Abstract: A beaver control device for use with a culvert pipe features a tubular frame having opposing longitudinal ends which are open and a plurality of openings spaced angularly about the frame. The openings provide alternative paths, in addition to the open ends of the frame, for water to pass through the device in an event that one of the open ends become obstructed. The device also features a plurality of transverse bars spanning across transversely opposing portions of an inner surface of the frame. The transverse bars are spaced along a longitudinal length of the frame and elevated relative to a bottommost edge of the frame which rests on the ground. The transverse bars are closer to the bottommost edge than to a topmost edge of the frame which is vertically opposite same. Elevating and spacing the transverse bars as described deters the beaver from passing through the device.

Abstract: A beaver control device for a culvert pipe features a generally conical screen having a base portion and an apex portion connected by a plurality of rods. The base portion has a rim sized to fit about the end of the culvert pipe. The apex portion has a rim with an opening sized to selectively receive a weeping tile or other drainage pipe. The screen prevents beavers from damming the culvert while allowing the drainage pipe to drain into or pass through the culvert. A pin is provided to either lock the drainage pipe in place or partially close off the opening in the apex portion when not in use. The screen is movable between raised and lowered positions to allow easy access to the screen and culvert. In one embodiment, the screen is constructed in multiple pieces to allow for easy transport and on-site assembly.

Abstract: A comfortable, less rigid, reverse fitting earplug having at least the equivalent sound blocking surface area contact and seal of conventional push-in earplugs without uncomfortable counter forces on the ear canal from rigidity in the constructive material is disclosed. The reverse fitting earplug comprises concave flanges constructed of soft memory plastic materials, which reverse direction from generally concave forward to generally convex forward upon insertion into the ear canal. Surface contact and seal are maintained by the tendency of the flange material to return to its originally molded concave shape. Pressure forces from rigid structural material are not necessary to hold the reverse fitting earplug in place. The reverse fitting earplug can be comfortably worn for extended periods that cannot be achieved with conventional pressure force reliant designs. When a user removes the reverse fitting earplug the flanges automatically return to their originally molded concave shape.

Abstract: A beaver control device for a culvert pipe features a generally conical screen having a base portion and an apex portion connected by a plurality of rods. The base portion has a rim sized to fit about the end of the culvert pipe. The apex portion has a rim with an opening sized to selectively receive a weeping tile or other drainage pipe. The screen prevents beavers from damming the culvert while allowing the drainage pipe to drain into or pass through the culvert. A pin is provided to either lock the drainage pipe in place or partially close off the opening in the apex portion when not in use. The screen is movable between raised and lowered positions to allow easy access to the screen and culvert. In one embodiment, the screen is constructed in multiple pieces to allow for easy transport and on-site assembly.

Abstract: An earplug is described, with a metal insert that enables the earplug to be detected if it falls in a vat of food or other material during industrial processing, wherein the insert can be very easily attached, with or without a cord, to even an earplug body formed of resilient foam. The earplug includes a molded earplug body (12) having an axis (16) extending in forward and rearward directions. The earplug includes a detectable insert (14) attached to the rear portion (22) of the body, the insert comprising a fastener having a shaft (32) extending through a hole (30) in the rearward portion of the body and having a pair of flanges (34, 36) at opposite sides of the rearward portion, with foam body material compressed between the flanges. A cord (96) is attached to the earplug, the cord having a wrapped end part (110) that is wrapped around the shaft and which is compressed between a flange (34) and the compressed portion of the earplug body.