Abstract: This invention relates generally to automated dumping or emptying of filled containers and specifically to the dumping of harvested fruit contained within a gondola with the apparatus of this invention automating the emptying of a fruit filled gondola into a truck or other receiving container or structure. The invention is the movement of the gondola from an upright position to a position displaced from the vertical which is away from the apparatus of the invention and toward a container into which the gondola contents are to be dumped. A lifting and tipping support frame pivotally receives the gondola. The lifting and tipping support frame is composed in part by lifting arms which are interconnected with stabilizing arms of differing lengths with the upper or top stabilizing arm longer than the lower or bottom stabilizing arm. A stationary post is welded to a container dumping frame. The top and bottom stabilizing arms are pivotally affixed by journals at the lifting arm and at the stationary post.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a transporter. More particularly this invention relates to an apparatus that can be used to transport a large and heavy cylinder on a frame with easy maneuverability. The apparatus is designed mainly for use with propane cylinders that have legs, whereby the article is not lifted to be place on the transporter, instead the apparatus is slid or placed underneath the article without disturbing it.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus permitting single handed extension of a telescoped net handle such that the fisherman grasps the net handle, steps on the most distal portion of the net frame and draws the net handle through a handle guide aperture and counter bore in the handle guide and locking apparatus and toward the extended position. A locking pin assembly presents a spring extended locking pin positioned proximal the handle first end which encounters a chamfer at the fish net handle guide and locking apparatus top side; the chamfer causing the locking pin to depress and enter a locating counterbore which terminates at a locating shoulder. As the net handle is extended further the depressed locking pin terminates extension of the net handle when it encounters the locating shoulder at which point the fisherman's rotation of the handle will cause the locking pin to encounter and enter a locking aperture in the locking assembly thus placing the fish net in condition for secure operation.

Abstract: This invention provides saturated and unsaturated Vadose zone remote sample acquisition and in-situ contaminant character identification. The invention is addressed to the management of the Vadose zone. Matters of interest to the agricultural community may include, in addition to other factors, the quantity of nutrients in the saturated zone and the existence of contaminants and the potential for loss of nutrients to the unsaturated zone. Matters of interest to facilities engaging in pollution, toxic or other contaminant detection will be the presence of such contaminants in both the saturated and unsaturated zones and additionally of the transit of contaminants into the unsaturated zone having potential of interaction with the water table.

Abstract: A utility valve key comprising at least one center member which may have at least one handle on one end. The opposite end may include at least one key member directly attached thereto for turning a valve including, but not limited to, plastic ball valves, gate valves and brass ball valves.

Abstract: A folding blade knife which may comprise a handle member, and including at least one upper handle member and at least one lower handle member defining a channel. The knife may further include a blade member pivotally mounted, via a pivotal member, to the handle member and within the channel. An actuator may be slidably mounted to the at least one upper handle member and joined to the blade member back end, for actuation by a user, such that when the user exerts a force against the actuator to slide the actuator with respect to the handle member, the user-exerted force is transmitted to the blade member back end to rotate the blade member. A pin slot may be formed within the at least one handle member at the handle member front end and arched around the pivotal member. An actuator slot may be formed within the at least one upper handle member at the handle member front end, having a linear portion and an arc portion.

Abstract: A plant fertilizer composition that includes an acid whereby said acid may react with, chelate, or block any metal ions in the soil in which the plants grow during administration of the fertilizer. This reaction renders the metal ions substantially ineffective for reacting with the fertilizer components. The fertilizer is thereby shielded from interference with any metal ions in the soil and the delivery of the fertilizer to the plant roots is thereby enhanced. The acid may be, but is not limited to, an organic acid and is preferably citric acid. The fertilizer composition may include phosphorus. Likes in one embodiment, the fertilizer composition may include phosphate ions and citric acid, the citric acid chelating any metal ions in the soil in which the plants grow thereby facilitating the transportation of phosphate to the plant roots.

Abstract: A storage floor air vent may comprise at least two vent walls positioned in substantially parallel relation to thereby define a channel; a plurality of angular baffle members, each angular baffle member composed of two segments forming an apex therebetween; the plurality of angular baffle members positioned in between the at least two vent walls in a linear arrangement, with each apex facing upward proximal the top end of each of the at least two vent walls, and each angular baffle member is positioned a distance apart from the adjacent angular baffle member to thereby define an orifice between the segment ends of adjacent angular baffle members.

