Abstract: A truck having either a segmented body configured to receive a plurality of form fitted containers or a substitute body that can be interchangeably mounted on the chassis of the truck. The truck is also provided with a multi-purpose crane and a plurality of hydraulic valve banks mounted to the chassis of the truck, whereby the crane and hydraulic tools can be operated simultaneously. The truck may also be configured with various other features such as a hose reel or a snow plow.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment tank with influent gates (24) and pre-react zone with an outwardly flared lower portion. Influent passes over influent gates (24), which introduce turbulence, causing aeration, and reducing flow velocity. As influent flows out of the influent gate housing (20), flow velocity is further reduced by contact with the surface of the wastewater in the basin and influent flow is directed laterally by an influent gate bottom (30). A pre-react zone director (34) spaced apart from the bottom (42) of the basin encloses the influent gate housing (20) and utilizes an outwardly flared lower portion, or flap (38), to further reduce flow velocity and enhance laminar flow. This results in minimal disturbance of settled sludge blanket, allowing it to act as a natural biological filter, which in turn results in a superior supernatant.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment tank with influent gates (24) and pre-react zone with an outwardly flared lower portion. Influent passes over influent gates (24), which introduce turbulence, causing aeration, and reducing flow velocity. As influent flows out of the influent gate housing (20), flow velocity is further reduced by contact with the surface of the wastewater in the basin and influent flow is directed laterally by an influent gate bottom (30). A pre-react zone director (34) spaced apart from the bottom (42) of the basin encloses the influent gate housing (20) and utilizes an outwardly flared lower portion, or flap (38), to further reduce flow velocity and enhance laminar flow. This results in minimal disturbance of settled sludge blanket, allowing it to act as a natural biological filter, which in turn results in a superior supernatant.

Abstract: A beverage container holder (2000) that can be attached to horizontal or vertical members, that can be compacted and that can accept cylindrical and frustoconical beverage containers and mugs. Preferably a strap (130) is wrapped in the middle of the beverage container holder (2000) when it is rolled up.

Abstract: A device for controlling an HVAC system in which opening a door or window for more than a shutdown delay period causes the fan and compressor to be deactivated, but opening and closing the door or window for less than the shutdown delay period does not affect the fan and compressor. Reactivation of the compressor is delayed for a startup delay, in order to avoid overcycling of the compressor and the additional wear and tear and maintenance that would be caused thereby. Preferably, the door/window sensors are wireless for ease of installation and maintenance. Optionally, an occupancy sensor and occupancy timer are provided to turn off the system if the room is unoccupied for an unoccupied delay time. Optionally, a secondary thermostat with energy saving settings is provided so that if the room is unoccupied for the occupancy delay, then instead of being shut off, the HVAC system will be operated at energy saving settings.

Abstract: A transparency mat card comprising a mat with a window and a transparency mounted in the window using a weak, removable glue applied to portions of a glue border so that the transparency can be detached intact from the mat card. A picture or other visual pattern is preferably printed or otherwise marked on the transparency, preferably on the rear surface.

Abstract: A device for measuring transmittance through a material in which a detector and a light source are mounted in a single housing and light emitted from the light source is transmitted through the material and then retro-reflected by a retro-reflector into the light detector.

Abstract: A modular floor access panel having at least one fully enclosed access channel and a vertically extending service well intersecting with the access channel, with an interlocking structure on the periphery allowing secure attachment to adjacent panels. Preferably the interlocking structure is integrally formed with the panel. Optionally, the panel may be provided with a leveling mechanism and the service well is configured to receive decentralized facilities.

Abstract: Tasteless super-purified smoke is manufactured to treat seafood and meat to preserve the freshness, color, texture, and natural flavor, particularly after the food is frozen and thawed. The smoke is generated by burning an organic smoking material at preferably 500 to 800 degrees F. (260 to 571 degrees C.) in a smoke generator 1. It is then passed through a precipitation filtering tower 2 comprised of filters of ice, cloth, and activated carbon to remove taste imparting, and carcinogenic, particulates and vapors. The super-purified smoke is then stored and aged in a temporary pressure pot 3 or in canisters for treatment at the same time or at another place and time. The super-purified smoke is used to treat seafood or meat in plastic bags at temperatures between its variable freezing point and 46 degrees F. (7.8 degrees C.) for twelve to forty-eight hours, or until the desired effect is achieved.

Abstract: A foldable knife includes a handle and a folding blade. The blade is pivotable about an axis between a folded position and an extended position such that a sharp edge enters the handle when it is folded. The knife also includes a mechanism for releasably locking the blade in its extended position and for applying resistance to the blade in its folded position. The mechanism includes a ratchet member having at least two notches formed therein. The ratchet member is connected to the blade. The mechanism also includes a pivotable locking lever for engaging the ratchet member for locking the blade in its extended position and for applying resistance to the blade when the blade is in its folded position. The locking lever has a extending portion that extends from the front edge of the handle so that it may be manually manipulated to disengage the locking lever from the ratchet member to release the blade from its extended position.

Abstract: A contact lens with a central region (10) that is optimally less than approximately 1.9 millimeters in diameter and that is preferably overcorrected by approximately 25% to 100% over the correction needed for reading. Unexpectedly, the central region does not impair distance vision, but compensates for presbyopia and therefore allows a user to focus on objects within a range of near and intermediate distances. A method for fitting the contact lens is also provided.

Abstract: A trailer chassis for receiving and transporting shipping containers having a platform extension fixedly attached to the rear end and with a liftgate that can be moved between a position level with the platform extension and ground level. The platform extension and the liftgate are each large enough for a loaded pallet handler to maneuver. This construction allows a forklift, pallet jack or other pallet handler to unload palletized cargo directly from the shipping container at various retail locations without the need for an elevated loading dock.

Abstract: A retrofittable wheeled support for a dolly in which adjusting the length of the upper and lower frames adjusts the tilt angle at which the dolly is supported. Dolly ends of support tubes are detachably attachable to receivers that are mounted to the dolly frame so that the device can be easily removed or folded for storage. Dual wheel assemblies are provided for stability.

Abstract: A compass having a pivot portion with an open faced clamp and a utensil portion with an open faced clamp, so that the portions can be clamped onto intermediate bars of varying shapes and sizes. The utensil holder is also angularly adjustable with respect to the pivot point so small circles can be drawn. Only the pivot portion and the utensil portion need to be transported because suitable intermediate bars would probably be available at the location where work is to be performed.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for administering minerals to the human body by mixing pre-selected particulated minerals with graphite and coal tar to form a bar (10a), vaporizing the bar (10a) to form a mineral rich vapor, and directing the vapor to a patient's skin using an enclosure (30).

Abstract: Apparatus for supplying air-and-gasoline vapor mixture from the ullage space in a gas tank above the gasoline therein through a safety cannister and a shut-off valve to two "gang" valve assemblies that divide the vapor into individual flows that are delivered directly to the intake valves of the individual cylinders of a piston-and-cylinder engine, by-passing the carburetor and the intake manifold. The gas tank is aerated through a vent pipe having on one end an air filter open to outside air and on the other end an aerator submerged in the gasoline, and the fuel-vapor mixture is directed into the intake ports of the intake valves by heat-resistant nozzle tubes.