Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting sonochemical reactions and processes using in large scales liquid medium volumes is disclosed which passes a hydrodynamic liquid flow at a velocity through a flow through channel internally containing at least one element to produce a local constriction of the hydrodynamic liquid flow. The velocity of the liquid flow in the local constriction is at least 16 m/sec. A hydrodynamic cavitation cavern is created down stream of the local constriction, thereby generating cavitation bubbles. The cavitation bubbles are shifted with the liquid flow to an outlet from the flow through channel and the static pressure of the liquid flow is increased to at least 0.85 kg/cm.sup.2. The cavitation bubbles are then collapsed in the elevated static pressure zone, thereby initiating the sonochemical reactions and processes.

Abstract: An improved bail is provided for use on a lawn mower. The bail includes a pivot stop member that is integral with the bail and which is positioned within a first hollow portion of a first leg of a control handle attached to the lawn mower. To stop the bail from pivoting in a first direction, the bail is released by the operator. A second end of a pivot stop member then comes into contact with the inside surface of the hollow portion of the first leg. This stops the bail from pivoting.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for producing ultra-thin emulsions and dispersions is disclosed. The method includes the steps of passing a hydrodynamic liquid flow containing dispersed components through a flow-through channel having at least one nozzle and a buffer channel and directing a primary liquid jet from the nozzle into the buffer channel, thereby creating a secondary liquid jet in the buffer channel directed toward the nozzle. The primary liquid jet and the secondary liquid jet create a high intensity vortex contact layer that creates collapsing cavitation caverns and cavitation bubbles in the high intensity vortex contact layer. Ultra-thin emulsions and dispersions are formed under the influence of the collapsing cavitation caverns and cavitation bubbles. The apparatus includes a flow-through channel having an inlet and an outlet and a nozzle located inside the flow-through channel between the inlet and the outlet and having an orifice.

Abstract: An improved chipper shredder is disclosed having inwardly extending teeth affixed to the housing displaced from the discharge opening so as to provide additional shredding action.

Abstract: A belt-tensioning device for a walk-behind mower with driven wheels is disclosed. The belt-tensioning device allows the operator a hands-free way to increase the idler pulley force and hence, tension of the driven belt. The device includes a belt guard, a spring adjuster assembly comprising a spring adjuster arm and a spring adjuster footstep. The operator increases the tension of the driven belt by using the footstep that is located on the device attached to the spring adjuster arm. This moves the pulley by way of a spring attached to the pulley and the belt guard. Movement of the spring increases the belt tension.

Abstract: A protective sleeve including a fastener to fasten the sleeve around an arm of a wearer so as to be retained in position. The sleeve extends to the upper arm of the user. The protective sleeve includes an inner layer of water proof material extending the length of the sleeve and an outer most layer of absorptive material covering the inner layer circumferentially. The outer layer acts to retard liquid running along the length of the sleeve.

Abstract: A vertical drive shaft lawn edger has an arbor which allows the cutting blade to extend outwardly from the lawn edger, yet still be rigid and stable. The arbor is located at an angle .alpha. with respect to a longitudinal axis running perpendicular to the rear axle and lying within the same plane. The angle .alpha. is preferably 5.degree. or less. The arbor is mounted to a frame of the lawn edger by a bracket and screws. A pivoting assembly enables the arbor to pivot thereby increasing or decreasing the angle .alpha..

Abstract: A neutral biasing system is disclosed using a neutral biased biasing system on a control column to bias a remote power unit into a neutral condition.

Abstract: A control system for controlling an associated device includes a vacuum actuator, connecting means for operatively connecting the vacuum actuator to the associated device, vacuum means for providing a vacuum to the vacuum actuator, and activating means for selectively electrically activating the vacuum actuator. To engage an associated PTO shaft, an operator switches an electric switch opening a control valve and activating a vacuum actuator. Next a clutch arm is pivoted causing a brake arm to take a PTO pulley out of braking engagement and forcing an idler pulley into operative engagement with a PTO belt. This connects the PTO pulley with a drive pulley thereby rotating the PTO shaft. When the PTO is to be disengaged, the brake arm is effective to stop the motion of the implement driven by the PTO, and to stop the implement within a very short time.

