Abstract: A light panel for highlighting flaws and imperfections in the surface of an automobile body or the like includes a pair of lenses with one lens positioned on each side of a light source. The lens on one side of the panel is yellow with a painted black stripe thereon with the black stripe irregularly "bleeding" into the yellow to create diverse shadow lines. The lens on the opposite side of the panel is white with a similar black stripes. Each black stripe includes a narrow centerline of white or black, respectively which serves as a reference. A fluorescent lamp is positioned between the lenses to project a shadow line light pattern onto the surface to be inspected for dents or imperfections. The white and black shadow line pattern is more effective at highlighting flaws in darker colored surfaces while the yellow and black shadow line pattern is more effective at highlighting flaws in lighter colored surfaces.

Abstract: A flashing identification light adaptor system includes a flashing light adaptor with an adaptor housing which is intended to replace the end cap of a conventional flashlight and includes a colored lens removably attached to the adaptor housing in a covering relationship with a light source, which may be a flasher circuit and lamp connected to an independent switch. An insulated conductor is extended within the flashlight barrel to make contact with the positive battery terminal of the flashlight and includes a remote positive terminal positioned proximate the end cap within the flashlight barrel. The adaptor housing includes a positive connector positioned to be aligned with the remote positive terminal when the adaptor is threadably engaged with the flashlight barrel. A pair of indicia arrows can be provided, one on the adaptor and one on the flashlight barrel, to give a positive indication of alignment of the positive connector and remote positive terminal.

Abstract: A seal card game with multiple advanced level contestants includes a plurality of individual playing cards with multiple graphical and numerical symbol combinations concealed thereon under break-open windows. Certain symbol combinations provide instant winner prizes, while others qualify a player for an advanced contest phase of play. A seal card includes a qualified advanced contestant identification area utilizing a sign-up register, an advanced contestant identification area utilizing break-open windows and an advanced contest prize area utilizing break-open windows. The seal card includes a sequence for the advanced contestants to open respective windows concealing prize amounts.

Abstract: A metal tip attachment for a plastic needle is stamped from relatively thin sheet metal and rolled into a generally cylindrical shape adapted to conform to the outer surface of the needle. The attachment includes a pointed end and a base. Securement structure such as tabs are formed in the base and are adapted to cooperate with corresponding grooves in the outer surface of the needle for securing the attachment thereto. The attachment is secured to the needle such that at least a portion of the pointed end of the metal sheet extends slightly beyond the point of the needle.

Abstract: A belt tensioner for a twisted belt that tends to elongate during usage includes a tensioning pulley for operably engaging the twisted belt, a carrier for the pulley pivotally connected to a frame, a tensioning device for applying continuous force to the tensioning pulley carrier so as to tension the belt, and an unidirectional locking mechanism that allows the carrier to swing in only one direction and not in a reverse direction.

Abstract: A restoration sleeve for the remanufacture of cast iron engine blocks or aluminum blocks with cast iron liners includes a sleeve formed of cast iron and having a relatively thin wall, a selected length, an outer diameter to achieve a non-interference fit within an overbored cylinder, an inner diameter equal to the original specifications of the original manufacturer of the engine block, and a helical cross hatched inner surface finish. The sleeves are manufactured by placing an unfinished sleeve in a boring fixture, boring the inner surface to a selected diameter, transferring the bored sleeve to a honing fixture, and honing the inner surface to the required diameter and surface finish. An adhesive is applied to the restoration sleeve and the overbored block cylinders, and the sleeves are inserted into the overbored cylinders wherein the adhesive is allowed to cure to thereby adhesively retain the sleeves within the block.

Abstract: An improved laid-on labeler is designed for substantially increased operating speeds when compared to prior art systems. The labeler includes an articulating labeling arm with a label peel blade. The labeling arm is attached to a support structure at a pivot point immediately above and below which are a respective pair of deflecting idler rollers through which a continuous label web is fed. With the label web being supported at the pivot point of the labeling arm, torque on the labeling arm from starting and stopping the label web is minimized. The label web passes between a drive roller and respective nip rolls on both a pay-out and a take-up side which relieves differential tension on the label web as it passes over the peel blade, thus minimizing or eliminating tearing and breaking of the web as drive speeds increase. Control is via a PLC, which also controls a variety of optional features.

