Selected U.S. Patent Abstracts

Abstract: A sterile, disposable skin-marking device for applying a marking agent to the skin of a patient who is to undergo radiation therapy. The skin-marking device has a short single needle attached to the operating end of the device and a flexible housing that contains a rupturable cartridge of marking agent. When the cartridge is ruptured by flexing or compressing the housing, the marking agent flows into the needle, which is then used to penetrate the skin of the patient and mark treatment set-up points on the skin by applying the marking agent to the skin.

Abstract: A protective case that may be used with or without a belt clip. A recess is formed in the inside surface of rear panel of the case, with a corresponding slight, smooth bubble formed on the outside surface of the rear panel. The bubble of the recess has a through-bore. A nut is embedded into the recess and held in place by a backing affixed to the inside surface of the rear panel. A threaded post with a head may be threaded into the the nut in the recess. The case is then easily captured in the belt clip by sliding the post into a groove on the clip. If the user desires to use the protective case without the belt clip, the post is easily removed from the rear panel, leaving only the slightly raised, smooth bubble.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for cargo transfer. The method and apparatus encompass a shipping terminal with a marine-side and a land-side and a computer-controlled multi-level cargo-sled storage structure placed between the two sides. Cargo is received on the land-side from a land vehicle, transferred onto a cargo sled, which is then stored in the cargo-sled storage structure. When ready for shipping, the cargo sled is retrieved from the storage structure and stuffed into a cargo container on the marine-side, which is then loaded onto a ship. Method and apparatus reduce by up to a factor of eight the required number of cargo containers required to efficiently service shipping vessels.

Abstract: A support stand for supporting the rear-end of a snowmobile above the ground. The apparatus may be fitted with rollers or wheels in order to improve the maneuverability of the snowmobile when it is being transported across a non-snow or non-ice surface.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for producing an image containing only an object of interest, without any background. They are directed at making the background appear so much brighter than the object that the brightness differential can be used to discriminate between the two and then to strip the background from the image.

Abstract: Re-usable, energy-efficient apparatus for the restoration of corrosion-damaged reinforced concrete and a method for controlling the same. The apparatus includes a combination electrode device in a sandwich construction that includes a dimensionally stable electrode, a reusable electrolyte reservoir, an ion exchanger element, a reference electrode, a power-switching device for anodic regulation, and a measuring system for determining the capacity of the ion exchanger element to take up ions. Use of this combination electrode device prevents the formation of active chlorine during extraction of chlorine from reinforced concrete.

Abstract: Toroidal internal combustion engine comprising two concentric engine rings. Intake valves are assembled in two faces of one set of pistons and exhaust valves in two faces of the second set of pistons. The intake-valve pistons are fixedly attached to one of the engine rings and the exhaust-valve pistons to the other engine ring. The face of one intake-valve piston and the face of one adjacent exhaust-valve piston form boundaries of an engine chamber. Combustion forces on the piston faces force the two concentric engine rings to counter-rotate. The intake-valve piston and the adjacent exhaust-valve piston sweep the same chamber volume at different strokes of the engine cycle. The engine is constructed of CRC material and mounted on a central shaft, with the intake manifold and the exhaust manifold mounted on each side of the engine, providing a lightweight, self-lubricating, highly fuel efficient, and dynamically balanced engine.

Abstract: Flowable-material transfer apparatus and device for transferring flowable material from one containment vessel or system to another. The apparatus comprises a connector device, a closed conduit system, and applicable force systems and controls for effecting efficient flow of the flowable material. The connector device has a source-transfer-apparatus container connector and transfer-apparatus connector that together provide a flowpath from the source container to a destination container. The source-container connector contains a normally-closed flow valve situated in the flowpath and a flow-valve actuation assembly. The connector device includes a device locking mechanism that prevents the connector device from being disconnected when the flow valve is open.

