Abstract: An apparatus and method for strategically illuminating a darkened area. The present invention may be used by law enforcement to illuminate an area without law enforcement officials having to reveal their position, which is the case if flashlights or other lighting means are used. The light emitting device comprises a substantially transparent housing. A circuit comprising light emitting means and battery means is contained within the housing. The circuit further comprises a time delay means, which delays the energizing of the light emitting means. The circuit comprises a switch which, upon activation, closes the circuit providing current from the battery.

Abstract: A new and more efficient tomato harvesting machine is capable of simultaneously severing up to three (3) rows of tomato vines or other similar crops. The harvesting machine comprises pick up means adjacent to the forward end of the machine for picking up and severing vinous crops from the field, where the crops remain attached to the vines, as the vines are severed. The pick up means carry the crops and vines rearwardly and upwardly. The harvesting machine further comprises separating means for separating crops from the vines. The present invention comprises improvements to the pickup means and the separating means. These improvements allow a harvester to gather vines and crops from up to three adjacent rows simultaneously, and to process the increased volume of vines and crops without overloading the processing equipment.

Abstract: A livestock cooling system creates an environment for protecting the health and productivity of animals, particularly dairy cows. One or more cooling fans are connected to programmable oscillation means, enabling the herds man to program fan oscillation according to the location of the livestock. Water is injected under high pressure into the air stream of the fans to create a fog. The system is also programmable according to various environmental conditions, including temperature, humidity, and wind velocity. The pressure and volume of the injected water are programmable and may be adjusted by the controller according to the observed environmental conditions. The disclosed system provides a cool and healthy environment for livestock, where the environment is programmed to track the animals according to the time of day, location of the animals and the location of shade.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing organic materials by anaerobic digestion is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a first covered fluid container, such as a retention pond covered with an oxygen impervious membrane. An aqueous slurry comprising anaerobically digestible fiber is disposed within the first container. A second covered container is disposed within or adjacent to the first container. The second covered container comprises a second upper section and a second lower section. An fluid inlet in the second upper section receives fluid flow from the first container, where a screen is disposed between the first container and the second container, across the fluid inlet. The fluid flow across the screen causes the formation of a filter cake on the screen as fluid flows across the screen, allowing for filtration of the aqueous slurry, and separation of liquids and gas as those components enter the second container. Each apparatus unit may be considered a module.

Abstract: A livestock bedding conditioning apparatus is disclosed, the apparatus comprising a self-propelled drive vehicle with a rotor arm attached to a frame on the vehicle. The rotor arm comprises a plurality of rotors, the device having hydraulic motor for rotating the rotors. Each rotor has a bit at its end, which engages the livestock bedding material. The rotation of the bit within the bedding material loosens, fluffs up and aerates the bedding material, resulting in a healthier and more comfortable bedding material for the livestock.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing the top of a liner within a casing string of an oil well which does not require a second trip of the work string to seal off the top of the liner within the casing. The liner, connected to the apparatus, is run into the well on a work string until the bottom of the liner sets on the bottom of the well. After the bottom of the liner is set on the bottom of the well and, if desired, a gravel slurry is circulated into place, the apparatus is actuated by setting weight on the work string, which causes a cylindrical sealing element to expand and seal against the inside wall of the casing. The apparatus does not require slips to hold it in position within the casing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for applying a liquid to a surface. One embodiment of the apparatus comprises a liquid roller comprising a roller member comprising a cylindrical body having a first side, a second side, an outer application surface and an inside surface. The inside surface comprises a continuous groove extending about the inside circumference. A follower rides in the groove, with one end of a piston arm is connected to the follower and another end of the connected to a piston enclosed within a cylinder. A liquid supply means is hydraulically connected to the cylinder by liquid conducing means. An axle extends axially through the center of the roller member. Liquid dispersion means disperse the liquid from the cylinder to the outer application surface as the roller member is rotated about the axle. A handle member is attached to the axle.

Abstract: The disclosed invention comprises an apparatus and method for producing hydrocarbons from an oil well where no production lines are in place, or where the backpressure of existing production lines is higher than the surface pressure of the oil well, preventing flow of the hydrocarbons into the production lines. The apparatus comprises a production assembly which may be mounted on either a flatbed trailer or on a liftable skid unit. The production assembly comprises a two-phase separator for separating liquid and gas phases. The production assembly further comprises a flexible flowline which is wrapped around a spooling drum. A first end of the flexible flowline receives the fluids from the two-phase separator. The second end of the flexible flowline is attached to a production facility or production line. The production assembly may further comprise pumping and compression means, liquid measurement means and gas measurement means.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus includes a first chamber having a first wall with an inner peripheral surface and an outlet. A plurality of fluid supplying outlets are disposed along the first wall and are configured to supply a cooling fluid into the first chamber that travels in a circumferential direction around the inner peripheral surface of the first wall and in a direction towards the outlet. The cooling fluid exiting the plurality of fluid supplying outlets forms a cooling layer for cooling the inner peripheral surface of the first wall, and the outlet is configured for allowing the cooling fluid to exit therethrough while retaining the plasma within the chamber.

