Abstract: A buoyancy compensator jacket for a scuba diver is disclosed. The jacket comprises a back portion having two opposite sides. Side portions extending from the opposite sides are provided for laterally enveloping the diver's trunk and for connecting to one another generally on the diver's chest. Each of the side portions include a main pocket and a weight pocket, the weight pocket having a top opening, being arranged externally relative to the main pocket, and accommodating a bag containing weight elements. A closure element is also provided for closing the top opening of the weight pocket. In addition, the main pocket forms a compartment for concealing a closure element of its top opening. On the outside of the weight pocket, engagement elements are arranged either for engaging complementary engagement elements on the closure element, or for engaging complementary engagement elements associated with the weight-containing bag for holding the bag in a selected position within the weight pocket.

Abstract: An improvement in an installation having a continuous water-impervious liner forming a barrier against the entry of water vapor and insects such as termites from the sub-soil into a crawlspace. According to the present invention, the water-impervious liner is provided with one or more access openings to the sub-soil, each covered with a flap, patch or cover which is openable to provide access to the sub-soil, and which is resealable to restore the water-barrier and/or water vapor-barrier properties of the liner in simple fashion as often as necessary.

Abstract: A retaining wall system for stabilizing an earthen wall comprising a plurality of face panels, a plurality of anchor mesh panels, and a plurality of connecting pins. The face panels each comprise first and second connecting portions and a wall portion. Each connecting portion comprises an upper surface and a bottom surface and defines a void system. The wall portion defines a face surface and a retaining surface. The face panels are stacked in a plurality of vertically spaced rows. The first vertically spaced row is arranged above the second vertically spaced row. A wall face is defined by the face surfaces of the wall portions and openings formed between vertically spaced wall portions and between horizontally spaced connecting portions. A portion of the anchor mesh panels is inserted into the void system. The connecting pins are inserted into the void system to secure the portion of the anchor mesh panel to the face panels. The earthen wall is accessible through the openings in the wall face.

Abstract: A pier assembly (20, 60) is provided that utilizes a rotatable shelf (12, 70) structure to place a screw jack assembly (15) under a footing (28) of a foundation.

Abstract: A wall plug suitable for fixing a threaded fastener member to a compact architectural member. The plug is a tubular body portion formed by: a fore portion provided internally with an orifice for insertion of the threaded fastener member and externally with anti-rotation ribs; a long central expansion portion, having longitudinal through slots; and a short rear tail portion for final screwing; and a cup for receiving the head portion of the threaded fastener member having a bottom wall in which said orifice opens for insertion of the threaded fastener member and the diameter of which is greater than the diameter of any part of the tubular body portion.

Abstract: The method and system for lifting of the massive constructions provide a possibility to lift the assembled at the ground level over size and over weight objects, such as a sport arena roof with the attached columns and/or bridge section with the attached piers. An improved method for massive constructions lifting includes steps providing lifting process by at least two of a plurality of lifting supports, each of which is formed by two vertically positioned H-girders connected by their lower parts to the supporting base and coupled each to the other along their length by a plurality of strengthening (stiffening) girders. Each support includes a sling-traverse, comprising a pivoting stand, a lifting tape, the rests, and the lifting device, including the hydraulic jacks.

Abstract: An equipped balancing jacket includes a back and a first stage reducer connected to the compressed air bottle/bottles. From the first stage reducer project high pressure and low pressure hoses. The high pressure hose is directly connected to a computer and/or a manometer, while the low pressure hose is connected to a dispenser from which project the hoses for different functions. Alternatively, the low pressure hoses is connected to the dispenser through the intermediary of an intermediate dispenser, from which projects also the hose for the connection to the control device.

Abstract: Modular boom curtain sections are disclosed, including zipper elements for connection of adjacent modular boom curtain sections. Boom curtains assembled from the boom curtain sections, boom systems containing those boom curtains, and methods of assembling the boom systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A wood screw is provided which can be smoothly driven in with a small driving force. Helical ribs that are the highest at the center and gradually lower toward both ends are formed on the outer periphery of the tip of a shank having threads on the outer periphery at intervals of 180° in the circumferential direction. Each helical rib is a discontinuous body formed by a plurality of protrusions having different heights. This reduces the turning resistance imparted to the helical ribs, thereby reducing the driving force required.

