Abstract: A pressure relief valve for use with flexible containers holding coffee, especially ground coffee, is disclosed. The valve incorporates a unique two piece structural arrangement that requires a low level of precision compared to similar valves. The valve comprises a valve body including a valve chamber having a resilient diaphragm located therein for opening and closing the valve. A set of valve retainers formed integral with the valve body ensure that the diaphragm remains within the valve chamber. A viscous liquid helps ensure an air-tight seal and also acts to retain the diaphragm against a valve seat within the valve chamber. Inlet slots are sized and shaped to effectively prevent coffee grounds from entering the valve without need of a filter or filter paper.

Abstract: A paperboard blank storable in a flat condition ready for folding into a dual-configuration food and beverage carrier, selectively folded into an upright box with upward-extending handle panels and end walls with the handle panels extending from a box base around side walls and meeting over the box as a handle or alternatively into an inverted box with downwardly-extending side and end walls with handle panels extending from he base upward and away from the side walls. When the handle panels are folded toward and around the base side walls, the carrier is disposed to enclose foodstuffs placed in the carrier and simultaneously capable of carrying one or two cups placed through appropriately sized openings in the base.

Abstract: In a vehicle, a self-retracting and extensible air duct in combination with an air distribution system and a nozzle for allowing the use of a treated air-stream at remote locations with a vehicle's interior. Heated air can be used to dry objects such as boots and clothing, or an occupant's hair. Cooled air can be directed directly on an object or in a specific area such as where the sun may be shining in. A connection is made to a vehicle's existing air distribution system with an air duct connecting the system with a receptacle in either the dashboard or the center console. Inside the receptacle is an air conduit storage area and a receiving area where the air conduit and nozzle are stored when not in use. The air conduit is spring loaded in that it will expand from the storage area when the nozzle is released from its receiving area to a natural length and then can be stretched to a greater length for use. The conduit will contract to its natural length to aid in returning it to its stored condition.

Abstract: A preparation for concealing crazing in antique composition dolls. The method of making a concealer from various pigments and other compounds is disclosed. A method of using the preparation for repairing crazing marks on antique dolls is also disclosed.

Abstract: A chafe protector in the general shape of a thimble used with eye splices in rope. The chafe protector having flexible portions such that an open end of the thimble can be forced over a ring or cleat for securing a vessel thereto. The thimble having tubular portions on each leg at the open end to hold a rope in place thereon; and another tubular portion at the opposite end for the same purpose. A removal loop is attached opposite the open end to aid in removing the thimble from the mooring ring or cleat. Once in place the thimble protects the rope and the rope is free to slid through the thimble for adjustment purposes.

Abstract: An adjustable pier block for leveling a deck or porch is disclosed. A footing block or base is cast of concrete and a threaded rod is placed vertically therein. A coupling having internal threads and a plurality of flats on an outer surface thereof is threaded onto the rod. A U-shaped saddle member, sized to receive a joist or beam, has a connector attached to a bottom outer surface thereof. The connector is sized and shaped to slidingly receive a free end of the coupling against a load bearing surface or the bottom side of the saddle. A washer or disk, of made from a friction reducing material, can be inserted between the coupling and the load bearing surface for ease of operation. The coupling can be turned, by use of a wrench cooperating with the flats, in order to raise or lower the beam or joist for leveling a deck during construction thereof and at a later date after settling has occurred.

Abstract: A selectable field of view device is disclosed which is capable of expanding the relatively narrow field of view of a camera to nearly spherical proportions. The device includes a pair of signal diverters, such as mirrors in the case of light signals, each mirror's reflective surface being parallel to the other's reflective surface, and each mirror being independently rotatable about an X-axis and a Y-axis respectively. Each axis passes through a central portion of its respective mirror with the Y-axis intersecting the X-axis and the X-axis being relatively centered within the field of view of the sensor. The mirrors may be driven by one or more motors. When one motor is used, a brake and idler arrangement provides for rotation of one mirror while the other mirror remains stationary relative to its respective axis. In addition, when one motor is used, the sensor is rotated by the motor via a drive belt such that the sensor rotates the same amount as does the mirror being rotated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for eviscerating a beheaded fish without belly slitting the fish. A brush having a generally cylindrical shape is used to remove the entrails of a beheaded fish. In preferred form, the brush has multiple rows of bristle extending radially outwardly from a central shaft with the rows also being wrapped spirally around the shaft. The preferred brush is also cone shaped having a smaller diameter at the end of the brush first placed into the fish. The brush is driven by a hydraulic motor with a safety hood provided. A guide trough is used to help guide the fish onto the brush. A water nozzle helps rinse the brush between uses.

Abstract: A snap hook (H) is adapted to be connected to a ring eye (RE). Snap hook (H) includes a hook eye (HE) at its base end (14). A hook line (L) is connected to the hook eye (HE). Hook (H) includes a shank (20) which extends from the base (14) to a bight (22). The tine (24) is connected to and extends from the bight (22). A spring (40) normally biases a snap finger (36) into a hook throat closing position against the tine end (28). A tether (44) is connected to the snap finger (36). Tether (44) extends over the free end (42) of snap finger (36) to and through a tether guide (G) formed in or provided on the hook shank (20). The location of the tether guide (G) and the location of the tether (44) over the end (42) of the snap finger (36) establishes a pull line (PL). This pull line (PL) forms an acute angle (X) with the inner surface (26) of the hook tine (24). This acute angle (X) is between about thirty degrees and about forty degrees, with about forty degrees being preferred.

