Abstract: A sampling apparatus and process for obtaining microbial samples from a suspect surface, such as a meat processing facility, animal carcass, and the like, wherein a agar saturated porous plastic foam strip is placed in contact with the suspect surface and thereafter incubated to indicate the presence and quantity of microbial growth on the suspect surface. The porous plastic foam strip is attached to one surface of a double faced adhesive tape with the other tape face being adhesively attached to a spool on a hand roller to permit hand pressure application of the porous plastic sampler to the test surface. For use of the sampler without the roller, one surface of the double face adhesive tape is attached to a plastic strip and the sampler may be hand positioned directly on the suspect test surface. Agar for specific known bacteria may be employed to saturate the porous plastic foam sampler.

Abstract: An undercarriage spoiler system for a race motor vehicle utilizes a first spoiler plate disposed parallel and adjacent to the horizontal slotted rear bumper of the vehicle and secondary spoiler plates disposed in the vehicle rear quarter panels and perpendicularly to the first spoiler plate. During high speed vehicle spin-out and rearward movement, the spoiler plates pivotally move from a spring-retained position, parallel with the vehicle undercarriage, to an angular relationship therewith to spoil the reverse high speed air flow over the vehicle undercarriage and assist in effecting stabilization of the vehicle. Tension or torsion springs return the spoiler plates to their static un-deployed position once the vehicle recovers from the spin-out.

Abstract: A disposable needle having individual, spring biased, first and second retractable, open protective sleeves. The first retractable sleeve covers the needle end employed to extract patient blood and the second retractable sleeve covers the needle end that transfers blood to a collection tube. Each sleeve is provided with diametrically disposed slits receiving diametrically disposed ear extensions on the needle support. A support segmented housing maintains the sleeves and needle into a unitary structure. Detents are disposed on the end of the first sleeve that telescopingly receives the open end of the second sleeve. In use, the first sleeve is manually retracted and the detents secure the sleeve in retracted position. A tubular support on the opposite end of the segmented housing receives a blood collection tube therein that forcibly retracts the second sleeve and permit penetration of the blood collection tube.

Abstract: A process for anti-sway control of a rotating boom or other three-degree-of-freedom crane wherein the load is hoisted, at variable hoist lengths, by a cable suspended from a point that can be moved in space in three dimensions, either freely, or under known constraints. Initial acceleration of the load induces an initial sway to the load. A second lateral acceleration, equal to the first lateral acceleration, is scheduled to be applied one-half a sway period later to remove the sway induced by the first acceleration. A third acceleration is applied to correct for half the excess sway induced by hoisting, by non-linearities in the pendulum, and by crane platform motion; and a forth acceleration, of equal magnitude as the third but in the opposite direction, is scheduled for one-half a sway period later, to correct the remaining half of the excess sway energy. The first and third accelerations are constrained by the ability of the crane to execute them and to execute the delayed second and fourth accelerations.

Abstract: A short in-line turnbuckle having telescoping threaded parts and including grip screw locking structure to apply frictional forces to prevent relative rotation of the turnbuckle parts once the turnbuckle is adjusted to the desired length. In one embodiment a swivel connector element is provided for the turnbuckle. In another embodiment, a set screw acts against a threaded bolt of the turnbuckle structure while a separate lock screw provides a frictional force on separated sidewall portions of the turnbuckle to selectively prevent relative rotation of the threaded turnbuckle parts.

Abstract: A lithium battery and process of making same involves employing alternate layers of a lithium anode and an aluminum foil or NiAl expanded metal supported cathode assembly with a gel electrolyte contacting the alternate layers. The electrolyte includes a quantity of N-methyl-2-pyrrollidone and lithium contained within a polyimide matrix and the entire assembly is contained within a sealed polyimide casing. Separate electrical contacts are provided for each of the lithium anode assembly and the aluminum foil or NiAl supported cathode assembly. An out-gassing vent tube extends from the sealed polyimide casing and is sealed a predetermined time after battery construction.

Abstract: A melted gelatin (specific example agar) is employed to saturate a plastic foam disk and, after solidification, to provide a medium to promote seed germination and plant growth. After germination, the seed and gelatin saturated disk are transferred to a growth container for additional plant growth prior to transfer of the plant to soil. The growth containers are divided into upper and lower chambers by transverse bamboo rods (FIGS. 3 and 5) or piano wire lengths (FIG. 4) with the gelatin saturated disk and seedling(s) placed in the upper chamber and the lower chamber provided with water, water containing plant food, agar, or nutrient gelatin.

