Abstract: An elongated, mobile apparatus for filling and depositing marine mattresses for use in erosion control. The apparatus comprises a frame system for supporting the apparatus on the ground and positioning for depositing an aggregate filled marine mattress at a desired location. The frame includes plural transverse support members fixedly mounting a like plurality of planarly aligned vertical support posts, where the vertical support posts includes a first forward facing wire mesh wall, and the support posts terminate in aligned free ends. Further included is a plurality of planarly aligned, second vertical support posts, where the second vertical posts are mounted for sliding engagement with the plural transverse support members. The second wall in a vertical orientation cooperates with the first wall to define an elongated space to receive a marine mattress container to be filled with aggregate, while in a horizontal orientation allows the filled container to be deposited on the ground.

Abstract: A thin laminate for application to a submerged object, such as a boat hull, to provide anti-fouling protection to the object. The laminate comprises a first layer of a transfer adhesive, a second strengthening layer of a plastic or synthetic rubber film, a third layer of a blended mixture of a synthetic rubber and cuprous oxide, and a removable fourth layer of a plastic film.

Abstract: A Bahama or Colonial-type shutter assembly for external openings of a structure, where the shutter assembly is resistant to damage by flying debris from high wind storms and hurricanes. The shutter assembly comprises a generally rectangular frame fabricated of a light-weight metal, such as aluminum, having a pair of side members, and top and bottom members. Extending between and into the side members are a plurality of angled slats, where the ends of the angled slats are anchored within the side members by a pair of rod members passing through apertures in proximity to the slat ends. A locking mechanism may be provided to secure a pair of shutter assemblies during the periods of high winds and hurricanes.

Abstract: A power transmission system for a cycle type vehicle having at least a pair of wheels, such as a bicycle, for providing multiple speeds thereto. The system comprises a housing mounting a planar, circular pinion gear plate, mounted for rotation on a pedal powered rotary shaft, wherein the pinion gear plate has a series of recesses arranged in plural concentric rings about the rotary shaft. Within the housing is a pinion gear and clutch cluster assembly, and a shifting mechanism, where the latter mounts plural pinion gear and clutch assemblies, one for each of the circular rings of recesses on the pinion gear plate, where a selected pinion gear and clutch assembly engages a set of recesses within the rotating pinion shaft and transmits power via an attached drive shaft to a wheel of the vehicle, which incorporates a similar power transmission system for receiving rotating power from the above mentioned power transmission system to produce forward motion of the cycle type vehicle.

Abstract: A lighter-than-air airship system, having a multitude of uses, with a primary purpose being the dispensing of water over a raging fire, where access by personnel and ground equipment is difficult. The airship system comprises an aerodynamically configured structure having a semi-rigid keel or skeleton, where lift is provided in part by helium, with the keel mounting a liquid management mechanism preferably consisting of a reservoir open to the outside for resupply of liquid or water, a conduit leading to a holding tank, and a piping distribution and nozzle assembly below the airship system to spray or dispense the liquid or water, like an artificial rain, over selected areas to control or extinguish the raging fire. Alternate systems are provided for replenishing or filling the holding tank from ground locations.

Abstract: A collapsible vehicle storage system having a pair of spaced apart, tapered side walls, where the distance therebetween is sufficient to accommodate a vehicle. The respective sides walls pivotally mount plural U-shaped support members, with adjacent members hinged together, where the members are covered by a flexible canopy, such as canvas. At least one ratchet arm is provided to manually pivot the respective U-shaped members from an open position to a closed position.

Abstract: A recessed lighting system for a vertically oriented tiled wall. The housing comprises a generally rectangular receptacle having plural side wall and a base, where the latter mounts a lighting source. Overriding the housing is a tile frame support, hingedly secured to a side wall of the housing, where the frame support mounts plural, spaced apart tiles, comparable to those found in adjacent wall areas, where the spaces between the tiles are in light communication with the lighting source to thereby allow light rays to pass to the surrounding atmosphere.

Abstract: A vehicle safety light bulb operable in first and second modes. The bulb includes a self-contained electrical circuit having a timer mechanism, with a reset, to control the first operating mode for a preselected time, such as 2-3 seconds, where a preferred first mode is a flashing light.

