Abstract: A vehicle for fighting fires in remote areas comprises an all terrain vehicle carrying a water-fillable tank, a water pump in fluid communication with the inside of the tank, an engine to operate the pump, and at least one hose for directing the pumped water, preferably foamed with a foaming agent at the fire.

Abstract: A device to secure a trunk lid in an open position is disclosed. The device comprises a telescoping shaft with two ends. These two ends secure the two portions of the latch system of an automobile. Most automobiles have a pair of jaws on one part of this latching system and a transverse rod on the other part of the latching system. When the trunk lid is closed normally, the jaws grip the rod to lock the trunk lid closed. In the present invention, one end of the device has a loop to secure within the jaws and the other end of the device has a notch and locking pin to straddle and secure itself to the rod. A metal extension on the notched end in electrical connection with the loop at the other end of the present device can be used to trick an electrically operated trunk lid into thinking the lid is fully closed when the present device is actually in place.

Abstract: A novel container having an internal pour spout is provided, the sealed container carrying a pour spout having a central platform, a first side panel connected by hinge to the platform on a first side and a second panel connected by hinge to the platform on a second side, the two side panels having a substantially triangular shape. The hinged connection of the panels to the platform permit each pour spout to be provided in a flattened configuration in which the side panels permit subsequent processing of the flattened carton stock. When the carton is folded, the panels move passively in response to the carton folding steps and assume an assembled configuration as the carton is assembled.

Abstract: An air sampling box that uses a slidable filter tray and a removable filter cartridge to allow for the easy replacement of a filter which catches radioactive particles is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of decomposing municipal solid waste (MSW) within a landfill by converting the landfill to aerobic degradation in the following manner: (1) injecting air via the landfill leachate collection system (2) injecting air via vertical air injection wells installed within the waste mass; (3) applying leachate to the waste mass using a pressurized drip irrigation system; (4) allowing landfill gases to vent; and (5) adjusting air injection and recirculated leachate to achieve a 40% to 60% moisture level and a temperature between 120.degree. F. and 140.degree. F. in steady state.

Abstract: A middle ear fluid aspirator comprised of a syringe assembly that provides suction through the creation of negative pressure therein and a needle having an angled region that permits the operation of the aspirator while maintaining visual contact with the tympanic membrane and a needle safety assembly whereby the penetrating portion of the needle is not capable of damaging the ossicular structures of the ear.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling fiber optic strands into sign components comprising a dispenser in continuous communication with a supply of fiber optic strand; a first positioner for moving the dispenser to a dispensing position adapted to be opposite a receiving aperture of a housing; engaging means in communication with the fiber optic strand for inserting a first end of the fiber optic strand through the dispenser and into one of the preselected housing apertures; a cutting apparatus for cutting the fiber optic strand at a predetermined location, thereby providing a first calculated length of a cut strand having a first end insertable into one of said housing apertures and a second cut end; a manipulator for grasping the second cut end of the cut strand; a second positioner for moving the manipulator to a predetermined position opposite a signage display panel; and an inserter, carried by the manipulator, for directing the second cut end of the cut strand a prescribed depth into the signage display panel.

Abstract: An apparatus for detachable connection of a ceiling fan motor housing to a ceiling mounting assembly. The ceiling fan downrod provides a standardized elongated tube that is connectable to a multitude of ceiling fan housings and assemblies, and provides a universal ground wire connection through a plurality of holes for electrical grounding of the apparatus. The downrod is an elongated tube with a hollow center, having a plurality of pairs of holes near each end of the downrod. Each open end of the downrod has a plurality of threads on the exterior surface of each end, the threads providing one connecting method to attach one end of the downrod to a ceiling mounting assembly, and the second end of the downrod to a motor housing of the ceiling fan. The downrod provides numerous options for connecting the downrod to ceiling fan assemblies, and provides versatility for attachment of electrical ground wires through the plurality of holes in the downrod.

Abstract: A microcantilever potentiometric sensor utilized for detecting and measuring physical and chemical parameters in a sample of media is described. The microcantilevered spring element includes at least one chemical coating on a coated region, that accumulates a surface charge in response to hydrogen ions, redox potential, or ion concentrations in a sample of the media being monitored. The accumulation of surface charge on one surface of the microcantilever, with a differing surface charge on an opposing surface, creates a mechanical stress and a deflection of the spring element. One of a multitude of deflection detection methods may include the use of a laser light source focused on the microcantilever, with a photo-sensitive detector receiving reflected laser impulses. The microcantilevered spring element is approximately 1 to 100 .mu.m long, approximately 1 to 50 .mu.m wide, and approximately 0.3 to 3.0 .mu.m thick. An accuracy of detection of deflections of the cantilever is provided in the range of 0.

