Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing a filter zone of an earthfill dam, in which the filter zone includes adjacent coarse and fine filter layers. The coarse and fine filter materials are discharged simultaneously from an earthmoving vehicle having an ejector body. The ejector body includes a longitudinal divider wall that maintains segregation of the materials during transport, and the materials are discharged through separate chute assemblies so as to place the materials in elongate, side-by-side berms. The ejector vehicle is followed by a dozer or other piece of equipment that grades both berms simultaneously. Each pass of the ejector vehicle and dozer thus forms a stratum of the filter zone. The passes are repeated to form a plurality of strata in overlying relationship such that the coarse particulate material forms the coarse filter portion of the filter zone and the fine material forms the fine filter portion of the zone.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing soil from a shoe, boot or other article of footwear. The apparatus employs a jet of water or other fluid to dislodge and break up the soil. The spray nozzle is housed within a tubular plunger having a discharge opening in its upper end. The plunger is operatively connected to the nozzle, so that stepping on the plunger actuates a flow of water therethrough. The nozzle includes a return spring that biases the valve back to the closed position when the plunger is released. The stream of water is directed through the opening against the surface of the shoe or other article of footwear. The upper end of the plunger is surrounded by a layer of flow-disbursing material that prevents the escape of spray from beneath the article of footwear. The layer of flow-disbursing material may be formed by a layer of coarse, open-cell foam material or by a multiplicity of small, resiliently flexible fingers.

Abstract: A steerable wing-type sail system for a wind powered craft. The system includes first and second secondary airfoils and that are spaced outwardly to the sides of the plane of the main wing, and that are positioned rearwardly of the trailing edge of the wing. The secondary airfoils are selectively pivotable so as to steer the main wing in one direction or the other. The main wing is also provided with a pivoting flap at its trailing edge, which pivots simultaneously with and in the same direction as the secondary airfoils. The secondary airfoils are carried on elongate horizontal booms mounted near the mid-span height of the main wing. The secondary airfoils pivot about vertical axes at the distal ends of the booms, and are operated by control cables that are retracted and paid out by linear actuators or similar mechanisms. The craft may be multi-hull vessel, such as a catamaran.

Abstract: A UV disinfectant system for treatment of water resident in a vessel. One or more UV lamps are mounted within the interior of the vessel so as to expose the water stored therein. The vessel may be, for example, a water tank, water heater, water filter or other component which holds a volume of water. A layer of photoreactive material may be formed on an inside surface of a wall of the vessel so as to be exposed to the UV radiation from the lamp. The photoreactive material may be tin dioxide, titanium dioxide, or other material that produces hydroxyl ions in response to UV exposure. The hydroxyl ions flow from the vessel into the piping and other components of the system so as to inhibit microbial action therein. The UV lamps may be mounted in quartz sleeves that surround the lamps for immersion in water and that are supported to protect the sleeves and lamps from vibration damage. The system may also be used to prevent freeze damage to the vessel and water system.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing discharge of fuel from vent line when fueling a boat or other marine craft. A collection tank is mounted in the vent line from the main fuel tank, upstream of the overboard vent of the vessel. The collection tank includes a small, secondary reservoir within the main volume of the tank. Fuel escaping the main tank through the vent line enters the collection tank through two fitting, one being located in the bottom of the collection tank within the secondary reservoir and the other being located outside the reservoir; air displaced from the tank escapes to the overboard vent through an outlet fitting in the top of the collection tank. A float switch or other liquid level sensor is located within the secondary reservoir and is operatively connected to a warning light or other alarm device.

Abstract: A separable, pull-apart key holder formed of two identically-shaped pieces. The pieces are mounted together in reversed, face-to-face relationship. The pieces are formed of a strong, rigid resiliently flexible plastic material, such as molded polycarbonate or nylon. Each includes a flat, plate-shaped body having a generally planar bearing surface on one side. Projecting tongues formed at one end of the bearing surfaces are received in openings formed at the opposite ends of the bearing surfaces. Locking notches snap into engagement to prevent accidental separation of the pieces after they have been pressed together. The pieces can be intentionally separated by simply pulling them apart with a quick tug or pull, causing the locking notches to deflect resiliently and release. The pieces are reassembled by simply pressing or sliding them together, longitudinal alignment between the parts being established by interfitting ribs and channels on the bearing surfaces.

