Abstract: A metering device for granular material, such as seed or fertilizer, is arranged to deliver the granular material in adjustable quantities, where the metering device includes a metering housing, a drivable metering wheel arranged in the metering housing, and a movable shut-off valve, where the metering housing includes a metering cover that can be moved to different positions and a lock that is associated with the metering cover. The position of the shut-off valve can prevent the lock from being actuated so that the metering cover cannot be opened.

Abstract: An integrated bicycle control device has a handlebar portion of a bicycle handlebar assembly. The handlebar portion has a body with a gripping portion adjacent a distal end of the body and a transition portion spaced from the gripping portion. A compartment may be formed in the transition portion and an opening in the body may permit access to the compartment. An actuator is disposed near the distal end of the gripping portion. A control element and/or other elements or circuitry may be disposed within the compartment. The control device may include integrated accessory attachment structure.

Abstract: A robot cleaner and a method of controlling the robot cleaner are disclosed. The robot cleaner may include a body, a mop, an actuator, a battery, a tank, and a controller. The controller controls a supply of liquid from the water tank to the mop, and the supply of the liquid may be controlled in consideration of a state of the battery. Water injection may be controlled according to an expected use time of the battery, such that the mop can maintain an appropriate water content, and uniform mopping and cleaning can be performed.

Abstract: The problem of disassembling an air release valve in the field by removing the valve cover to remove the internal working components is solved by a quick release mechanism on the valve cover that can be operated by hand. The quick release mechanism can include a radially tapered groove with tapered parallel tracks that define a slot in the valve cover and a guide on the valve body that engages with the tracks through the slot. The guide can be inserted into a socket in the radially tapered groove and a shoulder piece on the guide can slide on the tapered parallel tracks, which brings the valve cover towards the valve body. An O-ring and a U-cup seal arranged in recesses in the valve body can be compressed by the valve body cover to form airtight seals and the shoulder piece can be lodged in a locking pocket to keep the valve cover in place.

Abstract: A pump-storage device comprises a treatment container including an interior separated by a partitioning board into an upper chamber and a lower chamber intercommunicating with the upper chamber via a first intercommunication port. An inlet intercommunicates with the upper chamber. A second intercommunication port intercommunicates the lower chamber with an outside. A first control valve controls intercommunication between the upper and lower chambers. A second control valve controls intercommunication between the upper chamber and a gas suction source. An actuation rod extends through the first intercommunication port. A first fixing block, a second fixing block, and a third fixing block are mounted from top to bottom in sequence on the actuation rod. An upper stop plate is disposed between the first and second fixing blocks. A lower stop plate is disposed between the second and third fixing blocks. The upper and lower stop plates are elastically supported.

Abstract: An aerodynamic curtain assembly for use with a tank trailer illustratively includes a front nose assembly, and opposing first and second side assemblies. The front nose assembly illustratively includes a front support coupled to the tank trailer, and a flexible air deflector screen coupled to the support and extending arcuately from a first upright supported by a first side of the tank trailer to a second upright supported by a second side of the tank trailer. Each of the side assemblies illustratively includes an upper support member, a lower support member, an upper coupler securing the upper end of a flexible air deflector screen to the upper support member, and a lower coupler securing the lower end of the flexible air deflector screen to the lower support member.

Abstract: A system and method aerodynamic fairings including a gap fairing. The gap fairing includes multiple panels. The multiple panels are interconnected utilizing connectors to form a half conical shape extending from a front portion of a trailer. The gap fairing also includes supports connected to the multiple panels through support structure of the trailer.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a material spreader mounted to a boom of an excavator for spreading bulk material over an area of interest. The material spreader includes a motor-controlled feeder for metering out the bulk material at a controlled rate. The material spreader further includes a mounting bracket configured to mount to a universal mounting portion of the boom.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collection and containment of collected materials is provided. The apparatus can include a vacuum truck with at least one vacuum tank, the vacuum tank having a hollow interior region. A flexible bladder can be disposed within the hollow interior region of the vacuum tank. The bladder can be impermeable to and compatible with the collected material and capable of containing the material.