Abstract: A pitless drainage system for removing water from the footings of a structure. A vertical riser is located outside the structure, extending from above the ground to a subterranean location proximate a footing drain. A well collector extends downwardly from the vertical riser, having a series of ingress slots to allow water to flow therethrough. A submergible torpedo pump is located in the well collector, and upper and lower pump activation controls deactivate and activate the pump depending on the water level in the vertical riser. A over level pump activation is provided, as well, in case the upper level pump activation fails.

Abstract: A bed for a person is provided. The bed includes a frame, a deck, a mattress, a pair of head end siderails, and a pair of foot end siderails. The bed further includes a plurality of foot-operated controls configured to control features of the bed.

Abstract: A patient transfer assembly for moving a sheet on a structure having a transfer surface. The patient transfer assembly includes a gripper adapted for attachment to the sheet, a drive shaft, a cable connected to the gripper and connected to the drive shaft, and a handle connected to the drive shaft for rotating the drive shaft. The handle is adapted to be positioned at a level that is ergonomically comfortable for the user during operation of the assembly. The patient transfer assembly may also include an adjustably positionable idler shaft for guiding the cable between the drive shaft and the transfer surface. Further embodiments of the patient transfer assembly may include an adjustably positionable extension arm for rotation of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A structural element comprises an elongate body having a longitudinal axis extending along the wavy path. The body is coupled to a support on at least one end. At least a portion of the body extends through an area of fluid flow such that a plane containing the wavy path lies substantially parallel to the direction of flow. In one embodiment, the longitudinal axis extends along a substantially sinusoidal path. Also disclosed is a method of reducing drag on and suppressing vortex induced vibrations in an elongate body disposed in an area of directional fluid flow, comprising the steps of coupling at least one end of the body to a support, forming a longitudinal axis of the body along a wavy path, and orienting the body such that the wavy longitudinal path lies in a plane substantially parallel to the direction of fluid flow.

Abstract: A bracing structure is provided in the form of an elongated bracing member having first and second ends, the first end having a pile sleeve for engaging the bottom, the second end having a doubler plate or the like for engaging a caisson above the water line. A pulley may be provided on the caisson above the water line, in the vicinity of where the doubler plate is to be mounted on the caisson. A cable having first and second ends is provided, the first end affixed to the bracing member in the vicinity of the doubler plate, the second end engaging the tugger or winch. In use, the tugger draws the cable so as to urge the doubler plate to the caisson above the water line in the vicinity of the installation area.

Abstract: An antikink device that is especially useful in sewage systems for installing pipes (15), in particular light wave guide cables. The device comprises a deflection element (1) that can be secured by a bracket (2) and that deflects pipes (15) arriving from a first direction to a second direction. The bracket (2) comprises a first angular element (4) that can be connected with a second angular element (5) and that includes in a first plane an adjustable angle, and that in turn includes an adjustable angle with a base plate (3) that can be mounted on a supporting surface and a second plane that is at least approximately perpendicular to the first plane, the deflection element (1) being mounted on the second angular element. The bracket (2) can be easily mounted and the deflection element (1) can be easily brought in the desired position and fixed.

Abstract: An adjustable co-sleeper nest is described. The invention, in a first embodiment, comprises a baby crib having a removable front wall and four supporting rails attached to the back and side walls of the crib structure. A platform having a back wall, first and second side walls, and a reduced height front wall formed of flexible material is adjustably suspended from the supporting rails. A mattress pad is supported upon the platform structure within the walls of the platform. The platform and mattress pad extend beyond the side walls of the crib for a predetermined distance so that the mattress will fit snugly against the edge of a parental bed. Devices are provided for adjusting and securing the height of the co-sleeper platform. Straps are provided for securing the crib to the side of the parental bed. In a second embodiment, the co-sleeper nest is free-standing within an existing crib, bearing against the rear wall of the crib.