Abstract: A method and system for application-to-application data exchange which provides data conversion from the format of a source application to the format of a target application upon receipt of data by the target application. To achieve compatibility among applications exchanging data, the preferred system uses a standard set of terms and process names for building metadata packets that inform both applications as to their respective data representation. A metadata packet includes a standard name and application specific data format, as well as an optional associated process name. Source metadata provided in connection with source application-specific data enables the conversion of the source form a to the format compatible with the target. This method eliminates data conversion at the source application.

Abstract: An improved flotation separation apparatus for separating and classifying diverse, liquid-suspended solids having a plurality of high volume air bubble infusers. Each infuser includes a circular cavity defined by an interior circumferential wall. A plurality of stationary impinging plates projecting from the interior circumferential wall into the circular cavity and equally spaced circumferentially in series therealong. An injecting stream of water and air impinges upon the impinging plates in series to repeatedly create, divide and subdivide air bubbles as the injection stream transverses the series of impinging plates.

Abstract: A pressure foot assembly for minimizing puckering or bunching of quilt or fabric when being sewn or during other contour sewing. The assembly includes a non-rotating or non-walking pressure foot that has a laterally displaced inner foot from the inner feed dog of the machine. The assembly may include a rotating or “walking” pressure foot recessed under the base and outer pressure foot. The assembly includes a cloth guide to laterally limit the movement of the fabric in the direction of the inner foot.

Abstract: A sewage drain receptacle for underground sewage systems for campgrounds or RV parks that includes a hose resting seat coupled to the top orifice of a drain line and a sewage cap for closing the top orifice. The hose resting seat extends along a portion of the length of the drain line and serves to cradle a bottom of a sewage hose so that it is prevented from being lodged into the sewage system.

Abstract: A pressure foot for minimizing puckering or bunching of biasing fabric and a cloth item, garment or quilt when being sewn or finished. The pressure foot includes a laterally displaced inner foot displaced from the inner feed dog of the sewing machine and a bias guide between the inner and outer feet. The pressure foot is adapted to be used alone or in combination with a bias binder sewing aid that automatically folds the biasing fabric. The pressure foot and bias binder sewing aid form a kit for sewing biasing fabric to an unfinished edge of a cloth item, garment, quilt or the like.

Abstract: An alternating current generator, comprising: a disc shaped rotor and first and second ring shaped stationary cores, coaxially located with the rotor, the rotor further comprising a non-magnetic disc attached to a shaft, with a plurality of low permeability magnetic blocks fastened to the rim of the disc; the first stationary core being an electromagnet shaped so as to present magnetic poles to the rotor blocks; and, the second stationary core being an armature, further comprising: a low permeability magnetic core wound with a conductive coil, shaped so as to present poles which can be magnetically polarized to the rotor blocks.

Abstract: A method of phosphorous reduction in stormwater runoff using iron humate, such as in the form of a filter, a layered filter bed, a stacked wall or a liner. The stormwater (fluid) runoff is sent to a fluid retention area such as a retention pond, wetland reservoir or the like where the runoff is filtered through iron humate. While the runoff is filtered, the iron humate absorbs or chemically retains the phosphorous in the runoff to produce filtered runoff with a reduced level of phosphorous. In an alternate embodiment, the runoff can be pumped from a retention pond into a iron humate filter where the runoff is filtered. In another alternate embodiment, the iron humate filter may be placed in a trench below ground to intercept and filter groundwater flows.

Abstract: A top-entry ball valve assembly that includes top and bottom camming plates which are coupled to top and bottom shoulders of the ball valve member. The camming plates include a first pair of opposing camming corner-surfaces to displace the spring-biased valve seat from the perimeter of the ball valve member when it is rotated between open and closed positions. The plates further include a second pair of opposing camming corner-surfaces to fully retract the spring-biased valve seat when being serviced so that the retraction tool can be inserted to hold the seats in place with little or no damage to the forward end of the seats.

Abstract: A gas lamp system and method for lighting the system which utilizes a sparkless flame starter in close proximity to the torch to create a flame. The system further includes a safety control circuit which activates the sparkless flame starter and subsequently actives a gas valve to deliver the gas to the torch after the sparkless flame starter has been energized. The sparkless flame starter is a low-voltage device such as a glow coil which is also arcless.

Abstract: A self-sharpening pocket knife is provided that includes a housing having abrasive stone strips or other sharpening means, and additional means for biasing the strips inward so that as the stone wears down there is always enough surface area in contact with the blade to sharpen it. The biasing means may take the form of foam rubber which expands, or multiple coiled springs, with either means being positioned between the walls of the housing and the stone strips.

