Abstract: A fluid pipeline sampler adapted for in-line or by-pass type sampling includes a body having a passage therethrough and a fluid outlet. The sampler is actuated by a pulling-type solenoid in response to an actuating signal. The solenoid shaft is coupled to a yoke that includes a piston mounted on the end opposite the solenoid shaft. The yoke surrounds a valved body extension, and along with the piston and body extension define a sample cylinder. The body extension has a bore that is in fluid communication with the fluid outlet of the main body and the sample cylinder. Initial displacement of the yoke positively causes the piston to trap a sample of known volume within the cylinder. Further displacement injects the trapped sample into the body extension bore that then travels into a sample collector.

Abstract: A banner support bracket includes a plate-like member having a slightly concave rear surface to conform to a support post during mounting, and two spaced-apart upstanding walls defining a channel therebetween. A rod holder assembly is disposed within the channel and removably retains a banner rod through engagement with a cotter pin. The rod holder assembly is vertically movable along the length of the channel as well as variably tiltable through an angle of 180.degree. from the vertical axis of movement. The ability of the rod holder assembly, and thus the support rod, to assume variable angles permits a wide variety of banner configurations to be supported. Two such banner bracket supports are mounted to a standard in order to hold the longitudinal ends of the banner taut regardless of the angle of cut of the banner ends. A slight cantilever built in to the rod holder assembly helps keep the banner taut.

Abstract: The integrated modular spraying system is suitable for applying chemicals, including liquids and dry flowables, to various remote locations. The system includes an integrated modular tank which is preferably rotomolded from thermoplastic. A well is formed in the side of the tank and is further defined by two opposing buttresses which receive and support a freely rotating hose spool. A pump is located in a recess in the tank for pumping chemicals from the tank through the flexible hose. The hose can be peeled off from the hose spool for a substantial length to enable an operator to spray a chemical at locations remote from the integrated modular spray apparatus. After application of the chemical is complete, the hose spool can be rotated to rewind the flexible hose about the spool. In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus is suitable for applying dry flowables, including various insecticidal dusts and powders, using an air pump instead of a liquid pump.

Abstract: The miniaturized sampler is activated by a diaphragm motor that can be screwed together by hand. The sampler uses an elastomeric collection head and typically takes a small sample each time the diaphragm motor is activated. The collection head is connected to a piston by a pin and ring arrangement that can be economically manufactured and easily serviced. Because the collection head is smaller than prior art designs, it takes less force to activate. A smaller collection head can be driven by a smaller diaphragm motor which allows overall sampler size and weight to be reduced when compared with prior art designs.

Abstract: The electronic nutating disc flow meter is suitable for measuring different liquids with varying viscosities. This meter is best suited for measuring medium viscosity fluids of 10 to 450 centipoise. This flow meter includes a microprocessor to correct for the nonlinearity of fluid flow. The memory in the microprocessor contains three calibration curves with accompanying lookup table information. CAL A is preset at the factory for thin viscosity fluids. CAL B is preset at the factory for medium viscosity fluids and CAL C can be field calibrated. The calibration curves can be plotted with up to five points per curve.

Abstract: Agricultural chemicals, such as herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers, are typically sold as a liquid concentrate and are transported in plastic tanks which commonly range from 15-160 gallons in size. Often these tanks are manufactured using conventional rotational molding techniques from a thermoplastic such as high density polyethylene (HDPE). When full of liquid these tanks are heavy and are typically moved using a forklift or other suitable powered apparatus. The bottoms of these tanks flex up and down when full and further vary in size due to manufacturing variances and the physical properties of the plastic itself. The flexible suction pipe is typically installed in one of these tanks and is designed to keep the inlet of the suction pipe at or near the bottom of the tank despite flexing and other variables to maximize withdrawal of fluid from the tank. The flexible suction pipe includes an elongate flexible bellows which expands and contracts as the situation may demand.

Abstract: The dual wheel driven bicycle utilizes an elongate flexible shaft or cable for transferring rotational motion or torque to the front wheel. In the preferred embodiment, a rear ring gear is mounted on the rear wheel to drive a rear gear assembly. One end of the elongate flexible shaft is connected to and driven by the rear gear assembly; the opposite end of the elongate flexible shaft is connected to a front gear assembly which engages and drives a front ring gear connected to the front wheel. A freewheel assembly is interposed between the front ring gear and the hub of the front wheel to facilitate cornering. In an alternative embodiment, the freewheel assembly is an integral part of the front gear assembly. This invention is applicable to multi-speed and single speed bicycles.

Abstract: The dual wheel driven bicycle utilizes an elongate flexible shaft or cable for transferring rotational motion or torque to the front wheel. In the preferred embodiment, a rear ring gear is mounted on the rear wheel to drive a rear gear assembly. One end of the elongate flexible shaft is connected to and driven by the rear gear assembly; the opposite end of the elongate flexible shaft is connected to a front gear assembly which engages and drives a front ring gear connected to the front wheel. A freewheel assembly is interposed between the front ring gear and the hub of the front wheel to facilitate cornering. In an alternative embodiment, the freewheel assembly is an integral part of the front gear assembly. This invention is applicable to multispeed and single speed bicycles.