Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to methods and apparatus for microbial sampling of foods. For example, a method may include providing at least one aggregating sampler at one or more sampling locations, and sampling a production lot of produce or other food items such as meat using the at least one aggregating sampler to create one or more samples that makes up a microbial sampling. Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to methods and apparatus for microbial sampling of foods. For example, an apparatus, such as a microbial aggregating sampler, may include a covering having a microbial sampling material with a pocket formed in the covering to receive an appendage or a tool for handling of the covering.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sampling within a conveyance system are provided herein, such systems and methods being particularly useful in batch sampling of food products for a targeted biological agent. In one aspect, the sampling system includes a conveyance system and one or more sampling devices positioned along a conveyance path such that at least one portion of the batch contacts a sampling medium of the one or more sampling devices. In another aspect, sampling devices are provided that allow a sampling member to be secured in a sampling position for batch testing and readily removed after sampling and tested. The systems, devices and methods herein provide improved sampling coverage of the entire batch and reduce waste and inefficiency as compared to conventional batch sampling methods.

Abstract: An edge guard for an area rug that includes a transition configured as a partial ovoid with a flat underside for engaging a floor or subfloor, a forwardly disposed toe forming the forward free end of the ovoid, an upwardly extending top portion terminating in a rearward lip, the lip forming a free end of the underside, a top portion extending over the underside, and a receiver extending towards the lip for receiving the edge of a floor covering and forming a forward wall, with a glue strip extending from the lower part of the forward wall to which the floor covering can be attached to the edge guard.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to methods and apparatus for microbial sampling of foods. For example, a method may include providing at least one aggregating sampler at one or more sampling locations, and sampling a production lot of produce or other food items such as meat using the at least one aggregating sampler to create one or more samples that makes up a microbial sampling. Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to methods and apparatus for microbial sampling of foods. For example, an apparatus, such as a microbial aggregating sampler, may include a covering having a microbial sampling material with a pocket formed in the covering to receive an appendage or a tool for handling of the covering.

Abstract: An edge guard for an area rug that includes a transition configured as a partial ovoid with a flat underside for engaging a floor or subfloor, a forwardly disposed toe forming the forward free end of the ovoid, an upwardly extending top portion terminating in a rearward lip, the lip forming a free end of the underside, a top portion extending over the underside, and a receiver extending towards the lip for receiving the edge of a floor covering and forming a forward wall, with a glue strip extending from the lower part of the forward wall to which the floor covering can be attached to the edge guard.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transition for use between vinyl tile and carpet tile when they are installed on a floor and includes a vertical post having a tail extending from a tile-facing side, an upper cap having a lip overhanging the tail, and a carpet-facing side devoid of a tail and a lip.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transition for use between vinyl tile and carpet tile when they are installed on a floor and includes a vertical post having a tail extending from a tile-facing side, an upper cap having a lip overhanging the tail, and a carpet-facing side devoid of a tail and a lip.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sampling within a conveyance system are provided herein, such systems and methods being particularly useful in batch sampling of food products for a targeted biological agent. In one aspect, the sampling system includes a conveyance system and one or more sampling devices positioned along a conveyance path such that at least one portion of the batch contacts a sampling medium of the one or more sampling devices. In another aspect, sampling devices are provided that allow a sampling member to be secured in a sampling position for batch testing and readily removed after sampling and tested. The systems, devices and methods herein provide improved sampling coverage of the entire batch and reduce waste and inefficiency as compared to conventional batch sampling methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved weigh-in-motion scale. A slight increase in the thickness of a an upper, flexibly-deformable metal plate in a thin, flexibly-deformable plate system coupled with a change in the transverse locations of the load cells provides the improved weigh-in-motion scale, which is capable of weighing substantially heavier loads than previously known weigh-in-motion scales. In use, as weight is applied to the weigh-in-motion scale, the upper flexibly-deformable metal plate elastically bends. The strain gauges thus provide a changing resistive value proportional to the bending of the flexible element and the weight applied, to generate signals to the Wheatstone bridge circuit, which then provides output signals from the Wheatstone bridge circuit, which are proportional to the force applied to the upper flexibly-deformable metal plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved weigh-in-motion scale. A slight increase in the thickness of a an upper, flexibly-deformable metal plate in a thin, flexibly-deformable plate system coupled with a change in the transverse locations of the load cells provides the improved weigh-in-motion scale, which is capable of weighing substantially heavier loads than previously known weigh-in-motion scales. In use, as weight is applied to the weigh-in-motion scale, the upper flexibly-deformable metal plate elastically bends. The strain gauges thus provide a changing resistive value proportional to the bending of the flexible element and the weight applied, to generate signals to the Wheatstone bridge circuit, which then provides output signals from the Wheatstone bridge circuit, which are proportional to the force applied to the upper flexibly-deformable metal plate.

Abstract: A portable burial system for interment of cremated remains of humans and/or pets that provides for complete underground burial in keeping with traditional burial practices is disclosed. The present burial system includes an ornamental marker structure, which is attached to an underlying supporting plate mounted on the ground surface. The supporting plate is also attached to an underlying burial container assembly and supports the container assembly with the interred cremated remains in a completely buried condition. The container assembly includes a tamperproof closure to provide a permanent seal and to prevent unauthorized access to the cremated remains. All of the burial system components are constructed of materials capable of resisting corrosion for an appreciable period of time under the intended conditions of use.