Abstract: A joint is provided for coupling a pair of elongated members such as a sonde housing and starter rod end to end. Such a joint includes a projection extending in a lengthwise direction from one end of one of the elongated members and a socket in an end of the other of the elongated members, which socket is sized to slidingly receive the projection. A set of alignable transverse openings are provided in the projection and in a wall defining the socket, which openings are configured to receive a removable retainer for mechanically interlocking the projection in the socket. An interlock mechanism, such as a spline and groove connection, prevents relative rotation between the elongated member (e.g., housing and starter rod) when the projection is fully inserted into the socket.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically transferring and handling cartridges containing flat articles. The method and apparatus robotically transfers filled cartridges from the output compartments of a sorting machine to a buffer shelf; and from the buffer shelf to a docking station of a cartridge unloader and automatic feeder to the input of the sorting machine, and for transferring empty cartridges from the docking station to either the buffer or the output compartments of the sorter, is provided.

Abstract: A product dispensing apparatus includes a gathering conveyor and a plurality of product dispensers for dispensing items onto the gathering conveyor, the plurality of product dispensers including a first subset of product dispensers and a second subset of product dispensers, the first subset and the second subset have at least one common product dispenser. First and second relays are coupled to the first and second subset of product dispensers, respectively; simultaneously energizing the first and second relay actuates at least one of the product dispensers. The product dispensers are arrayed in a matrix for dispensing products, the matrix of product dispensers having a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, corresponding the first and second subset.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically sorting and feeding flat articles. The method stacks flat articles into cartridges in output compartments of a sorting machine, robotically transfers filled cartridges from the output compartments of a sorting machine to a buffer shelf; and from the buffer shelf to a docking station of a cartridge unloader and automatic feeder to the input of the sorting machine, and for transferring empty cartridges from the docking station to either the buffer or the output compartments of the sorter.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for controlling pests which, according to one aspect of the invention, uses a laser beam to exterminate pests hidden behind or within a solid barrier. The laser light must have a wavelength and power to sufficient exterminate the pests hidden behind or within the barrier without damaging the barrier. Such a method can be used to control ant and termite infestation of common household building materials and agricultural pest control of crop fields.

Abstract: A pipe bursting apparatus includes a directional boring machine capable of simultaneously rotating and pulling a drill string and an impact tool connectable to the drill string. The impact tool includes a tubular housing ending in a front bursting head, an input shaft, bearings supporting the input shaft for rotation within the housing, a striker disposed for reciprocation within the housing to deliver impacts to a front anvil, and a drive mechanism for simultaneously pulling the impact tool forward in response to a pulling force on the input shaft and for reciprocating the striker to drive the tool forward by the action of cyclic impacts on the front anvil. The apparatus can carry out a pipe bursting operation in a manner that eliminates the need to use a separate pneumatic impact tool to burst the existing pipe.