Abstract: A hanging wire cage bird feeder is provided with a plastic foam base supporting a gel structure saturated with bird seed that completely fills the wire cage. A pair of perch supports are provided at the base of the wire cage structure to support birds attempting to feed from the feeder. The process for making the feeder includes providing a wire cage with a plastic foam bottom surface, positioning the wire cage onto an absorbent surface, covering the exterior of the wire cage with a fluid proof sleeve and filling the wire cage with a hot slurry of a water/gel mixture saturated with bird seed. The filled wire cage is them placed in a freezer compartment of a refrigerator to solidify the gel. After solidification, the wire cage is removed from the freezer, the sleeve removed, and excess gel trimmed from the base of the wire cage. After conditioning for twenty-fours at room temperature, the wire cage feeder is ready for hanging outdoors.

Abstract: A game kit including a pliable hop scotch mat, an electrical actuated sound producing component and a plurality of individual electrical switches disposed between layers of the mat and adapted to be individually closed by pressure from a game participant when stepping on each of the designated areas on the game mat. The individual switches are positioned on each of the designated step or hop locations on the game mat. A battery power supply and speaker(s) are provided in a control unit housing the sound producing component and are in electrical connection with circuity leading from each of the individual pressure switches. The produced sound may be ringing of a bell, an individual music note, or a sequence of notes collectively playing a musical tune.

Abstract: A bearing lubrication apparatus, including a bearing support stand having a reverse conical stepped cavity therein to support a wheel or other friction bearing assembly, a grease applicator in the form of an open cylinder filled with lubricating grease, and a manually operated piston disposed within the open cylinder to force grease from the cylinder through a bearing raceway supported on one of the horizontal steps of the bearing support stand. As new grease is forced through the bearing raceway, old grease on each individual ball or roller bearing is removed and replaced by new grease. A process for filling the grease applicator involves placing the open cylinder in an inverted position and forcing one open end thereof into a container of highly viscous lubrication grease, placing a finger over the other open end of the cylinder to trap any air therein and create a suction force within the cylinder that retains the contained grease as the cylinder is removed from the grease container.

Abstract: A bird feeder station including a clear plastic canopy provided with a hanging line for suspension thereof from an overhead structure and three depending chain supports for wire baskets containing bird seed suspended under the protection of the canopy. Each wire basket contains a porous plastic foam core saturated with a gelatin and multiple bird seed embedded within at least one gelatin surface coating on the plastic core. The process involves placing the plastic core in an open mold, spooning a quantity of hot gelatin containing multiple bird seed over the exposed surface of the plastic, refrigerating the gelatin coated plastic core to solidify the gelatin-bird seed coating thereon; turning the plastic over to expose a different side and repeating the spooning of the hot gelatin and refrigeration thereof for all sides and top (if desired) of the plastic core.

Abstract: A combination back pack and seat combination including a molded one piece chair seat and backrest with one aspect (FIGS. 1-3) of the invention including foldable legs pivotally supported on the bottom of the chair seat and another aspect (FIGS. 4-6) of the invention including a single tubular chair support. In each aspect of the invention a pair of shoulder straps are secured to the backrest portion of the chair with each of the straps being constructed of a flexible cord material and provided with a protective cushioning covering to engage the shoulder of a person transporting the chair. In the single tubular chair support embodiment a foldable tree stand is also provided and includes a base platform supporting the chair seat and a first V-shaped segment to engage a tree trunk. A pair of pivotally connected arms extend from the base with a second V-shaped segment connected to the arms to also frictionally engage the opposite side of the tree trunk and provide support for the tree stand.

Abstract: A blender mixing shaft and a high speed transport and mixing tool combination wherein the blender mixing shaft has a sidewall and a hollow interior and at least one transverse opening provided through the sidewall with an elongated, hollow, transport and mixing tool attached to a flat surface segment thereof and, in sealed fluid communication with the hollow mixing shaft. The mixing tool is provided with an exterior surface including a mixing shaft attachment end and a triangular plow shaped terminating end with the area therebetween comprising a substantially uniform triangular cross-section along its length. The triangular shaped length has a base side with two sides extending from the base side to form an apex for the triangular shaped length.

