Abstract: A furnace system for heating a poultry brooder house includes a firebox for burning biomass fuel, and a grate within the firebox for burning the biomass fuel thereon. A distributor assembly may positioned within the firebox and is located directly above the grate. The distributor assembly includes a distributor plate having a plurality of apertures therethrough, and a distributor arm above the distributor plate that is movable relative to the distributor plate to cause biomass fuel supported on the plate to pass through the apertures and fall onto the grate. The furnace system may include a hopper assembly that defines a well for receiving a volume of biomass fuel for delivery to the grate or to the distributor plate.

Abstract: A canopy for use with a retractable, roll-up awning has lateral sides that taper in width from a wider stationary edge to a slightly narrower leading edge. The lateral edges of the canopy may be hemmed and the taper may be designed such that sections of the hems along each edge corresponding in length to a circumference of a roller tube roll up on the roller tube immediately adjacent but laterally further outward from a prior section of hem wrapped around the circumference of the roller tube during the prior rotation of the roller tube. The hems may house wires in a linear pocket defined therein. The wires connect with the roller tube to provide power or control signals.

Abstract: A furnace system for heating a poultry brooder house includes a firebox for burning biomass fuel, and a grate within the firebox for burning the biomass fuel thereon. A distributor assembly may positioned within the firebox and is located directly above the grate. The distributor assembly includes a distributor plate having a plurality of apertures therethrough, and a distributor arm above the distributor plate that is movable relative to the distributor plate to cause biomass fuel supported on the plate to pass through the apertures and fall onto the grate. The furnace system may include a hopper assembly that defines a well for receiving a volume of biomass fuel for delivery to the grate or to the distributor plate.

Abstract: Methods relating to varying capacitance of a capacitive sensor and controlling a pump based on the level of a liquid. A pump controller for controlling the level of a liquid in a reservoir includes a controller and a capacitor. The capacitor is adapted to provide an activation signal to the controller when the liquid in the reservoir reaches a first predetermined level relative thereto.

Abstract: A pipe hanger may include a suspending portion with a body and two flanges that extend outwardly from the body and are positional onto projections of a support structure to suspend the pipe hanger from the support structure without the use of fasteners.

Abstract: A valve body has a channel extending along an axis and an inlet port open to the channel. A sleeve, received about the valve body, overlies the inlet port and is rotatable about the axis relative the body. A nozzle projects radially outward from the sleeve. The nozzle is rotatable with the sleeve into a range of positions in which the nozzle communicates with the inlet port through the sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and apparatus for discharging a fastener. In particular embodiments, the invention comprises a fastener-dispensing device comprising a fastener striker in operational communication with a striker driving means. The fastener-dispending device also includes a device body comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion containing the striker driving means and the lower portion containing the striker, wherein the upper portion is pivotable in a sideways direction relative to the lower portion.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a compressor. The compressor has an air pump and a tank configured to store air compressed by the air pump. The compressor is configured to be used while in an operating position in which the tank is in an upright position. In the upright position, the tank has a vertical cylindrical side surface and a rounded top surface. A storage case is configured to be removably mounted on top of the tank in a mounted position in which the case engages both the top surface and the side surface of the tank at different locations selected so as to prevent the case from sliding off the tank when a horizontal force in any horizontal direction is applied to the tank urging the case to slide off the tank.

Abstract: The present invention includes various embodiments directed to apparatus and methods surrounding a fastener device. In particular embodiments, the fastener device is a quick charging and discharging device that includes a solenoid, a fastener striker, a flash capacitor, and a control circuit. Other novel features of the fastener device exist. In particular embodiments, the present invention also includes apparatus and methods related to deforming staples for securing conduit and the like, and staple insulation and insulated staples that may be discharged by the fastener device. The insulation may be provided in an ordinary staple strip for use in the fastener device. Each insulation form may include deformation voids to assist the adaptation of the insulation about a target object that is being secured by the insulated staple.

Abstract: A drain for a pressure vessel includes a valve, a knob, a tube, a passageway, and a drain cup. The valve is coupled between an interior surface and an exterior surface of a tank. The knob is coupled to the valve for opening and closing the valve. The tube has a top end and a bottom end and is coupled to the valve at an interior surface of the tank at the top end and extends into a bottom of the tank at the bottom end. The passageway extends through the valve and has an opening coupled to the tube at a first end and an exit at a second end. The passageway is openable and closeable by the knob. The drain cup is associated with the exit of the passageway and is positioned on an exterior surface of the tank for collecting condensation from the interior of the tank. The valve is positioned at a height that is vertically higher than the bottom end of the tube.

Abstract: A variable capacitor for sensing the level of a liquid. The capacitor provides a readable capacitance that varies with respect to the level of the liquid. A pump control system implementing the capacitive sensor to control the level of a liquid by activating and deactivating the pump depending on the level of the liquid. Methods relating to varying capacitance of a capacitive sensor and controlling a pump based on the level of a liquid. A pump controller for controlling the level of a liquid in a reservoir includes a controller and a capacitor. The capacitor is adapted to provide an activation signal to the controller when the liquid in the reservoir reaches a first predetermined level relative thereto. Additionally, the capacitor is adapted to provide a trigger signal to the controller when the liquid in the reservoir reaches a second predetermined level relative thereto. Based on the trigger signal, the controller determines when to deactivate the pump.

Abstract: The present invention includes various embodiments directed to apparatus and methods surrounding a fastener device. In particular embodiments, the fastener device is a quick charging and discharging device that includes a solenoid, a fastener striker, a flash capacitor, and a control circuit. Other novel features of the fastener device exist. In particular embodiments, the present invention also includes apparatus and methods related to deforming staples for securing conduit and the like, and staple insulation and insulated staples that may be discharged by the fastener device. The insulation may be provided in an ordinary staple strip for use in the fastener device. Each insulation form may include deformation voids to assist the adaptation of the insulation about a target object that is being secured by the insulated staple.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a valve housing having an inlet port, a first chamber with a first outlet port, and a second chamber with a second outlet port. A first valve opens between the inlet port and the first chamber under a first level of pneumatic pressure at the inlet port. A second valve opens between the first chamber and the second chamber under a second, greater level of pneumatic pressure in the first chamber. A third valve opens between the second chamber and the first chamber under a third level of pneumatic pressure in the second chamber, with the third level being less than the first level.

Abstract: A shaft driven vacuum cleaner brushroll that can be mounted in the nozzle of the vacuum cleaner and directly connected to a shaft of the cleaner's motor drive shaft system. The brushroll features a two-piece drive assembly that simplifies its manufacture and can be engaged on a wood spindle to effectively transmit torque from the vacuum cleaner drive to the brushroll.

Abstract: A ground clamp kit may include a first clamp having a wire reception member suitable to receive and electrically connect to an associated electrical wire to be grounded and a second clamp. Each clamp may be suitable to be clamped to an associated grounding component. The ground clamp kit may also include an electric conductor that electrically connects the first clamp to the second clamp.