Abstract: A vertical elongated kiosk with a floor-engaging portion is equipped with a handle and optional wheels adjacent a rear surface to facilitate is mobility. A deck region has a dispenser which may include a spout from which hand/surface sanitizer is dispensed in response to a motion sensor. Electrical power is provided alternatively by a storage battery which may be recharged by a solar panel or an ac outlet plug. A wireless receiver/transmitter communicates with a remote base computer to control and monitor the operation of the kiosk. Informational displays, both video and placard, can be accommodated and a business card dispenser provided.

Abstract: A pumping system comprises an internal combustion engine, a generator, a pumping unit and a heat recovery system. The generator is driven by the internal combustion engine. The pumping unit is powered by the generator. The heat recovery system thermally couples the internal combustion engine with the pumping unit.

Abstract: A drinking water dispensing system for automobiles and associated method preferable includes a reservoir; an egress spout, a pump; temperature adjusting mechanism; a user interface; a thermodynamic conduit including first and second valves; cooling elements; heating elements and first and second insulating layers. The first and second passageways are coaxially oriented along the conduit and cooperate with the cooling/heating elements such that cold/hot water streams are independently transferred to the egress spout while maximizing/minimizing heat transfer losses. Separate water streams are passed through the first/second passageways by selectively toggling the first/second plurality of valves between open and closed positions upon receiving instructions signals from the user interface. Such a system provides users with a readily available source of hot/cold water for drinking while traveling, without requiring the use of separate water-transfer conduits.

Abstract: An apparatus applies product and includes a pivotal platform solely supported through bushings formed of compressible material. The ground speed can be locked by stepping on a step pivoting a composite block to engage with an engagement of the transmission proportioner arm. A gate is opened utilizing a control lever pivotally mounted to a pivotably mounted control block to either engage or avoid a tang of an adjustment guide. A drive belt system includes a variator having first and second sheaves having variable effective diameters when their pivot pin is moved by pivoting a lever. A spray tip sprays a fan style spray at a small acute angle to the application area. A flip shield is pivoted about an axis parallel to the movement direction and includes a linear straight portion parallel to the axis in a redirection position.

Abstract: A dispenser system employs a packaging module for use with moisture sensitive materials. The packaging module comprises an outer carton and an inner bladder, which is substantially impermeable to moisture and is filled with one part of an adhesive. The carton is loaded on a mobile cart and the one part adhesive is supplied to a pump/mixer without exposure to moisture in the atmosphere. The packaging and dispensing system can be used in conjunction with mechanized adhesive application equipment for the construction trades.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular beverage system incorporable into a transportation unit. The system comprises a power source, at least one user point, at least one vessel, at least one liquid transferring apparatus operatively associated with said power source; and piping. The vessel is adapted to store therein liquid. Activation the liquid transferring apparatus causes the distribution of at least some of the liquid from the vessel to respective user points via said piping.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device to be used for the mechanized distribution of natural antagonists for the treatment of crops grown in greenhouse or in open field, under organic and/or integrated regimen, improving uniformity of distribution and concomitantly reducing the time spent in the distribution, with respect to other known systems in the current state of the art.

Abstract: A wheeled herbicide and/or pesticide carrier incorporates a non-motorized, three wheeled cart including a frame defining a basket for receiving tanks containing a fluid solution. An air compressor and battery are also supported on the cart. A nozzle communicates with the tanks for dispensing the solution. A control panel is mounted on the cart's handle to permit a user to select which tank is to be utilized and the rate for spraying. A second embodiment of the invention is designed to support four tanks thereon.

Abstract: A system for applying mushroom growing materials includes a hopper for the materials. A blower unit creates an air stream which acts as a carrier for blowing the material fed by the hopper through a transport hose wrapped partially around a reel. The hose communicates with and feeds the material to an applicating head which is mounted on a mushroom bed. The material is conveyed through the applicating head by being spread in a transverse direction by a distributor. The material is then fed to an applicating member which is preferably a conveyor belt. The conveyor belt deposits the material onto the mushroom bed.