Abstract: A grooming brush for cleansing and stimulating the human scalp or the skin of fur bearing animals wherein contaminants are scraped from the scalp or skin during grooming with the brush. The brush is provided with a plurality of hollow bristles that collect contaminants such as sebum, dead cell tissue, shampoo, conditioner, oils and dirt from the scalps and hair follicles of humans and animals. A compressible spacer is positioned within the brush body to support a rigid plate provided with a plurality of cleaning tines employed to remove the contaminants collected by the hollow bristles. A retainer cap having an opening therein maintains the rigid metal plate, spacer, and brush body into a unitary structure. After a grooming operation, manual pressure is applied through the retaining cap opening to the rigid plate to compress the spacer and force the connected tines thereon through the individual hollow bristles to expel any collected contaminants therefrom.

Abstract: A blender construction employing a unitary cylindrical body and removable, semicircular segmented, end cap closures wherein a unitary blender body includes an inlet chute at a first end and an exit chute at a second end. A centrally disposed hollow mixing shaft extends through the segmented end caps and is provided with diametrically disposed hollow mixing fingers spaced therealong positioned within the blender body. A high pressure heat exchange fluid source connects the blender, through tubing extending through one of the segmented end caps and, along the interior length of the blender housing. The heat exchange fluid is expelled from openings therein aligned with each of the mixing tool hollow interiors. The blender housing is supported on a platform that also supports the end bearings for the rotating blender shaft. A drive wheel is keyed to the hollow rotating blender shaft at one end thereof to connect with a suitable drive power supply.

Abstract: A blender mixing shaft and a high speed transport and mixing tool combination wherein the blender mixing shaft has a sidewall and a hollow interior and at least one transverse opening provided through the sidewall with an elongated, hollow, transport and mixing tool attached to a flat surface segment thereof and, in sealed fluid communication with the hollow mixing shaft. The mixing tool is provided with an exterior surface including a mixing shaft attachment end and a triangular plow shaped terminating end with the area therebetween comprising a substantially uniform triangular cross-section along its length. The triangular shaped length has a base side with two sides extending from the base side to form an apex for the triangular shaped length.

Abstract: An ornamental bird feeder composed of a plastic foam disk saturated with a melted agar that has one of more surfaces thereof covered with bird seed before the agar is permitted to cool to a gel state to entrap the bird seed. A hanging tab consisting of a length of wire has one end thereof embedded within the plastic disk with the other end serving to support the bird feeder from an overhead structure. Suitable food color may be added to the agar while in the liquid state for aesthetic and bird attracting properties. Conventional muffin pan molds may be employed or the molds may be custom made in the desired shapes by hand forming the mold(s) from aluminum foil.

Abstract: A combination back pack and seat combination including a molded one piece chair seat and backrest with one aspect (FIGS. 1-3) of the invention including foldable legs pivotally supported on the bottom of the chair seat and another aspect (FIGS. 4-6) of the invention including a single tubular chair support. In each aspect of the invention a pair of shoulder straps are secured to the backrest portion of the chair with each of the straps being constructed of a flexible cord material and provided with a protective cushioning covering to engage the shoulder of a person transporting the chair. In the single tubular chair support embodiment a foldable tree stand is also provided and includes a base platform supporting the chair seat and a first V-shaped segment to engage a tree trunk. A pair of pivotally connected arms extend from the base with a second V-shaped segment connected to the arms to also frictionally engage the opposite side of the tree trunk and provide support for the tree stand.

Abstract: A pultrusion apparatus and process for impregnation of multiple fiber tows with a thermoplastic resin wherein an impregnation vessel having an entrance and an exit end is provided with a fiber control insert formed of spaced cylindrical rings suspended therein, with a resin flow control device being suspended horizontally within the rings. A combined resin meter and profile die is attached to the impregnation vessel exit end with a cooling die connected thereto. A pulling mechanism pulls the fiber tows through melted resin contained within the impregnation vessel and into a stepped decreasing diameter passageway in the resin meter and profile die to remove excess resin and shape the impregnated fiber into a useful structure before it is cooled below the melting point of the resin by the cooling die. In one embodiment, a cut-off station is provided adjacent the pulling mechanism to cut the cooled impregnated fiber structure into the desired lengths.