Abstract: The invention provides a cup holder adaptor assembly that includes both a portable cup holder and a cup deck. The cup deck is configured to be mounted removably within the portable cup holder, such that when the cup deck is mounted removably within the portable cup holder, a storage compartment is created between the cup deck and a bottom of the portable cup holder.

Abstract: The invention provides a cup holder adaptor assembly that includes both a portable cup holder and a cup deck. The cup deck is configured to be mounted removably within the portable cup holder, such that when the cup deck is mounted removably within the portable cup holder, a storage compartment is created between the cup deck and a bottom of the portable cup holder.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus that attaches to a hull of a boat to disrupt water flow around the hull such that a wake created behind the boat is larger, differently positioned, and/or differently shaped. In some embodiments, the apparatus is removably attached to the hull by one or more suction cups. The wake shaping apparatus can include a blade and be configured such that an angular orientation of the blade is adjustable. In certain embodiments, the wake shaping apparatus is inflatable.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus that attaches to a hull of a boat to disrupt water flow around the hull such that a wake created behind the boat is larger, differently positioned, and/or differently shaped. The apparatus includes a base and a blade. The blade is equipped with a mount structure that attaches the base to the blade. The blade can be reversibly mountable to the base such that either face of the blade faces a desired direction. The apparatus provides tool-free adjustment between a first configuration in which the base is mounted to the blade and a second configuration in which the base and the blade are separated. In some embodiments, the apparatus is removably attached to the hull by one or more suction cups. Additionally, the apparatus can be inflatable. The invention further provides a deployable lanyard assembly and a splash deflector for use with the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus that attaches to a hull of a boat to disrupt water flow around the hull such that a wake created behind the boat is larger, differently positioned, and/or differently shaped. The apparatus includes a base and a blade. The blade is equipped with a mount structure that attaches the base to the blade. The blade can be reversibly mountable to the base such that either face of the blade faces a desired direction. The apparatus provides tool-free adjustment between a first configuration in which the base is mounted to the blade and a second configuration in which the base and the blade are separated. In some embodiments, the apparatus is removably attached to the hull by one or more suction cups. Additionally, the apparatus can be inflatable. The invention further provides a deployable lanyard assembly and a splash deflector for use with the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus that attaches to a hull of a boat to disrupt water flow around the hull such that a wake created behind the boat is larger, differently positioned, and/or differently shaped. The apparatus includes a base and a blade. The blade is equipped with a mount structure that attaches the base to the blade. The blade can be reversibly mountable to the base such that either face of the blade faces a desired direction. The apparatus provides tool-free adjustment between a first configuration in which the base is mounted to the blade and a second configuration in which the base and the blade are separated. In some embodiments, the apparatus is removably attached to the hull by one or more suction cups. Additionally, the apparatus can be inflatable. The invention further provides a deployable lanyard assembly and a splash deflector for use with the apparatus.

Abstract: A device for a removable attachment to a column member, such as a tree, includes a body having a pair of spaced contact surfaces. The body also includes a pair of spaced and elongated retention apertures that are configured to receive a flexible retention member, such as a strap, therethrough. The retention member initially retains the device to the column member, such that the contact surfaces are urged against the column member. In addition, the retention members are spaced apart such that their top portions are spaced further apart than their bottom portions. Thus, as the body is forced downward along the column member, the distance between the spaced retention apertures increases, causing the circumferential distance traversed by the retention member to increase, thus drawing the retention member taut.

Abstract: A climbing device for a removable attachment to a column member, such as a tree, includes a body having a pair of spaced contact surfaces. The body also includes a pair of spaced and elongated retention apertures that are configured to receive a flexible retention member, such as a strap, therethrough. The retention member initially retains the climbing device to the column member, such that the contact surfaces are urged against the column member. In addition, the retention members are spaced apart such that their top portions are spaced further apart than their bottom portions. Thus, as the climbing body is forced downward along the column member, the distance between the spaced retention apertures increases, causing the circumferential distance traversed by the retention member to increase, thus drawing the retention member taut.

Abstract: A washer fluid heater apparatus in embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the following features: (a) a heat exchanger having a washer fluid inlet to allow washer fluid to enter the heat exchanger and a washer fluid outlet to allow the washer fluid to exit the heat exchanger; and (b) a coolant passage traversing through the heat exchanger having a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet, the coolant inlet and coolant outlet operably coupled to an engine's coolant system to allow passage of engine coolant through the heat exchanger.