Abstract: A dispenser system employs a packaging module for use with moisture sensitive materials. The packaging module comprises an outer carton and an inner bladder, which is substantially impermeable to moisture and is filled with one part of an adhesive. The carton is loaded on a mobile cart and the one part adhesive is supplied to a pump/mixer without exposure to moisture in the atmosphere. The packaging and dispensing system can be used in conjunction with mechanized adhesive application equipment for the construction trades. A cart which employs multiple transversely spaced mixing nozzles is employed to produce transversely spaced beads of adhesive as the cart is pushed along a surface. Part 1 adhesive component and part 2 adhesive component are independently pumped to mixing nozzles which dispense the adhesive in beads.

Abstract: An improved self-unloading spreader has a front end, a back end, and sides defining walls of a container for holding material. The container has at least one opening in one of the walls through which material can move. Inside of the container, longitudinally disposed between the front end and the rear end, is an auger that can move material in the container to and through the opening. Also inside of the container, adjustably positioned above the auger, is an adjustable height baffle to control the amount of material the auger has available to move. Outside of the container, adjacent to the opening, is a transversely mounted conveyer belt for spreading material that flows through the opening. An hydraulic system powers the auger and allows the hydraulically powered auger to either move material towards the opening or away from the opening. The auger, in combination with the adjustable height baffle, controls the rate at which material is provided to the conveyer system.

Abstract: A system for withdrawing water, comprising at least one withdrawal passage through which water will be withdrawn, an apparatus that is fitted to one end of the withdrawal passage to aid the user in withdrawing water from a container, means such as a pump with a reversible motor is connected to the opposite end of the withdrawal passage for generating pressure differential to withdraw water through said withdrawal passage, and a drain passage that connects to the withdrawal passage to lead the withdrawn water to a drain.

Abstract: A wheeled herbicide and/or pesticide carrier incorporates a non-motorized, three wheeled cart including a frame defining a basket for receiving tanks containing a fluid solution. An air compressor and battery are also supported on the cart. A nozzle communicates with the tanks for dispensing the solution. A control panel is mounted on the cart's handle to permit a user to select which tank is to be utilized and the rate for spraying. A second embodiment of the invention is designed to support four tanks thereon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to automatically reverse the motor of a power tool, such as a dispensing gun or similar tool. In some constructions, a controller automatically reverses the direction of plunger movement and removes the plunger from contact with the back wall of a cartridge. The controller has a trigger switch that is coupled to a power source, such as a battery, and includes a main power on/off switch and a potentiometer. A protection or secondary switch is coupled in parallel to the main power on/off switch. A power supply circuit and a commutator are each coupled to the main and secondary switches. An overload sensor is coupled to the commutator. The controller includes a programmable device that is coupled to the power supply circuit, the potentiometer, the commutator, and the overload sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus may be used to dispense a plurality of automotive appearance care products. The apparatus may include a plurality of storage containers. Mixing systems may be coupled to the storage containers. The mixing systems may combine raw materials with a carrier fluid to produce product fluids. The product fluids may be stored in storage vessels. A plurality of pumps may be used to produce a flow of one or more product fluids. The product fluids may be dispensed through one or more dispensing conduits. A user may dispense the product fluids for use as automotive appearance care products. The user may receive a statement of a fee for using the apparatus based on a selected basis.

Abstract: An apparatus may be used to dispense a plurality of automotive appearance care products. The apparatus may include a plurality of storage containers. Mixing systems may be coupled to the storage containers. The mixing systems may combine raw materials with a carrier fluid to produce product fluids. The product fluids may be stored in storage vessels. A plurality of pumps may be used to produce a flow of one or more product fluids. The product fluids may be dispensed through one or more dispensing conduits. In certain embodiments, a user of the apparatus may be charged a fee based on a selected basis. The selected basis may be, but is not limited to, a per vehicle basis, a per application basis, a per use basis, a per refilling basis, or a per time basis.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a portable, self-draining utility bucket 12. The motorized drainage system of the present invention 10 comprises a bucket 12 on wheels 14, a draining pump assembly 16 which incorporates an electrical motor 18 and a retractable cord assembly 20. The wastewater from the bucket 12 is pumped through the drain hose 22 and dispensed into a sink 24. This eliminates any need to lift the bucket 12 in order to drain it, which saves pain and hard work, and eliminates possible injury at work. An on/off switch 26, a ground fault interrupter circuit breaker (GFI) 28, a clip-on fill hose 30, and a conventional mop strainer 32 are also provided. The present invention has three designs for domestic, commercial and hospital applications.