Abstract: A method of producing reticular structures, particularly metallic reticular structures, as well as a device suitable for the production thereof. The method and device enable continuous and/or automated production of such structures, and particularly, large-scale automated production of large-dimensioned reticular structures. A reticulated foam pre-structure is placed into a first container and infiltrated with a refractory material. After solidification, the mold formed by the refractory material is removed from the first container and the foam pre-structure stripped from the mold. The mold is then pre-heated and placed into a second container and infiltrated with a molten substance that forms the reticular structure when solidified. The filled mold may be covered with a solid jacket as a means of controlling the rate and progression of solidification of the molten substance to form a fine-grained, bubble-free structure.

Abstract: Apparatus for raking berries, particularly blueberries. The apparatus has a frame supported on wheels, a rake head, a berry conveyor, support for a berry box, and a side support for stacking additional empty berry boxes. The motor-driven apparatus provides independent operation of ground travel and berry collecting operation. The rakes maintain a constant orientation relative to the vertical throughout the rotation of the rake head.

Abstract: A multi-hull vessel capable of planing. The vessel has a rigid superstructure that is rotatably linked to flat-bottomed hulls. As the vessel heels, the pivotable connection between the superstructure and the hulls allows the superstructure to heel over while the hulls remain oriented so that their bottoms are parallel to the water surface. This allows the multi-hull vessel to plane at relatively low speeds without risking the consequences of a leeward planar hull digging into the water. Further, the vessel is made of lightweight components and configured to be assembled and disassembled in a short time by a single individual, and to be easily lifted and carried atop an automobile for overland transport.

Abstract: A GPS data transceiver system capable of transceiving USB and/or RS-232 data between a host computer and a multi-mode GPS-receiver. The USB circuitry is incorporated into the multi-mode GPS-receiver and the RS-232 circuitry is incorporated into the multi-mode GPS-receiver or into an external power source, such as a battery pack. Depending on the data signal from the host computer, the data input/out device functions as a USB device or an RS-232 device.

Abstract: Universal wheel unit for mounting one or more wheels on the ski of a snowmobile. The wheel unit is a separate assembly that is detachably mountable on the ski or is an integral component of the ski. When retrofitting skis, the wheel unit is mountable on the kingping, on the side wall, or on the saddle. Wheels are readily deployable or retractable as ground surface conditions require, and allow the snowmobile to be driven over gravel, dirt, and hardtop surfaces, while maintaining steerability with the handlebars.

Abstract: A removable, storage box for use within a canoe or other small boat. The shape of the box is such that it fits securely within the tapered bow or stem of a canoe or any watercraft having adequately shaped bow and/or stern regions, without degrading the watercraft's stability or seaworthiness. The key to the utility of the box is that because of its overall shaped it can be wedged in between the watercraft's floor and the underside of its gunwale flanges. Once the box is so situated, its wedged fit holds it in place both for water travel; during portaging, it can be removed for carrying on one's back or it can be left in place to be carried along with the canoe. Also, because of the wedge fit, the lid of the box is held firmly closed during travel by the gunwale flanges. Because of the thermal insulation of the box, this tight closure of the lid allows either hot or cold items to be transported without their undergoing undesired temperature chages.

Abstract: A method for interpolating the environment and geological age at all levels in a borehole from information provided by a limited number of depths and the use of a synthetic stratigraphic cross-section for the interval between these depths. In hydrocarbon exploration, a borehole provides a suite of logs, plus estimates of geologic age at a number of spaced markers. This method uses a sea-level cycle chart, a calculation of subsidence from the thickness of the interval, and postulated values for several variables. If it is known that the supply of sediment always exceeded the available accommodation during deposition, the corresponding synthetic cross-section may then be optimized for geological plausibility (as gauged by visual observation or quantitative criteria) by perturbing the postulated variables and iterating the calculations. Otherwise, the additional step of determining where in the interval the accommodation exceeded the sediment is performed by comparing the signs of the slopes of an observed log estimating sediment grain size and a calculated log estimating layer thickness.

