Abstract: A method of repelling soil borne pests, nematodes, insects and insect larvae includes applying a solution of naphthalene or precipitated flocculent naphthalene into or upon the soil where the naphthalene volatilizes and repels nematodes and soil pathogens. In another embodiment of the invention, micron size particles of naphthalene are encapsulated in a polymer which is injected into or applied to the surface of the soil. In a further embodiment of the invention, micron-sized particles of naphthalene are attached to a carrier strip which is applied to the surface of the soil as a mulch, applied below the surface of the soil, or attached to trees or plants for repelling pests.

Abstract: A rotary trowel device includes a substantially horizontal shroud having an electric motor assembly mounted on the upper surface thereof, and having a rotary trowel blade assembly located below the shroud. The trowel blade assembly includes a hub connected to an output shaft of the electric motor assembly. The trowel blades are shiftable between tilted and non-tilted position by components located within the hub.

Abstract: A steady flow process converts a fluid proteinaceous mix to a cuttable interstage enzymatic curd and thereafter converts the enzymatic curd to a desired end cheese product. The process includes the step of initially combining an accurately metered and proportioned pumpable stream containing proteins, fats and/or oils and other components, and an accurately metered proportioned pumpable acidified water stream containing an enzyme and other non-enzymatic components. A bacterial agent is included in the enzyme stream. The two streams are admixed by directing the streams through an orifice into an acoustic resonating chamber to produce a turbulent jet stream.

Abstract: A tool for shifting the locking bar of a fifth wheel of a tractor from a locked position to an unlocked position includes an elongate handle having a U-shaped locking handle engaging member. The handle includes a straight portion, an offset portion, and a terminal portion having the U-shaped member affixed to its outer end. The U-shaped member engages the locking handle in overlying relation and the terminal portion underlies and engages the offset portion of the locking handle whereby when the tool is rotated, the locking handle will be shifted to the unlocked position.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for sterilizing soil includes an implement including a plurality of subsurface tools having hot water nozzles mounted thereon and connected to a source of hot water. Hot water is injected into the top layer of soil as the implement is moved over a field. Stirrer tools are mounted on the implement rearwardly of the subsurface tools and extend into the ground for mixing the soil and hot water to thereby provide a uniform temperature to the soil. A foam applying system applies an insulating foam to the surface of the soil immediately after the injection of hot water into the soil.

Abstract: An aquarium tool kit includes handles, extension members and a plurality of implements including a sponge, scraper, net, rock pickers, brush, scoops, and pinchers. The handles includes a pivotally interconnected handle members which form tongs, and a substantially straight handle member. The extension members are used to adjust the length and angularity of the handles. The handles, extension members and implements have coupling members thereon which permit ready attachment of any implement directly to the handles or to an extension member. The tool kit therefore allows the various implements to be used with a handle for performing any specific function thereby allowing structuring, maintenance, and restructuring of aquariums regardless of size or shape.

Abstract: A method for destroying plants by superheating air, compressing it and using it to melt the plant's waxy cuticular coating while utilizing foam made in the process as an insulating agent. The melting of the waxy layer causes dehydration and death to the plant. The foam has a temperature close to the boiling point of water and surfactant combination. This requires that not only the water but also the compressed air be heated above the boiling point of water to achieve a foam whose temperature is approximately 212.degree. F.

Abstract: A lift apparatus includes a lift device and a hitch and mounting assembly for connection to the three point hitch of a conventional tractor. The lift device includes a lower boom and an upper boom pivotally connected together and connected to an occupant bucket. The boom arm is connected to a turntable mounted on a base. The base is secured to and support on a support frame of the hitch and mounting assembly. A vertically disposed hitch frame is rigidly secured to the support frame and is provided with hitch members for connection to the three point hitch of a conventional tractor.

Abstract: A back scrubber device comprises an elongate belt formed of flexible material and having a soap impregnated pad detachably mounted thereon. In the preferred embodiment, the belt is molded to form a plurality recesses for receiving mounting members thereon. The recesses have dove-tailed grooves and the mounting members have beveled edges to define a tongue and groove arrangement. The mounting members have penetrating elements which provide means for mounting the pad on the belt.

Abstract: A slip bobber includes a float assembly having a fishing line guide and locking mounted thereon for movement between locked and unlocked positions. The float assembly includes a pair of elongate buoyant float members interconnected by a support element having a opening therethrough. The fishing line guide and locking assembly includes a mounting member journaled on the support element and having elongate guide elements projecting into an opening therethrough. The fishing line extends through the guide elements, mounting member and support element and is freely moveable through these components when the guide and locking assembly is in a horizontal unlocked position in the water. The fishing line is locked to the support element and the guide and locking assembly when the latter is in a vertical position in the water.