Abstract: A marking drill bit used in combination with a motorized handset is disclosed for use by manicurists in applying french manicures. The marking drill bit scribes marks into an overlay which are used by the manicurist to set the length of the nail tip and to apply accurate widths of acrylic or gel overlay of contrasting colors. A guide is also disclosed which may assist the manicurist in placing the marking drill bit on the overlay.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus is a tool for adjusting a hinge. The tool comprises a head having a first jaw portion and an opposite-facing second jaw portion. The first jaw portion and the second jaw portion define an opening which has the same shape as a cross-section of the knuckles of the hinge. The apparatus further comprises a handle attached to the head. Because the tool engages the knuckles of the hinge at the back of the knuckles, there is no unsightly scratching of the hinge. A method of use of the tool is also disclosed.

Abstract: A livestock cooling apparatus comprising an electrically-powered fan, which is capable of oscillating 360 degrees. The apparatus may be used in conjunction with a programmable cooling system for livestock which allows each fan in the system to be programmed to sweep a designated area according to observed environmental conditions or according to the time of day. The cooling apparatus may further comprise a mist ring for injecting water into the airstream created by the fan to provide for evaporative cooling of the livestock.

Abstract: Actuated bypass valves for use in swimming pool systems are disclosed. The valves automatically bypasses a swimming pool heating unit except when the heating unit is placed into service. The disclosed valves reduce the energy requirements of the circulation pump when the heating unit is bypassed. The valves comprise a tee-shaped valve body. Flow within the valve body is controlled by a sliding plate which slides relative to a stationary plate, where the sliding plate and the stationary plate each has a plurality of openings. Means for actuating the valves may comprise a 24 VAC solenoid. Minimal travel of the sliding plate is necessary for the valve to open from a minimum flow area to a maximum flow area. Methods for utilizing the disclosed valves are also disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a portable floor comprised of interlocking floor panels which may be used for dancing, theatrical productions, musical performances, trade shows, and other settings where it is desirable to have a firm wooden floor surface. The disclosed invention enables a single person to install or disassemble the portable floor. It eliminates the need for storing any additional hardware to connect the panels to one another. No special tools are required to assemble or disassemble a floor. The floor is easy to assemble. Once the portable floor is assembled each panel is locked at two different places, thus firmly connecting the floor together. Panels may be added as desired to increase the size of the floor.

Abstract: A livestock cooling system creates an environment for protecting the health and productivity of animals, particularly dairy cows. One or more cooling fans are connected to programmable oscillation means, enabling the herds man to program fan oscillation according to the location of the livestock. Water is injected under high pressure into the air stream of the fans to create a fog. The system is also programmable according to various environmental conditions, including temperature, humidity, and wind velocity. The pressure and volume of the injected water are programmable and may be adjusted by the controller according to the observed environmental conditions. The system provides a cool and healthy environment for livestock, where the environment is programmed to track the animals according to the time of day and the location of shade.

Abstract: A self-propelled mower and vacuum has a front-mounted flail blade mower assembly. After being cut, the grass clippings are propelled through a discharge chute into a cuttings basket by air pressure created by the flail blades and vanes attached to the blade rotor. Additional suction may be provided by a blower system which blows air into the discharge chute. The width of the flale blade mower assembly and the large volume of cuttings which may be held in the cuttings basket make the disclosed device particularly beneficial for mowing large areas of grass and turf, including athletic fields, belt ways and airstrips.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing well bores is disclosed. The apparatus comprises plates which initially have a width smaller than the diameter of the well bore to be sealed or plugged. The plates are fabricated from a mineral substance which has the property of swelling into an expanded state upon contact with and absorption of a liquid. The apparatus further comprises means for placing the plate within the well bore. Among the mineral substances which may be utilized for forming the plate are members of the group of clay minerals known as smectites, including sodium montmorillonite, calcium montmorillonite, sodium bentonite, and calcium bentonite. A method sealing a well bore with the apparatus is disclosed.

Abstract: A device which functions as a conventional wheelchair, a dynamic seating device, a stander and a hands-free walker. The device raises the user to a standing position from a seated position, allowing the user to propel the device by the user's legs and feet. The seat carriage is slideably attached to vertical support members such that the seat carriage may be slid and positioned from a lower position to an upper position and from the upper position to the lower position. As the seat carriage is raised, the seat swings from generally horizontal first position to a generally vertical second position. As the seat carriage is lowered, the seat swings from the second position to the first position.