Abstract: A granular material manipulation device may include an upper handle and a lower handle. One or more upper arms may be coupled to the upper handle so that the upper arms may extend away from the upper handle. One or more lower arms may be coupled to the lower handle so that the lower arms may extend away from the lower handle. A positioning pivot may be configured to enable the device to be movable between a first and a second position. The lower arms may be positioned relatively closer to the upper arms in the first position, and the lower arms may be positioned relatively farther from the upper arms in the second position. Preferably, the device may be biased to the first position. A plate may be pivotally coupled to the first upper arm and/or to the second upper arm via one or more plate pivots.

Abstract: A scoop has a handle and curvilinear base such that the scoop is narrower at an extreme end and deeper at a back end, the back end meeting a handle. A front most region of the device meets the top side of the device in some embodiments, such that side walls, the top side, and the bottom side join at a front end. The bottom side of the base has a plurality of spaced apart slats with portals therebetween. The slats are closer together near the front side than the back side, becoming progressively more spaced apart. In this manner, a smallest size particulate matter falls through the slats at the front end of the device while progressively larger particulate matter falls through towards the back end of the device in proportion to the increasing space between the slats.

Abstract: A pet litter box cleaning system including a base structure, sieve member, and trash receptacle is provided. The base structure includes a bottom wall and side wall(s) which extend upward from the base wall except in one portion to leave an open side for receiving the sieve member therethrough. The sieve member includes a back wall for extending across the open side, a sifter and handle. The trash receptacle extends from an upraised wall of the base structure. In use, the sieve member is inserted in the base structure and litter filled on top thereof. The litter is cleaned of waste by lifting the sieve member by the handle whereby clean litter passes through the sifter and waste collects on the sifter which can then be disposed of directly into the trash receptacle. Afterward, the empty sieve member is placed back into position in the base structure for further use.

Abstract: A measuring cup or measuring spoon, the bottom of which has a plurality of openings through which particles can be sifted and a top edge of which has a tab that when tapped allows a user to control the pattern that the particles are sifted.

Abstract: A multifunction lawn and garden device includes a generally flat base member having a plurality of upward radiating walls extending therefrom. A slanted edge is disposed along the front side of the base member, and an aperture is formed within the center of the base member. A generally T-shaped handle is positioned above the center of the base member and is secured to each of the back and side walls, and a removable insert member having a complementary shape as the aperture is provided.

Abstract: A magnetic broom includes a broom head having an upper surface, a lower surface and one or more peripheral edges. Extending from the upper surface is an elongated, removable handle. On the lower surface is a longitudinal cavity having a block received therein that carries a magnet on a bottom side. A knob on the upper surface of the head rotates a drive screw that is received within an internally-threaded bore formed through the block. Accordingly, rotation of the knob in either of two directions raises or lowers the block to position the magnet nearer or closer to an underlying surface. Surrounding the cavity and block are a plurality of bristles for compiling other non-ferromagnetic debris that is not otherwise removed by the magnet.

Abstract: A scoop device having a scoop and a handle with an articulated connection that allows for a sift plate to be operated by manual manipulation of an actuator bar. The actuator bar is operatively connected to the sift plate by means of a reciprocating bar in an articulating manner. The sift plate is positioned to slide along the bottom of the scoop. The actuator bar, which is contained within and a part of the handle, may be spring biased. The scoop bottom and sift plate may include slotted openings. Manipulation of the actuator bar causes the reciprocating bar to rotate, in turn causing the sift plate to move back and forth, thereby sifting, straining or otherwise separating fresh particulate from scoop.

Abstract: A magnetic raking device for cleaning up of dangerous ferro-metallic particles in and around construction jobsites, parks and playgrounds. A device able to perform the duties of both a conventional rake and a magnetic pick up device in one simple step. A hand operated magnetic raking device comprises a housing with a magnet or magnets placed inside. Teeth extending away from the housing are shaped in a fashion as to provide maximum agitation in surfaces such as grass, gravel and hard packed dirt. Device can be used inverted with the teeth facing up along smooth surfaces to pick up ferro-metallic particles without agitation. A handle is mounted to the housing to provide for easy push/pull use of the device. Length of head and handle may vary according to size and scope of area to be raked and cleaned of ferro-metallic particles such as nails and screws.

