Abstract: A throwing apparatus and method (10) having a base (12), an arm axle mount (14), a throwing arm (16), a release handle (18), and a power section (20). Throwing arm (16) is rotatably connected by means of axle (46) near the bottom (28) of throwing arm (16) to arm axle mount (14). Arm axle mount (14) is located near the front (22) of base (12). The bottom (28) of throwing arm (16) is connected to one end (48) of power section (20). The other end (50) of power section (20) is connected to one of a number of speed adjustment connection locations (52) in base (12). Release handle (18) is movably connected near the back (24) of base (12) and includes release block (62). When the top (26) of throwing arm (16) is pulled in the rearward position towards the back (24) of base (12), release block (62) is pressed by release handle (18) over the top (26) of throwing arm (16) thereby holding throwing arm (16) in the rearward cocked position. An object to be thrown (78) is placed in the "V" shaped form of throwing arm (16).

Abstract: A chemical blending system having more than one chemical blending vessel (12, 12') with inlets at the top. A pair of automatic inlet valves are connected to the top of each chemical blending vessel, one with a large inlet orifice and one with a relatively much smaller inlet orifice. At least two chemical batch tanks are connected to the pair of automatic inlet valves and chemicals to be mixed are delivered there at high speed by pumps. Weight cell devices (30) are attached to the bottom of each blending vessel. A controller/computer is connected for the automatic control of pumps (28, 36) and valves (20, 50, 58). A discharge line is connected to the bottom of blending vessels and to a receiving station, and includes pulsation dampeners (38), filters (40) and static mixers (42). A sampling device (46) is connected a recirculation line for the sampling of the blended chemical during recirculation and prior to delivery.

Abstract: An artificial surface active soft plastic lure (16) includes emulsifiers so that the plastic lure (16) reacts in the presence of water and loses a measurable portion of its mass. Fish attractants and stimulants (12) are added to the surface active soft plastic lure (16) so that as the lure (16) reacts, fish attractants and stimulants (12) are actually released into the water for sensing by fish. The emulsifiers are selected from a group of chemicals including nonionic, amphoteric, alkanolamide, sorbitan monooleates, fatty acids, sulfonates, fatty esters, phosphate esters, amines, anionic, cationic, monostearates, sorbitan tristearates, and sorbitan trioleates. Preferred fish attractants include dehydrated protein and amino acids, in particular amino acids which are water soluble and alkaline or neutral substances having a pH of approximately 7-8. In the preferred embodiments, the amino acids are selected from a group including betaine, glycine, glutamic acid, proline, taurine and valine.

Abstract: A wheel (10) with a rim (12) and at least one spoke (14) includes a rim (12) wherein the depth of the rim (12) varies circumferentially around the rim (12). At least one spoke (14) with a first end (16) connected to the rim (12) and a second end (18) connected to a wheel hub (20) is provided wherein the cross-section of the spoke (14) varies from the first end (16) to the second end (18). The rim (12) depth varies circumferentially so that the depth is greater between the spokes (14) and less at the spokes (14). Further, the spoke (14) cross-section is symmetrical at the second end (18) connected to the wheel hub (20) and asymmetrical at the first end (16).

Abstract: An unrestricted motion device (10) has a sample holder (12), a detector holder (14) capable of independent multi-dimensional movement, a radiation source (16) and a radiation source holder (42) also capable of independent, multi-dimensional movement. In a preferred embodiment, the radiation source (16) is an x-ray tube. A controller (18) is connected to the sample holder (12) and detector holder (14) as well as to radiation source (16) so as to enable control of the independent movement of the sample holder (12) and detector holder (14), as well as operation of radiation source (16) and independent movement of radiation source (16). So long as any two of the sample holder (12), detector holder (14) or radiation source holder (42) are capable of multi-dimensional, independent movement, the entire diffraction cone (40) can be observed and analyzed. In a preferred embodiment, the holders are robots.

Abstract: A method of comparison includes the step (14) of obtaining an interior and exterior image of an object to be compared. A standard of measurements for an acceptable object is created in step (12). An automatic comparison is made in step (14) of the image of the object to be compared with the standard and a comparison report is generated in step (16) listing deviations of the image of the object to be compared from the standard for the acceptable object. An x-ray CT scanner (76) may be utilized for obtaining the images and the standard may be derived from an actual, acceptable object or from design specifications for acceptable objects. In a preferred embodiment, CAD designs are utilized to create the standards for comparison.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying objects with fluids includes the introduction of an object (46) to be dried into a container (12). The container (12) is filled with a first fluid (48) from the bottom (16) of container (12) to a predetermined level. Subsequently, a volatile second fluid is introduced at the bottom (16) of container (12) so as to form a stable interface (56). Thereafter, volatile second fluid (50) is continued to be introduced into container (12) until first fluid (48), interface (56), and some portion of volatile second fluid (50) passes through exit (24) and two-way exit valve (26). At that point, pump (40), pumping volatile second fluid (50) into container (12), is stopped and two-way exit valve (26) closes so that residual first fluid (48) and volatile second fluid (50) pass through excess drain line (32) to first and second fluid recovery reservoir (34).

Abstract: A hemispheric moving focus power plant (10) has a hemispheric solar reflector (12) for reflecting solar energy. A receiver (14) for receiving reflected solar energy and producing power therefrom is movably connected to the hemispheric solar reflector (12). The receiver (14) includes a frame with a top (24), to which a plurality of photovoltaic cells are connected, and a support (26). Further, a power conditioner (16) is connected to the receiver (14) for receiving power from the receiver (14) and conditioning the power for use.

Abstract: A clean connection and sampling apparatus (10) and method for creating a controlled environment for the transfer of chemicals has an isolation means for providing an isolated area (14) capable of being cleaned. A first connection means (16) for connection to a supply of chemicals to be transferred is provided and a second connection means (18) for transferring the chemicals from the isolation means to a receiver for said chemicals is also provided. A sampling means is located within the isolation means for sampling the chemical prior to transfer to the receiver. A pass-through means (22) is provided for receiving a sample from within the isolation means and isolating the sample from the isolation means prior to transfer of the sample outside of the isolation means for analysis.

Abstract: A multi-product sampling mechanism (10) having a clean valve (36), a sample cabinet (40) connected to the clean valve (36), and a utility cabinet (12) connected to the clean valve (36) and the sample cabinet (40) for controlling and cleaning the operation of the clean valve (36) and the sample cabinet (40). In a preferred embodiment, the sample cabinet (40) includes connection blanks (80) for the connection of additional sample cabinets (40) so that, if desired, more than one particular type of product or chemical can be received exclusively at a designated sample cabinet (40). Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, the clean valve (36) is connected a spacer connection (32) for connecting the clean valve (36) to a bulk-storage tank at the receiving facility. The spacer connection (32) is also connected to the utility cabinet (12).

Abstract: A spindle bayonet fish hook apparatus and method includes lure engaging body (12) with two ends (14) and (16). End (14) is larger in circumference than end (16 and lure engaging body (12) is symmetrical along a longitudinal axis (18). Lure engaging body (12) includes a connection (20) for connecting to fish equipment, such as a fish hook (24) and the like. Artificial plastic worm (22) is attached to lure engaging body (12) by pressing the head (32) of artificial plastic worm (22) over end (16) and up to end (14) in one embodiment. Because of the spindle shape of lure engaging body (12), concentric adhesion forces result from the radially stretching and expansion of the artificial plastic worm (22) by the insertion of lure engaging body (12) within it. As a result, artificial plastic worm (22) increasingly resists removal from lure engaging body (12) in response to retrieval of casts and the like.