Abstract: A portable apparatus adapted for applying an adhesive and mastic roofing material is provided which allows one operator to use smaller, more maneuverable containers of roofing mastic for use in applying roofing materials and adhesives to roofing surfaces. In one embodiment a movable platform is provided wherein the internal pressure of the container is increased wherein less pump energy is required to achieve sufficient adhesive coverage.

Abstract: An assembly for distributing particulate material comprising a blower assembly which is preferably removably mounted on a mobile platform and structured to generate a forced flow of air along a flow path and through a manifold assembly connected to a supply of material being distributed. The manifold assembly includes a receiving segment incorporating a Venturi section facilitating the entrainment of the material into the forced air flow passing through a discharge conduit preferably having an extended length to facilitate distribution of the material to a plurality of locations in a variety of different environments. A vent assembly is provided to relieve back pressure from within the discharge conduit, which may be created due to its extended length.

Abstract: A portable tool box, including a container, an electrically operated air compressor, a vent for providing an ample supply of air, a pneumatic tool for dispensing dense materials, a pneumatic hose, and an electrical connection box.

Abstract: A portable, battery powered spray applicator car wash device capable of holding and dispensing liquid cleansers and waxes for rubbing into the body and windows of a vehicle; thereby, enabling complete and portable mobile washing and cleaning services and complete detailing of a vehicle without the use of water.

Abstract: A mobile fluid dispenser is provided for dispensing fluids. The mobile fluid dispenser comprises a body defining a tank, a pump mounted to the body, and wheels mounted to the body. The body comprises a tank. The wheels are configured such that the mobile fluid dispenser can be rolled on flat surfaces without being tipped from an upright position. The pump may be either electrically powered or air powered, and may be reversible to allow the tank to be filled with fluid from a remote supply source. The tank may also be filled through a fill opening formed in the body or through quick coupler.

Abstract: A portable dispensing device includes a hopper, a rotatable auger, a drive unit, and a rigid base. The hopper defines a receptacle including an upper opening for receiving a large quantity of bulk material and a lower opening for dispensing measured quantities of bulk material. The rotatable auger is positioned at the lower opening of the hopper for controlling the amount of bulk material which is dispensed from the hopper. The drive unit controls rotatable movement of the auger. The rigid base carries and provides support for the portable dispensing device during portable movement thereof.

Abstract: A mobile dispensing apparatus for dispensing flowable material from a plurality of containers is provided. The apparatus comprises a frame having an upper and lower portion connected with a plurality of supports. A wheeled axle connects to the lower portion of the frame to allow for moving the mobile dispensing apparatus. A plurality of container support frames contained within the upper portion of the frame provide support for containers. The apparatus includes a plurality of tapered bins with an open end connected to the upper portion of the frame for receiving the contents of the containers, and a closed end opposite to the open end located adjacent to the lower portion of the frame. A motor is attached to the frame, and an auger powered by the motor moves the contents of the containers from the closed end of the bins through the auger and out of the mobile dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: A grain storage bin has a circular bin floor structure and a cylindrical bin wall upstanding from the floor. A bin aeration system includes a perforated air discharge tube mounted diametrically across the bin supported on a frame above the floor from one side with an air supply duct for supplying air from a fan through the wall. The floor structure is divided diametrically into two separate half sections. A rectangular discharge duct extends from a feed opening at a center of the bin horizontally under the horizontal support surface to a discharge outside the wall of the bin with a belt having parallel runs along the duct, a first opening at the center of the bin and a second opening adjacent the wall so that the material within the bin can fall onto the upper run of the belt to be carried to the side for discharge.

