Abstract: An abrasion testing apparatus with a base, a test platform, a pair of angle adjustment wheels disposed on opposite sides of the test platform, a drive wheel, a tension control wheel, and a plurality of idler wheels. The test surface can be raised or lowered and the pair of angle adjustment wheels can be moved toward or away from the test platform to change the angle of contact between a material on the test surface and a material being moved by the drive wheel. The tension control wheel is movable to control the tension of the moving material during the test. A method of testing abrasion resistance involves placing a first material on the test platform and threading a second material around the drive, idler, tension control, and angle adjustment wheels, and in contact with the first material and moving the second material against the first material.

Abstract: A rope cuff including a plurality of shoring lines attached to an interior surface and covered with an interior flap formed from a material with a high coefficient of friction is provided. The shoring lines are braided around a mooring line to serve as a chafe guard and the interior flap frictionally engages the mooring line to maintain both the chafe guard and the cuff in appropriate positions. An adjustable hook and loop strap is attached to the exterior surface of the rope cuff to constrict the cuff around the mooring line and provide further frictional engagement between the interior of the rope cuff and the mooring line.

Abstract: A rat guard and method utilizing a flexible shield affixed to a plastic sheath positioned on a mooring line to prevent entry onto or exit from the ship by vermin. An electric grid is positioned on an insulated pad on the sheath which is electrically connected to the shield for receiving power from an acoustical generator also connected to the shield and spaced therefrom. The acoustical generator directs ultrasonic acoustic signals in a variable frequency range toward the shield to frighten rats or other vermin therefrom. Should the acoustical signals not deter the vermin, the electric grid will shock any vermin making contact therewith to cause harm and frighten. The shield provides another obstacle to prevent advancement and is affixed to the sheath on the mooring line. The shield is flexible and remains in place during high winds and other adverse weather conditions.

Abstract: A cover for a mooring line having a terminal eyelet, the cover having a sheath, with a pair of hook and loop strips positioned on opposite surfaces of the sheath. The cover is a single piece configured to enclose both a terminal eyelet and linear line section of a mooring line and also has a strap attached to the sheath proximate the linear line section to retain the sheath in position on the linear line section. A method for using the cover to protect mooring lines is also provided.

Abstract: A pad for protecting nautical sails from the rigging including a material having a soft outer surface and an inner surface with hook and loop material attached to the material. The pad also includes a restraint attached to the inner surface of the material and a strap engaged by the restraint. A method of using the described pad to protect sails and other fabrics is also provided.

Abstract: A rat guard and method utilizing a flexible shield affixed to a plastic sheath positioned on a mooring line to prevent entry onto or exit from the ship by vermin. An electric grid is positioned on an insulated pad on the sheath which is electrically connected to the shield for receiving power from an acoustical generator also connected to the shield and spaced therefrom. The acoustical generator directs ultrasonic acoustic signals in a variable frequency range toward the shield to frighten rats or other vermin therefrom. Should the acoustical signals not deter the vermin, the electric grid will shock any vermin making contact therewith to cause harm and frighten. The shield provides another obstacle to prevent advancement and is affixed to the sheath on the mooring line. The shield is flexible and remains in place during high winds and other adverse weather conditions.