Abstract: A hand-held herbicide delivery device for targeted application of herbicide to a targeted plant encompasses a shaft and at least two spring arms located proximate a first end of said shaft, said spring arms being capable of moving between an open position and a closed position. At least two sponges are affixed to said spring arms, such that when said spring arms are in a closed position said sponges are brought into close proximity with each other, said sponges being adapted to carry a herbicide. Herbicide is applied to the targeted plant by positioning the spring arms in the open position such that they surround the targeted plant and moving a hand-actuated trigger from an extended position to a retracted position so that flexible cables move said spring arms into the closed position, with said sponges directly contacting at least a portion of the targeted plant, whereby herbicide is transferred from said sponges to the targeted plant.

Abstract: A blast resistant shelter apparatus includes a framework having at least an upper metal rail. A plurality of metal panels each have a C-shaped cross-section defined by a central flat web and two channel arms on the opposite sides of the central flat web. The metal panels are vertically mounted within the framework in a side by side relationship to define a wall. Each panel includes an upper and a lower end plate. A metal interior wall cladding is connected to the panels and spans the channel arms of each panel to close the cross-sections of the panels to define an interior space of each panel. The upper metal rail and the upper end plate of each panel have aligned fill openings defined therethrough for introducing a particulate material such as sand into the interior space of the associated panel.

Abstract: A protective shelter for installation above and in the ground including a superstructure style frame, a composite wall structure for absorbing energy from missile impacts, and a tub encased in a foundation. The invention also discloses a method for constructing a protective shelter including a tub form and a superstructure which includes utilizing the availability of the tub form to provide a downward force such that the superstructure is not floated out of the excavation when the encasement is poured and removing the downward force after the concrete encasement has reached initial set stage. A further disclosure of the invention includes an energy absorbing compound wall structure for dissipating, transferring, and converting to potential energy the kinetic energy of a missile impact.

Abstract: A strong, light-weight steel structure which consists of individual tubular and bent-plate channel modules which are packaged and shipped loose and which are assembled by the user or a contractor to form a vault or enclosure, preferably rectangular in shape, with a lockable access door. The tubular and channel modules are designed and shaped for assembly within an existing structure and can in fact, be assembled entirely from the inside without access to the outside of the structure so that the system can be installed in an existing enclosure of the same size and shape as the assembled vault.The modules can be screwed or bolted together from the inside so as to form a steel beam structure of substantial strength. The structure can provide protection for occupants against collapse or disintegration of a building structure because of wind storms, tornados, seismic events, and the like.

Abstract: The hygroscopic breather cap for a fluid such as a liquid petroleum tank in which air enters the bottom of an elongated cylinder, passes through a knitted fabric filter to remove dust particles, passes through a desiccant along the entire height of the cylinder to remove moisture, passes through a second knitted fabric filter to remove desiccant fines, and then passes into the opening of a standpipe for passage downwardly along the axis of the cylinder into the petroleum tank. A window may be provided in the top of the cylinder to view the condition of the desiccant, or alternatively, the body of the cylinder may be made transparent. A number of reduced strength areas may be provided at the bottom of the cylinder so that the effective size of the opening to the atmosphere may be selectively varied. A removable cap permits a recharging of the cylinder with desiccant.

Abstract: The hygroscopic breather cap for a fluid such as a liquid petroleum tank in which air enters the bottom of an elongated cylinder, passes through a knitted fabric filter to remove dust particles, passes through a desiccant along the entire height of the cylinder to remove moisture, passes through a second knitted fabric filter to remove desiccant fines, and then passes into the opening of a standpipe for passage downwardly along the axis of the cylinder into the petroleum tank. A window may be provided in the top of the cylinder to view the condition of the desiccant, or alternatively, the body of the cylinder may be made transparent. A number of reduced strength areas may be provided at the bottom of the cylinder so that the effective size of the opening to the atmosphere may be selectively varied. A removable cap permits a recharging of the cylinder with desiccant.