Abstract: A salt platform (500) is disclosed which incorporates a top member (502), a bottom member (504) and a plurality of vertical spacing members (506). The top member 502 is preferably formed as an integral molding. The bottom member (504) is preferably identical to the top member (502). The top surface of the top member (502) forms a support for the salt grid. A salt grid (600) is also disclosed which has a series of lips (646) at the peripheral edge with each lip joining with the rest of the salt grid about a linear hinge line (648).

Abstract: A dual dump trailer assembly (10) is provided which provides for operating two end dump trailers (12, 14) with a single cab (16). The operation is possible by use of a movable pedestal (30) having a fifth wheel mounted on the forward end dump trailer (12). The pedestal (30) is in the rearward, trailing position to attach the rearward end dump trailer (14) at the fifth wheel (110) on the pedestal for towing. Upon arrival at the dump site, the rearward end dump trailer (14) can be dumped and then detached from the forward end dump trailer (12). The pedestal (30) mounting the fifth wheel will move forward to a forward, dumping position, permitting the contents of the forward end dump trailer (12) to be dumped.

Abstract: A Robertson driver is disclosed which has a slot (10) in the end of the tip (12) that can fit over a wire, enabling the user to manipulate the wire.

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: An amusement ride (100) is disclosed which includes first and second vehicles (128, 130) which are supported in a cantilevered manner off cantilever beams (124, 126) from the stationary supporting track (102) to provide the occupants with the impression of being unsupported. The vehicles (128, 130) are floorless to enhance the effect for the passengers. A coaster style floorless amusement ride (150) is provided. A second embodiment of the amusement ride (200) has a floor style vehicle (202, 204). It can also be a coaster style amusement ride (220). A hubless and spokeless Ferris wheel (10) is also provided.

Abstract: A computer workstation (10) is provided which allows vertical motion of a monitor and keyboard through a power lift (20). Further, the mounted monitor is mounted on a monitor support (22) which allows the monitor to be pivoted about a horizontal axis through an angle of about 30°. The keyboard is mounted on a keyboard support (32) which allows the keyboard to be moved vertically relative to the monitor and the workstation and locked in place by a locking mechanism such as a cam (34). The keyboard can also be pivotally adjusted about a horizontal axis for proper positioning. A mouse pad plate (44) is pivoted from the front of the keyboard support (32) to allow a negative angle for use of the mouse. A reference material plate (54) can be mounted on the workstation for reference materials. The workstation is preferably mounted on swivel casters (14) allowing the workstation to be readily moved from position to position. In another embodiment, the workstation(100) has a gas pressure lift assembly(102).

Abstract: A presentation football (100, 200) is disclosed which includes a lenticular panel (102) or cloth panel (202) with art work thereon. One or more lenticular panels (102) or cloth panels (202) are adhesively secured to the football panels (12, 14, 16, 18) forming the football itself. The edges of the lenticular or cloth panel and football panels are sewn together with the football turned inside out. Once the sewing is completed, the football is turned inside out to form the football.

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 cooking and barbecue grill (10) is disclosed which can be used outdoors or within the fireplace (60) of a home. The grill (10) can be quickly assembled and disassembled with thumbscrews 34. No tools are needed for assembly and disassembly. The grill (10) is formed of a first A-frame member (12), a second A-frame member (14), a top bar (16) and one or more cooking grids (22). The A-frame members (12, 14) have upper and lower angle members (18, 20) at different heights to mount the grid (22). This allows the grid (22) to be positioned at different heights above the fire. The grill (10) is formed of readily available materials including steel rod, steel angle iron and expanded metal grating.

Abstract: A dual trailer assembly (10) is provided which provides for operating two end dump trailers (12, 14) with a single cab (16). The operation is possible by use of a moveable pedestal (30) having a fifth wheel mounted on the forward end dump trailer (12). The pedestal (30) is in the rearward, trailing position to attach the rearward end dump trailer (14) at the fifth wheel (110) on the pedestal for towing. Upon arrival at the dump site, the rearward end dump trailer (14) can be dumped and then detached from the forward end dump trailer (12). The pedestal (30) mounting the fifth wheel will move forward to a forward, dumping position, permitting the contents of the forward end dump trailer (12) to be dumped.

Abstract: A grid (250, 280) is disclosed which can be used as part of a salt platform (10, 50, 80) to support salt in an ion exchange water softener. The grid is preferably formed of ABS plastic and has a border portion (252) and bands (254, 256) without holes (274) formed therethrough for strength. When the grid is used as part of a salt platform having vertically oriented members (12-24) with open upper ends, cap portions (258-270), without holes formed therethrough, are used to cover the upper ends of the members. A ring (350) can be used to fit the salt grid in the brine tank.

Abstract: A salt platform (400) is disclosed which incorporates a top member (402), a bottom member (404) and a spacing member (406) that spaces the top and bottom members a pre-determined vertical distance apart. A series of bracing member assemblies (408) are connected between the top member and bottom member to provide support for the salt platform. The top surface of the top member (402) and top portions of the bracing member assemblies (408) lie in a single plane (432) to support a salt grid.

Abstract: A report cover (100) is disclosed for securing and protecting a report (12). The report cover (10) includes a front panel (102) and a rear panel (104). Three parallel hinges (22, 24, 26) are formed in the front panel (14). A single hinge (36) is formed in the rear panel (16). The report is secured between the front and rear panels near the first edges (20, 34) of the panels as by staples or other removable fasteners. The front panel (14) is then folded about the hinges to lie parallel to and adjacent the rear panel. The rear panel is captured within a pocket portion (106) which permits limited motion of the rear panel (104) relative to the pocket portion (106). To disassemble the report cover and remove the report therefrom, the pocket portion (106) need only be disengaged from the rear panel (104) providing easy access to the fasteners for removal of the fasteners and removal of the report from the report cover.

Abstract: A padding machine (10, 100) is disclosed which is capable of separating materials in a spoils bank beside a trench into coarser materials, which are redeposited in the spoils bank behind the machine, and finer materials which are conveyed to the trench for padding the pipeline. The machine includes a conveyor with a conveyor chain which moves around the perimeter of the machine. Material caught by the scraper blade (28) is conveyed by the conveyor chain along a belly pan (70) and thereafter over a plurality of grizzly bars (72). Coarser material which will not pass through the grizzly bars is conveyed by the conveyor chain (56) to the rearward end of the machine and dumped off the rearward end of the machine back to the ground. The finer materials passing through the grizzly bars are again separated by a vibrator unit (76, 104).