Abstract: A conditioner for the air in a structure which includes a gravel body beneath a building slab. The gravel is in thermal contact with the earth beneath the slab. The earth is a cold-sink which exchanges heat with the gravel body and thereby with air which is forced through the gravel.

Abstract: A control for a seat, and a seat in combination with the control and a base, said control comprising an upper and a lower arm pivotally joined, with a flexure extending as a cantilever between them, such that a contactor contacts the flexure, and both permits and limits the tilting movement of the seat.

Abstract: A ballcock valve with a valve body mounted on a tubular riser with a valve seat which passes water from the riser. The valve body includes a base and a removable cap which enclose valve workings. A screen body passed through the valve seat has a central passage and openings to the passage that exclude particulate solids. A flow control is fitted to the screen body. The combined screen body and flow control is upstream from the valve seat. Preferably a retainer releasably holds the screen body against axial movement when installed.

Abstract: System and apparatus to accelerate solution of gas into liquid. The system includes an aspirating injector to bring the gas into the pressurized system, a collider, a reactor, and an optional gas/liquid separator. The collider and reactor provide for prompt renewal of the interface in the bubble with the liquid as the consequence of abrupt changes of direction of flow.

Abstract: A roadway surface drain provided with a grating to detain trash but pass water, a hinged closure plate beneath the grating to close the opening in which the grating is fitted, and linkage to tilt the closure plate to open said opening when the rate of water flow is sufficient, while permitting flow of water and detaining trash when the rate of flow is acceptably slow.

Abstract: Commuting dry almond hulls into fine particles, infusing the particles with water, extracting soluble compounds from them in a counter-current aqueous process. Separating the fibers to provide an aqueous solution, and ultrafiltering the remaining aqueous solution to provide ingredients for products such as sports beverages, health drinks, fruit bars, jams, jellies, and fibers. If desired, the aqueous solution from counter-current extraction can be treated with a yeast to increase the inositol content of the aqueous solution.

Abstract: A process to make in-situ pilings comprised of soil, cement, lime and water, the pilings being bodies of revolution formed by rotating a mixer-cutter blade whose cutting diameter is selectably adjustable, preferably on a running basis so as to have the capability of producing piling with a diameter that differs from station to station.

Abstract: A retrofit fitting for an externally threaded male nut that carries a face seal. The fitting is an adaptor with an internal thread to be threaded onto the male nut and an external thread to receive a female nut. The fitting carries a plurality of blades that engage matching blades on a cage engaged by the female nut. The cage is compressed against a head that bears the face seal by the female nut, so that relative rotation between the heads and face seals is prevented.

Abstract: A diverter valve for selectively passing water from a ballcock valve directly to a water storage tank or to the rim of a toilet. It includes a diverter plunger which places a deflector into the path of water from the ballcock, and a float which removes the deflector from the lumen when the ballcock valve is closed and the water level is sufficiently high, and lowers the plunger when the water level is sufficiently low.

Abstract: A toilet tank valve having valve workings supported on a riser. The riser incorporates a serpentine ladder-like groove pattern engaged by a tooth, such that the height of the valve workings can be adjusted by a ladder-like relative movements of an inner and outer tube.

Abstract: A system for dispensing slushy or frozen beverages having an ingredient of interest or importance to a customer. A container of this ingredient is visible to the prospective customer, and an indicator establishes that this ingredient is being supplied while the total beverage is being withdrawn from a mixer.

Abstract: An in-line water heater utilizing electrically conductive polymer structures for electrodes. The area of electrodes that confront one another can be varied, and thereby the temperature to which the water is heated can be variably adjusted. The heat is not generated by the electrodes, but instead by the resistance of the water to the electrical current flowing between them. While the electrodes can be moved relative to one another, preferably they will be fixed, and an non-electrically conductive current gating plate can adjustably be placed between them to variably adjust the amount of confronting areas. A field obstructor can be provided at the inlet and outlet of the heater housing to prevent the exit of electrical current from the heater electrodes, and also non-conductive grounding screens in place for secondary safety.

Abstract: The simultaneous processing of multiple rows of plants, especially trellised rows. Apparatus is provided to process two adjacent rows, using a conventional tractor with narrow gauge front wheels, with rear wheels on opposite sides of the two rows with a larger gauge. The spacing apart of the rear wheels is adjustable. The two processing apparati can be used simultaneously or selectively.

Abstract: Seating such as chairs and groups of chairs which include a base, a support for an occupant, and a control mounting the support to the base which optionally can enable a rocking motion for the support, and a control for this purpose. A plurality of seating elements and other furniture items can be supported on a single beam.

Abstract: A floating target for naval gunfire. The target includes an inflatable buoyant superstructure with a drogue chute attached to the periphery of the bottom of the superstructure. The drogue chute, when in use is well underwater. The drogue chute is an open flexible structure with a bottom end weighted with ballast to deploy it, and with ports through its side to permit water to flow into and out of it. A line is attached to the bottom of the drogue chute to enable the target to be tipped and the drogue chute drained of water. A float can be attached to the free end of the line to facilitate recovery, or the line itself may be buoyant.