Abstract: A well (12) outside of a brine tank (10) is provided which provides better accessibility to the brine refill valve (112) or other components within the well. Also, apertures (42–48) of differing elevations above the bottom of the brine tank can communicate between the brine tank and the well (12). Selected ones of the apertures can be plugged to select the quantity of water which can be removed and refilled in the brine tank.

Abstract: A report cover (10) is disclosed which can be used with a report (12) bound by a flexible comb binding (14). An insert (20) is bound with the report (12) in the flexible comb binding (14). The insert (20) is then fit within a pocket (38) in the back cover (28) of the cover (26). The spine or side cover (30) and front cover (32) of the cover (26) then encloses the report (12) and spiral binding (14) to provide an attractive, book-like report with spine labeling and titling for easy shelf reference. The spine also provides a space for advertising. The report cover can be used with a report that is bound with a spiral, wire loop or three ring binding also. A modified cover (100) can be formed with integral side tabs (110) and end tab (112) to form the pocket (102) without the use of adhesive or other fastener.

Abstract: A hands-free dental or surgical light system (10) is disclosed which allows the dentist or surgeon to dim and turn a light (12) on and off by simply moving their head. First and second infrared sensitive switches (16, 18) are mounted on glasses (14) worn by the operator. The switches are positioned at different angles so that if the operator moves their head to point the first infrared sensitive switch (16) at a remotely located infrared source (20), the first infrared sensitive switch (16) will be activated to dim the light (12). Similarly, if the operator moves their head to point the second infrared sensitive switch (18) at the infrared source (20), the light (12) will be turned on and off.

Abstract: An insole for footwear that is capable of providing a protective layer between a plantar surface of a human foot and an upper surface of a sole of the footwear. The insole can have a first portion positioned in a rearfoot region of the insole and a second portion positioned at a forefoot portion of the insole, wherein the second portion can be more flexible than the first portion. The insole may further include a toe piece positioned in a toe region of the insole and a footbed that overlays the first portion of the insole, the second portion of the insole, and the toe piece of the insole.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) is disclosed which incorporates a spiral slide (14) to orient corn dogs (12) in a single direction as they slide down the spiral slide. The oriented corn dogs (12) enter an inlet (66) of a first conveyor (16) as they leave the spiral slide. The first conveyor moves the corn dogs (12) along a direction (52) toward a second conveyor (18). The first and second conveyors are pivotally mounted at their distant ends so that their facing ends (64,70) can be aligned to allow a corn dog in one slot (50,52) of the first conveyor to be conveyed to any one of the slots (92-98) in the second conveyor (18) to group the corn dogs in sets for packaging.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for controlling water flow into a reservoir such as a farm pond (100) to prevent silting of the pond due to sediment deposits during heavy rains. A gate assembly (10) has a reservoir gate (12) to let water into the pond when the water is clear and block water flow into the reservoir when the water is sediment laden. The assembly (10) also has a diverter gate (14) which opens to allow the turbid flow to flow around the pond in a diverter channel (104) The gates work in opposite directions so that the water flow is either permitted into the reservoir or diverted around the pond in the diverter channel. A turbidity detector (50) upstream of the gate assembly senses the turbidity of the water to control the gate assembly. The apparatus is preferably powered by a battery recharged by a solar cell. The battery can be buried underground to resist overheating of the battery.

Abstract: A wheelchair footrest retractor (10) is disclosed for use with a footrest (16, 18) in a wheelchair (14) to allow the wheelchair user or caregiver to readily manipulate the footplates (20) between an upper retracted position and a lower use position by simply manipulating a handle(56) located to the side of the knee of the wheelchair user. The wheelchair footrest retractor (10) can be mounted to the wheelchair with little or no modification of the wheelchair. The rod (58) in the wheelchair footrest retractor (10) can be adjusted in length to fit a particular wheelchair and also adjusted when the length of the footrest(16, 18) is adjusted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed to prepare strand segments of predetermined length for use in a molded concrete product at an assembly facility. The strand segments are loaded into a strand reel (10) having multiple slots. The strand reel is then transported to the mold site. At the mold site, the strand segments can be simultaneously pulled out from the strand reel for placement in the mold.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed to feed strand (30) through apertures (214) in bearing plates (60) and bulkheads (202) in a mold (62). A collar (210) can be attached to a rod (208) for limited motion relative thereto, including rotation relative the rod about its elongate axis. The end (96) of the strand (30) is received in a cylindrical receptacle (232) in the collar and the strand can then be used to push the rod, collar and strand through the apertures. A strand feeder rack (56) can be used to simultaneously feed a number of strands.