Abstract: A modular display rack that permits sheet paper products to be stored and displayed at a variety of heights, angles and spacings. The display rack includes a frame having sidewalls from which first and second parallel, spaced apart rows of pegs protrude inwardly. A plurality of detachable trays have rearward portions that detachably mount to the pegs of the rearward row in pivotable engagement therewith, and middle portions that rest atop the pegs of the forward row. The rows of pegs may be formed as elongate strips having base portions that are mounted to the sidewalls of the frame.

Abstract: Systems and methods for mounting an easily removable, external protective system on a vehicle such as an internal combustion vehicle such as a car, truck, SUV, etc. One function of the system is to allow the occupants to enter and exit the vehicle without removing the system. Certain embodiments of the invention will be discussed and illustrated principally as it applies to Land Rovers' Discovery SUV. However it can be applied to any of a variety of vehicles, or even other mobile units such as camper shells. The invention can be advantageous, for example, as it provides protection for the body of the vehicle from many impacts where it would normally be vulnerable. The system comprises removable external tubing attached to fixed mounting points and can be comprised of several mounting systems (see diagrams for specific construction).

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the location and annular orientation of pipe inverts and other features in manholes. An elongate, telescoping rod is supported centrally in the manhole opening by a pivot assembly that permits the rod to both rotate in the horizontal plane and pivot in the vertical plane. A laterally-extending foot member on the lower end of the telescoping rod is inserted into the openings of the inverts for measurement. Electronic angle sensors record the length and orientation of the rod member at each measurement point, from which the location and angular orientation of the invert opening or other feature is then calculated.

Abstract: A compact, ergonomic, pocket-sized bottle opener having a thin, generally flat body. The bottom edge of the body includes a jaw opening and at least one area for receiving a lifting finger. A plug of resiliently yielding material is mounted in the finger-receiving area to cushion the lifting finger. A hook at the forward end of the jaw opening forms a fulcrum point for engaging the top of the bottle cap. The hook also serves to lift pull-tabs on cans. An opening at the rear of the body holds a key ring. The key ring can be slipped into the opening during assembly by flexing the leg so as to open a slot that separates the distal end of the leg from the body. The cushioning plug mounts over both the distal end of the leg and the lower edge of the body so as to hold the leg in place after the ring has been installed. The two sides of the body form broad, generally flat display surfaces for application of logos, advertising, or other information.

Abstract: An adjustable clip for gripping a tarp or the like. There are first and second jaw portions having first ends that are joined by a hinge and second ends that are spread apart to form a receiving area. A finger-operated screw or threaded knob is mounted to the jaw portions at a location between the first and second ends, so that the jaw portions are urged together in response to tightening of the screw or knob. The hinge may be a live hinge for resiliently biasing the jaw portions apart, and the jaw portions and live hinge may be formed as a unitarily molded structure. An attachment portion extends from the hinge and has at least one opening for receiving a rope or other cord therein. The jaw portions are provided with surface contouring for securely gripping the sheet material of the tarp while minimizing damage thereto. The grip force of the assembly can be adjusted by tightening or loosening the threaded knob or screw as desired.

Abstract: A guide assembly for use with a rotating bit when forming an opening in a stone countertop. The assembly includes a base unit having an annular, resiliently flexible body with a ring-shaped suction cup at its lower end. The suction cup forms a seal about the bottom of the base unit that forms a reservoir for holding water during the cutting operation. A rigid ring-shaped insert is mounted in the resilient body and includes a plurality of upwardly projecting mounting pegs. Flat, disk-shaped guide bushings are interchangeably mountable to the pegs atop the base unit, and have central guide openings of different sizes for different sizes of bits. The guide bushings are formed of a rigid, low-friction material, such as a low-friction polymeric material.