Abstract: A process for improving beverage quality and increasing syrup yield within a beverage proportioning system. After reducing the alkalinity of the water and determining the acidity of the finished syrup component, sugar is added to the finished syrup in a quantity sufficient to bring the syrup within the brix and acidity parameters of the syrup. The method increases the brix value of the syrup, which allows for a high syrup yield and a high quality final beverage. To ensure a high syrup yield, the water flow to be mixed with the finished syrup is determined as a function of the brix of the finished syrup as compared to preset parameters of the beverage.

Abstract: A flexible integrated circuit mounting apparatus and method for mounting a chip on a printed circuit board directed to the reduction of stresses within the mounting or interconnection medium, caused principally by a mismatch of the coefficient of thermal expansion between the chip circuit and the printed circuit board, and thus reduction of the likelihood of interconnection failure between the chip and the particular surface or device to which an interconnection is made.

Abstract: A soil sampling apparatus comprising a cylindrical body having an upper end, a lower end, and an egress aperture located along the cylindrical body proximal the lower end. The apparatus further includes a handle connected to the upper end of the cylindrical body for manual positioning and securing the apparatus while in use. The apparatus further includes a base plate with an aperture therein for receiving the cylindrical body at the lower end. The cylindrical body is secured to the base plate and extends a distance through the aperture of the base plate, thereby defining a probe. A shaft may be connected to an auger and positioned within the cylindrical body for upward and downward movement therein. A drill may be used for rotating the shaft and auger. The apparatus further includes a receptacle comprising an ingress aperture. The receptacle may be joined to the cylindrical body, the ingress aperture juxtaposed the egress aperture.

Abstract: An apparatus of a muntin bar clip to secure the position of muntin bars during and following the fabrication of multi-pane sealed glass window units. The disclosure relates to securing and positioning muntin bars at multi-pane sealed glass window unit perimeters and in joining hollow false muntin bars within such units. The invention relates particularly to muntin bar clips intended to fix the position of hollow false muntin bars at the perimeter of the window unit utilizing the sealing methods including foam strips and or butyl as the sealing medium. The disclosed invention more particularly relates to muntin bar clips for the purpose of fixing the position of hollow false muntin bars at the perimeter of the window unit where the false muntin bar is other than orthogonal in relation to the perimeter of the window.

Abstract: A trailer hitch guide with a retractable yoke assembly. The yoke assembly presents, at its yoke end, a vee shaped receptacle to receive and guide a trailer hitch ball into contact with a trailer hitch. The yoke assembly yoke end is formed of at least one yoke guide, which positions the yoke assembly, received into at least one yoke guide receiver tube. The yoke end, in the preferred embodiment, is composed of a first and second yoke guide which are received respectively into the first and second yoke guide receiver tubes. A plate assembly is composed of a plate and a yoke guide receiver tube is affixed to either side of a trailer hitch tongue with each sized to receive a yoke guide. The yoke assembly is extended, when positioned to receive and guide a trailer hitch ball for connection with a trailer hitch, and fixed into the extended position by means including one or more pins.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing the lid of a container without causing any substance which has collected in the can rim to splash during the recovering process. More particularly this invention relates to an apparatus that secures the lid of a standard gallon or quart size paint can. The invention has an intermediate annular wall and an annular flange such that, when force is applied to the impact surface, as from a hammer or mallet, the lid is secured to the can, and any paint that has collected in the annular ring and sealing groove of the can is prevented from splashing. The apparatus is designed for use with cans or containers of different sizes.

Abstract: A method of producing and purifying Cs-131 comprising the steps of dissolving irradiated Ba comprised of natural or enriched Ba including Ba-130, Ba-131, and Cs-131 from the decay of Ba-131, in an acid, precipitating the Ba, separating the Cs-131 using an ion exchange media, and eluting the Cs-131 from the exchanger to recover the purified Cs-131.