Abstract: A sweeper including a mat for sweeping a ground surface by moving the mat over the ground surface in a direction of travel substantially transverse to a leading edge of the mat, the mat having at least one slot extending therethrough and disposed transversely relative to the direction of travel whereby in use of the mat debris can pass through the slot over a trailing edge of the slot to collect on an upper surface of the mat, wherein the sweeper includes a cover over the mat for trapping debris on said upper surface of the mat.

Abstract: A device for collecting debris from a surface, comprising a catcher and a lifting ramp, wherein the lifting ramp is located forward of the catcher such that when the device is moved over a ground surface, debris on the ground surface passes upwardly over the lifting ramp onto the catcher, wherein the lifting ramp is shaped as an aerofoil to create downforce on the lifting ramp toward the ground surface from air moving across the aerofoil under said movement.

Abstract: A device for collecting debris from a ground surface, comprising a generally planar member with an opening therethrough such that when the device is laid on and moved forwardly over the ground surface debris on the ground surface passes upwardly through the opening onto a collection surface of the device, the device having an inclined surface extending upwardly and rearwardly from a transverse edge which forms a rear edge of the opening, wherein the device further includes at least one retaining barrier extending from a forward end at least partly across the collection surface, the forward end being at least partially over the inclined surface or rearward of the inclined surface.

Abstract: A device for collecting debris from a ground surface, comprising a flexible generally planar member with an opening therethrough such that when the device is laid on and moved forwardly over the ground surface debris on the ground surface passes upwardly through the opening onto a collection surface of the device, the device having an inclined surface extending upwardly and rearwardly from a transverse edge which forms a rear edge of the opening, wherein the device further includes at least one longitudinal retaining barrier extending at least partly across the collection surface such that at least part of the debris on the collection surface is retained from transverse movement along the collection surface by the longitudinal retaining barrier.

Abstract: Tow coupling (100) having a tow coupling part (128) for fitment to a tow ball (104) of the vehicle, a load coupling (190) for coupling to a load to be towed, and a tow element (180) pivotally connecting to the tow coupling part (128) and to the load coupling part (190). Pivoting of the tow element (180) with respect to the tow coupling part (128) varies the vertical position of the load coupling part (190). Positioning structure (220), between the tow coupling part (128) and the tow element (180) permits setting that position. The positioning structure (220) is resiliently biased by a spring (260) so as to resiliently bias the tow element (180) such that the load coupling (190) assumes a selectable set position, from which the load coupling (190) is however upwardly displaceable under pivoting of the tow element (180) against that resilient bias.

Abstract: Tow coupling (100) having a tow coupling part (128) for fitment to a tow ball (104) of the vehicle, a load coupling (190) for coupling to a load to be towed, and a tow element (180) pivotally connecting to the tow coupling part (128) and to the load coupling part (190). Pivoting of the tow element (180) with respect to the tow coupling part (128) varies the vertical position of the load coupling part (190). Positioning structure (220), between the tow coupling part (128) and the tow element (180) permits setting that position. The positioning structure (220) is resiliently biased by a spring (260) so as to resiliently bias the tow element (180) such that the load coupling (190) assumes a selectable set position, from which the load coupling (190) is however upwardly displaceable under pivoting of the tow element (180) against that resilient bias.

Abstract: A device for collecting debris from a ground surface, comprising a flexible generally planar member with an opening therethrough such that when the device is laid on and moved forwardly over the ground surface debris on the ground surface passes upwardly through the opening onto a collection surface of the device, the device having an inclined surface extending upwardly and rearwardly from a transverse edge which forms a rear edge of the opening, wherein the device further includes at least one longitudinal retaining barrier extending at least partly across the collection surface such that at least part of the debris on the collection surface is retained from transverse movement along the collection surface by the longitudinal retaining barrier.

Abstract: A device (10) for collecting debris from a ground surface (18). A flexible generally planar member (17) has openings (16) therethrough. When the device is laid on and forwardly moved over the ground surface (18) debris on the ground surface passes upwardly through the openings, over inclined pick-up portions (42) of the device and thence onto collection surfaces (25) of the device. The device has transversely extending openings (88) spaced in the lengthwise direction on inclined surfaces (68) of the pick-up portions (42) whereby under forward movement of the device (10) in use, debris is accumulated in the recesses (88). Debris accumulated in the recesses (88) tends to be retained therein during deceleration of the device (10).

Abstract: A device (10) for collecting debris from a ground surface (18). A flexible generally planar member (17) has openings (16) therethrough. When the device is laid on and forwardly moved over the ground surface (18) debris on the ground surface passes upwardly through the openings onto collection surfaces (25) of the device. The device has transversely extending barriers (67) positioned whereby, debris passing upwardly through the openings (16) passes upwardly over the barriers (67) and then downwardly to the following collection surface (25). The barriers (67) at least partially obstruct movement of collected debris on the collection surfaces (25) back into the openings (16) under deceleration of the device as it is forwardly moved over the ground surface.

Abstract: A device (10) for collecting debris from a ground surface (18). A flexible generally planar member (17) has openings (16) therethrough. When the device is laid on and forwardly moved over the ground surface (18) debris on the ground surface passes upwardly through the openings, over inclined pick-up portions (42) of the device and thence onto collection surfaces (25) of the device. The device has transversely extending openings (88) spaced in the lengthwise direction on inclined surfaces (68) of the pick-up portions (42) whereby under forward movement of the device (10) in use, debris is accumulated in the recesses (88). Debris accumulated in the recesses (88) tends to be retained therein during deceleration of the device (10).