Abstract: A scoop strainer is disclosed which may be easily sterilized and which is used for a small animal litter box. The scoop strainer has a base and a curved handle. The base of the scoop strainer has a straight front edge and a planar front face which extends downward and inward from the front edge in a rectangular shape. An arcuate basket edge or rim extends from one end of the front edge to the opposite side of the front edge. A back face and opposed side faces extend downward from the back and side portion of the basket edge or rim.

Abstract: A sifter device includes a proximal end having an arm support ring through which a user's hand and lower arm passes. A pair of elongated arms is arranged on opposite sides of the arm ring. A basket scoop, having a cutting edge, is arranged at a distal end of the device for scooping a medium that contains a detected metallic object that is retrieved. A grip is arranged along the pair of elongated member and includes an end that extends beyond the elongated members to be used in hanging the device from an article of clothing during metal detecting search activities when not digging or sifting in the medium. For example, an operator's belt or pants pocket may be used to hang the device from an article of clothing when not in use, preferably on the back pocket out of the way of the magnetic field generated by the metal detector.

Abstract: An example sifter shovel assembly includes a handle and a scoop secured to the handle. The scoop includes an outer edge portion. An apertured area of the scoop has a plurality of apertures extending through the scoop and an unapertured area of the scoop extends from the outer edge to the apertured area. An example method of assembling a sifter shovel includes creating a plurality of apertures in a sheet of material and forming the sheet of material into a general scoop shape. The example method then secures a handle to an unapertured area of the sheet of material.

Abstract: An excavation apparatus for locating and separating an object from a medium comprising a handle, an excavation tool, a metal detector circuit, at least one coil connected to the metal detector circuit, and at least one output signal device connected to the metal detector circuit. The handle and the excavation tool share a unitary structure. The metal detector circuit is disposed within the handle, and has the at least one coil disposed inside of the excavation tool configured to produce a search field around the excavation tool from within the excavation tool, and the metal detector circuit is configured to notify user with the at least one output signal device when a metallic object is in proximity of the search field.

Abstract: A magnetic sweeper includes an upper body portion and a base assembly disposed below the upper body portion and a frame. The body defines a cavity with an open bottom portion. The base assembly includes a non-magnetizable frame and a magnetizable plate supported by the frame and a non-magnetizable collection basket disposed below and offset from the magnetizable plate. A pair of wheels and handle are provided for guiding and propelling the sweeper over a selected area of ground. In addition, the sweeper includes a battery and a solar cell for charging and recharging the battery as well as a pair of coils connected to the battery for generating a magnetic field to thereby magnetize the plate to attract ferro-metallic debris. Further, a mechanism is provided for dropping the ferro-metallic material into a collection basket.

Abstract: A sifter device includes a proximal end having an arm support ring through which a user's hand and lower arm passes. A pair of elongated arms is arranged on opposite sides of the arm ring. A basket scoop, having a cutting edge, is arranged at a distal end of the device for scooping a medium that contains a detected metallic object that is retrieved. A grip is arranged along the pair of elongated member and includes an end that extends beyond the elongated members to be used in hanging the device from an article of clothing during metal detecting search activities when not digging or sifting in the medium. For example, an operator's belt or pants pocket may be used to hang the device from an article of clothing when not in use, preferably on the back pocket out of the way of the magnetic field generated by the metal detector.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermoformed litter scoop comprising a generally concave scoop portion, and a handle portion attached to the scoop portion. The scoop portion has a bottom, sides and a rear and a plurality of openings therein. The openings are defined to allow the passage of litter granules therethrough. The handle portion has reinforcing ribs and the scoop portion has reinforcing ribs. The invention also describes a method of making a thermoformed scoop.

Abstract: A magnetic raking device that agitates a ground surface and uses magnetic attraction for collecting ferro-metallic debris, such as nails and screws, at construction jobsites and other locations, includes a release mechanism that temporarily eliminates magnetic attraction of the debris to the rake, thus allowing collected debris to drop from the rake, such as into a trash or recycling container. One type of release mechanism physically removes one or more magnets from the rake body to eliminate magnetic attraction to the rake body. One type of release mechanism uses electromagnets in the rake body that attract ferro-metallic debris when current is allowed to run through the electromagnets, and that allows the debris to drop from the rake when the current is interrupted. The magnetic rake may be used in an inverted position to attract ferro-metallic debris without agitating, and may be used in a non-magnetic state as a conventional rake.

Abstract: A waste removal scoop for sifting and removing waste is disclosed herein. The scoop provides a handle and a head coupled to the handle. The head includes a receptacle and a front segment joined to the receptacle. The front segment includes a flexible hinge that flexes as the front segment is pressed against a surface.