Abstract: An accumulator apparatus for accumulating product from a production line conveyor when a downstream stoppage occurs includes cylindrical compartmented rotary drum having a plurality shelves for supporting product thereon. A loading mechanism loads product from the conveyor upon each drum shelf when the downstream stoppage occurs. An unloading mechanism unloads product from each shelf of the drum when the downstream stoppage problem has been resolved.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting and pruning trees is attachable to the end of the outermost boom arm of a vehicle mounted boom assembly. The apparatus includes a grapple and saw assembly comprising a grapple and saw assembly frame having a grapple is mounted thereon. A first positioning hydraulic motor is interconnected with the grapple and saw assembly to the outermost boom arm for pivoting the grapple and saw assembly about a first axis. A second positioning hydraulic motor is disposed between and interconnected with the grapple and saw assembly and first positioning motor for pivoting the grapple and saw assembly through an arc of 360.degree. about an axis disposed substantially normal to said first pivotal axis. A saw assembly is mounted on the grapple and saw assembly frame by a third positioning hydraulic motor for pivoting the saw assembly through an arc of 360.degree. about an axis disposed substantially normal to said first and second pivotal axes.

Abstract: A towed type beet harvester includes a main frame having ground engaging wheels and having a lifter wheel assembly for excavating beets, potatoes, carrots and similar root crops. A front set of grab rollers are positioned rearwardly of the lifter wheel assembly and are coated with a high impact plastic material to minimize damage to the harvested crop. A rear set of grab rollers are positioned rearwardly of the front set of rollers and are also coated with a high impact plastic material. A vertically disposed discharge wheel assembly is positioned interiorly of the harvester main frame and conveys harvested crop to a reversible discharge conveyor. An open top holding tank is mounted at the rear of the harvester for temporarily holding the harvested crop during the harvesting operation.

Abstract: A guard device for use with a drop pipe in a well casing includes a pair of similar guard sections each being formed of a plastic material. Each section includes inner and outer arcuate members interconnected by ribs and plates. The inner arcuate member of each section engages the drop pipe and the outer arcuate member has tabs which engage the well casing to enter the drop pipe. A locking member on each section interlocks with a lock engaging member on the other section. Vertical passages through the sections accommodate electrical conductors, safety ropes and similar components to thereby minimize damage to these components.

Abstract: A rotary air-driven brush device for cleaning air ducts comprises a reversible rotary air motor connected to a source of air under pressure and having a threaded output shaft. A brush head includes an inner mounting member secured to the output shaft and an outer housing spaced from the inner mounting member. A plurality of brush members are removably mounted in axially spaced apart openings extending through the brush head mounting member. The brush members include tubular bristle holder elements which are secured in the openings in the brush head by set screws. A plurality of support legs having rollers thereon support and guide the brush head within the duct during the duct cleaning operation.

Abstract: A slip bobber for use in ice fishing is formed of a buoyant, water impervious, plastic material. The slip bobber is provided with an elongate vertical passage therethrough for accommodating a fishing line. The slip bobber also includes a transverse passage therein for receiving a locking element. The locking element has an opening therein through which the fishing line extends. The locking element is shiftable between a release position wherein the fishing line is freely movable through the bobber and locking position. The fishing bobber is locked to the fishing line in the locked position but is readily shiftable to the release position when the fishhook is set by the fisherman.

Abstract: A device for supporting the leg cast includes a cast engaging member which engages and supports the leg cast of person. In one embodiment, the device is attached to a crutch and is shiftable between collapsed and erect positions. In another embodiment, the device is attached to the cast itself and is shiftable between collapsed and erect positions. When the device is in the erect position, the cast of a user will be supported thereon when the user is in a sitting position. When the device is in the collapsed position, it is suspended vertically in an out-of-way position from the cast or crutch of the user.

Abstract: A track and hinge assembly set for with a casement window sash unit comprises a pair of track and hinge assemblies each including a track which is mounted on a horizontal frame member of the window frame. Each assembly also includes a toggle hinge including a pair of pivotally interconnected links, one of which is secured to the casement sash and pivotally and slidably connected to the track. The other link is pivotally connected to a cam which is shiftably mounted on the track. In one embodiment, the cam is longitudinally shiftable relative to the track which repositions the pivotal connection between a toggle link and cam to overcome sash sag. In other embodiments, the cam rotated relative to the track to reposition the pivotal connection between the cam and a toggle link to correct sash sag.