Abstract: A clean connection and sampling apparatus (10) and method for creating a controlled environment for the transfer of chemicals has an isolation means for providing an isolated area (14) capable of being cleaned. A first connection means (16) for connection to a supply of chemicals to be transferred is provided and a second connection means (18) for transferring the chemicals from the isolation means to a receiver for said chemicals is also provided. A sampling means is located within the isolation means for sampling the chemical prior to transfer to the receiver. A pass-through means (22) is provided for receiving a sample from within the isolation means and isolating the sample from the isolation means prior to transfer of the sample outside of the isolation means for analysis.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for monitoring and registering a bingo game includes an arrangement for entering and storing a game card identifier (32) associated with each game card (30) issued in a game sequence. The apparatus (10) also includes storage (16) for storing the card pattern of each card issued in the game sequence, along with all of the symbols drawn by a game operator during the game sequence. A winning pattern comparing arrangement is connected to the card pattern and drawn symbol storage (16) and operates to compare the potential winning symbol patterns of each card issued in the game sequence with each drawn symbol immediately after the symbol is drawn. The comparison is to determine each match between the drawn symbol and a card symbol and discover the winning card in the game sequence. The apparatus (10) further includes a display for displaying the card identifier of the winning card or cards to the game operator and players.

Abstract: A multi-product sampling mechanism (10) having a clean valve (36), a sample cabinet (40) connected to the clean valve (36), and a utility cabinet (12) connected to the clean valve (36) and the sample cabinet (40) for controlling and cleaning the operation of the clean valve (36) and the sample cabinet (40). In a preferred embodiment, the sample cabinet (40) includes connection blanks (80) for the connection of additional sample cabinets (40) so that, if desired, more than one particular type of product or chemical can be received exclusively at a designated sample cabinet (40). Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, the clean valve (36) is connected a spacer connection (32) for connecting the clean valve (36) to a bulk-storage tank at the receiving facility. The spacer connection (32) is also connected to the utility cabinet (12).

Abstract: A spindle bayonet fish hook apparatus and method includes lure engaging body (12) with two ends (14) and (16). End (14) is larger in circumference than end (16 and lure engaging body (12) is symmetrical along a longitudinal axis (18). Lure engaging body (12) includes a connection (20) for connecting to fish equipment, such as a fish hook (24) and the like. Artificial plastic worm (22) is attached to lure engaging body (12) by pressing the head (32) of artificial plastic worm (22) over end (16) and up to end (14) in one embodiment. Because of the spindle shape of lure engaging body (12), concentric adhesion forces result from the radially stretching and expansion of the artificial plastic worm (22) by the insertion of lure engaging body (12) within it. As a result, artificial plastic worm (22) increasingly resists removal from lure engaging body (12) in response to retrieval of casts and the like.

Abstract: A hydrothermal process (10) is integrated into a wastewater treatment facility (12) to fully oxidize an undigested wastewater sludge produced by the treatment facility. A thickened and conditioned feed mixture comprising sludge from the treatment facility is first pressurized to a critical pressure and then heated to a reaction initiating temperature below the critical temperature. An oxidant is injected into the feed mixture at the reaction initiating temperature to initiate an oxidation reaction in low light-off temperature constituents of the feed mixture to produce a partially reacted mixture and raise the temperature of the partially reacted mixture to at least the critical temperature for water in a supercritical water oxidation reactor (52). Heat from the supercritical water oxidation reaction is used to heat the feed mixture and also, to condition the sludge from the wastewater treatment plant preferably by thickening and heating the sludge.

Abstract: A method for heating foodstuffs, particularly mixtures made up of small pieces of meat, comprises pressurizing the uncooked mixture to force the mixture through a flow resistance device (22) at a heating velocity. Sufficient force is applied to the uncooked mixture to produce frictional resistance heating in the uncooked mixture as the mixture travels through the flow resistance device (22). The frictional resistance heats the uncooked mixture from an initial temperature to a final temperature which may be above a cooking temperature. This final temperature converts the uncooked mixture to a desired processed mixture. The invention may also include forming the processed mixture into a desired shape and cooling the processed mixture to a setting temperature. A variable resistance device (40) may be included in the flow resistance device (22) and used to control the level of heating in the foodstuffs.

Abstract: An irrigation conduit (10) includes a plurality of emitters (11) spaced apart along its length. A conveyance channel (12) is connected to each emitter (11) and is long enough so that a distal end (14) of the conveyance channel (12) may be positioned at or just above the soil surface with the conduit (10) buried below the soil surface. Each emitter (11) or each conveyance channel (12) includes associated with it a flow control arrangement (30) to control the rate of flow through the conveyance channel (12) when water is applied to the conduit (10) at a desired pressure and flow rate. The flow rate through each conveyance channel (12) exceeds the local hydraulic loading rate of the soil adjacent to the conveyance channel (12). The rate in excess of the local hydraulic loading rate causes localized flooding and allows the water to spread out substantially across the soil surface prior to moving downwardly into the soil.

Abstract: An apparatus for placing a toll telephone call using a lowest cost long distance carrier includes a telephone input for operatively connecting to a telephone or other dialing equipment at a user's location, and a line output for operatively connecting to a public telephone network. The apparatus further includes an arrangement for capturing preferably each number dialed through the user's telephone dialing equipment. Rate storage within the apparatus stores long distance rate information for a plurality of carriers and clock produces a time input representing the time of day and day of week. The apparatus further includes a rate comparison arrangement connected to the rate storage, clock, and input number capture mechanism for determining from the stored long distance rate information the identity of the long distance carrier having the lowest long distance rate for the telephone call represented by the captured telephone number.