Abstract: A device (10) for collecting debris from a ground surface (18). A flexible generally planar member (17) has openings (16) therethrough. When the device is laid on and forwardly moved over the ground surface (18) debris on the ground surface passes upwardly through the openings onto collection surfaces (25) of the device. The device has transversely extending barriers (67) positioned whereby, debris passing upwardly through the openings (16) passes upwardly over the barriers (67) and then downwardly to the following collection surface (25). The barriers (67) at least partially obstruct movement of collected debris on the collection surfaces (25) back into the openings (16) under deceleration of the device as it is forwardly moved over the ground surface.

Abstract: Wastewater treatment systems are disclosed with improved aeration tanks. The improved aeration tank includes an inverted frusto-conical clarifier and a submersible aerator pump disposed between the bottom of the aeration tank and the interior of the clarifier. The aerator pump is connected to an air inlet line that can pass downward through the clarifier and a plurality of bubble outlet lines that extend outward from the pump both radially and tangentially towards the sidewall of the aeration tank. As a result, bubbles rise upward through the aeration space disposed outside of the clarifier and around the aeration space or around the clarifier for improved mixing. The system may also include additional tanks such as a pretreatment tank and pump tank which are designed with baffled sidewalls for anchoring purposes.

Abstract: A fluorescent light source includes at least one tube surrounding an interior region. The tube has a plurality of tubular portions, each one of which is disposed adjacent to at least one other tubular portion. The fluorescent light source has a support member, and each one of the tubular portions is configured to extend vertically from the support member and to curve outwardly away from the interior region.

Abstract: A device for collecting debris has a wheeled frame movable over a ground surface. An endless belt runs about a rear by roller and a forward support member on the frame such that an undersurface of a lower run of the belt engages the ground surface as the device traverses the ground surface. The belt is driven such that the lower run moves forwardly with respect to the speed of movement of the device over the ground surface. At the lower run of belt, debris on the ground surface passes through apertures in the belt to be deposited on the upper surface of the lower run, and is then transported on the belt to a collection receptacle carried by the device.

Abstract: An imaging system includes a first optical component serving as an image forming part and a second optical component disposed in front of the first optical component relative to an incident light wave. The second optical component and first optical component are jointly provided with a configuration for forming an image on a focal plane. The second optical component is a concave lens-type special optical plate having a focal length infinite in the central part thereof and finite in the periphery thereof. Light past the second optical component has a light wave phase delayed in accordance as a radial distance from the optical axis is increased and has a special wavefront in which its curvature increases in accordance as the radial distance from the optical axis increases after passing the second optical component. Consequently, the wave front curvature after passing through an image forming lens at the image forming part is decreased in accordance with increase of the radial distance.

Abstract: An ultra-short Chayote-like compact electronic energy-saving fluorescent lamp comprising, in one embodiment, a base, an upper cover, a lower cover, a luminous tube of the Chayote-like lamp and an electronic ballast. The luminous tube of the Chayote-like lamp is formed by bending several U-shaped unit luminous tubes at certain curvature into finger-shaped luminous tubes, and by connecting and assembling the finger-shaped unit luminous tubes according to the shape of a Chayote using the method of bridge connection. The Chayote-like lamp has the advantages of ultra-short structure, higher luminous efficiency, higher reliability and other benefits. The Chayote-like lamp of the present invention can be used for general illumination, although it is preferably used in combination with the lamps and lanterns having covers.

Abstract: A semirigid swim cap (100) is disclosed, having a unitary construction. The swim cap is generally open at the bottom and includes a forward edge (104), a rearward edge (106), oppositely disposed ear cover portions (108), and a center portion (101). In a preferred embodiment, the swim cap is made from an elastomeric thermoplastic and the center portion is relatively thick, while the peripheral edge portions are relatively thin and therefore less rigid. A pair of sealing ridges (110) extends from an inner surface of the swim cap, near the open bottom.

Abstract: A semirigid swim cap (100) is disclosed, having a unitary construction. The swim cap is generally open at the bottom and includes a forward edge (104), a rearward edge (106), oppositely disposed ear cover portions (108), and a center portion (101). In a preferred embodiment, the swim cap is made from an elastomeric thermoplastic and the center portion is relatively thick, while the peripheral edge portions are relatively thin and therefore less rigid. A pair of sealing ridges (110) extends from an inner surface of the swim cap, near the open bottom.

Abstract: A connection (1) for a pintle hook tow point having a rearwardly and upwardly extending horn, and which extends rearwardly from a forward mounting plate of the pintle hook tow point. A bracket (2) of the connection (1) carries a transverse roller (3) mounted for rotation about an at eccentric axis. The roller (3) is connected to a handle (11) by which it can be rotated to vary the distance between the side of the roller and forward end feet (12, 13) of the bracket (2). For use, the bracket (2) is placed over the horn, and the feet (12, 13) are urged against the mounting plate of the pintle of the hook tow point or another fixed surface. By this, the connection (1) is locked on the pintle hook tow point.

Abstract: A mat for sweeping a surface, formed of grid-like, semi-flexible material. The mat is pulled over the surface to effect the sweeping. The material has open slots (112a,112b) therethrough. The slots have a leading edge and a trailing edge disposed transversely relative to the direction of travel of the mat. Ground debris can pass upwardly through each slot, over the respective railing edge to collect on an upper surface of the mat. Over the upper surface, the grid-like material defines an array of first apertures (136). At least a substantial proportion of the first aperatures (136) have within them second apertures (146) of smaller size than the first apertures.