Abstract: A mobile radio frequency identification (RFID) system is described that includes a wheeled cart, a RFID reader mounted to the wheeled cart, a computer mounted to the wheeled cart and communicatively coupled to the RFID reader, and a directional antenna capable of being communicatively coupled to the RFID reader and movably mounted to the wheeled cart. The system also includes at least one omni-directional antenna mounted to the wheeled cart and capable of being communicatively coupled to the RFID reader. The computer is configured to process data received from the RFID tags and further configured to allow a user to selectively couple one or both of the at least one omni-directional antenna and the directional antenna to the RFID reader.

Abstract: A mobile radio frequency identification (RFID) system is described that includes a wheeled cart, a RFID reader mounted to the wheeled cart, a computer mounted to the wheeled cart and communicatively coupled to the RFID reader, and a directional antenna capable of being communicatively coupled to the RFID reader and movably mounted to the wheeled cart. The system also includes at least one omni-directional antenna mounted to the wheeled cart and capable of being communicatively coupled to the RFID reader. The computer is configured to process data received from the RFID tags and further configured to allow a user to selectively couple one or both of the at least one omni-directional antenna and the directional antenna to the RFID reader.

Abstract: An elongate lightweight and readily bendable rod-like article and method of making, wherein the article is adapted to be used for a variety of purposes such as a hair curling rod or wrist bracelet. The article comprises a low density and continuous foam body of closed cell foam, a pliable metallic core extending throughout the length of the body and serving to resiliently maintain the body in any desired bent configuration, adhesive surrounding the metallic core throughout the length thereof and bonding the metallic core to the body so that the body and metallic core are unitized and bend together, the adhesive also serving as a corrosion resistant protective coating on the metallic core, and end caps sealing opposite ends of the body and providing a protective shield for opposite ends of the metallic core.

Abstract: An aggregate feed chute for an asphalt plant includes a diverter wall which may be selectively actuated to capture the entire discharge stream of a material conveyor for sampling purposes without the necessity of moving the feed chute with respect to the drum mixer or the conveyor.

Abstract: An asphalt mixture storage bin in which an anti-segregation device is incorporated to eliminate the segregation of large aggregate pieces in a uniformly blended asphalt mixture as the mixture is transferred to a storage bin. The anti-segregation device is constructed of plate steel and is rolled and welded into a frustrum of a cone and suspended in the stream of aggregate discharging from a conveyor. The arrangement causes the material to form a small central conical pile and an uneven but conically peaked series of deposits forming a donut-like configuration around the central conic pile.

Abstract: An apparatus and operation is disclosed in which light solid material such as shredded paper passes from an upper end of a column and heavier material such as glass and metal particles drop from a lower end of the column. The column includes an air locked feed chute having a downwardly inclined material feeding surface, that opens intermediate the column ends into a stream of air moving upwardly in the column, for admitting mixed light and heavy solid particles of refuse material to the air stream. The column beneath the discharge end of the chute has vertical walls defining a rectangular air intake zone. The vertical wall opposite to and facing the chute is pivotally hung from an inclined member which is in turn pivotally supported by the column so this pivotally hung wall can move toward and away from the chute while remaining vertical.

Abstract: An apparatus and operation is disclosed in which light solids material such as shredded paper passes from an upper end of a column and heavier material such as glass and metal particles drop from a lower end of the column. The column includes an air locked feed chute having a downwardly inclined material feeding surface, that opens intermediate the column ends into a stream of air moving upwardly in the column, for admitting mixed light and heavy particles of refuse material to the air stream. A zone of expanded volume is provided at the level where the column and the chute come together and this zone extends upwardly from the material feeding surface and terminates at a level below the upper end of the column where column cross section area is less than beneath the expanded zone.