Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a device for chilling and dispensing a beverage from a bottle is provided. The device comprises mounting rail configured to attach to a bar top structure and having a top rail plate and a rail freezing and chilling mechanism under the top rail plate. The device also includes a dome configured to attach to the top rail plate and having a dome plate, interior storage tank and a dome freezing and chilling mechanism between the dome plate and the interior storage tank. The rail freezing and chilling mechanism and the dome freezing and chilling mechanism are configured to build a layer of frost on top of the top rail plate and along the dome plate from humidity of ambient air. The dome is configured to seat the bottle in an inverted position and chill and dispense the beverage from the interior storage tank.
Abstract: A portable, user configurable service stand for a variety of riding lawnmowers and other motorized implements. The stand comprises a rigid frame with an elongated, longitudinal section spanning between twin, spaced apart vertical frame sections that support the load. Each vertical frame section secures generally planar, horizontal wheel supports. A pair of parallel, removable spans is coupled between front and rear wheel supports to temporarily provide a travel pathway over the stand. Removable, drive-on ramps are pivotally connected to the frame. After a mower is parked on the stand, the spans may be slidably removed, exposing the sides and undercarriage of the mower for convenient access. Upon removal of the spans, a pair of gravity-operated safeties automatically deploys to block the mower front wheels.
Abstract: A vacuum cleaning system which has particular application to the oil-field industry. The system includes a vacuum unit for suctioning material from a surface to recycle, reclaim or cleanup said material. The system also includes a collection and discharge unit operable to automatically discharge, into an open atmosphere, an amount of the suctioned material collected while suctioning continues by the vacuum unit. The automatic discharging cycle of the collection and discharge unit allows drilling fluid to be rapidly vacuumed up and discharged to minimize settlement of debris in the collected material.
Abstract: A portable, self-contained race car cooler comprises an enclosure divided interiorly by vented baffles into separate cooling and fan compartments. A removable top covers the enclosure. Air is drawn through the enclosure and between adjacent cooling compartments by an electric fan. A plurality of removable canisters, frictionally fitted through orifices in the top, store “dry ice” for cooling. Each canister is peripherally restrained by a plurality of radially spaced-apart J-hooks emanating from the top that are biased inwardly by an elastic band. The J-hooks peripherally grasp the canisters and provide a detent for snappingly engaging or releasing the canisters. A heat-exchange standoff is secured beneath each canister upon the enclosure floor and comprises a plurality of spaced-apart, parallel rails with air passageways defined between them. Cooler lids removably coupled to the canisters are externally serviceable. Carbon dioxide venting is provided.
Abstract: A hand-controlled, curb forming machine that is transformable between different widths and geometries, and between different wheel configurations, to accommodate different concrete curbing. A downwardly projecting, rotating head that rotates about an axis perpendicular to the slab shapes raw concrete into appropriately styled and contoured curbs. A machine frame slidably receives an adjustable, wheeled subframe. A roller on the opposite frame side rides on an opposite curb form. A pivoted handle is reversible. The electric motor is adjustably secured to the frame by a mounting plate movable within follower slots in the frame. A removable adaptor plate disposed on an opposite frame end supports the machine when not in use, but can be removed for normal curb work exposing a form riding roller. When the machine is deployed with monolithic curbs without rebar, the adaptor plate can mount to the subframe to raise the machine by lowering the wheels.
Abstract: A downhole circulating tool including a sleeve with a cam slot having continuous and symmetrical wishbone patterns through which a cam pin moves. The cam pin moves simultaneously through symmetrical portions of the cam slot to alternate the opening and closing of first and second fluid port openings. A first port opening is operable to communicate fluid to a drill bit when open. A second port opening is operable to communicate fluid directly into the borehole or casing wall of a wellbore when open.
Abstract: An internal combustion engine uses separate, tubular and hollow reciprocating sleeve valves that open and close intake and exhaust passageways for improved aspiration. The sliding sleeve valves are disposed within sleeves horizontally disposed within a modified head secured above the combustion chamber. The valves are driven in a path normal to the engine pistons by an independent crankshaft that is rotated through an external pulley driven by the engine crankshaft. Fluid flow occurs through the valve interior and through ports dynamically positioned above the compression cylinder, proximate aligned sleeve and head ports. Sleeve ports are separated by bridges that maintain valve rings in compression during reciprocation to prevent damage. Each valve body has a reduced diameter midsection forming a relief annulus that distributes shearing pressures about the circumference of the valve.
Abstract: An autonomous junk collecting sleeve for a riser is provided. The sleeve is constructed and arranged to be independently lowered and seated above a subsea tree section and, subsequently, raised and removed independent of the work string. The autonomous junk collecting sleeve includes a first cylindrical structure, a second cylindrical structure concentric to the first cylindrical structure and which are joined together in spatial relation at a bottom end to form an interior J-channel basket. The J-channel basket is operable to collect debris traveling up through the bottom end and over of the second cylindrical structure for deposit therein.
Abstract: A bag tossing game for one or more by players comprises foldably deployable target assemblies, associated stabilizing assemblies linked to the target assemblies, and a plurality of bags for throwing by players. Each target assembly presents an inclined impact surface with a target aperture towards which bags are thrown. A foldable elevator pivoted to the target assembly angles the target assembly during play. Foldable feet at an opposite end of the target assemblies offer further support. A stabilizing assembly associated with each target assembly comprises a base disposed on the supporting surface, a platform mounted over the base for supporting bags and beverages and an elongated stanchion extending upwardly from a socket in the base for supporting the platform. The base comprises an elongated slot and cooperating guide channels for interconnecting each target assembly elevator with the stabilizing assembly.
Abstract: A new variety of sweetpotato identified as ‘Bonita’ is disclosed as having disease resistance to both southern root-knot nematode and soil rot, a white flesh, a high dry matter content, and high yield characteristics.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 4, 2010
Date of Patent:
May 8, 2012
Inventors:
Don R. LaBonte, Arthur Q. Villordon, Tara Smith, Christopher A. Clark