Abstract: A support device for supporting an exhaust pipe tip during replacement of an exhaust pipe tip includes an elongate frame member. A exhaust pipe attachment member having clamping bolts for clamping to an exhaust pipe is pivotally connected to the frame member for pivoting movement of the frame about a vertical axis. An exhaust pipe tip support member is attached to the outer end of the frame member for vertical adjustment relative thereto, and serves to support to support the exhaust pipe tip.

Abstract: A filter apparatus for use in removing mist, smoke and particles generated by a machine tool includes a mechanical first filtration stage and a second filtration stage consisting of an electrostatic precipitator. A blower device creates a stream of air for entraining and moving mist, smoke and other particles upwardly through the first and second filtration stages. Circuitry is provided selectively opening the circuit to the collector of the electrostatic precipitator. The collector is energized by a lower voltage from the ionizing field when current to the collector is interrupted. By energizing the collector of the electrostatic filter at a low voltage and by operating the blower unit at a low velocity, mist, smoke and other particles are efficiently collected without shorting the collector plates when water based metal working fluids are used.

Abstract: A process for providing nutrient material for banana and plantain plants, comprising providing a slow release implant containing a banana and plantain nutrient material and implanting the implant into banana or plantain plants whereby the nutrient is slowly released into the plant over a period of time.

Abstract: A constant or variable flashlight includes a semi-conductor boost/buck controller electrically connected to an inductor. The controller is operable to cyclically charge the inductor and then cause the stored energy to be delivered to the flashlight lamp in cycles repeating at a rate between 10,000 and one million cycles per second. A photo-responsive feedback circuit connected to the controller is operable for modulating the current to the lamp in response to an imbalance between a standard potential and the feedback circuit. Arrangements are provided for selectively changing the brightness of the lamp necessary to produce a balance of potential between the standard potential and the feedback current.

Abstract: A rotary clamping device for use in clamping and holding a metal casting tree during cutting of the metal casting tree includes a cylinder having a piston rod for actuating a plurality of clamping jaws. In one embodiment, a conically shaped cam engages exteriorly disposed clamping jaws for urging the jaws in a clamping direction. In another embodiment, an exteriorly located cam urges the jaws in a clamping direction. The number of jaws employed may vary with the shape of the metal casting tree to be gripped.

Abstract: A control system for controlling the opening and closing of the tailgate of a dump truck includes an actuator unit which is mounted on the truck box or tailgate. The actuator unit controls the degree of opening of the tailgate during the unloading operation and therefore the rate at which the material is discharged from the truck box. A positional feedback unit produces an output signal indicating the movement of the tailgate between open and closed positions. This signal is displayed on a control panel of a control unit in the truck cab. An operator in the truck cab can therefore control opening and closing of the tailgate and can monitor the position of the tailgate. The control system effects an accurate metering of material from the truck box.

Abstract: A combination chemical carrier device and bucket includes a compartmented chemical carrier for carrying a plurality of containers containing chemicals and products used in cleaning operations. The combination chemical carrier and bucket device also includes a bucket for containing liquids including chemical solutions used in cleaning operations. The bucket and chemical carrier are provided with quick coupling for readily connecting and disconnecting the chemical and bucket.

Abstract: A mobile support device for supporting a concrete spreading hose includes a truncated V-shaped support having a horizontal web position and upwardly diverging legs. Castor wheel assemblies support the V-shaped support for travel over a surface. A hold down mechanism is pivoted to one of the legs and is engaged by a keeper element releasibly locked by a locking element on the other leg. The hold down mechanism clamps and confines a concrete spreading hose seated in the truncated V-shaped support. The concrete spreading hose is secured against movement relative to the support even when subjected to pumping surges.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding and cutting an metal tree casting includes a frame having a vertically shiftable cutting blade assembly mounted thereon. A horizontally disposed clamp is mounted on a pivot support for pivoting the clamp horizontally about a vertical axis. The clamp is provided with clamping jaws for clamping the metal casting tree and is rotatable about a horizontal axis. A carriage is mounted on a transverse slide assembly and pivotally supports the pivot support thereon. A longitudinal slide assembly is connected with the transverse slide assembly and cooperates therewith for permitting transverse and longitudinal movement of the clamp and metal tree clamped thereby.

Abstract: A process for continuously and instantaneously sterilizing soil comprising the steps of applying a water-activated chemical fumigant below the surface of the soil which simultaneously applying water to the soil below the surface. The soil, chemical fumigant and water are throughly mixed to cause instantaneous reaction of 100% of the chemical fumigant to produce a fumigant gas. Immediately covering the treated soil with a gas impervious material to retain the gas within the soil and kill the pathogens contained therein. Thereafter innoculating the soil with antgonistic organisms for preventing recontamination of the soil.

