Abstract: A ball valve assembly of the quarter-turn type for use in isolating an electronic level transmitter comprising a valve body having an inner chamber, an inlet or tank-side port, an outlet or transmitter side port, a valve body axis defined by the inlet and outlet ports, and a substantially spherical ball valve member having an inner surface forming a through passage mounted in the chamber for selective rotation between an open position and a closed position. The present invention allows for flushing the diaphragm face of a level transmitter with the ball valve member in an open position via a purge port positioned on the valve body and a purge passage connecting the through passage and a seating face portion of the outer surface of the ball valve member. The present invention is provided with a full port opening through the ball valve assembly for enhancing the accuracy of level transmitter readings and valve backflush capabilities.

Abstract: A manure processing apparatus which has a circular processing bin and a plurality of augers, with the augers arranged vertically and adapted to move in a circular path within the processing bin, and to raise and mix the manure continuously. The apparatus further comprises an air conditioning system to compost the manure and to dry the manure to produce feed.

Abstract: A portable prayer pillow designed to be kneeled upon by an individual during prayer and worship, wherein the pillow includes items necessary for keeping a prayer journal. In a preferred embodiment, the pillow comprises a first pocket having a plurality of blank paper or cloth strips on which information can be written and a second pocket for receiving and storing the strips having information written thereon. In use, for example, the individual can remove a blank strip from the first pocket, write a prayer request on the strip, and place the strip into the second pocket. When the prayer is answered, the individual can retrieve the strip from the second pocket, make an appropriate notation thereon, and place the updated strip back into the second pocket, or the individual can take a second blank strip from the first pocket, write a praise report thereon, and place the second strip in the second pocket.

Abstract: A child safety car-seat having an upper and a lower safety crossbar, with each crossbar having an air bag. The air bags deploy outward from the crossbars when activated in order to avoid injury to the child in the car-seat when the air bags fill with gas. The position of the air bags and the crossbars helps prevent injury to the head, face, neck, chest, and abdomen of the child during an automobile collision.

Abstract: The streamer toy of the present invention has a weight insertable into a pocket at the head end of the streamer so that the weight is hidden and not noticeable during use. The hidden weight allows a user to whirl the streamer in numerous snake-like attractive and entertaining patterns. The weight is small in size and padded to make the streamer toy safe for use. The pocket has a reinforced opening allowing a swivel to exit the pocket for attachment of a string-like member used to whirl the streamer toy. The padding on the weight restricts the motion of the clip which, in conjunction with the reinforced opening, increases the durability and useful life of the streamer toy.

Abstract: A motivational apparatus for controlling use of an electronic device, wherein the apparatus is interconnected between a source of transmission (e.g. power) and the electronic device to control transfer of transmissions from the transmission source to the electronic device. The apparatus comprises a plurality of electrical switches, a master switch, and a plurality of light-emitting diodes. A list of tasks is prepared and associated with the electrical switches such that one task corresponds to one electrical switch. As each task is completed, the electrical switch corresponding to that task is actuated to light up the diode corresponding to that switch. After all of the tasks are completed, a parent or supervisor may confirm satisfactory completion of the tasks and then actuate the master switch to close the electrical circuit, thereby allowing transfer of transmissions from the transmission source to the electronic device such that the electronic device is operational.

Abstract: A foldable portable crib comprises a pair of opposing side assemblies and a pair of opposing end assemblies supporting a mattress therebetween to form a crib frame. A mattress support platform is pivotally mounted to a pair of first corner posts, and moveable from an open, generally horizontal position to a folded, generally vertical position. In the folded position, the mattress support platform is positioned from a first side assembly a sufficient distance to stow a mattress and detached second side assembly therebetween. A portion of the end assembly is pivotally moveable about first corner posts for folding against the mattress support platform. A curved hinge joint and hinge brackets are provided for enhanced stability of the crib in its open, usable position. In the folded position, the portable crib is in a unitary, compact, and freestanding configuration.