Abstract: An apparatus or article of manufacture composing a jacket, vest, coat, shirt or similar clothing article which is convertible into a covering or blanket. The jacket or vest is assembled with a pocket formed between a portion of the jacket, such as a jacket outer covering, and a portion of a blanket wherein a portion of the blanket is foldably received into and stored within a pocket for removal and unfolding when use of the blanket is required. The pocket may be at any location on the jacket including at the front, back and inside. The manufacture of the vest or jacket is principally a blanket or fabric unit or portion integral with the vest or jacket portion. The blanket or fabric portion is contained, by folding, in the pocket. The vest or jacket is worn and utilized as any jacket or vest garment.

Abstract: A new design concept of boiling water reactor fuel assembly water channels is disclosed. The new design utilizes parallel flow paths guided inside an outer conduit without reversing flow. The different flow paths discharge water into the coolant stream, which is the objective of this invention, and resulting in improvements in thermal efficiency and stability of the fuel assembly. The thus diverted flow paths discharge water evenly into the coolant stream, which is the objective of this invention, with the result of improving the thermal efficiency and stability of the fuel assembly.

Abstract: A new design concept of boiling water reactor fuel rod is disclosed. The new design is characterized by an upward shift in the location of the fuel pellet stack inside the fuel cladding. The resulting axial power shift upward decreases two-phase and total pressure drop and has a stabilizing effect. A device for affecting such fuel pellet displacement is a crushable tube placed under the fuel pellet stack, which also helps to mitigate fuel-clad mechanical interaction and reduces the likelihood of clad failure.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing door frames which comprises at least two template members and at least three apertures on each template member. To provide horizontal adjustment means between said at least two template members, at least one elongated member may be joined approximately normal to each of said at least two templates. Said at least one elongated member may comprise at least one tongue member and at least one groove member, said at least one tongue member may be slidably positioned within said at least one groove member. To provide means for plumbing said template members, at least one screw may be positioned within said at least one template member. To install a door frame, the apparatus is positioned within a doorway, said doorway composed of two trimmer studs joined by a header stud, such that the at least one template of the apparatus is juxtaposed one of the two trimmer studs, and said at least one aperture outlines the perimeter of at least one slot to be cut in the trimmer stud.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus or apparatus system for vibration control, by harmonic optimization technology, of vibrations in the cantilever or barrel, portion of a device from which a projectile is fired or launched along the centerline of the cantilever. More particularly this invention relates to rifles, where the rifle barrel is a cantilever portion, and methods and apparatus for increasing the accuracy of firing projectiles. The invention is principally directed to a method and apparatus including a mass device affixed to a flexible cylinder extension at the muzzle end, inertial mass devices, having combustion pressure reduction features, affixed intermediate the muzzle end and the cartridge chamber, and a spring suspension system between barrel and rifle stock affixed proximal to the cartridge chamber. This system decreases the angular dispersion of barrel vibrations at the muzzle resulting from the firing of projectiles through such barrels.

Abstract: A process for improving beverage quality and increasing syrup yield within a beverage proportioning system. After reducing the alkalinity of the water and determining the acidity of the finished syrup component, sugar is added to the finished syrup in a quantity sufficient to bring the syrup within the brix and acidity parameters of the syrup. The method increases the brix value of the syrup, which allows for a high syrup yield and a high quality final beverage. To ensure a high syrup yield, the water flow to be mixed with the finished syrup is determined as a function of the brix of the finished syrup as compared to preset parameters of the beverage.

Abstract: A flexible integrated circuit mounting apparatus and method for mounting a chip on a printed circuit board directed to the reduction of stresses within the mounting or interconnection medium, caused principally by a mismatch of the coefficient of thermal expansion between the chip circuit and the printed circuit board, and thus reduction of the likelihood of interconnection failure between the chip and the particular surface or device to which an interconnection is made.

Abstract: The invention is an insulation system that enables the ice sheet of a skating rink to be economically established and maintained outdoors even at relatively high ambient temperatures. A part of the insulation system is a removable cover member that can be raised and lowered. The cover is raised to allow access to the ice and can serve much as a patio cover in this position. In the lowered position the cover forms a surface similar to a deck attached to a domestic dwelling and enables the area occupied by the ice rink to be used for other purposes when it is not being used for ice-related activities. The embodiment described is directed to residential use outdoor. The invention can be adapted for commercial use and for indoor use.