Abstract: An improved limit switch actuator for position indicating limit switches in a drive chain take-up for a power and free conveyor system includes an actuator rod which is movable relative to a take-up cylinder. A flag is attached to the actuator rod and is positioned such that, as the actuator rod is moved relative to the cylinder, the flag actuates a series of position indicating limit switches. The actuator rod is linked to a piston in the take-up cylinder via a connecting plate which is rotatable relative to the piston while the actuator rod remains stable. Thus, the piston is free to rotate under the torque effects of a take-up chain without damage to the actuator rod.

Abstract: A ballast distributing railroad car has a number of ballast hoppers, each with a selectively operable hopper discharge control member which is operable to selectively drop material from the respective hopper either inside of or outside of the rails of a railroad track. The railroad car also has a pair of ballast distributing blades pivotally attached beneath it, either between the hopper discharge control members or one at either end of the car, with the blades being mirror images of each other. Each blade and each hopper discharge control member can be selectively operated via an independent hydraulic actuator. A remote control radio transmitter and car mounted receiver provide for remote, individual and selective control of hopper discharge control members and blades on a car.

Abstract: An enhanced hydration extrusion cooking system, method and extruded product are provided which utilize a conventional extrusion cooking system with a material feed bin feeding material to a conditioning cylinder, from which it is fed to a cooking or forming extruder. An enhanced hydration subsystem is provided for providing a high-starch slurry to the conditioning cylinder, which can be gelatinized immediately prior to or promptly upon entry to the conditioning cylinder. The enhanced hydration subsystem includes a make-up tank receiving high-starch powder and water, which are mixed therein to form a slurry. The slurry is transferred to a pumping tank, from which metered amounts of the slurry are pumped to the conditioning cylinder. The slurry provides a source of pre-gelatinized starch which facilitates the extrusion cooking process and provides a number of desirable characteristics in the extruded product.

Abstract: A soil deflecting and leveling reel is formed by end plates having a plurality of blades extending helically therebetween. Intermediate plates are positioned in spaced relation to the end plates and reinforce the reel blades. The reel is rotatably mounted on a reel support frame which is pivotally connected to a tillage tool frame in close proximity behind a disc gang. The reel support frame is resiliently urged to engage the reel with the ground whereby ground contact rotates the reel as the tool frame is drawn across a field. The blades of the rotating reel engage soil ejected upwardly by the discs and deflect the soil back to the ground to minimize lateral shifting of the soil and consequent formation of ridges and furrows by the discs. Additionally, the blades of the rotating reel break up clods of the soil and churn the soil to improve mixing and incorporation of chemicals applied to the soil.

Abstract: A cushioned tow bar for connecting a drive trolley to a load carriage in a power and free conveyor system includes a particulate shock absorber with a damping chamber which is partially filled with particulate material, such as small ball bearings, which act to dampen the movement of a piston through the damping chamber. The damping chamber comprises a portion of a sleeve which includes a threaded end cap which mates with threads on an open end of the sleeve. The threads in the sleeve extend along the longitudinal axis of the sleeve to an extent which allows the end cap to be threadably adjusted, changing the portion of the sleeve forming the damping chamber, and thus adjusting the cushioning effect of the tow bar.

Abstract: An improved anaerobic waste water treatment process comprising the steps of introducing waste water containing organic material into a first reaction zone containing thermophilic, fixed growth, hydrolytic and acidogenic bacteria and fermenting the waste water in the first reaction zone under anaerobic conditions at a pH of between about 5 and 6 and a temperature between about 115 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit to produce an acid effluent. The acid effluent is then conveyed to a second reaction zone containing thermophilic, fixed growth, methanogenic bacteria where it is fermented under anaerobic conditions at a pH between about 7.2 and 8.2 and at a temperature between about 115 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit to produce process effluent and gas including methane. The methane is collected and the process effluent is removed.

Abstract: A livestock feeder includes a frame assembly with multiple legs and a web subassembly including multiple web bars extending radially outwardly from a web center to the legs. An annular tub support ring is mounted on the insides of the legs slightly below the web bars. A tub includes a frusto-conical sidewall which converges downwardly to a tub bottom and a tub rim which is adapted for engagement with the tub supporting ring in a supporting relationship therewith. A circular, flexible cover is mounted on the web subassembly and has a covering position generally covering the tub rim and an open position deflected upwardly for accessing the tub contents.