Abstract: A method of supporting the spiral boiler tubing that surrounds a portion of the furnace or combustion area of a steam generator. This method of support eliminates the need to weld plate to the outside of the boiler tubing thereby increasing the mass of the boiler tubing which will result in the creation of temperature differentials within the spiral tubing. In accordance with this invention, a plurality of support members are inserted within and alongside the regular spiral tubing forming a part of the furnace enclosure. These support members are periodically removed from within the plane of this furnace enclosure and re-positioned to another (usually more elevated) position within the furnace enclosure. As the support members near the top of the spiral tubing (which is also the transition from the spiral tubing to more vertically aligned tubing), these support members are secured to this vertical tubing thereby transferring the loading of the spiral tubing to the vertical tubing.

Abstract: A steering wheel bracket used to permit the pilot of a marine vessel, such as a sailboat, to steer the vessel from a location remote from the steering wheel. The invention permits the operator to move about the vessel for a better view during such activities as tacking or jibing. It also permits the operator to select between steering methods, i.e. the vessel can be steered via the regular method or it can be a tiller handled vessel. The bracket consists of a first larger block and a second smaller block clamped together around the spoke of and against the inside curvature of the steering wheel. This second smaller block is sized to fit within a notch in the first larger block. One end of a tiller extension removably fits within an opening in the larger block and by using such extension, the operator at the other end of the tiller extension is able to steer the vessel from a remote location.

Abstract: A manually operable device that is used to cut a synthetic material and also singe the end of this newly cut material to prevent it from unravelling. This tool incorporates a separate crimping assembly, cutting assembly, and burning assembly for each of these steps. The crimping assembly holds the material in place during the cutting and burning stages and also aids in fusing the melted ends of the material into a uniform mass. The cutting assembly cuts the material where desired, trims any stray fibers from the cut and/or fused end, and also removes any excess burn from this fused end. The burning assembly, connected to a reservoir, burns a flammable fluid so as to burn or singe the material placed thereover.

Abstract: A portable plant growing cart that can accommodate one or more plant trays thereon, This cart is constructed of a plurality of rigid frames which preferably are pivotally connected together so as to aid in the storage of the cart when not in use. A movable light source is supported from these separate frames above the trays at any desired elevation, Additionally, a fabric-like reflective shroud is supported over both the light source and the cart so as to reflect light back towards the plant trays when desired.

Abstract: A method of cleaning, either continuously or intermittently, a pneumatically operated pulverized coal system by injecting into this system a stream of generally uniformly sized coke breeze particles. This coke breeze stream would abrade the interior surface of the pulverized coal system thereby cleaning it. Additionally, due to the high carbon content of the coke breeze, this substance will replace or displace a portion of the coal stream delivered to the furnace. Furthermore, such use of coke breeze will eliminate the need to dispose of this by-product in cases where alternative uses are not available.

Abstract: A signaling device that visibly indicates that the door of a mailbox has been opened. During operation, a signal flag is held in a generally vertical or elevated position by the door of the mailbox which remains closed. However, upon opening the door, restraint on the signal flag is released, thereby causing it to pivot downwardly and come to rest adjacent and atop the mailbox.

Abstract: An absorber tower that is configured to progressively increase the flow of the flue gas therethrough. This is accomplished by reducing the cross-sectional area of the tower (either continuously or in steps) thereby forcing the gas to increase in velocity as it travels toward the exit conduit.

Abstract: An underwater breathing apparatus capable of supplying either 100% air, 100% oxygen, or an air/oxygen mixture to a diver as needed. A selector switch clearly indicates what is being supplied through the separate secondary breathing apparatus (or "octopus") of the rescuing diver. Also disclosed is a face mask to be placed around the nose and mouth of a diver in distress that is configured with an adaptor which accepts and seals around the mouthpiece of the secondary breathing apparatus. In this fashion, the rescuing diver can supply either air, oxygen, or a mixture of the two to a diver in distress in either a free-flow state or upon demand.

