Abstract: A highly maneuverable, multi-use, human-powered cart for comfortably transporting substantial loads. A cargo basket is defined between upper and lower subframes forming a rigid, low-profile frame at the middle of the trailer. The frame rear terminates in a pair of articulated forks supporting a large wheel that bears most of the cargo weight. An adjustable and pivoted yoke assembly at the front of the frame supports an articulated harness assembly worn by the user. The yoke assembly preferably comprises an upwardly angled yoke tube slidably coupled and pivoted to the frame front at the tube's lower end. Height adjustments are facilitated by the slidably adjustable yoke tube relative to the frame to accommodate various user heights. The device folds for storage or for carrying on the users back while crossing challenging terrain.

Abstract: Axially compressible, high bandwidth F-connectors designed for conventional installation hand tools for interconnection with coaxial cable. Each connector has a rigid nut that is axially and rotatably secured to a molded plastic, tubular body. A rigid, conductive post coaxially extends through the connector, linking the nut and body. A post barbed end penetrates the cable within the connector. The body has a tubular shank with an obstruction-free surface and an integral stop ring. A tubular, metallic end cap is slidably fitted to the body shank, and thereafter forcibly compressed lengthwise, with travel limited by the stop ring. No detented structure is formed on the body, and the end cap can irreversibly assume any position, being held by end cap teeth. A tactile system comprising convex projections on the stop ring complemented by a resilient O-ring on the end cap helps installers determine correct placement through the sense of touch.

Abstract: A vending machine and a hose controller system for vending machines wherein the dispenser hose is axially and torsionally controlled to facilitate slight twisting, thereby minimizing applicator tool resistance, and making it easier for users to operate the remote vending tool on the hose distal end. The elongated reinforced applicator hose terminates at the controller, which bridges the hose between the outdoors and the cabinet interior. The controller has an angulated bracket mounted within the vending machine cabinet. A collar assembly secured on the bracket top above a hose feed-through orifice has a terminator, a bushing, and a cooperating yoke that are coaxially secured. The terminator anchors the hose end and is seated within the yoke. A rigid lug projects radially from the yoke. A rigid restrictor surmounts the collar assembly and limits rotation by contact with the lug.

Abstract: Embodiments include a method and apparatus for converting one or more twist-lock orifices of a tube sheet of a baghouse filter system to one or more snap-band orifices. In one embodiment, a machine is utilized to remove one or more tabs from a twist-lock orifice by use of a cutting tool, thereby converting the twist-lock orifice to a snap-band orifice.

Abstract: A portable, multi-mode, multi-user cooler for storing and selectively dispensing beverages. A plastic, cylindrical container forms a hopper that mounts a removable top. Multiple, external recessed channels are formed in the container at radially spaced-apart locations. Deployable legs formed of multiple segments are housed within the channels when retracted. A plurality of user-actuable dispensing spigots that are radially spaced-apart around the periphery of the body are located between adjacent legs. Legs are deployed by unfolding them once removed from the storage channels. Selectively deployable, coaxial sleeves fitted to leg elements can be slidably deployed to lock the knees in axial alignment to secure and brace the legs. An internal divider partitions the container volume into separate compartments aligned with separate radially spaced-apart spigots.

Abstract: A heavy-duty pallet box for bulk goods and palletized loads. The knockdown box may be folded for storage. To erect it, a flat board comprising a pair of complementary, die-cut blanks, or a unitary blank comprising complementary halves, is unfolded. A central side panel and a pair of adjacent, foldable side panels on each blank are separated by score lines for folding. Suitable flaps project from each blank for gluing them together. A lower, generally trapezoidal segment is formed at each blank bottom, below the central panel. The latter segments, one from each of two blanks, are coupled to form the knockdown bottom of the desired foldable container. Smaller trapezoidal flanges project downwardly from each blank at opposite sides of the larger trapezoidal segment. These flanges include suitable glue tabs. When assembled, the flanges form a shelf that braces the container bottom, reinforcing the structure.

Abstract: A heavy-duty seedling planter for reforestation comprises specially configured coulter wheels that form a unique seedbed furrow. An elongated, rigid frame includes a front towing connection, and a rear strut for mounting trailing furrow compaction wheels. The planter is towed over the ground by an agricultural tractor and an operator seated within a cab dispenses seedlings. The coulters are spaced apart from one another along the frame. Both coulters are towed in approximately ten degrees and positively cambered approximately three degrees. The axes of rotation of the coulters are neither coaxial, coincident, collinear nor coplanar. The trailing coulter almost touches the midpoint of the leading coulter. Dual convex packer wheels trailing the frame compress soil, close the furrow, and create twin, parallel irrigation trenches.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for screeding freshly placed concrete in which the acoustic impedance of the treating equipment is made substantially equal to the acoustic impedance of the concrete slab. Portions of the screed contacting the plastic concrete are matched to an acoustic impedance approximating the acoustic impedance of plastic concrete, promoting the energy transferred to the concrete. The acoustic matching material is fabricated from a material that has an acoustic impedance within 67% to 150% of the acoustic impedance of the concrete being finished. The acoustic matching material has an abrasion resistance of no greater than 150 measured using ASTM Method G-65 where steel is given a rating of 100. The preferred matching material comprises ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) plastic.

Abstract: An improved float tube arrangement for outdoor water-related activities, particularly hunting and fishing. The float can be deployed as a blind for partially concealing and camouflaging a user, who sits in the circular middle of the float upon an adjustable seat supported by suitable straps. When used as a blind a canopy and net are selectively deployed. The stable base is formed by a pair of coaxially stacked inner tubes that are tightly bound by a covering fabric. Mechanical integrity is enhanced by frame loops encircling the inner tubes, and an encircling belt that concentrically tensions the float within a depressed region formed at the juncture of the stacked inner tubes. A canopy mounted to the frame loops and an optional net can be deployed as desired.

Abstract: A bird feeder comprising a hopper suspended above ground by a hanger for holding granular bird seed, and a collapsible feed trough through which the seed flows. The trough consists of a series of pivotally interconnected ramps that unfold during deployment into a zigzag configuration. An uppermost ramp is fixedly secured to the hopper, and successive lower ramps are pivoted to each other in an angular “zigzag” arrangement. Each ramp is inclined relative to the horizontal approximately thirty degrees. Each ramp has a discharge hole at its lower end that is large enough for seed to fall through to a lower ramp. In response to vibration, seeds exit the hopper and travel through the trough. When the feeder is to be stored or shipped, the trough is collapsed by folding the ramps into a nested, retracted position.