Abstract: A cattle scrubber comprising a frame which defines a geometrically shaped treatment zone, a cylindrical feeder barrel located in each corner of the treatment zone, and an elongated, flexible livestock insecticide applicator, which extends around the periphery of the treatment zone. The frame comprises a plurality of interconnected, elongated rigid ground engaging members which intersect at their ends to define the geometrically shaped treatment zone, and a plurality of rigid, elongated upstanding members, one of which is located at each corner intersection of the ground engaging members. Each feeder barrel is located near one of the upstanding members and provided with a feeder opening which is arranged to face inward into the treatment zone. An arcuate bracket member attached to each of the upstanding members is shaped to engage against the cylindrical sidewall of the feeder barrel.

Abstract: A light energy powered charging system for recharging portable units such as battery powered hand tools and cellular telephones. The charging system includes a solar collection assembly having at least one light energy receiving panel. The collection assembly is mountable to a carrying vehicle. A multi-position connector is coupled to the receiving panel for facilitating the positioning of the panel toward a light source such as the sun or vehicle headlights. A power receiver is electrically connected to the receiving panel for accepting electricity generated at the solar collection assembly. The power receiver has a docking station for releasably receiving a battery powered portable unit such as a powered hand tool or a cellular telephone requiring recharging. The invention further includes a carrying motor vehicle. The solar collection assembly is coupled to the carrying motor vehicle by the multi-position connector.

Abstract: The present invention is a pack to be carried on a person's back and includes a packable compartment having an inwardly slanting back surface upon which accessories may be mounted so that at least a portion of the mounted accessory will be located proximate to the carrier's shoulder and within easy over-the-shoulder reach by the carrier. It also provides a means by which the rotational orientation of the accessory may be varied with respect to the compartment to further enhance the combination's ability to place mounted accessories proximate the carrier's shoulder and facilitate right and left handed users. In one embodiment, the accessory is a quiver used to carry arrows. Still further, the present invention may be variably configured to conform to different persons' body structure and posture.

Abstract: A hand-held wire twister including an upper portion having a handle engageable by an operator for imparting a twisting action to the wire twister. A lower portion has a wire strand engaging head that is coupled to the handle by an extension shaft. The wire strand engaging head flares outward from the extension shaft so that a perimeter of the head is greater that a perimeter of the shaft so that the head establishes a wire engaging portion of the wire twister. The wire engaging portion has at least two wire receiving channels cut thereinto for engaging at least two wire strands to be connectively intertwined by rotational motion of the wire twister; each channel engaging one or more wires. Each of the channels extends from an opening at the perimeter of the head toward a center of the head.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for modifying existing internal combustion engines that fail to meet current air quality standards so as to bring such engines into compliance. The invention includes the provision of an injection valve assembly for the engine's cylinders that promotes mixing of injected fuel with air present in the cylinder by establishing a cyclonic jetting action in the fuel upon its introduction into the cylinder. The assembly includes a piston and cartridge that are configured for reciprocating engagement, one with the other. The cartridge has channels that impart a rotational spin on pressured gas as it is directed out of the assembly. At least two fuel distribution patterns are created; one that is focused, much like a beam and another that is flared into a conical pattern.

Abstract: A method for preparing a lightweight concrete including mixing a slurry comprising water, a cementing binder and a fine grain aggregate together. Polystyrene pellets are add-mixed to the slurry to form a substantially homogeneous lightweight concrete mixture. A second embodiment is a method for making a lightweight concrete panel for use in a building's construction. The method includes coupling together a plurality of frame segments so that a concrete frame is established. The frame has an interior space that forms a receiver for a lightweight concrete mixture. The frame is filled with a lightweight concrete mixture so that the interior space is spanned by the lightweight concrete mixture across the frame. The lightweight concrete mixture is cured to a rigid state so that the set lightweight concrete mixture is retained within the frame thereby forming a lightweight concrete panel.

Abstract: A sanitary pet waste scoop for collecting and disposing of pet waste. The scoop includes a support hoop couplable to a carrying handle and a securing ring rotatably matingly engageable with the support hoop for pinning a waste bag therebetween. The securing ring is couplable to a torquing handle for accommodating manual rotation of the securing ring into mating engagement with the support hoop. A waste bag is positioned upon the support hoop so that the waste bag is maintained in an open configuration during use of the pet waste scoop. The waste bag has a lower pouch portion and an upper neck portion. The neck portion is draped over the support hoop so that the draped neck portion establishes a sanitary sheath about the support hoop. The waste bag is positioned upon the support hoop so that the waste bag is maintained in an open configuration during use of the pet waste scoop.

Abstract: An absorbent pad for animal accessories. The absorbent pad includes an absorbent layer having first and second sides. A one-way moisture barrier in the form of driweave is positioned proximate to at least one side of the absorbent layer. The barrier allows moisture to pass toward the absorbent layer and resists passage of moisture away from the absorbent layer. The several layers are encased in a mesh that protects the pad and provides support thereto for maintaining its shape. The layers may be stitched together to maintain their orientation. Optionally, deodorizer and disinfectant may be applied to the absorbent layer for neutralizing odors created by absorbed animal waste, as well as sanitizing it.

Abstract: The present invention is a holder for attachment to an article to be viewed in conjunction with listening to an audio recording. The audio recording is carriable in the holder for preventing the recording from becoming disassociated from the article so that the audio recording can be readily played while viewing the article. The holder includes a body having a first section, a second section and a third section. The third section is folded onto the second section. At least a portion of a periphery of the body is sewn so that the second section and the third section form a pocket for holding the recording. A releasable closing mechanism has first and second components where the first component is coupled to the first section and the second component is coupled to the third section. The first section releasably couples with the third section to form a flap to close the pocket. A coupling mechanism is coupled to the holder for coupling attachment to the article therewith.

Abstract: A particulate removal assembly for a fluid distribution system comprising a particulate collection chamber having an inlet through which particulate and fluid enter said collection chamber; a detector for sensing when said chamber has fried to a preselected degree with particulate; said chamber having an intermittent discharge responsive to said detector whereby the particulate is flushed from said chamber. The particulate removal assembly for a fluid distribution system further comprising a closure member for said intermittent discharge; said closure member actuated by fluid pressure delivered from said collection chamber.

Abstract: A decontamination system for particulate matter is provided. The system has a fluid treatment chamber within which three screw-type augers operate to mix hydrocarbon laden soil with treating fluid for removing the hydrocarbon therefrom. The treating fluid is maintained in a fluid reservoir and is circulated into and out of the treatment chamber. The fluid is heated by a direct and an indirect heater. The hydrocarbons are released from the soil and allowed to float to the top where they collect and are removed for recycle or disposal. The decontaminated soil is removed from the treating fluid by a drag slat conveyor that permits excess treating fluid to drain therefrom and be collected for reuse in the decontamination system. A cyclone separator is included to spin off suspended fines within the recovered treating fluid. Optionally, a fluid press may be employed to compress additional amounts of treating fluid from the decontaminated matter.