Abstract: A riding lawn mower is provided that has an engine, a device that requires control and a vacuum actuated control mechanism for controlling the device. The vacuum actuated control mechanism includes a vacuum actuator having first and second chambers separated by a movable membrane, first connecting means for operatively connecting the vacuum actuator to the device, vacuum means for providing a vacuum to the vacuum actuator, activating means for selectively activating the vacuum actuator and securing means for securing the vacuum actuator in place. The securing means also secures the device in place.

Abstract: A sulky for a self propelled lawn mower, the sulky being interconnected by a pivot frame and a horizontal pivot to the mower frame, and a vertical pivot between the sulky frame and wheels in order to retain the operator in a constant position in respect to the mower under all operator conditions.

Abstract: A safety cord-pull apparatus having a top portion and a bottom portion which include raised waves to secure control cords from a blind. A razor blade molded into the cord-pull apparatus cuts the control cords in the event a child or small pet becomes entangled within the control cords. An alternate cord-pull apparatus is also provided which has a circular housing through which the control cords are disposed. The control cords are cut by a sharpened edge in a cap on the housing or by a sharpened washer located inside the housing. The cord-pull apparatus also includes a pull cord that hangs below the control cord-pull apparatus to operate a blind.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling illumination of a fluorescent lamp is disclosed which includes two transformers for heating cathodes of the fluorescent lamp. Also included are two ballasts for ballasting the fluorescent lamp having an input adapted to receive a source of A-C power and an output coupled to the fluorescent lamp. The ballasts provide power to the fluorescent lamp in excess of a normal rated power of the fluorescent lamp. The apparatus further includes a flasher relay for repeatedly cycling power at a cycling rate between power on and power off to the fluorescent lamp coupled to the output of the ballasts and to the fluorescent lamp, thereby causing the fluorescent lamp to flash at a flashing rate with a flashing intensity of light output which is greater than the flashing intensity of output of the fluorescent lamp under normal continuous operation. A remote control sensor may be connected to the apparatus to switch the apparatus between the flashing cycle and normal continuous operation.

Abstract: A drive system for a grounds care device using two identical final drives in combination with two identical power units to provide directional drive to the wheels.The final drives and power units are assembled to each other differently for use on each side to provide the required relative reverse rotation of each drive wheel while maintaining the same direction of control movement for forward (or reverse) movement of each drive wheel (in regards to machine movement).Additionally, the drive belt for the cutting unit is routed between the power units (rather than under or over) to allow a lower center of gravity for increased stability.

Abstract: A slip sheet for receiving goods is provided with a compressible tab portion extending outwardly from at least one side edge. The compressible tab portion has a convex airfoil-type cross-sectional area to facilitate grasping of the airfoil shaped tab portion, the compressible tab portion being canted upwardly from a plane defined by the flat portion of the slip sheet to further facilitate grasping.

Abstract: A drive connection between a spindle and a mowing blade wherein the roots of the extending teeth of the interlocking member define an inner diameter substantially equal to the threaded stud utilized to hold the blade on the spindle.

Abstract: A mower deck is disclosed that utilizes an auxiliary source of pressurized air in order to avoid clipping buildup under the mowing deck, most particularly at the trailing edge of the discharge chute.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus for scanning a video recording for objectionable content is disclosed that includes an audio processor for analyzing the recording and recognizing the objectionable audio, and audio control gate for manipulating the objectionable audio. The scanning apparatus also includes an amplifier that amplifies the signal and converters to convert the signal from analog to digital format prior to analysis and digital to analog format after analysis. The method of scanning the video recording for objectionable content includes the steps of analyzing the recording and manipulating the recording. The method first includes the steps of amplifying the recording signal, separating the audio portion of the recording from the composite recording, digitizing the portions of the recording, and storing the composite portion of the recording in a loop while analysis is performed on the audio portion of the recording.