Abstract: A sleeper-support device designed to minimize cervical rotation with respect to the torso for a person lying prone. The device includes a wedge-shaped head support that maintains the head in repose at an intermediate orientation between zero rotation and the traditional 90-degree rotation typical of the prone sleeper. The device also includes a wedge-shaped torso piece that constrains the torso from rotating in the direction that would increase the angle between the head and neck (the head-turn angle). The support this device provides prone sleepers allows them to sleep comfortably without incurring the back and cervical stress and strain commonly associated with sleeping in the prone position.

Abstract: A collapsible, portable hoist that can be assembled and operated by a single individual, for lifting and conveying heavy objects onto and off of trucks, especially pickup trucks. When not in use, the hoist collapses down to a flat storage configuration that rests on, and is secured to, the truck's cargo walls without any portion extending beyond the truck. In order to deploy the hoist, one rotates its support frame up from the stowed position and then suspends from it the rail along which a trolley or other implement used to convey the object will travel. When the hoist is fully deployed, the trolley rail is mounted high above the bed, permitting tall objects to be manipulated. The hoist is constructed so as to be readily removable from the truck.

Abstract: A multi-hull vessel capable of planing. The vessel has a rigid superstructure that is rotatably linked to flat-bottomed hulls. As the vessel heels, the pivotable connection between the superstructure and the hulls allows the superstructure to heel over while the hulls remain oriented so that their bottoms are parallel to the water surface. This allows the multi-hull vessel to plane at relatively low speeds without risking the consequences of a leeward planar hull digging into the water. Further, the vessel is made of lightweight components and configured to be assembled and disassembled in a short time by a single individual, and to be easily lifted and carried atop an automobile for overland transport.

Abstract: Universal wheel unit for mounting one or more wheels on the ski of a snowmobile. The wheel unit is a separate assembly that is detachably mountable on the ski or is an integral component of the ski. When retrofitting skis, the wheel unit is mountable on the kingping, on the side wall, or on the saddle. Wheels are readily deployable or retractable as ground surface conditions require, and allow the snowmobile to be driven over gravel, dirt, and hardtop surfaces, while maintaining steerability with the handlebars.

Abstract: A removable, storage box for use within a canoe or other small boat. The shape of the box is such that it fits securely within the tapered bow or stem of a canoe or any watercraft having adequately shaped bow and/or stern regions, without degrading the watercraft's stability or seaworthiness. The key to the utility of the box is that because of its overall shaped it can be wedged in between the watercraft's floor and the underside of its gunwale flanges. Once the box is so situated, its wedged fit holds it in place both for water travel; during portaging, it can be removed for carrying on one's back or it can be left in place to be carried along with the canoe. Also, because of the wedge fit, the lid of the box is held firmly closed during travel by the gunwale flanges. Because of the thermal insulation of the box, this tight closure of the lid allows either hot or cold items to be transported without their undergoing undesired temperature chages.

Abstract: A method for interpolating the environment and geological age at all levels in a borehole from information provided by a limited number of depths and the use of a synthetic stratigraphic cross-section for the interval between these depths. In hydrocarbon exploration, a borehole provides a suite of logs, plus estimates of geologic age at a number of spaced markers. This method uses a sea-level cycle chart, a calculation of subsidence from the thickness of the interval, and postulated values for several variables. If it is known that the supply of sediment always exceeded the available accommodation during deposition, the corresponding synthetic cross-section may then be optimized for geological plausibility (as gauged by visual observation or quantitative criteria) by perturbing the postulated variables and iterating the calculations.

Abstract: A single component tool for installing a threaded insert with locking keys in a tapped bore. The tool has no moving parts and enables simultaneous driving of the locking keys into the tapped bore, flush with the upper edge of the threaded insert in the tapped bore. The tool has a pilot that is inserted into the inner bore of the insert and a plurality of tool keyways for receiving the locking keyways of the insert. Bores are provided in one face of the tool for retaining and aligning the locking-keys while the keys are driven into the tapped bore. A timing mark provided on the tool aids in aligning the tool to simultaneously drive the locking keys flush with the upper edge of the threaded insert.

Abstract: An adapter for modifying a spring clamp for use as an edge clamp. The adapter is essentially a flexible intermediate section with pockets attached at each end. Each pocket slips over one of the jaws of the spring clamp. When the clamp is forced open, the intermediate section extends from jaw to jaw across the jaw cavity of the clamp. When the clamp is placed over a workpiece, the intermediate section of the adapter deforms elastically around the contour of the workpiece that extends into the jaw cavity. The edge clamp exerts an edge-clamping force against the workpiece in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the clamping forces exerted by the jaws and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the spring clamp.