Abstract: A board game is disclosed wherein a plurality of players are entertained while learning lingo and safety aspects of skateboarding. A game board having a path printed thereon is provided. The pathway includes a plurality of spaces with at least a beginning space and an ending space. A die is used to indicate the number of spaces a player moves their playing piece each turn. The die is also used to determine the consequences of having to "ride" the "skate pool". Other aspects of the game include a store where safety items are purchased and a bank from which players can obtain money. The object of the game is to gather all of the safety equipment required and then land on the ending space, otherwise known as the winners circle.

Abstract: A water ski adjustable fin block and fin are disclosed. The fin block employs a slidable wedge for clamping the fin in place within the fin block during use and allowing the fin to be unclamped just enough to allow adjustment of the fin. A screw arrangement is used to move the wedge. The adjusters allow the leading edge and trailing edge of the fin to be adjusted as to vertical relationship with the water ski. A third adjuster allows the fin to be move longitudinally toward the front or back of the ski. The adjusters provide captive treatment of the fin preventing the fin from excessive movement, or even falling out, while adjustment is performed. The present invention allows a water skier to easily adjust the fin using an allen key or the like.

Abstract: An interactive telecommunications system comprising a telephone network, a conference bridge and a live studio talk-show style program. This system is well suited for disseminating specific information to a highly targeted group. The listeners are prevented from being able to talk during the program unless they first propose a question to a producer, this being a separate connection from the program. If the producer determines the question has merit, the listener is connected to the program announcer/speakers and two-way communication begins, with all in the target group able to hear the question. Once the question is presented, or answered, the listener returns to one-way voice communication.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the on-site disposal of landfill gas (LFG) condensate is disclosed. Any contaminants in the condensate are incinerated in an LFG flare. The LFG condensate is first pressurized and then injected, in an atomized state, into a combustion zone of the LFG flare. The LFG condensate is pumped from a plurality of sumps to an accumulator. A pump controlled by a liquid level sensor cycles on and off in response to the level of condensate in the accumulator. The pressurized condensate is delivered to a nozzle via a conduit system. The pressurized condensate is atomized by the nozzle and the resulting mist is directed into the combustion zone where it is vaporized. Any contaminants in the condensate are incinerated along with similar contaminants in the LFG.

Abstract: A condensate trap for use in a Vapor Extraction System (VES), which uses negative pressure to extract contaminated vapors from soil, is disclosed. The trap includes a vapor tight vessel, part of which acts as a condensate reservoir. One or more mist eliminators, such as an impingement type condensate collector, are contained within the vessel. The vessel includes a vapor inlet and a vapor outlet as well as a condensate outlet. The condensate outlet is controlled by a swing check valve. The valve remains closed until there is sufficient condensate in the reservoir to push it open. After a predetermined amount of condensate drains out, the check valve closes.

Abstract: The hoist disclosed provides four point pivotal connections of linkages enabling the hoist to raise and lower a rotating shaft in vertical translation while providing resistance to torsioned loads transmitted by the shaft. The hoist may be fitted with a hydraulic cylinder for raising or lowering a boom formed by the linkages. The hoist can be mounted to a structural portion of a building or mounted on a dolly having wheels for ease of movement on a floor. The hoist allows one person to safely mix the contents of large containers, such as 55 gallon drums on totes.

Abstract: An elongated floating boom device for containing spilled fluids such as crude oil, is disclosed. The boom device is manufactured from its constituent components at the spill site. At least one continuous sheet of a plastic material is folded along its longitudinal axis, forming two wall sections of substantially equal height. A lower weighted section is formed by introducing inexpensive ballast heavy material such as sand into the fold of the plastic sheet and creating an horizontal seal which seals the wall sections together above the ballast material along the length of the plastic sheet. A pulling means such as a chain or steel cable also is provided in the weighted section. Pillow or float sections are formed by injecting air between the wall sections above the first horizontal seal and vertically or diagonally sealing the wall sections together at intervals and then horizontally sealing the tops of the wall sections together. Alternative constructions for the bottom device also are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of cutting facets on a gemstone to form a pentagonal shaped gem product such that the cut facets produce a five-legged star to appear beneath the gem table. The gem product produced by this method comprises a pavilion having thirty facets and fifty edges, a crown having twenty-one facets and thirty-five facets, and a five sided girdle.

Abstract: A boat loading and storage apparatus comprising a load support frame having forward and rearward end for supporting a boat or similar load above a vehicle. The load support structure includes a pair of spaced apart adjacent telescoping beams adapted to be vertically pivotable, and horizontally rotatable, about a main support frame connected to a middle portion of a vehicle. A vertical support post is pivotally attached to the load supports forward end, and includes a lower end that is pivotally attached to a forward portion of the vehicle. During loading and unloading, the telescoping beams extend forwardly as the vertical support rotates downwardly toward a horizontal position. A pair of axillary supports have a ground contacting end and another end supporting the telescoping beams for supporting the latter. An attachment member is mounted for movement along a support member which in turn is mounted for movement along the telescoping beams. A lifting mechanism raises and lowers the main support frame.

Abstract: A conduit isolation baffle assembly designed to be installed in a conduit system such as a vent and wastewater system of a building. The flexible baffle is installed in a groove having a sidewall and seat formed in the interior surface of a conduit to isolate the system for testing. Once the testing procedures are complete, the baffle is flexed into a saddle shape so that it is removable from the conduit without disassembly.