Abstract: A portable fuel dispensing system which eliminates the need for underground storage tanks that are subject to leaks resulting in contamination of the stored fuel, soil and ground water creating costly environmental hazards. A semi-tractor trailer supported fuel receptacle has a plurality of metered fuel dispensers along the sides thereof allowing several customers to park along side the trailer and fuel their vehicles. The trailer may be taken to a central location for filling and then transported to a convenient retail location for dispensing the fuel to customers' vehicles. When empty, the trailer is returned to the central location for refuelling. During this return trip, the tank may be connected to a fuel/air inlet of the tractor so fuel vapor remaining in the tank may be burned rather than escaping into the atmosphere. The system is a completely closed system with no venting of fumes into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A grout hopper and dispenser which may be raised on a fork lift so that grout may be placed in a concrete block wall. The grout hopper and dispenser includes an auger in the bottom thereof which forces the grout out through a tube which is connected to a flexible tube which is used by the workman in directing the grout to the appropriate location. The auger may be remotely controlled by the operator of the forklift truck which has lifted the grout hopper and dispenser into position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable dispenser of potable liquid, and includes an insulated container for storing the liquid, and a secondary container connected to the insulated container. A pump is positioned in either the insulated container or the secondary container, and has a suction conduit that communicates with or extends to the bottom of the insulated container. The pump also has a discharge conduit that is connected to a manifold in the secondary container. A plurality of liquid dispensing conduits are connected to the manifold for communication with the discharge conduit. Each of the liquid dispensing conduits extends from the manifold through a dispenser opening in the secondary container. Means for also provided for activating the pump whereby the liquid stored in the insulated container is delivered to the dispensing conduits via the discharge conduit and the manifold for consumption by a plurality of users.

Abstract: A fuel tank for a trailer including a tank that is adapted for securement to an underside of a trailer. The tank has a generally trapezoidal configuration with a top face and a bottom face. The top face has recesses formed therein for receiving cross members of the trailer therein. The top face has a filling port in communication with an interior of the tank. A dispensing nozzle is in communication with a fuel pump disposed within the interior of the tank. A deflector shield is secured to the underside of the trailer forwardly of the tank. The shield is dimensioned for covering a forward portion of the tank.

Abstract: A portable fuel dispensing system which eliminates the need for underground storage tanks that are subject to leaks resulting in contamination of the stored fuel, soil and ground water creating costly environmental hazards. A semi-tractor trailer supported fuel receptacle has a plurality of metered fuel dispensers along the sides thereof allowing several customers to park along side the trailer and fuel their vehicles. The trailer may be taken to a central location for filling and then transported to a convenient retail location for dispensing the fuel to customers' vehicles. When empty, the trailer is returned to the central location for refuelling. During this return trip, the tank may be connected to a fuel/air inlet of the tractor so fuel vapor remaining in the tank may be burned rather than escaping into the atmosphere. The system is a completely closed system with no venting of fumes into the atmosphere.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable dispenser of potable liquid, and includes an insulated container for storing the liquid, and a secondary container connected to the insulated container. A pump is positioned in either the insulated container or the secondary container, and has a suction conduit that extends to the bottom of the insulated container. The pump also has a discharge conduit that is connected to a manifold in the secondary container. A plurality of liquid dispensing conduits are connected to the manifold for communication with the discharge conduit. Each of the liquid dispensing conduits extends from the manifold through a dispenser opening in the secondary container. Means for also provided for activating the pump whereby the liquid stored in the insulated container is delivered to the dispensing conduits via the discharge conduit and the manifold for consumption by a plurality of users.

Abstract: A grout delivery apparatus and method for delivering grout through a flexible conduit from a bulk supply of grout to a hand tool. The bulk supply of grout is held in a hopper which feeds the grout under gravity to a pump. The pump is driven by an electric motor which receives its electrical energy through a controller. The controller is adjustably preset to control the electric motor as a function of the individual settings on a multifunction switch operable by the worker. The switch can either be mounted on the hand tool and directly wired to the controller or incorporated into a remote transmitter which transmits the particular switch position to a receiver on the controller.

Abstract: The invention features an implantable device for the automatic delivery of an active ingredient according to an adjustable delivery profile. The device includes a housing; a reservoir operatively connected to the housing and arranged to store an elongate solid composition including the active ingredient, such as a filament of tape; an actuator arranged within the housing to move the solid composition from the reservoir to a transit assembly, providing a water-tight seal wherein the solid composition exits the housing at the transit assembly; a controller that acts on the actuator to adjust movement of the solid composition out of the housing according to the adjustable delivery profile; and a power source arranged to provide energy to the actuator and the controller. The solid composition can be an elongate, solid composition comprising a drug, and up to 90% of a carrier, wherein the composition has a cross-section of less than 0.

