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 edge protection system having a rope protection mat and an edge protection mat in combination for the protection of rope. The rope protection mat is a generally rectangular sheet that can be secured in a sleeve-like configuration around a climbing rope and move along the rope with the user. The edge protection mat is a generally rectangular sheet with loops on each corner, but not limited to the corners, to secure the sheet in place against a building or other structure. The edge protection mat is a multi-layer sheet with a high loft layer to decrease the bend radius of the rope across a ledge. Both the rope protection mat and the edge protection mat include visual safety indicators.

Abstract: An edge protector mat is formed from a mat with a top surface, a bottom surface, and a number of metal bars. The top surface contains a number of receptacles grouped into one or more pairs sized, shaped, and otherwise configured to receive opposing ends of the metal bars therein. Each of the metal bars define opposing ends, different ones of which are positioned within corresponding ones of the pair of the receptacles of the top surface. The metal bars are configured to prevent friction from being imparted onto the mat. At least one pair of the receptacles are positioned opposite one another on the mat allowing receipt of different portions of at least one of the metal bars.

Abstract: A rope edge protection system having a rope protection mat and an edge protection mat in combination for the protection of rope. The rope protection mat is a generally rectangular sheet that can be secured in a sleeve-like configuration around a climbing rope and move along the rope with the user. The edge protection mat is a generally rectangular sheet with loops on each corner, but not limited to the corners, to secure the sheet in place against a building or other structure. The edge protection mat is a multi-layer sheet with a high loft layer to decrease the bend radius of the rope across a ledge. Both the rope protection mat and the edge protection mat include visual safety indicators.

Abstract: A removable marine cover for protecting marine support structures such as bullnoses in addition to nautical lines from abrasive contact has a polymeric cover body including an outward surface attached to a material with a gripping portion is provided. The marine cover has a set of ratchet straps arranged around the periphery to securely attach the cover to the marine support structure. The inward surface may include a wear pad, and may further include a polyurethane coating to reduce the coefficient of friction experienced by the nautical lines while also protecting the support structure from degradation, which ultimately prevents damage to both the support structure and the nautical lines.

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 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 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 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.

Abstract: A synthetic rope abrasion protection device is provided. A piece of textile made of synthetic fibers like nylon, polypropylene, polyester, or acrylic fiber material used to protect synthetic rope. Means are provided to bind the protective material to the rope. VELCRO strips permanently attached to the latex mat backing prevent rope slippage and are used to prevent the protective device from unraveling. The protective device can remain in place when rope is being fed through a block (i.e., pulley) or turned on a winch or a capstan. The protective device can be installed on an eye-splice without undoing the splice.

Abstract: An oceanographic water sampling device. A container has a pair of covers closably mounted and means connected to close the covers. Means are provided to add chemicals to the trapped water in the container at the same location where and when the sample is taken. Ampules containing the chemical are mounted in the container and knives are connected to break the ampules at predetermined times. A time delay device is provided so that a first chemical may be added to the trapped water at a certain time, and the second chemical may be added to the trapped water after a predetermined time delay.