Abstract: A pressure compensated drip irrigation hose (20) includes a hose having a wall (21) with an inner surface (21a). A continuous elastomeric strip member (30) is connected to the inner surface (21a). The continuous elastomeric strip member (30) and inner surface (21a) form a plurality of emitters. The emitters have an inlet section (40), a pressure reducing section (60) which is downstream from the inlet section (40). A pressure responsive section (70) is downstream from the pressure reducing section (60) and the outlet section (80) is downstream from the pressure responsive section (70). The continuous elastomeric strip member (30) is constructed from a material softer than the wall (21).

Abstract: A method for calculating the impedance in a first circuit coupling a first radio frequency electrode to a radio frequency controller where the first electrode is disposed in tissue in the vicinity of a second radio frequency electrode coupled to a second circuit. The impedance IMP of the first circuit is measured when energy is being supplied to both electrodes. The impedance IMP0 of the first circuit is also measured when energy is being supplied to the first electrode but not to the second electrode, and subtracted from the impedance value IMP to determine a delta value IMP&Dgr;. The impedance IMP2 of the first circuit is then measured when energy is being supplied to both electrodes. The impedance delta value IMP&Dgr; is subtracted from the impedance value IMP2 to arrive at a calculated impedance value for the first circuit. A computer-readable memory and apparatus utilizing the method are provided.

Abstract: A pest control device (10), and a method of suppressing a pest, which can be discretely and easily placed, serviced and removed from the proximity of areas where pests, including rodents and insects, are likely to frequent, including the area near the floor-wall juncture (54) behind shelving (44) and/or products (52) or equipment. The pest control device (10) has a pest suppression device (18) having an ingress for the pest and an elongate arm (20) having a proximate end (24) and a distal end (26), the proximate end (24) of the elongate arm (20) connected to the pest suppression device (20) communicating with the ingress and facilitating a pathway for the pest from the distal end (26) of the elongate arm (20) to the ingress. The pest suppression device (10) may be mounted on a platform (12 or 14) and the elongate arm (20) mounted instead to the platform (12 or 14).

Abstract: A dispensing system includes at least one source of pressurized air and reservoirs for multiple automobile finish products. A discrete spray gun is provided for each of the products.

Abstract: An electrical stunning device (10) to stun and immobilize an animal includes a first contact tip (15) and a second contact tip (23) to contact the animal. The first contact tip (15) is operatively connected to a first voltage wire (47) and the second contact tip (23) is operatively connected to a second voltage wire (46). The second contact tip (23) is pivotable to activate a proximity switch (43), which closes the circuit and allows voltage to be applied to the first contact tip (15) via the first voltage wire (47) and the second contact tip (23) via the second voltage wire (46) to stun the animal.

Abstract: A shelf assembly includes at least one shelf supported by vertical posts, and a net having opposite sides connected to respective posts so that the net spans at least one edge of the shelf and an associated area above the shelf.

Abstract: The present invention is a netting system (10) for use with bleachers and grandstands (11) to prevent children, persons, and debris from falling to the ground. A first end (12a) of a net (12) is operatively connected to a cable (18) proximate an attachment point (11a) proximate the top of the bleachers (11). Then, a second end (12b) of the net (12) is passed over the understructure (11c) of the bleachers (11) and then operatively connected to a cable (25) proximate an attachment point (11b) proximate the bottom of the bleachers (11).

Abstract: A retractable barrier assembly is selectively deployed to span an aisle bounded on at least one side by a shelf unit. More specifically, a net is preferably movable between a storage position, off the floor and free of the aisle, and a deployed position, extending across the aisle. A container is preferably provided to support a first end of the net and house the net when in its storage position.

Abstract: A buckle has a first outer plate, a second outer plate, and at least one intermediate plate sandwiched therebetween. Opposing first and second pawls are pivotally mounted between the first outer plate and the second outer plate, with respective force receiving portions projecting outward beyond a perimeter defined by the first outer plate and the second outer plate and extending away from one another. The pawls also have respective latching portions disposed between the first outer plate and the second outer plate and extending toward one another. First and second springs are interconnected between the at least one intermediate plate and respective pawls in a manner that biases the latching portions of the pawls to pivot toward one another. A catch has a strap supporting portion that is sized and configured for connection to a strap, and a distal portion that is sized and configured for insertion between the pawls and engagement between the latching portions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for making a sand mold (112) utilizing reverse purge air through a core box (100 and 100′) to harden the binder in the sand mold (112) proximate the ejection pins (106 and 106′). The sand mold (112) may be removed from the core box (100 and 100′) prior to drying the binder completely.