Abstract: The multi-purpose rake includes a rake head and a detachable pole for pulling the rake across a surface. The rake head has a frame with two arced end ribs, an upper and a lower crossbar extending between the end ribs. The upper crossbar has a sleeve or other attachment means extending therefrom for receiving and retaining one end of the pole. A wire mesh cage is formed into an arc to conform to the end ribs and is attached to the ribs and the upper and lower crossbar. In the preferred embodiment, the end ribs are formed from a continuous panel so that the ends of the rake head are fully closed. The detachable pole is preferably constructed in multiple sections that can be broken down for easy transport. Optional clips or other retainers may be disposed on the rake head for retaining the pole sections for easy transport and storage. An optional handhold can be provided for facilitating transport of the disassembled rake.

Abstract: A screening apparatus is removably connected to a prime mover having an excavating bucket or loading shovel. The screening apparatus includes a material feed conveyor that feeds material to a screening device. A mounting mechanism and associated adjustment mechanism are used to detachably and movably mount the screening apparatus to support structure on the prime mover, with the conveyor being located adjacent the bucket or loading shovel for receiving unscreened material into the screening apparatus from the bucket or loading shovel during use.

Abstract: A scoop is formed in traditional manner with a head having a blade at one end, and a handle having a proximal end extending from the head. A bag dispenser is associated with the distal end of the handle. A plurality of bags, such as a roll of bags detachably connected to one another, are disposed within the bag dispenser for selective and individual removal from a dispensing window thereof. Preferably, the bag dispenser is integrally formed with the handle.

Abstract: A media collection device for retrieving separation media from a container containing the media and organic or inorganic materials is described. The device has a media collecting sieve, support shaft, handle and vibrating source. The device can further have a retainer for the support shaft, a rotating motor, a sliding mechanism, a stage adjustable in height and/or angle, a media receptacle and a container stand adjustable in angle, height and position relative to the stage. Multiple media collection devices can be joined together to simultaneously collect media from multiple containers.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus for effectively removing all solid waste and clumped material from a cat litter container. The apparatus, a scoop, includes a basket portion and a handle. The bed of the basket incorporates a slotted sifting array which allows the user to sift solid waste and clumped material from clean cat litter. More particularly, the bed of the basket consists of a horizontally-slotted, moveable sheet which is positioned below an identically-slotted, fixed sheet in the bed of the basket portion of the scoop. The handle contains a thumb button connected by a mechanical linkage within the handle to the moveable sheet, which allows the user to adjust the size of the slotted sifting elements found in the bed of the scoop's basket to facilitate the capture of solid waste and clumped material and preservation of clean cat litter.

Abstract: A vibrating sand sifting toy that has a selectively activated vibrating mechanism mounted in a portion of the toy for causing oscillatory vibration of a surface portion of the toy. Two embodiments are in the form of a scoop with a handle. The bottom of the scoop portion is provided with openings in a predetermined pattern and size for discharging sand, dirt or other particulate material in a predetermined pattern for the education and entertainment of a child operating the vibrating toy. In one of those two embodiments the scoop portion is removable and replaceable with other scoop portions having different predetermined patterns of openings. In the other of those two embodiments the bottom of the scoop portion has an open frame for removably receiving a template having a predetermined pattern of openings for discharging sand and various templates with different predetermined patterns may be used.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chloride-selective electrodes which comprise insoluble metal salt layer and a protecting membrane formed of hydrophilic polyurethane thereon, wherein the hydrophilic polyurethane coated chloride-selective electrodes show fast activation and response time and are usefully employed to accurately measure the chloride by reducing the interference from bromide and iodide or preventing the surface of the electrode from protein adsorption.

