Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for directing and cushioning a plurality of items, particularly potatoes, conveyed from an elevated source into a piling area beneath the elevated source. The apparatus includes: a frame connecting to the elevated source; an arm connected to the frame at a first connection area; and a directing and cushioning element operatively connected to the arm at a second connection area, the element containing (1) a bracket member and (2) a plurality of resilient, curved fingers connected to the bracket member, each finger with at least a portion thereof disposed beneath an initial drop area adjacent to the elevated source. The method relates to the dropping of, directing of, and absorbing of kinetic energy from an item among the plurality of items as the item contacts portions of the apparatus.

Abstract: A diffuser assembly includes a base, oil reservoir, diffusor jet unit, baffled glass top and an electric air pump. The assembly provides a fine aromatic oil mist from the glass top when the jet unit is energized. The baffled glass top locks into a diffusor housing from the top and the oil reservoir threads into the bottom of the housing.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for laterally engaging a standing tree, compressing branches of the tree toward its trunk, and binding the branches while the branches are compressed. The apparatus includes: a support structure attached to a rigid arcuate frame, the frame partially circumscribing a vertical channel occupiable by the tree and having a horizontal channel through which the tree enters into the vertical channel when the tree is laterally engaged for baling; an assembly for compressing branches of the tree; a horizontal arcuate guide rotatably mounted to the frame; an assembly for rotating the guide around the vertical channel; and an assembly for binding branches of the tree. The apparatus may further include: an assembly for selectively gating the horizontal channel; and an assembly for guiding the trunk through the horizontal channel and deflecting branches during lateral engagement.

Abstract: A magnetic device for treating carbon based fuels by exposing the fuel piping to intense magnetic fields. The south magnetic poles are placed adjacent to the pipe and the flux lines in the pipe are increased by the use of permeable steel bars adjacent to the magnets and pipe. The device includes a flux path through a permeable housing and cover. The device can be installed around existing piping or inserted in the pipe line by pipe fittings.

Abstract: A vertically stored can dispenser having the capability to retain multiple size food cans and provide easy access to the various size can channels. The dispenser can be attached to a lazy susan rotary base or attached to a slide-out cabinet dispenser device. The multiple size can channels can be interchanged.

Abstract: A fully adjustable paint box and easel which folds into a compact, light portable box shape for carrying. The novel tripod head assembly allows the outer legs to rotate out, the middle leg to rotate down, the painting holder assembly to rotate up, and the paint box to open forming a painter's easel.

Abstract: A process and system for making dehydrated potato products with reduced water usage, and reduced waste water production, are provided. In a first process embodiment potato flakes are fabricated by washing, peeling and slicing raw potatoes to form potato pieces. The potato pieces are then precooked using steam or microwave energy, and vacuum cooled in a process chamber. The vacuum cooled potato pieces are then cooked using steam or microwave energy, and riced to form a potato mash. Following ricing, effluents from the precooking step can be added back to the mash as a flavor enhancer. In addition, the potato mash is dried using a drying apparatus such as a drum drier, to form potato sheets. The potato sheets are then comminuted to form potato flakes having a moisture content of about 6% to 8%.

Abstract: A process for preparing potatoes improves the shelf life of cooked potatoes and improves the appearance, taste, and texture of the potatoes. The potatoes first are washed. They are next perforated and then coated with an edible oil. The potatoes are cooked by heating the core to between about 195 and 200° F. and holding for about 15 minutes. The cooked potatoes are soaked in a solution to rehydrate the potato cells. The rehydrated potato has an extended shelf life with improved appearance, taste, and texture.

Abstract: A process for preparing potato products, such as potato chips, cottage fries, and French fries is provided. The process includes the steps of: placing raw potato slices on a moving conveyor belt; dockering the potato slices by moving the slices under a rotating dockering brush having flexible bristles; and then cooking the dockered potato slices. The finished products are characterized by fewer pillows and blisters, lower moisture contents, and reduced cooking times.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a gamebird hat from multiple gamebird pelts. The pelts are prepared and then coated with a layer of acrylic latex. A hat liner base and hat liner top are cut out from black canvas and assembled on a mannequin head. After pinning the liner base and folding the liner top, the liner base and liner top are removed and stitched. After replacing the liner base and liner top on the mannequin head, the previously cut pelt sections are carefully glued to the liner base and liner top to form a warm and colorful hat.