Abstract: A portable, modular vacuum collection apparatus includes a prefilter unit, a vacuum generator unit and a final Hepa filter unit which are releasably secured together. The prefilter unit is provided with a plurality of similar tubular flexible filters and the vacuum generator is powered by a variable frequency drive motor for optimizing the performance of the system. The vacuum collection apparatus is readily portable and is effective for use in cleaning and decontamination of HVAC systems.

Abstract: A bracing system for bracing a masonry basement wall of a building against inward buckling and cracking due to hydrostatic pressure. The bracing system includes a vertically disposed I-beam positioned against a basement wall to be braced and having a floor plate at its lower end secured to the basement floor. A bracket is secured to the facing floor joist and is adjustable to urge the end of the I-beam against the basement wall. Two different embodiments of the bracket are provided to allow different modes of attachment of the bracket to a floor joist. Load distribution bracket assemblies distribute the load exerted against the I-beam and adjacent floor joist to other floor joists.

Abstract: A heated wiper blade assembly for vehicles comprises an electric resistance heating element molded within the conventional wiper blade. A normally closed timer or temperature sensor controls operation of the heating element. The heating element heats the wiper blade and prevents ice build-up on the blade during snow or sleet precipitation.

Abstract: An aquarium tool kit comprises a handle which may include a single handle section or a plurality of similar handle sections. Each section has quick coupling elements at opposite ends thereof for ready connection to adjacent handle sections. Each handle section includes a bendable portion intermediate the ends thereof to allow angular adjustment of the section. A plurality of implements are provided including a scoop simulating a hand, hook and a needle type scraper. Each implement has a quick coupling element for ready connection to a handle section.

Abstract: Air packaging peanut recovery system for recovering packing peanuts includes an operator held wand connected to a flexible conduit. The flexible conduit has a discharge end extending into a collection hopper having a mesh top. The wand is provided with an air valve having an actuating handle and a discharge jet. The air valve is connected to a connected source of air under pressure. The orifice of the discharge jet faces downstream and produces a vacuum at the inlet end of the wand when air under pressure flows through the discharge jet orifice. A turbulator pin is mounted on the wand and is adjustable to project into the path of the air stream discharged from the orifice of the discharge jet. By manipulation of the handle or adjustment of the turbulator pin, the vacuum may be readily adjusted.

Abstract: A retainer device for holding a pair of electrical connector plugs in interconnected relation includes an elongate flexible strip formed of velcro material. The strip is of rectangular configuration and has a pair of slits in the end portions thereof. The interconnected electric plugs extend through the slits and the end portions of the strip are folded over into overlapped relation and are releasably connected together.

Abstract: A method and product for killing agricultural pests including insects, plants, plant rhyzomes, plant nuts, and fungi, comprises a toxic substrance which includes fatty acids, soaps, and inorganic and organic acids. The pesticide toxin is heated to a temperature within the range of 100.degree. F. to 215.degree. F. The pesticide toxin is a low concentration within the range of 0.1% to 3% and, when applied to plants and the soil surface, rapidly kills pests. When the toxic concentration is injected into the soil, the toxic concentration volatilizes and the toxic vapors rapidly reach and kill insects, fungi, plant nuts and plant rhyzomes.

Abstract: A wall mounted back scrubber device includes a generally U-shaped mounting member including a central web portion, a pair of leg portions integral with the web portion, and a pair of outturned flanges integral with the leg portions. Suitable securing means are provided for securing the mounting on a vertical wall. An attachment plate is detachably secured to the mounting member by hooks which project through openings in the mounting member. Sponges formed from soft plastic mesh strips wound into rolls are connected to the attachment plate by the strips. In one embodiment a battery driven vibrator engages the mounting member to impart a vibratory motion to the back scrubber device.

Abstract: A continuous, multiline packaging apparatus for continuously conveying, turning, and loading non-round bottles includes infeed conveyors which convey non-round bottles to timing screw conveyors. The timing conveyors are operable to space the bottles a predetermined distance apart and to feed the lines of spaced bottles to turning conveyors. The turning conveyors are each comprised of high and low speed conveyor chains, and guide rails. The turning conveyors first turn the bottles to an intermediate angled position and thereafter further turn the bottles to a loading position. A grouping conveyor comprising a plurality of fights cooperates with the turning conveyors to cause the bottles to form groups which are transferred to a loading device. The loading device continuously shifts the grouped bottles laterally into cartons as the bottles are continuously moved in a downstream direction.

Abstract: An adapter for interconnecting a generally rectangular socket wrench to a power drill includes an elongate main body comprising cylindrical portion having a rectangular shaped socket engaging member at one end thereof. The main body also includes an enlarged intermediate portion having an elongate shaft extending therefrom. A collet including chuck engaging collet shape is positioned around the main body shaft and is provided with a radial flange at one end thereof. Locking pins releasably lock the collet to the main body. Actuator means are provided for shifting the locking pins between locked and unlocked positions.