Abstract: A method is disclosed to feed strand (30) through apertures (214) in bearing plates (60) and bulkheads (202) in a mold (62). A collar (210) can be attached to a rod (208) for limited motion relative thereto, including rotation relative the rod about its elongate axis. The end (96) of the strand (30) is received in a cylindrical receptacle (232) in the collar and the strand can then be used to push the rod, collar and strand through the apertures. A strand feeder rack (56) can be used to simultaneously feed a number of strands.

Abstract: A dual side tarp (10) is disclosed which allows the operator to shift the fixed tube of the tarp from one side of the trailer (12) to the other very quickly and efficiently to allow one side or the other of the trailer to be numbered to facilitate side dumping, for example. Use of pivoting tarp roll stop allows the shifting to be accomplished.

Abstract: A salt platform (700) is disclosed which incorporates a series of hubs (702), radial braces(704) and curved braces(706) which are snap fit together by use of mating locking members(734) and locking slots (716). The curved braces (706) can be formed with pipe holders to support pipe section(710,712) and pipe elbows (714). A stub spoke(750) can be used if desired.

Abstract: A food storage and preparation device (10, 50, 100, 200) is provided for more rapidly cooling or heating a mass of food or other product contained within a storage pan. The device includes a plurality of air contact fins (20) which rapidly convey heat to and from the ambient surrounding air and a plurality of food contact fins (22, 56, 106) which are inserted within the mass of food to increase the surface area of the food exposed to a heat transfer surface to more rapidly transfer heat to or from the mass of food.

Abstract: A power shovel (10) for use on a bucket (14) of a front end loader (12) includes no modifications are required to the bucket (14) other than several bolt holes to mount the upper support bracket (24) of the power shovel. Alternatively, the upper support bracket (24) may be welded directly to the upper portion of the bucket (14) without drilling holes for bolts. The power shovel (10) includes a lower support bracket (22) fit over the blade (16) of the bucket (14) and an upper support bracket (24) bolted onto the top of the bucket (14). Chains (26, 28) are tensioned between the lower and upper support brackets around the back of the bucket( 14) to secure the lower support bracket (22) on the bucket (14). A digging portion (20) is welded to the lower support bracket (22) and further supported by support arms (30, 32) extending between the upper support bracket (24) and the digging portion (20).

Abstract: A report cover (10) is disclosed which can be used with a report (12) bound by a flexible comb binding (14). An insert (20) is bound with the report (12) in the flexible comb binding (14). The insert (20) is then fit within a pocket (38) in the back cover (28) of the cover (26). The spine or side cover (30) and front cover (32) of the cover (26) then encloses the report (12) and spiral binding (14) to provide an attractive final report appearance. The report cover can be used with a report that is bound with a spiral, wire loop or three ring binding also.

Abstract: A dual side tarp (10) is disclosed which allows the operator to shift the fixed tube of the tarp from one side of the trailer (12) to the other very quickly and efficiently to allow one side or the other of the trailer to be unencumbered to facilitate side dumping, for example. Use of pivoting tarp roll stops allows the shifting to be accomplished.

Abstract: A heat pump system (10) includes a fluid refrigerant compressor (12) and heat exchanger units (14, 16). Heat transfer tubings (36, 50, 58, 60, 66, 82) interconnect the fluid refrigerant compressor (12) and the heat exchanger units (14, 16) in a series relationship for carrying refrigerant fluid. Flow control valves (22, 24) are provided and are interconnected between a treated waste effluent source (20) such as a municipal or private treated waste effluent supply or reservoir and the heat exchanger unit (16) for controlling the amount of water flowing from the treated waste effluent source (20) to the heat exchanger unit (16). The flow control valves (22, 24) are responsive to the pressure at the outlet (12b) of the fluid refrigerant compressor (12) sensed at port (26) in the heat transfer tubing (58) to automatically optimize the operating condition of the heat pump system (10).

Abstract: A vehicle (10) which includes a trailer (14) having a frame (16). A first tank (22) is mounted at the forward end of the trailer (14) and a second tank (26) is mounted at the rear of the trailer (14). A dump body (30) is mounted on the trailer (14) between the first and second tanks. The dump body provides the ability to transport solid material and dump the material to either side of the trailer. The first and second tanks provide the ability to transport liquid material. A conduit (32) can be provided between the first and second tanks to shift fluid between the tanks.