Abstract: There is provided a transportation system for transporting content from a first specified address to a second specified address. The transportation system comprises a transport channel, a plurality of containers, an operator, a propeller operatively connected to said container and in operative communication with said operator, and a central controller remote from said containers and in operative communication with said operator. The controller is configured for receiving orders for transport between the first and second addresses. In operation, the controller communicates instructions to the operator, and the operator further communicates the instructions to the propeller, causing the propeller to propel the cargo from the first address to the second address.

Abstract: A dispensing device (10) for dispensing a measured amount of a chemical (60) into a fluid piping system including a cap member (24) having a fluid inlet port (33) and a fluid outlet port (34) between which is a tubular flow conduit (28). The cap member (24) also includes bypass and control members (44), which align with an inlet passageway (36) and an outlet passageway (42) in the cap member (24). Fluid flows into the cap member (24) through the inlet port (33). The tubular flow conduit (28) has the inlet passageway (36) therein to divert a portion of the fluid passing through the system into a canister (11) operatively connected to the cap (24). A container (16) is disposed within the canister (11) containing the chemical (60), which is partially dissolved by fluid introduced into the container (16) to create a use solution.

Abstract: An ankle support (10 ) includes a first portion (11), which is a boot-like member, and an outer member (30). A pre-configured figure eight member comprising a strap (240 ) is positioned around the boot-like member (11). The outer member (30) is secured to the boot-like member (11) and forms a cover to hold the pre-configured figure eight member in place to prevent misalignment of the strap (240).

Abstract: A combination stuffing horn (60) and skin brake (70) allows for a stuffing apparatus (10) for meat products (130) to be utilized. The stuffing horn (60) includes an elongate member (62) with a bore (62a) through which the meat product passes. The elongate member (62) has an outer cross section. The skin brake (70) has an inflatable bladder which is positioned around the elongate member. The bladder, when inflated, conforms to the outer cross section, wherein pressure is exerted on a shirred casing as the casing is being pulled over the horn (60) as the meat product (130) is stuffed into the casing.

Abstract: A self-contained juice dispensing station (10) is provided for use with a mixer (190). The station (10) includes a liner (20) having a cavity (21). A plurality of containers holding the liquid concentrate or juice are positioned in the cavity (21) on trays (25). A mixer housing (70) is operatively connected to the liner (20) and has a cavity (77) for positioning a mixer (190). An ice bin is removably connected to the station (10). A plurality of pumps (90-93) are positioned in the station for pumping the liquid, thereby forming a self-contained ice cube/juice/mixer station.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a method of making pepperoni flakes or pepperoni. The applications for this invention are broad and would encompass any flavoring for a meat topping or ingredient product. Generally, the subject invention includes the use of fat raw materials rather than a lean/fat blend, the use of an emulsifier to reduce fat particle size and connective tissue, and a low moisture protein ratio of the end product. In addition, this method results in a rapid speed of the process. The product mixture is ground, cooked, and conveyed to a drum drier. The speed of the drum drier is determined by the desired moisture protein ratio, which is 1.6:1 or less for pepperoni.

Abstract: A buckle includes a first assembly and a second assembly which are selectively latched to one another. Each assembly includes a keeper and a latch secured between a pair of first and second outer plates. The two assemblies are identical in construction and configured to selectively interlock in a manner that provides a reliable buckle.

Abstract: A shelf assembly includes vertical posts and horizontal shelf supports that are configured and arranged to define at least one shelf space extending upward beyond upper distal ends of the posts. Net supports are connected to the posts in a manner that supports the net in a position spanning at least one edge of the shelf space.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing apparatus (10) includes a container (70) for holding a liquid product to be dispensed. A docking station (20) receives the container (70). A reservoir (50) is positioned in the docking station (20) for receiving the liquid to be dispensed. A docking cup is connected to the docking station for opening a bottle insert (90) which is contained in the container (70). The bottle insert includes a body (93) having openings (95). A probe-engaging member is movable between a first and second position without obstructing the openings (95).