Abstract: A stall cleaner that scoops material, such as a mixture of wood shavings and animal manure, sifts selected material out of the scooped material and collects remaining material in a receptacle. The cleaner includes a stationary portion and a vibrating portion. The stationary portion includes a frame that is supported by wheels. A scoop is located at a front end of the frame. A handle is provided on a rear end of the frame. The vibrating portion of the apparatus includes a tray that is supported by the frame. The tray has a rigid perimeter that surrounds and supports a plurality of spaced longitudinal elements. A motor rotates an off-center weight to impart vibration to the tray, causing smaller particles to fall through the tray. A receptacle is located behind the frame on the apparatus. The receptacle is positioned such that materials slide off of the rear end of the tray into the receptacle.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a litter scoop is provided that permits a user to take multiple passes with the scoop through litter having animal waste therein, without having to empty the litter scoop after each pass. In one embodiment, a rake portion and a receptacle portion of the litter scoop are separated by a lip arranged to retain the clumps of animal waste in the receptacle portion during reuse of the litter scoop. In another embodiment, a top edge of a receptacle of the litter scoop is located generally in a plane, and at least a portion of an inner surface of the receptacle that faces a proximal end of the receptacle is arranged such that a line normal to the portion of the inner surface of the receptacle is oriented at an acute angle with respect to the plane that is less than forty-five degrees.

Abstract: A pool scoop for providing a rigid scoop for lifting items off of the bottom of a pool. The pool scoop includes a pole with tubular attachment sleeve at a distal end of the pole. A scoop member is provided having a bottom wall, a pair of spaced apart side walls upwardly extending from the bottom wall, and an end wall upwardly extending from the bottom wall between the side walls. The scoop member has a front edge extending along the bottom wall between the side walls opposite the end wall. The bottom wall also has a plurality of apertures of a predetermined size therethrough. An extent extends from the end wall of the scoop member and is inserted into a second end of the attachment sleeve.

Abstract: In combination a screen, a shaker, a conveyor and carbody device which is attachable to a vehicle of choice, such as an hydraulic excavator, a backhoe, etc., and when installed thereon allows the vehicle to perform as a padding machine.

Abstract: An assembly connectable to a boom of a machine operable to perform material working functions generally consisting of a handle connectable to the boom; a fluid actuated cylinder assembly operatively interconnecting the boom and handle for pivotally displacing the handle relative to the boom; a bucket member connected to the handle for pivotal movement along an arcuate line of travel between uncurled and curled positions; a fluid actuated cylinder assembly operatively interconnecting the handle and the implement for displacing the implement between uncurled and curled positions; a sifting member connected to the handle for pivotal movement along an arcuate path between retracted and extended positions, at least partially overlapping the arcuate path of the implement whereby when the sifting member is in the retracted position, the implement is in the curled position and the sifting member is displaced from the retracted position to the extended position, the sifting member will be caused to engage and displace

Abstract: A lawn and garden pan having a substantially horizontal bottom wall panel having a substantially triangular configuration. The front end of the pan is open and it has numerous teeth extending forwardly along its entire length. The bottom wall panel has numerous sifting holes spread out over substantially its entire surface. The left and right side walls extend upwardly from the lateral edges of the bottom wall panel and their top ends curl outwardly and downwardly to form an inverted U-shaped configuration that forms a natural contour to seat between the palm of a person's hand and the thumb. A person can grip the pan for holding purposes along the entire length of the edges of the pan except its front end into which lawn debris can be raked or swept.

Abstract: A cat litter scoop with a battery powered vibrator carried in the scoop handle which is actuated by a thumb operated switch. Upon actuation, the vibrator imparts a high speed oscillatory movement to the scoop about the longitudinal axis of the handle to accelerate the manual steps of insertion, pushing, lifting and sifting associated with the scooping motion employed with a standard cat litter scoop. The scoop portion of the cat litter scoop is provided with a pair of spaced transversely extending rows of elongated longitudinal slots so as to define a solid web portion extending between the rows of slots and transversing the scoop to enhance the structural integrity of the scoop portion of the litter scoop.

Abstract: A new tool for cleaning out unwanted debris from the bottom of trenches of the type having at the top portion of its two handles (2) rubber sheathing (1) for better gripping. The handles (2) of the tool extend the entire length of the tool. At the bottom of the handles (2) are attached two scooper trays (4). The handles (2) are attached to each other by way of a fulcrum provided by a bolt (3) that passes through each handle (2) and secured by a nut and washers (3). The tool functions by way of an operator pulling outward on the rubber sheathed (1) portion of the handles (2) to cause an opening action at the bottom of the tool whereas the trays (4) move outward from each other. Once the trays (4) are positioned around the debris to be removed, the operator moves the rubber sheathed (1) portion of the handles (2) back toward each other causing the same action on the opposite end with the result being the trays (4) moving inward toward each other and slicing under the debris to be removed.