Abstract: An ice scruffing device for scruffing a covering of ice on a ground surface to improve the ability of the ice to retain de-icing chemicals on its surface. Paddles are mounted radially about a drum that is mounted substantially parallel to the ground surface and transverse to the direction of travel of a prime mover of the ice scruffing device. Each paddle bears a plurality of impactors. The impactors are made of flexible wire cable, with a strike element arranged at the end of the cable. As the drum rotates, the strike elements strike the ice on the ground surface at high velocity, thereby creating random, discrete indentations, cracks, pit-marks in the surface.

Abstract: A multiple-head labeling machine directed at minimizing downtime, both from the need to reload labels and from the occasional labeler jams, on assembly lines incorporating a labeling step. It achieves this by the use of multiple independent labeling mechanisms gang-loaded on a single apparatus, such apparatus being capable of switching back and forth between the independent labeling mechanisms. This provides for a depleted or jammed mechanism to be displaced in a matter of seconds with a fresh mechanism that is ready to continue with the labeling operation.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for cargo transfer. A cargo sled is stuffed into/stripped from a container. The method encompasses a marine terminal that stores sleds prior to stuffing into a container. Method and apparatus reduce the required number of cargo containers by up to a factor of eight.

Abstract: A combination advertising/public-information sign intended for use in public areas such as railroad stations and city squares, especially for those jurisdictions that permit advertising signs only if associated with the providing of information of general public interest. The sign is light in weight and easy to assemble and disassemble. The public information and advertisements presented on the sign are in continuous motion and are readily viewable at any given time by the vast majority of the persons within sight of the device.

Abstract: A method for resolution enhancement of a still-image made by a digital imaging device. The method allows the use of high-aperture-ratio sensing arrays that produce resolution-enhancement, independent of the angle of view. Resolution-enhancement is achieved using a multiple-exposure technique of a sub-pixel overtap in conjunction with a whole-pixel shift. The method suppresses color-aliasing in a multiple-exposure native-resolution mode and enables the use of a single camera for single-exposure and multiple-exposure modes.

Abstract: A method for designing and constructing original hull designs, and the hulls produced by this method. Directed particularly at frame-based hulls, the method introduces a systemizes the design process so that both the design work and the construction work can be completed in less time. It is based on a Single Frame Curve template generated early in the process and then used to draw every one of the frames in the lines drawing. Later, a full-scale version of the template is used in lofting the lines drawing and in creating the physical frames themselves. It introduces consistency and goodness checks into the creation of original designs, funneling the designer's creativity into the production of a new boat of original design in a relatively short time, a new boat that is hydrodynamically smooth as a consequence of the interrelations imposed between and among the template-based frames.

Abstract: A method of gathering, analyzing, and reporting data about commercial fish stocks and fisheries. Under this method, individual commercial fishermen use a device specific to the type of fishing being done to record the number of fish brought aboard, the number kept or released, the reason for release, the date, time, and location of the catch, and the fishery conditions, such as water temperature, depth, and salinity at the time that fish are brought aboard the fishing vessel. The individual fishermen transfer the data, typically via telephone link, to a central data repository, or to a receiving station when the data is transferred to the central data repository at a later time. The data is encrypted during transfer and placed in fisherman files, each fisherman having his own, restricted-access file. Data from all individual fishermen, as well as from other sources, are placed in a composite data pool to be used as source data for a general fishery database on fishstocks and fisheries.

Abstract: A snow removal or ground-surface cleaning apparatus that is pushed or pulled by a prime mover. The apparatus has a drum array that includes rows of triple-stepped blade-like fingers distributed evenly around a drum array. These fingers are stiffly flexible and can cleanly and efficiently pick up snow and debris from uneven ground surfaces.

Abstract: A process of making coal fines into a commercially viable fuel product using tall oil and tall oil pitch emulsions. The tall oil based emulsions are sprayed into, and reacted with, the coal fines, resulting in a cost effective and industry-usable source of synthetic fuel.

Abstract: A template for installing windows in a wall having studs and a wall panel. The template is for a specific shape and size of window and provides the proper dimensions for receiving the window casing and for framing the studs to receive the casing.

Abstract: A device for properly positioning and constraining the grip of a golfer on a golf club handle and, particularly, for preventing the thumb from rotating to the right or to the left during the golf stroke.

Abstract: Wheel unit to be semi-permanently mounted on the ski of a snowmobile. Wheels are readily deployable or retractable as conditions require. The wheel unit allows the snowmobile to be driven over gravel, dirt, and hardtop surfaces, without losing its ability to be steered with the handlebars.