Abstract: An industrial burner assembly comprising a manifold with a fuel inlet and a longitudinal axis, and a plurality of elongated burners positioned radially about the longitudinal axis having fuel ports in communication with the manifold and fuel inlet, wherein each elongated burner has an outer mixing tube, an inner mixing tube positioned coaxially within the outer mixing tube to form an annular space therebetween in communication with the fuel port, the inner mixing tube having an inner surface forming a passage for air flow through the burner assembly, and a plurality of apertures formed in the inner mixing tube to allow introduction of fuel from the annular space into the air flow passage to provide for efficient mixture of air and fuel in the burner assembly prior to combustion.

Abstract: A bulk dispensing apparatus uses a number of storage units for dispensing granular food products, i.e. candy, coffee, sugar, food supplements, etc. Each storage unit has a discharge hole with a valve operatively connected to the hole. The valve is attached at a dispensing station above a catch basin, which catches the minimal spillage. By using a number of variously colored and flavored granular products, specifically candy, a creative, decorative, edible art form in a clear container is easily fashioned and saved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a replaceable oil filter and method of using a replaceable oil filter that allows the oil filter to be disengaged from an engine without the spillage of residual used oil. The present invention relates to a replaceable oil filter comprising a housing having an upper portion with a top end forming an opening for threaded engagement with an engine, a filtration unit positioned within the upper portion, a lower portion forming a reservoir subjacent the upper portion, an impermeable barrier separating the upper portion and the lower portion to prevent fluid communication therebetween, and a means for establishing fluid communication between the upper portion and the lower portion to drain residual used oil from the upper portion into the reservoir prior to disengaging the replaceable oil filter from an engine. The present invention also comprises a method for easily replacing an oil filter with minimal or no spillage of residual used oil.

Abstract: A microscope slide having a well formed therein, wherein the well is filled with culture media. The slide is designed for on-site collection, staining, and viewing of cells in biological fluid and tissue samples, preferably with an epi-fluorescence microscope. This novel slide permits point-of-care screening in a matter of minutes of any biological fluid or tissue sample for presence of infectious agents, after which, the slide can be transported to a central lab for culture and/or definitive identification.

Abstract: A motivational apparatus for controlling use of an electronic device, wherein the apparatus is interconnected between a source of transmission (e.g. power) and the electronic device to control transfer of transmissions from the transmission source to the electronic device. The apparatus comprises a plurality of electrical switches, a master switch, and a plurality of light-emitting diodes. A list of tasks is prepared and associated with the electrical switches such that one task corresponds to one electrical switch. As each task is completed, the electrical switch corresponding to that task is actuated to light up the diode corresponding to that switch. After all of the tasks are completed, a parent or supervisor may confirm satisfactory completion of the tasks and then actuate the master switch to close the electrical circuit, thereby allowing transfer of transmissions from the transmission source to the electronic device such that the electronic device is operational.

Abstract: A belt hanger preferably comprising a closed ring member having a plurality of clips attached at intervals along the ring member. Each clip is preferably operable to releasably attach one belt. The clips are maintained at spaced intervals such that the belts are not fully overlapped. The belt hanger further comprises a hook member rotatably mounted along the outer periphery of the ring member for engaging a horizontal closet support rod such that the ring member is supported thereby. The rotatable mounting allows the ring member to rotate relative to the stationary hook member secured to the horizontal support rod. Accordingly, the ring member can be stored in a substantially flattened state until a belt is needed, at which time the ring member can be rotated to allow the user to simultaneously view all the belts hanging on the belt rack and remove only the desired belt.