Abstract: A cylindrical plant container having a dual sidewall and a bottom wall is provided. The inner sidewall is constructed of woven polypropylene fabric and the outer sidewall is constructed of wire, such as chicken wire. The inner sidewall extends above the outer sidewall and is folded over the top of the outer sidewall and is fastened thereto. The inner sidewall also extends below the outer sidewall and is folded over the bottom of the outer sidewall and is fastened thereto. The bottom wall is removably connected to the combined inner and outer sidewall. The bottom wall is of a non-woven polypropylene material. The present invention is designed to be used in a plant nursery. The woven polypropylene permits air to penetrate through the sidewall permitting air pruning of the roots proximal the sidewall. This forces the roots to grow in both a horizontal and downward fashion resulting in a denser plant root system with no spiraling or circling of roots within the cylindrical plant container.

Abstract: A coaxial wind turbine apparatus which includes a pair of rearward-mounted, spring-loaded fins to orient the air inlet opening to face the direction of the oncoming wind and close a damper panel or shutter array at the air inlet opening during very high wind conditions. Thereby, the pair of rearward-mounted, spring-loaded fins stabilizes the apparatus during strong ambient wind conditions and minimizes damage to the rotating turbine wheel in the presence of a strong wind.

Abstract: The present invention comprises apparatus for the manufacture improved structural panel with synthetic ingredients, such as vermiculite and fibers. The improved structural panel achieves enhanced lateral and surface integrity by the use of fibers within the core of the structural panel and adhesives and smooth materials (such as foil) as a surface coating. The apparatus is particularly suited for manufacture of the structural panel at low cost and high efficiency.

Abstract: A double-castered wheel trailer having a pair of lockable caster wheels. The lockable caster wheels are adapted to be locked for a trailing mode of operation and a backing mode of operation. The double-castered wheel trailer further includes a multi-planar adapting hitch-to-trailer coupler. The multi-planar adapting hitch-to-trailer includes a horizontal pivot member adapted to be secured to a pair of hitch balls and pivot in a horizontal plane about the towing vehicle. Further included is a vertical swivel member coupled to the horizontal pivot member and the trailer frame to independently rotate the trailer frame about said horizontal pivot member.

Abstract: An umbrella supporting apparatus comprising a harness having shoulder straps, a waistband and a back-mounted umbrella support assembly which allows the canopy of the umbrella to be adjusted in two different planes. The back-mounted umbrella support assembly includes a support plate mounted to the waistband and has a plurality of spaced key holes defining a first set of vertically displace positions or angles. The assembly also includes a rotatable support bracket rotatably mounted to the support plate and a hollow rod coupled to the rotatable support bracket for supporting a shaft or pole of an umbrella. A locking lever is resiliently coupled to the rotatably support bracket. In operation, the rotatable support bracket is adapted to be rotated left or right and locked or secured to one of the spaced key holes via the locking lever to vertically offset the hollow rod from vertically upright or align the hollow rod vertically upright.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted wheelchair rack assembly with lifting capabilities for transporting a folded wheelchair at the rear of a vehicle. The rack assembly integrates a jack assembly into a stationary L-shaped frame coupled to the rear of the vehicle. Additionally, the jack assembly is coupled to a telescopic T-joint member wherein actuation of the jack assembly moves a vertical casing of the T-joint member along a vertical strut member of the L-shaped frame. The vertical strut member has a longitudinal opening or channel which has a length that defines a continuous range for lifting or elevating or, alternately, lowering the T-joint member and a folded wheelchair strapped to the T-joint member.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method for the manufacture improved structural panel with synthetic ingredients, such as vermiculite and fibers. The improved structural panel achieves enhanced lateral and surface integrity by the use of fibers within the core of the structural panel and adhesives and smooth materials (such as foil) as a surface coating. The method is particularly suited for manufacture of the structural panel at low cost and high efficiency.

Abstract: A golf cart dashboard for use with a golf cart which integrates into the center of a dashboard faceplate a waste receptacle assembly for storing trash or refuse. The waste receptacle assembly has integrated therewith a beverage holder rack. The waste receptacle assembly include a removable receptacle housing and a rotatable waste receptacle which rotates to and from a closed position and an open position about the receptacle housing. The dashboard may further include driver's side and passenger's side dashboard compartments or glove boxes and designated areas for storing golf balls and tees.