Abstract: A three piece wiper blade mechanism for mounting to a conventional automotive wiper blade assembly featuring an elongated arm having plural pairs of C-configured claw arms for removably attaching to the mechanism. The three piece wiper mechanism comprises a first, elongated plastic housing, preferably permanently received within the claw arms, a second, elongated plastic insert for slidably engaging the first housing, and a rubberized wiper blade element in fixed engagement with the second insert. By the use of plastic sliding on plastic, a new wiper blade element and second insert may be readily inserted into the first plastic housing, especially for the do-it-yourself mechanic.

Abstract: A compact and portable heating and cooling device having particular utility in handling formula containing bottles for infants. The device comprises a pair of elongated, generally circular cavities or receptacles for receiving the bottle(s), formed of a thermal conductive material. The respective cavities are heated and cooled by a shared solid state, ceramic, thermoelectric module disposed between and in contact with the respective cavities. Supporting components include a heat sink and fan for the hot side, and optionally a pair of thermostats for controlling operation of the thermoelectric module and fan.

Abstract: The combination of a hand held mounting mechanism having an elongated tubular member containing a rotating shaft, where the elongated tubular member includes a cone-shaped bracket at a free end thereof, and a concrete slumping implement. Several embodiments are disclosed, where in each the implement comprises a concrete contacting plate, either flat and/or sectional, or contoured, an upstanding wall extending therefrom, and an L-shaped bracket for mounting to the cone-shaped bracket. Additionally, the rotating shaft may mount an eccentric wheel for imparting a vibrating or cyclic action to the concrete slumping implement.

Abstract: A dual purpose pneumatic floor covering device having two operating modes, one for straightening and laying wood slats, and a second for stretching and rendering taut carpeting. The device comprises a housing containing a pneumatic cylinder for applying axial pressure to a piston rod mounting a T-shaped member at one end of the housing, and a pivotal gripping member at an opposite end of the housing, where the gripping member is pivotal from an operating gripping mode to an inoperative mode.

Abstract: An elongated, light weight, maintenance free, hollow structural support post or column for supporting an overhanging roof segment in spaced relationship to a porch floor, for example. The post comprises a thin walled, generally rectangular plastic member containing a circular, metal tubular member therewithin, and spaced from the inner wall of the plastic member by plural elongated, plastic inserts press fit between the metal tubular member and inner wall of the rectangular plastic member. Additionally, the invention includes a pair of uniquely designed end base plates for anchoring the post to the overhanging structure and to the porch floor, where the base plates cooperate with the metal tubular member to prevent twisting of the post when maintained in a compressive or supporting mode.

Abstract: A swimmer's restraining device to facilitate water exercising by a swimmer in a confined swimming location. The device comprises a flexible tethering cord to be attached to a fixed location on or about the swimming location, a flotation member, and a pair of fixed lines, each secured at one end to the tethering cord with the opposite ends attached to the soles of the swimmer's wading shoes. This device frees the swimmer's arms and legs for full exercising movement.

Abstract: A system for laying and leveling a tile walking surface, i.e. indoor floor or outdoor patio or pathway, where the system relies upon the use of inserts embedded within the adhesive for securing the tile. A preferred insert is a single plastic member, preferably circular in configuration, and contains plural through openings for receiving and securing the insert into the adhesive. Optionally, removable space dividers may be provided where the space dividers are initially positioned in the openings for spacing adjacent tiles, then removed to allow grouting of the spaces. Alternately, the insert may be a two-piece member that can be vertically adjusted where needed to ensure a level substrate and hence a level walking surface.

Abstract: A rolling cart suitable for receiving and transporting a variety of items over loose ground, such as the sand of a beach. The rolling cart includes a pair of large ring wheels that exhibit a large footprint for easy movement over and through sand, and is characterized by a high center of gravity to facilitate handling. Disposed between the wheels is a basket assembly that mounts plural rollers which cooperate with the inner wall of the wheels to maintain a generally fixed orientation during movement of the wheels.