Abstract: The mobile seat lifting apparatus pivots a seat member between a sitting position and a standing position and includes a frame assembly and a seat assembly pivotally connected thereto, an actuator connected to the seat assembly, and a driving mechanism connected to the actuator to pivot the seat assembly between the standing position and the sitting position. The frame assembly includes a floor brace that is able to securely support the remainder of the frame assembly and the attached seat assembly with a user sitting thereon. The frame assembly further includes a seat brace and a support arm, wherein the support arm connects the seat brace with the floor brace. The actuator is preferably connected between the floor brace and the seat brace such that the actuator additionally supports the seat brace in either the standing position or the sitting position.

Abstract: A therapeutic solution and application procedure for curing and preventing nail fungus and athlete's foot infections or Onychomycosis comprising a combination of an anti-fungal agent with DMSO in a anhydrous solution of Polyglycol. The DMSO acts as a solvent so that active anti-fungal agents such as Tolnaftate can be delivered directly to fungal infected areas under and around the nail and other areas prone to topical tinea infections. The DMSO, and Tolnaftate dissolved in a viscous solution of polyglycol so that the combined ingredients may be applied directly to the affected areas with superior penetration. The therapeutic solution is formulated by dissolving the Tolnaftate into the DMSO, and then combining the DMSO and polyglycol solutions together to form the therapeutic solution. Repeated applications of the resulting solution on Onychomycosis infected nails over one 4-6 week period yields satisfactory result rates as high as 85-90% without augmenting the therapy with systemic drugs.

Abstract: A game kit for playing a variety of outdoor games, comprising a plurality of animal-shaped game pieces, wherein each of the game pieces has at least one light-emitting device and at least one sound-emitting device; a plurality of radio frequency receivers, wherein each of the receivers is encased within an animal-shaped game piece and is operable to activate the light-emitting device and the sound-emitting device; at least one radio frequency transmitter adapted to be worn by a player and operable to activate the radio frequency receivers; and a container for storing and transporting the game kit components. Each of the receivers is activated when a player wearing a transmitter enters a predetermined detection zone around each of the receivers, thereby causing the light-emitting device to emit light and the sound-emitting device to emit sound. The game kit preferably includes other components, such as a flag, a game book, a stopwatch, and balloons.

Abstract: A sprinkler head mounting assembly for attaching a sprinkler head to a fluid distribution pipe, wherein the sprinkler head mounting assembly comprises a sprinkler head stem connected to the sprinkler head, a flange connected to the sprinkler head stem, a first clamp portion designed to fit around a section of the peripheral surface of the pipe and to engage the flange to affix the sprinkler head to an opening in the pipe, and a second clamp portion designed to fit around the section of the peripheral surface of the pipe that is not covered by the first clamp portion, wherein the second clamp portion designed to engage the first clamp portion to form a substantially secure connection about the pipe.

Abstract: A head and upper body support system comprising three distinct supports: a head support and two upper body supports. The head support has a concave face contacting surface to receive the forehead of an individual therein. Each upper body support has an inclined lower portion to support and gradually lift the abdomen of the individual and an upper portion to support the corresponding shoulder, axilla (underarm), and side of the upper body. The upper portion of each upper body support has an arcuate groove formed in the side thereof to contour the axilla, which prevents the support from pressing against the breasts or chest of the individual or impeding the expansion thereof during breathing.

Abstract: An improved self-propelled mobile track vehicle (MTV) capable of traveling by road at normal highway speeds and traveling by rail after conversion at a narrow railroad crossing by producing a device for rotating the vehicle 90 degrees. The vehicle is powered by a diesel engine driving through a power shift transmission to the roadway and railway axles. A significant advantage over other types of road/rail vehicles is that 100 percent of the vehicle's weight is carried on the rail wheels, which are powered and braked, thereby allowing higher and safer rail speeds. One way to convert the vehicle from roadway travel to railway travel is to maneuver it into a position parallel to the track at a road crossing. The rail axles are then extended and road axles retracted. In addition, a turntable mounted at the vehicle's center of gravity also allows the vehicle to convert at a narrow road crossing. While at railway/roadway crossing the unit raises and rotates 90 to align with the desired roadway or railway.