Abstract: A scissor-like device having narrow jaws and a ratchet tooth closing clamp between the two handle halves that operates like a hemostat, i.e. it maintains the jaws in a fixed position. The jaws are either curved or wedge-shaped to pry the teeth slightly apart during the filling procedure. In a first embodiment closing the handle separates two teeth from a center tooth. In a second embodiment closing the handles separates two adjacent teeth.

Abstract: An extended hold potato product comprising cut potatoes having a starch-based coating, the coating including corn starch, corn flour, and low solubility dextrin. In a preferred embodiment, the starch-based coating further includes rice flour, sodium chloride, and sodium acid pyrophosphate. After finish preparation, the potato product retains a generally crisp outer surface texture for an extended period of time. A process for preparing a potato product having an extended hold time comprises (a) washing, cutting, and blanching raw potatoes, (b) partially drying surfaces of the potatoes, (c) applying an aqueous starch-based slurry to the potatoes, the aqueous slurry including corn flour, corn starch, low solubility dextrin, and water, and then (d) parfrying and freezing the coated potatoes.

Abstract: An adjustable vest that permits the wearer to carry an oxygen bottle and other necessary attachments while having free use of both hands. An expandable bottle pouch on the back of the vest has an adjustable strap and buckle and closure flap that retain the bottle. A pocket on the pouch holds a gas metering device. Plastic loops retain a hose on the pouch and on the shoulder of the wearer. Multiple snap hooks connect the front and back of the vest to the wearer's belt loops.

Abstract: A fixture tooling for supporting a back side of a printed circuit board during component placement on a top side of the board includes an inflatable air bladder that is sized substantially coextensive with the circuit board. The bladder is positioned below the circuit board within a containment unit adapted for use with conventional railed assembly equipment. The bladder is selectively inflated for supporting the complete back side of the printed circuit board during assembly operations. The bladder provides evenly distributed support across, substantially, the entire circuit board without damaging any components on the back side by pliably conforming to component irregularities on the back side.

Abstract: A sink disinfecting apparatus consisting of a dual compartment container having a water reservoir in one half and a disinfectant reservoir in the other half. The heated water reservoir is connected to the house cold water supply and discharges to a venturi which aspirates disinfectant from the disinfectant reservoir which then discharges through a valve to a disinfectant tray holding a sponge or other type of cleaning pad. A mixture of water and disinfectant is discharged to the tray by operating a push button valve.

Abstract: A fixture tooling for supporting a back side of a printed circuit board during component placement on a top side of the board includes an inflatable air bladder that is sized substantially coextensive with the circuit board. The bladder is positioned below the circuit board within a containment unit adapted for use with conventional railed assembly equipment. The bladder is selectively inflated for supporting the complete back side of the printed circuit board during assembly operations. The bladder provides evenly distributed support across, substantially, the entire circuit board without damaging any components on the back side by pliably conforming to component irregularities on the back side.

Abstract: A system and method of recreating a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) in electronic form from disjointly formatted data. A graphical representation of the PCB is displayed as derived from electronically formatted Gerber files wherein component mounting locations are electronically selected and component identification data is merged from a non-electronically formatted bill of materials into a database for associating the component identification data with the Gerber files PCB data. This system overcomes the previously tedious, manual and error-prone process of recreating a PCB from such disjointly formatted data.

Abstract: A system for selecting an arrow shaft by determining an optimum spine based on a type of bow, a point weight, a peak bow weight, and an arrow shaft length; and a graph for providing a pictorial representation of a relationship between static spine, dynamic spine, and weight per inch of the arrow shaft. In a preferred embodiment, a table which provides an optimum spine for combinations of different bow types, point weights, peak bow weights, and arrow shaft lengths is provided.

Abstract: A low-fat saute and method for making the same is disclosed, the mixture substantially simulating the appearance, taste, texture, and mouth feel of traditional fat-filled sautes.