Abstract: A mobile filling unit mounted on a wheeled base and having one or more pumping systems and liquid dispensing heads. Each of the pumping systems has a metering turret containing a number of adjustable rods, the rods being adjustable to limit the stroke of a reciprocable drive motor, the drive motor being directly connected to a reciprocable pump, so that the volume delivered by the pump is controllable to any of a number of predetermined values equal to the respective settings of the adjustable rods in the metering turret.

Abstract: A portable pressurized reservoir supply tank comprises a tank housing with a flat upper surface, a flat lower surface and a hollow interior, air and water being contained within the tank in an operative orientation, a pressure gauge being positioned through the tank housing, the pressure gauge including a mechanism to measure and indicate the air pressure within the hollow interior of the tank housing, a compressed air charging valve being positioned through the tank housing, the compressed air charging valve including a coupling mechanism, a pressure relief valve being positioned through the tank housing, a fill spout being positioned through the tank housing, a fill cap being coupled to the fill spout, a discharge assembly being formed in a cylindrical configuration with an outboard end including screw threads and an inboard end positioned through the tank housing adjacent the lower surface, the discharge assembly including a handle to regulate the flow of water therethrough.

Abstract: A mobile batch feeder for cubed feed consisting of a supply hopper with conveyor leading to a cumulative dispensing chute. Rotational input to drive the conveyor also functions to trip open the dispensing chute periodically thereby to dispense measured batches of cube feed.

Abstract: A personal fluid delivery device includes an electronic pump system and may also include a fluid reservoir system. The fluid reservoir system includes a fluid reservoir and a delivery tube disposed in communication therewith. The electronic pump system includes a pump operable for delivering fluid from the fluid reservoir, an electrical power supply for supplying power to the pump, a dispensing tube operable for providing a passageway for dispensing fluid from the fluid reservoir and an actuating device operable for selectively actuating the pump.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying mastic to a selected surface includes a container for mastic, a pump assembly, and a drywall tool or wand. The pump assembly is positioned in the container so that it draws mastic from the container and delivers it to the drywall tool. The mastic delivered to the drywall tool is applied to the selected surface through a nozzle in the drywall tool. The pump assembly includes a pump, a pneumatic cylinder, and a linking subassembly connecting the pump and the pneumatic cylinder. The pump assembly is operated by an air compressor. The air compressor causes a rod in the pneumatic cylinder to reciprocate. The linking subassembly translates this reciprocation to a piston in the pump assembly. The piston reciprocates within a bore of the pump assembly and draws the mastic from the container. The apparatus is mounted on a hand truck so that it may be moved to different locations.

Abstract: A system in a land vehicle for the delivery of a hot or cold drink. The system includes at least one closed loop for heating or cooling with a circulating heat carrier fluid, and at least one open loop in which a drink is conducted from a reservoir to a dispenser via an indirect heat exchanger that forms part of the closed loop. In one embodiment the system delivers by choice either a hot or a cold drink and it includes two open loops and two closed loops.

Abstract: A concrete pump vehicle has a foldable concrete distributing boom (18) arranged on a chassis (10), a material container (24) arranged next to the rear end of the chassis (10) and a concrete pump (28) connected at its suction side to the material container (24) and at its delivery side to a delivery line (26) that extends over the distributing boom (18). The material container (24) is provided with an anti-splashing device that projects over the edge of the opening and ensures that no concrete splashes reach the machine area during operation of the pump. In order to achieve an optimal splash-protection in both the traveling and working states, the anti-splash device has a wall structure (36) that projects over the edge of the opening and a foldable wall (40) hingedly linked to the area of the upper edge of the wall structure (36).

Abstract: A grout hopper and dispenser which may be raised on a fork lift so that grout may be placed in a concrete block wall. The grout hopper and dispenser includes an auger in the bottom thereof which forces the grout out through a tube which is connected to a flexible tube which is used by the workman in directing the grout to the appropriate location. The auger may be remotely controlled by the operator of the forklift truck which has lifted the grout hopper and dispenser into position.