Abstract: Methods of processing four-legged slaughter animals for consumption as meat and/or meat product(s) are described. The methods comprise I) contacting exterior surfaces of the live animal at least once with a microbiocidal solution formed from mixing together at least (i) water and (ii) at least one N,N?-bromochloro-5,5-dialkylhydantoin, such contacting occurring at least once when the animal is en route to being slaughtered but before it is killed by exsanguination; or II) contacting the carcass of the animal, after exsanguination, with a microbiocidal solution formed from mixing together at least (i) water and (ii) at least one N,N?-bromochloro-5,5-dialkylhydantoin or III) contacting at least one raw meat product and/or at least one processed meat product derived from the carcass. The contacting can be done one or more times in each of I), II), and III). Considerable advantages, which are described, are realized when using such methods.

Abstract: Bovine mastitis is prevented or controlled by treating at least teats of the animal with an effective antimicrobial amount of A) an aqueous microbiocidal solution of one or more active halogen species, which solution is a derivative product in an aqueous medium of (i) bromine, chlorine, and bromine chloride, or any two or all three thereof, and (ii) a watersoluble source of sulfamate anion; or B) an aqueous microbiocidal solution of one or more active halogen species, which solution is a derivative product in an aqueous medium of at least one 1,3-dihalo-5,5-dialkylhydantoin in which one of the halogen atoms is a bromine atom and the other halogen atom is a chlorine or bromine atom, and in which when both halogen atoms are bromine atoms, one of the alkyl groups is a methyl group and the other alkyl group contains in the range of 1 to about 4 carbon atoms, and when one of the halogen atoms is a bromine atom and the other halogen atom is a chlorine atom, the alkyl groups, independently, each contain in the range

Abstract: Fecal bacterial contamination in an animal is reduced by providing it with drinking water containing a microbiocidally-effective amount of halogen-based microbiocide resulting from mixing with water (A) a product formed in water from (i) bromine, chlorine, or bromine chloride, or any two or more thereof, (ii) a water-soluble source of sulfamate anion, and (iii) a water-soluble base; (B) at least one 1,3-dihalo-5,5-dialkylhydantoin in which one of the halogen atoms is a chlorine atom and the other is a chlorine or bromine atom, and in which each alkyl group, independently, contains in the range of 1 to about 4 carbon atoms; (C) at least one 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dialkylhydantoin in which one of the alkyl groups is a methyl group and the other alkyl group contains in the range of 1 to about 4 carbon atoms; or (D) any two or more of (A), (B), and (C).

Abstract: A quick connector for forming a joint in a fluid line consists of a female connector body having a bore which receives a male member. A sleeve surrounds and is secured on the male member in close fitting relation with the male member and with the female connector body. A retainer extends between the sleeve and a radial face formed in the connector body to secure the male member in the connector body. A secondary retainer provides enhanced retention capability. An optional plug may be positioned in the bore entrance to prevent introduction of external contaminants.

Abstract: An adapter is insertable into an existing fluid line system at a quick connector coupling joint. The adapter has a male section, which is configured to connect to the female connector body of the quick connector coupling, and a female section, which is configured to receive the male member of the existing quick connector coupling. A middle section disposed between the male and female members houses functional elements desired to be added to the fluid line. One such element is a check valve which allows flow in only one direction through the fluid line.

Abstract: A unique fluid connector is disclosed that quickly connects a tube within a housing bore, while providing a strong, fluid tight seal. The tube has axially spaced radially greater diameter upset portions with a sleeve and a locking member trapped between the upset portions. The locking member includes resilient arms which secure the locking member within the housing bore. The sleeve has a notch at an inner axial end which abuts the inner upset portion to retain the tube within the bore. An O-ring is positioned axially inwardly of the upset portion. The sleeve and the inner upset portion both abut the O-ring to provide a fluid tight seal between the tube and the housing. In a unique method, a tube unit is assembled by forming the outer upset portion on the tube. The locking member and sleeve are then moved onto the tube. The inner upset portion is then formed on the tube to secure the locking member and the sleeve on the tube.

Abstract: A fluid connection includes a valve which blocks flow into or out of the housing until a tube is fully received within the housing. The valve preferably has structure which is biased against the valve seat in the housing until the tube is moved into the housing. The valve seat is preferably in a plane which is perpendicular to the central axis of the housing. Further, the valve preferably has surfaces which guide fluid between the radially outer surface of the valve and the interior of the tube. In one embodiment, the valve includes a forward ring which contacts a tube and which has two ribs connected to the main valve body. The valve surface is preferably a conical surface spaced axially inwardly from the forward ring. Preferably, additional conical surfaces are disposed between the ribs and guide the fluid between the valve surface and the interior of the tube. In another embodiment, the valve may have an X or Y-shaped cross-sectional ribs which contact the tube.