Abstract: A sorting apparatus is described and which includes an inspection station; a multiplicity of electromagnetic radiation emitters and detectors; an optical filter which is positioned in front of the electromagnetic radiation detectors, and which passes electromagnetic radiation having a given polarization; an ejector assembly positioned downstream from the inspection station for removing defective objects of interest which are identified; and a computer/controller for selectively energizing the electromagnetic radiation emitter, and detector, and rendering the ejector assembly operational to remove defective objects of interest, from a stream of objects of interest which have passed through an inspection station.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for post-threshing inspection and sorting of tobacco lamina is described and which includes a separation conduit which receives a source of post-threshed tobacco lamina and other contaminants for inspection and sorting, and wherein a source of pressurized air causes the tobacco lamina to move along the separation conduit past an inspection station where it is optically inspected to identify undesirable tobacco lamina or other contaminants; and a downstream reject station is provided which responds to a sorting signal provided by the inspection station and which removes unwanted or undesirable tobacco lamina and other contaminants from an air stream so as to provide a resulting product which is substantially free from contaminants or other defects.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for sorting foreign material and undesirable articles from a product stream. A mechanical diverter having a concave shape is responsive to an inspection station coupled to the product stream. The mechanical diverter is employed to effectively launch or otherwise redirect undesirable articles in an alternate path. In addition, an air ejector is responsive to the inspection station and is employed to dislodge foreign material from the product stream.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing valve is described which includes a valve housing having a wall which defines an internal cavity, and wherein a passageway is formed through the wall of the valve housing; and a valve control element having a continuous and deformable sidewall is coaxially and rotatably received within the internal cavity of the valve housing, and wherein at least a portion of the sidewall of the valve control element deforms when a vacuum is created in the internal cavity of the valve housing so as facilitate the controllable delivery of a source of fluid into the valve housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a battery pack, especially for a hand-held power tool. Said battery pack comprises a battery housing (10) and an electronic unit (16) housed in said battery housing (10). The electronic unit (16) has one or more light sources (18). A first light-guiding element (28) can be inserted into the battery housing (10) and interacts with the at least one light source (18) in such a manner that the light emitted by the at least one light source (18) can be injected into the first light-guiding element (28).

Abstract: An apparatus forming a assembly includes at least two panels. Each panel has a top surface and a plurality of perimetric edges. Each edge of one panel is adapted for joining any edge of another panel or to rounded edge pieces that connect is a complementary manner to the panels similar to other panels. The apparatus includes at least one connector adapted to secure two panels in adjoined relation. The connector has a first end adapted for engagement with the two adjoined panels, and a second end adapted to be swung into a locked position.

Abstract: A spa or hot tub stair assembly or apparatus having at least one step which is convertible by repositioning to provide different shaped sides. The different shaped sides can be used to better fit the outer shape of the associated spa. The individual step or steps are removable and have connection features which detachably connect with connection features upon one or more pieces forming a base. The base may be provided in the form of a pair of upright supports upon which one or more steps are supported. The assembly may advantageously be provided with one or more storage drawers or other bins which are preferably slidable for easy access.

Abstract: A container for operating media of motor vehicles which is chemically stable both in respect of the fuel carried and in respect of additives.

Abstract: The invention relates to a battery-operated electric hand tool device (2) comprising control electronics (14), a wirelessly and contactlessly responding transceiver (12), and a storage unit (16) in which an authorization code is stored, a locked mode of operation and a released mode of operation being distinguishable. In order to improve theft protection, a wire-bound or wireless interface (22) is provided from the control electronics (14) of the electric hand tool device to a battery pack (4) such that locking data can be transmitted from the control electronics (14) of the electric hand tool device (2) to the battery pack (4), be stored in a storage device (24) of the battery pack (4), and be read out of the storage device (24) again.

Abstract: A direct expansion ammonia refrigeration system and a method of direct expansion ammonia refrigeration is described and which includes a source of liquid ammonia refrigerant which is delivered in fluid flowing relation to a plurality of evaporator tubes which incorporate wicking structures, and which through capillary action facilitated by the wicking structures are effective for drawing liquid ammonia refrigerant along the inside facing surface of the evaporator tubes so as to substantially reduce any stratified and/or wavy flow patterns of the liquid ammonia refrigerant within the evaporator tubes. The invention further includes a novel accumulator vessel and heat exchanger vessel which are coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the direct expansion ammonia refrigeration system and which facilitate the removal of water from the ammonia refrigerant in order to enhance the operation of the direct expansion ammonia refrigeration system.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of almond tree is described and which is somewhat similar to the ‘Nonpareil’ almond tree (non-patented), but which is distinguishable therefrom by producing a larger sized kernel of high quality and having a sweet flavor when compared to the with ‘Nonpareil’ almond tree (non-patented).

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of feijoa plant denominated as ‘kakariki’ is described and which is characterized as to novelty by producing a fruit which is ripe for harvesting under the ecological conditions prevailing near Nelson, New Zealand at least as early 28 March.

Abstract: A new and distinctive variety of apple tree is described, and which is characterized as to novelty by producing an attractively colored apple which is mature for harvesting and shipment approximately September 16th under the ecological conditions prevailing in Central Washington State.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of feijoa plant Acca sellowiana and which is denominated varietally as ‘Kaiteri’ and which produces a large fruit which is mature for harvesting on or after 4 April under the ecological conditions prevailing near Nelson, New Zealand.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of peach tree (Prunus persica), which is denominated varietally as ‘Burpeachtwentyfive’, and which produces an attractively colored red-fleshed, clingstone peach which is mature for harvesting and shipment approximately May 8 to May 13 under the ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central California.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of peach tree (Prunus persica), which is denominated varietally as Burpeachtwentythree', and which produces an attractively colored yellow-fleshed, clingstone peach which is mature for harvesting and shipment approximately May 5 to May 10 under the ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central California.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of apple tree is described and which is denominated varietally as ‘Premier Star’ and which is mature for harvesting and shipment during the month of February under the ecological conditions prevailing near Hope, Nelson, New Zealand.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of peach tree (Prunus persica), which is denominated varietally as ‘Burpeachtwentyseven’, and which produces an attractively colored yellow-fleshed, freestone peach which is mature for harvesting and shipment approximately June 12 to June 19 under the ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central California.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of peach tree (Prunus persica), which is denominated varietally as ‘Burpeachtwentysix’, and which produces an attractively colored yellow-fleshed, freestone peach which is mature for harvesting and shipment approximately August 10 to August 17 under the ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central California.