Abstract: A “safe delivery”SM system for delivering perishable groceries (120/120′), including an inexpensive, corrugated cardboard box (100); a source of cold (or heat as needed) maintaining the temperature inside the box within a desired temperature range for hours, using an all encompassing pouch of packet material (110/10), used individually (FIGS. 2 & 3) or collectively (FIGS. 5 & 6), with each packet (17) containing a super-absorbent polymer (14, FIG. 12) which is hydrated (14′, FIG. 12A) and then either frozen (e.g., in a freezer) or heated (e.g., in a microwave), without producing moisture as the polymer returns to its natural state; a protective cover (130) protecting the box and its contents from heat radiation (e.g., sunlight). Other components (e.g.

Abstract: A hull design with a maximally narrowed lower hull comprised of a stepped inboard chine and a concave centerline section resulting in the center of buoyancy and center of gravity preferably being in the same longitudinal position. The narrow lower hull optimally reduces the wetted surface area required, thereby reducing power requirements, fuel costs, and increasing speed potential. Exemplary dimensions for a forty-five (45′) foot hull are disclosed. The hull has a much deeper transverse step (note FIG. 3) to more effectively exploit the potential advantages of internal chines and lifting strakes, which deeper transverse step effectively achieves a bi-modal hull form—displacement and planing. The hull form consistently achieves and maintains the flow separation needed to assure the low surface area needed for minimum planing resistance and minimum sea wave impact acceleration.

Abstract: A marine system using a number of different cutting and grinding members positioned at different parts of a marine screw prop shaft adjacent or around the prop for clearing away any line or rope entanglements, particularly for marine props on large commercial vessels. The cutting/grinding edges and surfaces are positioned in differing directions and angles, some with supplemental, opposed members to assist in the rope cutting/abrading, severing process. The rope cutting/abrading structure likewise holds the prop to the vessel should the shaft driving the propeller break, preventing its loss. The preferred embodiment includes a set of outer, aft directed arms and a nested set of inner, substantially forwardly directed arms, each carrying, interactive, side edge cutting or abrading surfaces, with the number of arms coinciding with the number of blades on the associated propeller.

Abstract: After removal of a valve cap from an in line shut off valve the Retaining Snap Ring Adapter with male threads and seat at one end, female threads and seat at the other end, a hex outer surface at the female threaded end, a longitudinal passageway down its center, is designed to be permanently installed on an in line shut off valve having a threaded moveable plug (operator) and said Adapter will not interfere with the moveable operator which opens and closes the valve when turned by a hexagonal wrench. The Retaining Ring Adapter prevents an improperly back seated operator from being ejected as a deadly missile by the normal operating pressures.The Retaining Snap Ring Adapter having been permanently installed on the valve, the cap is returned to the valve but is now screwed onto the added Retaining Snap Ring Adapter which is essentially now part of the valve.

Abstract: A garden cleaning implement (10/10A) for weeds and the like comprising a cutting mechanism (14) and an adjustable guard mechanism (28) carried on, for example, an extended pole handle (22/122). The cutting mechanism includes an associated spool line shroud (16); an intermediate, rotatable shaft (18); and a rotatable, blade, cutting member (20/120/220). The guard mechanism includes a ring-shaped guard providing a protected area of a size sufficient to cover and protectively encircle over the rotating blade member; and slotted, attachment legs (32) for adjustably attaching the cutting mechanism and handle to the ring guard structure. The relatively rigid, cutting blade member is located under the adjustable, protective guard ring, allowing for protective cutting of, for example, weeds immediately adjacent to, for example, desirable vegetation.