Abstract: A device for removably attaching screening panels to the frame of a vibrating screen mechanism. The device has an elongate locking strip that is attached to the frame of the screen mechanism. An elongate projection extends upwardly from the locking strip and extends longitudinally the length of the locking strip. The projection has an enlarged first end that is received by an elongate wear pad between a pair of generally parallel, elongate, and flexible elements that extend generally the length of the pad. The enlarged end of the projection is received in the cavity defined by the elements. A portion of the periphery of a screening panel is captured between the pad and the frame. To obtain a positive locking attachment, the attaching device does not require special modifications to the standard screen edges or to most vibrating screen devices.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for a batch cooking and packing process for pieces of a food product such as fruits and vegetables. The process includes collecting a predetermined quantity of the uncooked food product, depositing that quantity by gravity flow into a closed cooking chamber containing a quantity of liquid for use with the food product, then heating the food product by recirculating the liquid through a heat exchanger to heat the liquid and food product to a cooking and sterilizing temperature and then removing the liquid from the cooking chamber until the total combined volume of liquid and food product remaining substantially equals the desired quantity of food product and liquid desired to be deposited into a predetermined shipping container, and depositing the remaining food product and liquid from the cooking chamber through a cooking chamber delivery port into the shipping container and sealing that shipping container.

Abstract: An apparatus to be used in combination with an automotive vehicle and a frame rack, of the type having two substantially parallel and spaced apart longitudinal members, which is used for correcting the frame alignment of damaged vehicles. The apparatus comprises four carriages, with at least two carriages being mounted for independent movement on each member. Each carriage comprises a chassis with a dolly mounted thereon for movement transverse to the longitudinal movement of the carriage. Each dolly is capable of supporting one automotive support point even when the support points are out of alignment, permitting easy movement of the automotive vehicle on the frame rack and easy movement of the support points during repairs, and providing a means for determining the relationship of each automotive support point relative to one another.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for using the primordial fear of dolphin of killer whales to separate dolphin from tuna. The sound of killer whale is recorded, digitized, edited and enhanced to produce digitally synthesized killer whale sounds. These digitally synthesized sounds of one or more feeding killer whale is played under water and in the vicinity of a mixed school of dolphin and tuna and as the dolphin leave said vicinity, catching the tuna in nets. A playback unit is selectively triggered on and off from a remote location.

Abstract: A dental appliance whereby the device isolate particular teeth from the tongue and body fluids within the patient's mouth, captures the residue from the treatment therein and props the patient's mouth open. The device comprises a flexible cup-shaped member comprising a bottom portion and at least one side with at least one aperture formed therethrough. A flexible sealing element comprising a slit therethrough sealingly covers the aperture. The aperture is sized and configured to receive at least one molar through the slit and the adjacent aperture so that the molar is received within the member and the sealing element seals the gap between the tooth and the device.

Abstract: An improved suspension for a coulter wheel assembly of the type primarily intended for attachment to a tractor wherein the improved suspension is characterized by its construction including a plurality of pivotal support bars interconnecting a set of double disc openers with following press wheels is disclosed. The improved suspension includes a unique back angle pivot attachment of the coulter wheel assemblies to one of the pivoting support arms so that the coulter wheels and press wheels accurately track the direction of travel of a tractor, even when the direction of travel changes rapidly and frequently. A material may be deposited in the furrow created by the double disc openers attached to the improved suspension of this invention, and the depth of the furrow cut by the double disc opener may be adjusted.

Abstract: An articulating headrest of a type suitable for use in combination with a seating device. The headrest is comprised of an occipital pad and a pair of curvilinear sub-occipital pads, each of the pads being adjustably connected to the seating device by a support system such that at least a portion of the occipital pad engages at least a portion of the occiput region of the head of a person occupying the seating device and a first segment of each sub-occipital pad engages at least a portion of the sub-occiput region of the head of the person.

Abstract: A simplex sequence controller for transmittal of output data is disclosed and includes a time base generator for generating a timing signal, a memory device having a plurality of addressable sequential storage locations for storing a sequence of data pattern with a plurality of output lines and a plurality of input address lines connected to the storage locations, along with an addressing apparatus connected to the memory device input address lines for directing access to predetermined storage locations at predetermined points in the data sequence, and address reset apparatus providing feedback from a first predetermined one of the output lines of the memory device to the addressing apparatus to direct access to a predetermined initial data sequence for output from the memory.

Abstract: The identity of an individual (known or unknown) is determined by a sonic profile of sounds issued through his oral-nasal passages. The sounds are converted to digital electrical signals and produce a three domain format of frequency, amplitude and time samples to produce an array of peaks and valleys constituting the sonic profile of an individual. A source or library of a sonic profiles in the same format of a known individual have the interrelationship including relative positions of said peaks and valleys of said sonic profile of the known individual with that of said unknown individual compared and a utilization signal is provided upon a detecting or non-detecting a correlation between said sonic profiles.

