Abstract: A windshield washer and wiper assembly for cleaning a windshield of an automobile. The assembly is generally comprised of an elongated housing, a source of windshield washer fluid under pressure, a perforated bladder within the housing, means for washing the windshield mounted through the housing in contact with the bladder, a wiper blade mounted on the housing and means for deflating the bladder. The bladder, upon actuation of the washer fluid source, inflates with washer fluid, urging the washing means against the windshield while simultaneously disengaging the wiper blade from the windshield and leaking washer fluid onto the windshield. The bladder returns to a contracted state by the deflating means upon deactivation of the washer fluid source to return the wiper blade to the windshield surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for clarifying a contaminated fluid mixture containing contaminating fluid, principal liquid and solids. The apparatus comprises a vertically standing cylindrical vessel for separating the contaminants from the principal liquid; a preliminary separator for tangentially introducing the contaminated fluid into the vessel; sparging tubes to aerate the contaminated fluid mixture, thereby separating the contaminating fluid from the principal liquid and solids; and a reservoir for collecting the contaminating fluid. The reservoir and preliminary separator are located in the upper portion of the vessel. The sparging tubes are located in the lower portion of the vessel.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and a method for cutting trees and grinding and mulching tree stumps. The apparatus includes a semi-spherical arcuate shield with a control mount and a foot mount attached to the arcuate shield. A cylindrical drum having cutting teeth mounted on the periphery of the drum is mounted below the arcuate shield such that the arcuate shield covers the upper forward and rearward surfaces of the drum. The method of the present invention includes grinding the upper portion of a tree trunk with a cylindrical drum with cutting teeth until substantially all of the tree trunk is cut away, pushing the apparatus against the tree trunk at a point above the ground away portion of the tree trunk until the upper portion of the tree trunk breaks off, grinding the resulting tree stump down to ground level with the cylindrical drum with cutting teeth, and depositing the tree cuttings from the tree stump around the tree stump.

Abstract: An apparatus for grasping and carrying substantially cylindrical objects is disclosed. The apparatus is generally comprised of a self-rolling spring strip with opposing concave and convex surfaces and mating hook and loop fastener portions fixedly attached on the opposing surfaces of the strip such that when the strip is in a coiled position, the fastener portions prevent the strip from uncoiling. The strip is biased to an uncoiled position such that when the strip is subjected to a slapping motion about a substantially cylindrical object, the opposing surfaces flatten out and the strip coils around the object. The strip is preferably elongated and made of metal. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus has an aperture on one end which extends through the strip and fastener portions and a mechanical fastener, such as a bolt, for securing the apparatus to a bulkhead or similar panel. In operation, the strip is initially in an uncoiled position.

Abstract: An apparatus for clarifying a contaminated fluid mixture containing contaminating fluid, principal liquid and solids, comprising a vertically standing cylindrical vessel for separating the contaminants from the principal liquid; a preliminary separator for tangentially introducing the contaminated fluid into the vessel; sparging tubes to aerate the contaminated fluid mixture, thereby separating the contaminating fluid from the principal liquid and solids; and a reservoir for collecting the contaminating fluid. The reservoir and preliminary separator are located in the upper portion of the vessel. The sparging tubes are located in the lower portion of the vessel.

Abstract: A method and system for removing miscible organic compounds from contaminated water is disclosed. The system of the present invention comprises a polisher for filtering out trace amounts of suspended solids, a system of columns connected in series and containing an adsorbent to adsorb miscible organic compounds, a source of ozone, and a contact tower for contacting the contaminated water with the ozone such that the ozone decomposes the miscible organic compounds to produce water that is substantially free of miscible organic compounds. The present invention also comprises a method of rejuvenating the adsorbent in individual columns.

Abstract: The method of the present invention comprises introducing a contaminated fluid mixture containing solids, liquid and contaminating fluid into a preliminary separator to separate the contaminating fluid from the principal liquid and solids; tangentially introducing the contaminated fluid mixture into a vertical cylindrical vessel in a circular motion to further separate the contaminating fluid from the principal liquid and solids; introducing air into the contaminated fluid mixture to further separate the contaminating fluid from the liquid and solids; maintaining the circular flow of the contaminated fluid mixture within the vessel to separate the fluid into contaminating fluid, clean liquid and solid contaminants; collecting the contaminating fluid in a reservoir; removing the contaminating fluid from the reservoir; and, discharging the clean liquid from the vessel.

Abstract: A clasp for connecting the ends of jewelry members is disclosed. The clasp of the present invention comprises an elongated main body member, a cooperating member for detachable connection to the main body member, and securing the cooperating member in the main body member such that the cooperating member does not dissociate from the main body member. The main body member has an aperture in one end and an elongated slot which terminates in an enlarged end on one end and connects to the aperture on the opposite end. The cooperating member has a spherical portion on one end, an eyelet portion on the opposite end, and a shank portion connecting these two portions. In the one embodiment of the present invention, securing is accomplished by a flat spring which is mounted adjacent to the slot in the main body member and extends partially over the slot to bias the cooperating member into the main body member and against the aperture.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and a method for cutting trees and grinding and mulching tree stumps. The apparatus includes a semi-spherical arcuate shield with a control mount and a foot mount attached to the arcuate shield. A cylindrical drum having cutting teeth mounted on the periphery of the drum is mounted below the arcuate shield such that the arcuate shield covers the upper forward and rearward surfaces of the drum. The drum is preferably mounted a constant radial distance from the arcuate shield. Debris limiting rings are mounted below the arcuate shield on each end of the drum. A belt guard is mounted on each debris limiting ring. An end plate is mounted on each belt guard, enclosing the space between the debris limiting ring, the belt guard, and the end plate. An output shaft extends through the drum and debris limiting rings, rotatably mounted in an end cap on one end of the apparatus and having a pulley mounted on the other end. The pulley engages a belt which engages a shaft above the arcuate shield.