Abstract: In one embodiment, an ice management system is provided for removing an amount of oil from a surface of a body of water. The ice management system includes an ice frame having an ice fence coupled with an ice cage, an oil skimmer device disposed within the ice frame, and an ice deflection assembly coupled with the ice frame. The ice deflection assembly includes an auger coupled with a motor. The auger includes a drum and a deflection mechanism, and the motor is configured to rotate the auger. The deflection mechanism includes a spiral flight or a series of tabs arranged in a corkscrew pattern about the drum. The ice fence includes a plurality of curved vanes. The curved vanes have a bent rectangular plate shape.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an ice management system is provided for removing an amount of oil from a surface of a body of water. The ice management system includes an ice frame having an ice fence coupled with an ice cage, an oil skimmer device disposed within the ice frame, and an ice deflection assembly coupled with the ice frame. The ice deflection assembly includes an auger coupled with a motor. The auger includes a drum and a deflection mechanism, and the motor is configured to rotate the auger. The deflection mechanism includes a spiral flight or a series of tabs arranged in a corkscrew pattern about the drum. The ice fence includes a plurality of curved vanes. The curved vanes have a bent rectangular plate shape.

Abstract: A method for forming an inhalable isotope compound suitable for use in patient medical diagnosis, the method comprising the steps of: (a) electrolytic loading of a carbon crucible with the isotope; (b) sublimating any isotope carrier in the crucible; (c) ablating the isotope in a carbon crucible, forming an ablation aerosol; (d) directly delivering the aerosol for immediate use by a patient. The isotope can comprise technetium.

Abstract: Structures and processes for packaging produce in a manner that resists contamination due to dust, debris, and sunlight. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, fresh produce may be placed in a produce container having tabs extending from the top of the produce container walls. The tabs may preferably comprise a hook end. A produce container cover, preferably made from fiberboard or some other suitably lightweight material, comprising tab slots in locations complementary to the tabs of the produce container may be placed on the produce container as a cover. The tab slots of the produce container cover are configured to create a locking effect with the hook end of the tabs located on the produce container. This prevents the produce container cover from inadvertently being displaced during shipping and handling.

Abstract: An articulated aerial lift has a platform that is coupled to one end of a boom. The other end of the boom is connected to an upper end of a riser. An arm couples the lower end of the riser to a turret. As the arm moves between a lowermost position to a raised position, the riser rotates between a forward position to a backward position in order to reduce an overturning moment caused by the platform. Rotation of the riser can be accomplished with nonparallel arms.