Abstract: A kitty litter scooper that allows users to clean out litter boxes without having to stoop and bend over, and allows users to move litter boxes without having to physically touch the litter box. The scooper includes a telescoping long handle that attaches to a receptacle by an adjustable swivel connection that allows the handle to be fixed to the receptacle at different angles. The receptacle has parallel slot apertures that are sized to allow granular materials such as sand and pet litter but nothing larger to pass therethrough. The receptacle includes a rear hook portion which can be used to hook over or under an edge of a litter box to move the litter box from underneath tables, furniture and the like. The receptacle further has an extended planar lip portion having a raised wedge thereon which helps keep clump contents within the receptacle.

Abstract: An animal waste scoop assembly, with a handle portion and a shovel portion with a series of spaced fingers, and is used in conjunction with a disposable bag to collect solid pet waste. The bag has a plurality of spaced fingers for fitting over the respective fingers of the shovel. The user first pulls a bag over the shovel so that each finger on the bag engages over a respective finger of the shovel, then grips the handle beneath the open end of the bag, and positions the shovel beneath any solid waste. The shovel member is then lifted so that the solid waste remains on top of the fingers and any clean particles sift down between the fingers. At this point, the bag is inverted in order to remove it from the shovel member and also retain the solid waste within the bag. The bag and its contents can then be discarded.

Abstract: The present invention is a cat litter scoop for removing waste material from scoopable cat litter. The scoop includes a base portion, side panels and a back panel. The side and bottom panels are made of mesh so as to facilitate the separation of clumped waste material from cat litter. The mesh is designed to allow cat litter to fall through the mesh, while waste material is contained in the scoop for disposal. The scoop is designed to more easily and efficiently pick up the clumped material. The front edge of the scoop is formed so as to facilitate cleanup of the cat litter container. The handle of the scoop is designed for easier, more comfortable grasping and manipulation by the user.

Abstract: A scoop which is used to deposit sand or other particulate material into a bag. The scoop can be temporarily secured to the bag while its rear end is partially disposed within the bag. The envisioned purpose for this scoop is to permit one person to quickly and efficiently fill a bag with sand. During situations where flooding or mudslides appear imminent, the ability of an individual to quickly fill sandbags multiplied by a number of individuals performing the same function, can increase dramatically the number of sandbags filled for a given period of time in contrast to other conventional methods.

Abstract: A novel device for removing solid animal waste and the like from granular material includes a substantially enclosed receptacle having an opening configured to receive material containing solid animal waste. The receptacle has a plurality of apertures substantially smaller in size than the opening of the receptacle such that the material received by the receptacle passes through the plurality of apertures while the solid animal waste does not pass through the plurality of apertures and is retained within the receptacle. The plurality of apertures is formed from substantially parallel spaced apart elongated channels and the channels are sized to permit the granular pet litter to pass therethrough while trapping fecal matter within the receptacle for subsequent disposal.

Abstract: A sifting scoop attaches to a metal detector. The scoop is movable relative to the detecting head to multiple operating positions. In a storage position the scoop is held on the shaft of the detector above the head where it will not interfere with the metal detecting operation. In a scooping position, the scoop is extended below the head for digging at a spot located by the detector. In an optional third or sifting position the scoop is held up close to the head to retain articles during sifting. The scoop walls are perforated to retain articles while discarding sand.

Abstract: A hand tool having a tapered wedge head, an entrapment mesh supported by a carriage structure and cantilevered from the wedge head, and a handle adjustably coupled to the carriage structure. The tapered wedge head ramps materials, such as sand and soil, into the entrapment mesh. The entrapment mesh is fixed to the carriage structure such that the face and opposed sides of the carriage structure are open. The entrapment mesh is cantilevered from the wedge head to prevent contact of the mesh with the ground.

Abstract: A dirt remover for a water tank, which can readily remove not only the dirt floating on the water surface and the dirt suspended in the water but also the dirt settling to the tank bottom without inflicting any injury on the bottom surface of the tank, includes a frame formed of a rear frame member, two lateral frame members extending forward from the opposite ends of the rear frame member, and a frontal frame member set in position straight between the leading ends of the two lateral frame members. A net is hung from the inner sides of the frame loosely enough for the middle portion thereof to sag down, the net forming a scooping portion in conjunction with the frame. A handle has a leading end thereof attached to the rear frame member of the frame, the handle serving for the operation of the scooping portion.

Abstract: In combination a screen, a shaker, a conveyor and carbody device which is attachable to a vehicle of choice, such as an hydraulic excavator, a backhoe, etc., and when installed thereon allows the vehicle to perform as a padding machine.