Abstract: A pump submersible in a well casing having fluid therein and comprising a reciprocating cylinder located within a pump housing and having a rod and piston which alternately draws the fluid into a sealed region of the pump housing through a one-way valve and then discharges this fluid from this sealed region through a one-way valve connected to discharge tubing. The sealed region of the pump housing can be defined by the end of the reciprocating piston or it can consist of a flexible bellows.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recycling the bottoms product from an absorber tower back to the absorber tower. However, before the bottoms product is returned to the tower, the solid particles entrained therein are removed via one or more centrifuges closely coupled to the absorber tower. These centrifuges are located adjacent the tower and are elevated with respect to the tower such that their centrate can be directly returned or delivered back to the absorber tower via gravity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting and installing a deck of an offshore platform onto a substructure without requiring heavy lift cranes. The towing vessel or semisubmersible vessel is configured with a cutout or opening therein that surrounds the substructure onto which the platform is to be placed. The platform is transported in an elevated position upon the semisubmersible vessel and it spans across this opening such that once the semisubmersible vessel is properly positioned (i.e. the elevated platform being positioned over and in alignment with the substructure), the semisubmersible vessel is rapidly ballasted thereby transferring the platform onto the substructure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning the wireline used in a wireline wellhead operation so as to prevent any contaminants thereon from dripping onto the adjacent ground and/or equipment. The apparatus comprises a housing supported above a wireline wellhead, the housing has the wireline pass into and out of it and has a sheave therein for the wireline to pass over. The wireline passes through one or more drip collectors movable within the housing that have channels for directing contaminants that may fall from the sheave or wireline to a drain to remove the contaminants from the apparatus.

Abstract: A heat pipe heat exchanger utilizing a working fluid such as water incorporates heating means for preventing the freezing of the working fluid when the heat exchanger is non-operational. These heating means are located at or near the heat pipe in the lower region of the heat exchanger so as to prevent the freezing of the working fluid. Trapped gases within the heat pipe caused by the reaction of the working fluid with the metallurgy of the pipe are released by heating the working fluid with the heating means in order to increase the gas pressure within the heat pipe until the pressure is greater than the external pressure of the heat pipe. A venting means is used to vent the trapped gases from the heat pipe due to the force of the pressure within the heat pipe.

Abstract: A hand-held percussion instrument capable of generating a variety of different sounds upon demand. These sounds including the typical sound of cymbals coming from a tambourine, the sound of a drum which is stretched over an open side of a tambourine, the sound of a maraca which is generated from a multitude of pellets contained within a hollow chamber inside the handle, this sound being adjusted by selectively covering or uncovering openings in the handle, and the sound of a lone cymbal set located at the end of the handle some distance from the tambourine.

Abstract: A locking apparatus for a closure having a container and cover, the apparatus comprising a latch member mounted to the interior of the cover and a corresponding catch member mounted to the interior the container. A helical coil passes through a helical passageway at the closure for engaging and disengaging the latch and the catch members for unlocking and locking the closure.

Abstract: A paper trimmer for separating perforated paper, such as the perforated end region of computer paper, as such paper passes along a printer. Movable blade means forming a part of the paper trimmer remain in alignment with the perforations as the paper is moved across the printer, such as through the use of a tractor. In this fashion, the perforations can continue to be separated by the paper trimmer without regard to the constantly moving location of the perforations.

Abstract: A wind-driven apparatus for converting the kinetic energy of wind into mechanical energy. This invention incorporates a wind collector that is rotated upon an elevated turntable in order to position the wind collector as required. This turntable incorporates both a covered track and casters so as to provide weather protection. Additionally, a shroud secured to the entrance to the wind collector helps direct the wind energy against the wind collector.

Abstract: A fan blade comprising a body having a tip end and an in-board end is configured with first and second fin portions that extend along the trailing edge of the body of the fan blade. The first fin portion extends from the in-board end of the fan blade along the trailing edge toward the tip end, while the second fin portion extends from the tip end of the fan blade along the trailing edge toward the in-board end. Both the first and second fin portions extend outwardly from the trailing edge of the body at an angle to this trailing edge. Generally a slot or gap would exist between these first and second fin portions and both such fin portions would have a tapered width which narrows in the direction of the tip end. Additionally, the width of the first fin portion would be greater than the width of the second fin portion. Furthermore, the two fin portions may or may not be co-planar in order to optimize air flow.

Abstract: A width extender is used to modify existing fan blades in order to enable them to rotate at slower speed thereby reducing the noise associated with them while at the same time maintaining a proper work efficiency. The width extender is fixably connected along the trailing edge of an existing fan blade by adhesive bonding, riveting, welding, or otherwise. Width extender can be made of an extruded plastic material, preferably nylon, or it can be constructed of the same material as the fan blade itself. Ideally, the width extender would increase the width of the fan blade by 20% to 25%. Additionally, this width extender would have a uniform length so as to uniformly increase the entire width of the fan blade.

Abstract: A cart that is useful to contain, store and/or transport lawn and/or garden debris and filter or screen this debris into different size classifications.