting them the hollow interiors of a pair of ladder rungs causes the fore and aft ends of the ladder rung engaging members to bind against opposite sides of the interior surfaces of the ladder rungs, and to releasably secure the stabilizing arm to the ladder.