Abstract: A single component tool for installing a threaded insert with locking keys in a tapped bore. The tool has no moving parts and enables simultaneous driving of the locking keys into the tapped bore, flush with the upper edge of the threaded insert in the tapped bore. The tool has a pilot that is inserted into the inner bore of the insert and a plurality of tool keyways for receiving the locking keyways of the insert. Bores are provided in one face of the tool for retaining and aligning the locking-keys while the keys are driven into the tapped bore. A timing mark provided on the tool aids in aligning the tool to simultaneously drive the locking keys flush with the upper edge of the threaded insert.

Abstract: An adapter for modifying a spring clamp for use as an edge clamp. The adapter is essentially a flexible intermediate section with pockets attached at each end. Each pocket slips over one of the jaws of the spring clamp. When the clamp is forced open, the intermediate section extends from jaw to jaw across the jaw cavity of the clamp. When the clamp is placed over a workpiece, the intermediate section of the adapter deforms elastically around the contour of the workpiece that extends into the jaw cavity. The edge clamp exerts an edge-clamping force against the workpiece in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the clamping forces exerted by the jaws and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the spring clamp.

Abstract: An ice scruffing device for scruffing a covering of ice on a ground surface to improve the ability of the ice to retain de-icing chemicals on its surface. Paddles are mounted radially about a drum that is mounted substantially parallel to the ground surface and transverse to the direction of travel of a prime mover of the ice scruffing device. Each paddle bears a plurality of impactors. The impactors are made of flexible wire cable, with a strike element arranged at the end of the cable. As the drum rotates, the strike elements strike the ice on the ground surface at high velocity, thereby creating random, discrete indentations, cracks, pit-marks in the surface.

Abstract: A multiple-head labeling machine directed at minimizing downtime, both from the need to reload labels and from the occasional labeler jams, on assembly lines incorporating a labeling step. It achieves this by the use of multiple independent labeling mechanisms gang-loaded on a single apparatus, such apparatus being capable of switching back and forth between the independent labeling mechanisms. This provides for a depleted or jammed mechanism to be displaced in a matter of seconds with a fresh mechanism that is ready to continue with the labeling operation.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for cargo transfer. A cargo sled is stuffed into/stripped from a container. The method encompasses a marine terminal that stores sleds prior to stuffing into a container. Method and apparatus reduce the required number of cargo containers by up to a factor of eight.

Abstract: A combination advertising/public-information sign intended for use in public areas such as railroad stations and city squares, especially for those jurisdictions that permit advertising signs only if associated with the providing of information of general public interest. The sign is light in weight and easy to assemble and disassemble. The public information and advertisements presented on the sign are in continuous motion and are readily viewable at any given time by the vast majority of the persons within sight of the device.

Abstract: A method for resolution enhancement of a still-image made by a digital imaging device. The method allows the use of high-aperture-ratio sensing arrays that produce resolution-enhancement, independent of the angle of view. Resolution-enhancement is achieved using a multiple-exposure technique of a sub-pixel overtap in conjunction with a whole-pixel shift. The method suppresses color-aliasing in a multiple-exposure native-resolution mode and enables the use of a single camera for single-exposure and multiple-exposure modes.

Abstract: A method of gathering, analyzing, and reporting data about commercial fish stocks and fisheries. Under this method, individual commercial fishermen use a device specific to the type of fishing being done to record the number of fish brought aboard, the number kept or released, the reason for release, the date, time, and location of the catch, and the fishery conditions, such as water temperature, depth, and salinity at the time that fish are brought aboard the fishing vessel. The individual fishermen transfer the data, typically via telephone link, to a central data repository, or to a receiving station when the data is transferred to the central data repository at a later time. The data is encrypted during transfer and placed in fisherman files, each fisherman having his own, restricted-access file. Data from all individual fishermen, as well as from other sources, are placed in a composite data pool to be used as source data for a general fishery database on fishstocks and fisheries. This data can be stripped of data that would identify a particular fisherman as the source, to preserve fishing secrets. Confidential reports can be generated from a fisherman file and delivered to the individual fisherman who is the source of that data. Reports for regulatory agencies can also be generated from the data in the fisherman file. The fishery database provides a unit for regulatory agencies, fisheries managers, and fish research institutions to analyze, monitor, and report on the development of fishstocks and fisheries.