Abstract: A head alignment system for a person having reduced musculature or loss of muscle control of their neck and shoulders, whereby the device maintains the head of the person in a generally upright position. The device comprises at least one pulley attached to a support, a headband having two ends, and a cord having two ends, each of the ends of the cord being adjustably attached to a corresponding one of the ends of the headband. The cord being received by the pulley and the headband and the cord forming an adjustable loop. The loop being adapted for placement about the head of the person, whereby the cord is adjusted so that the head of the person is held generally upright. The cord, by moving about the pulley, permits the headband to move with the head of the person as the person rotates their head about an axis extending from their neck through the top of their head.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling weeds and undergrowth, as well as insect infestation, as are typically encountered in agricultural environments is disclosed. The apparatus is characterized by its construction to include a heater whereby liquid spray material is first heated to a temperature of from about 100.degree. F. to about 240.degree. F. and then sprayed on the substance to be controlled. The apparatus is further characterized by its construction to include an insulating apron for maintaining the heated spray material in close contact with the substance onto which it is sprayed, while at the same time insulating the heated spray and treated substance from ambient conditions. A variety of fluid conduits and controls are provided so that a variety of spray liquids may be applied in predetermined fashion. The apparatus is constructed so that it can be attached to a standard tractor for ease of use.

Abstract: A carpet iron adapter plate of the type primarily intended for attachment to the sole plate of a carpet iron for extending the working surface of the iron so that wider carpet tape can be used. The adapter plate comprises a base having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface has a recessed portion formed therein that is configured to receive at least a portion of the sole plate of the carpet iron therein. The adapter plate has at least two arms attached to the top surface of the base, each arm having first and second ends. The first end of one of the arms is attached proximal to one edge of the base and the first end of another one of the arms is attached proximal to an opposing edge of the base.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a lifting mechanism to a load, the apparatus comprising a hollow annular body having a radial slot extending from the periphery of the body inwardly toward a central aperture. An arcuate bolt is operatively movable within the cavity of the body between a closed position wherein the bolt traverses the slot and thereby engages the load and an open position wherein the bolt is clear of the slot and, thus, disengaged from the load. At least one connector link and an actuating link lock the bolt in the closed position until the actuating link is operated on by a release mechanism.

Abstract: A continuously and infinitely variable mechanical power transmission that utilizes the principles of gyrodynamics in a torque converter and gearing arrangement as its means of achieving continuous and infinitely variable torque ratios between input and output rotary members.

Abstract: An apparatus for safely securing a boat to a dock having a first bracket attached to the boat and a second bracket attached to the dock. Interposed between the two brackets is a telescoping arm including a tension spring, and each end of the arm is pivotally attached to a respective one of the brackets. The telescoping arm is pivotally attached to each bracket to permit movement of the boat with respect to the dock, and the tension spring assists in ensuring that the boat does not inadvertently strike the dock. The apparatus may also include a compression spring positioned to act against one end of the sliding arm as a further cushion against lateral movement of the boat toward the dock.

Abstract: An apparatus for cocking a conventional crossbow, the crossbow having a stock with a first end and a second end. The apparatus comprises a pair of pulleys that are removably attachable to the string of the crossbow, and a cord extending through one pulley, about the second end of the crossbow stock and through the other pulley, so that by pulling the opposite ends of the string the bow may be cocked.

Abstract: A panel lifting insert to be used in combination with a lifting apparatus to lift pre-cast panels and move them from one point to another. The lifting insert comprises a body with an aperture formed therein which is embedded within the pre-cast panel. Attached to the body are a pair of spaced apart legs with one end of the legs being attached to the body and the second ends being attached to one another to form a U-shaped portion. The legs are curved back upon themselves proximal to the U-shaped portion to form a hook. The hook is used to attach the lifting insert to a segment of a reinforcing means that is embedded within the panel. A lifting attachment is then connected to the aperture in the body to provide a means for connecting a lifting apparatus to the panel lifting insert and thus to the panel itself.

Abstract: A device for elevating a limb of a patient which comprises an inflatable member that is adjustable between a deflated state and an inflated state and a harness for attaching the device to the body of a patient. The member is placed between a support surface and the limb of the patient, thus elevating the limb.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for loosening the skin of moisture bearing fruit which have been heated at a first pressure to a predetermined temperature. This includes structure for introducing fruit into the apparatus, structure for holding the fruit and moving it along a predetermined path, equipment positioned along the path for reducing the pressure surrounding the fruit sufficiently below the first pressure to cause expansion of the moisture inside the skin of the fruit to loosen that skin, and finally structure for discharging the fruit from the holding and moving equipment at generally ambient pressure.