Abstract: A settling grid separator apparatus and method of use which provides deep dehydration of high flow rate sludge in an environmentally friendly and energy efficient manner. The apparatus and method comprise and utilize an efficient mixing of the sludge with a flocculating agent or polymer solution, and sludge flow quieting techniques to reduce disturbances and promote flocculation of clustered solids. Free surface liquid rejection, a series of traps, and pressurized filtering utilize gravimetric, hydrometric, and densimetric techniques to separate liquid from suspended solids. Gravitational forces are utilized throughout the apparatus and method to promote separation of higher density solids from the lower density liquid carrier. Upon separation, solids with a minimal liquid content are controllably discharged for proper disposal or recycling.

Abstract: A power assisted drill press having a feed cylinder fed by a variable pressure regulator which allows a user to controllably feed a bit and work material together while activating a drill motor to rotate the bit. An embodiment of the power assisted drill press utilizes a suction cup and venturi system for attachment of the press to a surface work material. The drill press uniquely allows a person to variably activate the feed cylinder and also activate the drill motor with a single hand.

Abstract: An improved grain drill depth adjustment tool for changing the seeding depth of a John Deere® Model 750 Grain Drill or its equivalent. The improved grain drill depth adjustment tool capable of unlocking a locked grain drill depth adjustment plate, repositioning the grain drill depth adjustment plate and allowing the grain drill depth adjustment plate to be re-locked in an alternate position. The improved grain drill depth adjustment tool comprising a lever; an engagement member attached to the lever; and a plurality of protrusions attached to the lever. The improved grain drill depth adjustment tool capable of performing its functions in a one-handed operation without the use of auxiliary tools. The one-handed operation requires minimal force and the tool is relatively easy to use. The grain drill depth adjustment tool is further capable of reducing adjustment time and thereby increasing farming efficiencies.

Abstract: A self wiping toiletry device and method of use which utilizes a jaw system and release button to hold and release toilet paper for wiping. The apparatus and method is especially useful for handicapped persons and those having limited use of one or both hands. The apparatus and method in its preferred form easily allows a person to roll toilet paper, install the rolled paper into the jaw system, use the rolled paper to wipe after toilet use, and thereafter easily dispense the soiled paper into the toilet water.

Abstract: A charm display apparatus and method of charm display capable of continuously retrieving charms or hearts from a hopper and blowing or moving the charms into a transparent outer display tube whereby a levitating effect is shown. In the preferred embodiment, the art of the present invention allows a person to retrieve a charm between the display tube and the hopper as it flutters in the turbulent air of the tube under gravitational force. Also in a preferred embodiment, a unique venturi flow generator assembly is utilized to move the charms from the hopper into the outer display tube.

Abstract: A coaxial illuminated laser endoscopic probe and active numerical aperture control apparatus and method of use, succinctly known as an illumination and laser source, capable of selectively providing illumination light and laser treatment light through a single optical fiber. The apparatus and method is especially useful during ophthalmic surgery. The present art is capable of providing the aforesaid through an optical fiber of such small size that heretofore said fiber was only useable for laser treatment light only. The present art also, with its unique optical system, allows for two illumination light outputs from a single illumination source. The apparatus utilizes a phototoxicity risk card to calibrate the system to prior art or safe illumination levels since the unique optical system provides illumination light of greater intensity than the prior art.

Abstract: A multiple use rotary cutting device having an accessory cutting mechanism for use with prepackaged food products such as pizza. The rotary cutting device provides multiple functions which enhance the convenience of use. The device further minimizes the quantity of devices which must be cleaned after use. The multiple use rotary cutting device has a cutting wheel; a frame member with a lower portion having a accessory cutting surface; a handle assembly comprising a handle cover and a handle for partially enclosing the lower portion of the frame member; and a retracting assembly, which in combination with the handle is capable of completely enclosing the lower portion of the frame member. The accessory cutting mechanism is capable of cutting open a prepackaged food product and the rotary cutting wheel is capable of cutting or slicing the food product itself.

Abstract: A fiber optic panel illuminated mailbox having a solar energy collection system and a control circuit which illuminates a light emitting diode which feeds a fiber optic panel. The fiber optic panel is placed behind cutouts which represent address numbers in order to provide mailbox address location during nighttime hours. The control circuitry turns on the light emitting diode during nighttime hours and charges batteries during daytime hours. The fiber optic panel illuminated mailbox is a self contained illuminated mailbox address number identification system which does not require external wiring.

Abstract: A safety interlock and retraction mechanism for all types of presses comprising a sensing or activating valve which does not apply full force to a press ram until the ram displaces to the expected work material thickness and a pneumatically operated retraction mechanism which eliminates the need for a return spring. The art differentiates between the thickness of an operator's finger relative to a work material thickness in order to promote safety. The art further provides an increased press ram force by eliminating the return spring force subtracting from the ram force.

Abstract: A power assisted drill press having a feed cylinder fed by a variable pressure regulator which allows a user to controllably feed a bit and work material together while activating a drill motor to rotate the bit. An embodiment of the power assisted drill press utilizes a suction cup and venturi system for attachment of the press to a surface work material. The drill press uniquely allows a person to variably activate the feed cylinder and also activate the drill motor with a single hand.

Abstract: A method and process for virtual paint application which allows a user to apply a virtual combination of paints and/or graphics to an object and visually observe and print the resultant object as if it had been physically painted. The method and process is especially useful for virtually painting vehicles with colors supplied from paint company charts and then allowing a user to print the resulting combination and thereafter allowing the user to supply the finished printout to a painter for physical paint application. The method and process is unique in its ability to preserve highlights and shadows of the original image to ensure that the virtual paint application is an accurate representation of the object after the physical paint is applied. The method and process further allows a user to supply a photo of a personal object such as a vehicle or house and after processing, apply the desired virtual paint to the object.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixing and injecting or applying a viscous material which is especially useful for mixing and applying a two part epoxy. The apparatus in its preferred form utilizes two uniformly heated holding tanks with auger feeds which each feed two synchronized variable ratio pumps having spring biased check valves which ensure positive closure of each valve. The apparatus further comprises a unique dispensing and mixing head which is fed from the synchronized pumps and serves to uniformly mix the viscous materials and dispense the aforesaid as a blend.