Abstract: A method for designing and constructing original hull designs, and the hulls produced by this method. Directed particularly at frame-based hulls, the method introduces a systemizes the design process so that both the design work and the construction work can be completed in less time. It is based on a Single Frame Curve template generated early in the process and then used to draw every one of the frames in the lines drawing. Later, a full-scale version of the template is used in lofting the lines drawing and in creating the physical frames themselves. It introduces consistency and goodness checks into the creation of original designs, funneling the designer's creativity into the production of a new boat of original design in a relatively short time, a new boat that is hydrodynamically smooth as a consequence of the interrelations imposed between and among the template-based frames.

Abstract: A snow removal or ground-surface cleaning apparatus that is pushed or pulled by a prime mover. The apparatus has a drum array that includes rows of triple-stepped blade-like fingers distributed evenly around a drum array. These fingers are stiffly flexible and can cleanly and efficiently pick up snow and debris from uneven ground surfaces.

Abstract: A process of making coal fines into a commercially viable fuel product using tall oil and tall oil pitch emulsions. The tall oil based emulsions are sprayed into, and reacted with, the coal fines, resulting in a cost effective and industry-usable source of synthetic fuel.

Abstract: A template for installing windows in a wall having studs and a wall panel. The template is for a specific shape and size of window and provides the proper dimensions for receiving the window casing and for framing the studs to receive the casing.

Abstract: A device for properly positioning and constraining the grip of a golfer on a golf club handle and, particularly, for preventing the thumb from rotating to the right or to the left during the golf stroke.

Abstract: Wheel unit to be semi-permanently mounted on the ski of a snowmobile. Wheels are readily deployable or retractable as conditions require. The wheel unit allows the snowmobile to be driven over gravel, dirt, and hardtop surfaces, without losing its ability to be steered with the handlebars.

Abstract: Apparatus and Method providing optimal duplication of the double-poling technique used in cross-county skiing. The apparatus includes dual hand grips that are adapted to "wrap" around a user's torso. The dual hand grips are attached by a cable or other suitable connector to a force generator. Because of the shape of the dual hand grips, the user can perform near-ideal double-poling technique in which the dual hand grips are first positioned above and in front of a user, and are then moved in a downward arc with the dual hand grips moving past the body plane to a movement-ending position in back of the person. In the Method of the present invention, a suitable stationary-rowing machine is adapted and modified to exhibit the characteristics of the Apparatus of the present invention. The longitudinal frame of such a stationary-rowing machine is placed in a substantially vertical orientation and the dual hand grips are interlocked with the operator handle of the stationary-rowing machine.

Abstract: Modified friction pad and friction-pad receptale assembly for a brake/clutch module permitting greater ease inserting pad into and withdrawing it from the brake/clutch module. The pad is held into the receptacle by clips at the distal end of the receptacle rather than the proximal end. That configuration, in conjunction with finger-grip depressions near the proximal end of the pad, allow the pad to be removed with one hand. Additionally, the friction pad assembly protects the torque-resistor pad guides from wear by interposing the spring steel of the retaining clips between the pad assembly and these guides.

Abstract: A collar for animals which serves the function of holding identification tags or medallions in place. The collar holds the tags in a manner that is integral to the structure of the collar, in an orientation such that the tags are easily visible and readable, and in such a way that the tags will not strike one another, thereby reducing noise produced when the animal moves and decreasing the risk of the tags catching on exterior surfaces.