Abstract: An apparatus comprising a magnetic sealing system for urging opposing sides of a cover toward the lateral margins of a portal to promote sealing of the sides of the cover to the lateral margins of the portal. The magnetic sealing system biases the opposing ends of a first or second rod directly toward the lateral margins to effect a proper seal.

Abstract: A ball valve assembly of the quarter-turn type for use in isolating an electronic level transmitter comprising a valve body having an inner chamber, an inlet or tank-side port, an outlet or transmitter side port, a valve body axis defined by the inlet and outlet ports, and a substantially spherical ball valve member having an inner surface forming a through passage mounted in the chamber for selective rotation between an open position and a closed position. The present invention allows for flushing the diaphragm face of a level transmitter with the ball valve member in an open position via a purge port positioned on the valve body and a purge passage connecting the through passage and a seating face portion of the outer surface of the ball valve member. The present invention is provided with a full port opening through the ball valve assembly for enhancing the accuracy of level transmitter readings and valve backflush capabilities.

Abstract: A manure processing apparatus which has a circular processing bin and a plurality of augers, with the augers arranged vertically and adapted to move in a circular path within the processing bin, and to raise and mix the manure continuously. The apparatus further comprises an air conditioning system to compost the manure and to dry the manure to produce feed.

Abstract: A portable prayer pillow designed to be kneeled upon by an individual during prayer and worship, wherein the pillow includes items necessary for keeping a prayer journal. In a preferred embodiment, the pillow comprises a first pocket having a plurality of blank paper or cloth strips on which information can be written and a second pocket for receiving and storing the strips having information written thereon. In use, for example, the individual can remove a blank strip from the first pocket, write a prayer request on the strip, and place the strip into the second pocket. When the prayer is answered, the individual can retrieve the strip from the second pocket, make an appropriate notation thereon, and place the updated strip back into the second pocket, or the individual can take a second blank strip from the first pocket, write a praise report thereon, and place the second strip in the second pocket.

Abstract: A child safety car-seat having an upper and a lower safety crossbar, with each crossbar having an air bag. The air bags deploy outward from the crossbars when activated in order to avoid injury to the child in the car-seat when the air bags fill with gas. The position of the air bags and the crossbars helps prevent injury to the head, face, neck, chest, and abdomen of the child during an automobile collision.

Abstract: The streamer toy of the present invention has a weight insertable into a pocket at the head end of the streamer so that the weight is hidden and not noticeable during use. The hidden weight allows a user to whirl the streamer in numerous snake-like attractive and entertaining patterns. The weight is small in size and padded to make the streamer toy safe for use. The pocket has a reinforced opening allowing a swivel to exit the pocket for attachment of a string-like member used to whirl the streamer toy. The padding on the weight restricts the motion of the clip which, in conjunction with the reinforced opening, increases the durability and useful life of the streamer toy.

Abstract: A motivational apparatus for controlling use of an electronic device, wherein the apparatus is interconnected between a source of transmission (e.g. power) and the electronic device to control transfer of transmissions from the transmission source to the electronic device. The apparatus comprises a plurality of electrical switches, a master switch, and a plurality of light-emitting diodes. A list of tasks is prepared and associated with the electrical switches such that one task corresponds to one electrical switch. As each task is completed, the electrical switch corresponding to that task is actuated to light up the diode corresponding to that switch. After all of the tasks are completed, a parent or supervisor may confirm satisfactory completion of the tasks and then actuate the master switch to close the electrical circuit, thereby allowing transfer of transmissions from the transmission source to the electronic device such that the electronic device is operational.

Abstract: A foldable portable crib comprises a pair of opposing side assemblies and a pair of opposing end assemblies supporting a mattress therebetween to form a crib frame. A mattress support platform is pivotally mounted to a pair of first corner posts, and moveable from an open, generally horizontal position to a folded, generally vertical position. In the folded position, the mattress support platform is positioned from a first side assembly a sufficient distance to stow a mattress and detached second side assembly therebetween. A portion of the end assembly is pivotally moveable about first corner posts for folding against the mattress support platform. A curved hinge joint and hinge brackets are provided for enhanced stability of the crib in its open, usable position. In the folded position, the portable crib is in a unitary, compact, and freestanding configuration.

Abstract: An industrial burner assembly comprising a manifold with a fuel inlet and a longitudinal axis, and a plurality of elongated burners positioned radially about the longitudinal axis having fuel ports in communication with the manifold and fuel inlet, wherein each elongated burner has an outer mixing tube, an inner mixing tube positioned coaxially within the outer mixing tube to form an annular space therebetween in communication with the fuel port, the inner mixing tube having an inner surface forming a passage for air flow through the burner assembly, and a plurality of apertures formed in the inner mixing tube to allow introduction of fuel from the annular space into the air flow passage to provide for efficient mixture of air and fuel in the burner assembly prior to combustion.

Abstract: A bulk dispensing apparatus uses a number of storage units for dispensing granular food products, i.e. candy, coffee, sugar, food supplements, etc. Each storage unit has a discharge hole with a valve operatively connected to the hole. The valve is attached at a dispensing station above a catch basin, which catches the minimal spillage. By using a number of variously colored and flavored granular products, specifically candy, a creative, decorative, edible art form in a clear container is easily fashioned and saved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a replaceable oil filter and method of using a replaceable oil filter that allows the oil filter to be disengaged from an engine without the spillage of residual used oil. The present invention relates to a replaceable oil filter comprising a housing having an upper portion with a top end forming an opening for threaded engagement with an engine, a filtration unit positioned within the upper portion, a lower portion forming a reservoir subjacent the upper portion, an impermeable barrier separating the upper portion and the lower portion to prevent fluid communication therebetween, and a means for establishing fluid communication between the upper portion and the lower portion to drain residual used oil from the upper portion into the reservoir prior to disengaging the replaceable oil filter from an engine. The present invention also comprises a method for easily replacing an oil filter with minimal or no spillage of residual used oil.

Abstract: A food handling fork having a plurality of elongated tines having an upper surface, a lower surface, a base end, and a point and a release plate forming a plurality of tine openings through which said tines extend. The release plate has a proximal end positioned above the upper surface of the tines, a curved portion positioned below the bottom surface of the tines, and a distal end terminating in at least one tongue having a tip extending upwardly to at least the lower surface of the tines. The present invention further comprises a means for slidably advancing the release plate along the tines from an initial position where the tongue is a predetermined distance between the base end and point of the tines to a release position where at least a portion of the tongue is forward the point of the tines.