Abstract: A reusable filter for use in a spray paint booth is advanced which includes a frame supporting a series of equally spaced horizontal vanes. Each vane is formed to have a shape which reduces clogging of the front face of the filter and forces the air stream to make successive directional changes to thereby effectively remove particulates from the air stream. Three sides of the frame are equipped with a bendable lip that provides a fluid tight seal between the wall and the frame. The fourth side of the frame is formed with access holes enabling paint particulates and liquid cleanser to be quickly removed from between the vanes. The filter is made of a polymeric material which is impervious to solids and can be cleaned by any cleaner normally used to remove paint from a surface.

Abstract: An inflatable cushioning system with separate inflatable cushioning chambers and a common air inlet. The inflatable cushioning chambers each have an inflation port. The common air inlet is in fluid communication with each of the inflatable cushioning chambers. During inflation, pressurized air is inserted into the common air inlet. The pressurized air then enters the individual cushioning chambers through the inflation ports.

Abstract: A pair of compound leaf springs are formed to hold a commode seat in the up position. The leaf springs have a primary curve for spring lifting power, a second curve to reduce friction between the seat and spring when the seat is lowered, and a third curve to act as a spring washer to hold the leaf spring in place between the seat and commode. By holding the seat in the up position unless a user wishes to lower it, the seat is less apt to be soiled when the commode is used for urination.

Abstract: A process for making a marble casting material comprising a solidified polymer blend having superior depth characteristics is disclosed. The process involves the partial intermingling of two or more partially incompatible marble casting resins that are not intended to be normally used in combination. Due to the partial incompatibility, when the partially intermingled marble casting resins solidify, a marble effect is created.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing shop cloths comprises a hot water storage tank, a washer that washes, rinses, centrifuges and dries, and an evaporator for evaporating effluent from the washer. The washer rotates about a horizontal axis when washing, rinsing, drying and centrifuging, but at different speeds depending on whether it is centrifuging or washing, rinsing or drying. In use, the washer is loaded and then the load is centrifuged to remove fluids present in the cloths. The effluent is discharged to the evaporator. Then the load is washed in hot water from the hot water storage tank and biodegradable degreasers and soaps. After draining the washer to the evaporator, the load is centrifuged. The washer undergoes a rinse cycle, draining the rinse water to the water heater through a filter for reuse, and finally a tumble dry cycle.

Abstract: A stent shaped as a three-dimensional body which is formed by interlaced threads (1) arranged in multistart turns of a helical line. The threads (1) are arranged in at least two groups (2 and 3) of the helical turns featuring opposite senses of helix. The stent ends are established by sections (5) where the turns of one helical line merge into those of the other helical line, said sections appearing as a single length of the thread (1).

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically maintaining a level of water in a pool reservoir comprising a housing which includes a transmitter/receiver device, a logic circuit in communication with the transmitter/receiver device, a valve assembly controlled by the logic circuit, and a water inlet and a water outlet in communication with the valve assembly. In addition to the housing, the apparatus also comprises a power supply connected to the housing, a float in communication with the housing, the float pivotally connected at a front portion of the housing facing a reservoir, the float further riding a surface of the reservoir, and a flag in communication with the float, the flag positioned to come into a parallel position with the transmitter/receiver.

Abstract: A method and apparatus which enables a complete multi-stepped chemical treatment process to occur within a single, sealed-bladdered vessel 31. The entire chemical process occurs without interruption of the sealed-bladdered vessel 31 such as opening the sealed-bladdered vessel 31 between various steps of the process. The sealed-bladdered vessel 31 is loaded with a batch to be dissolved, treated, decanted, rinsed and/or dried. A pressure filtration step may also occur. The self-contained chemical processing apparatus 32 contains a sealed-bladder 32, a fluid pump 34, a reservoir 20, a compressed gas inlet, a vacuum pump 24, and a cold trap 23 as well as the associated piping 33, numerous valves 21,22,25,26,29,30,35,36 and other controls associated with such an apparatus. The claimed invention allows for dissolution and/or chemical treatment without the operator of the self-contained chemical processing apparatus 38 coming into contact with any of the process materials.

Abstract: A cement plant for the production of cement clinker from cement raw meal has a flat plate shaped control element for distributing and/or transporting-feeding a stream of hot flour-like material which is subjected to severe thermochemical and abrasive ware. the service life of the control element is greatly increased by constructing it as a hollow body (19, 22) through which coolant flows from at least one inlet opening to at least one discharge opening.