Abstract: A scaffolding enclosure for use with large structures such as water towers and the like is described. The scaffolding has a modular construction and is adapted to provide one or more enclosed work areas against the walls of the structure. The scaffolding has a movable horizontal top module, preferably extending from one side of the structure to the other, and a vertical module at one end or preferably both ends of the horizontal top module, extending downwardly therefrom adjacent the wall of the structure. Each vertical module has at least one work area and is enclosed on the back and the sides. The front face is open to the wall of the structure, and the edges of the work area are sealed against the wall of the structure. For water towers with undercut lower walls, inwardly angled lower modules may be attached to the vertical modules, the lower modules also having at least one work area.

Abstract: A mixture of particles of plastic materials having different work functions is fed through a rotating tube. The tube rotates about an axis which is inclined slightly to the horizontal. The tube is of plastic or metallic material, preferably having a rib for stirring the mixture. As the particles pass progressively down the length of the tube, the triboelectrically induced charge progressively increases, whereby the particles are highly charged upon emerging from the tube. The tube may be made of the same material as a minority component of the mixture to bring up the level of the charge on the majority component.

Abstract: Surfaces of fine polystyrene (PS) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) powders were modified by exposure to the downstream products of a nitrogen or oxygen microwave plasma. The effects of nitrogen and indium incorporation in the powder surface were studied with emphasis on variations in the triboelectric properties of the powder. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was utilized to determine the changes in surface elemental composition. After nitrogen plasma treatment, the C 1s peak profiles suggested the formation of amines in the case of PS, and the formation of imines and amides in the case of PMMA. Oxygen plasma treatment suggested the formation of hydroxyl and carbonyl groups on the surfaces of both PS and PMMA. After treatment with a nitrogen or oxygen plasma, the charge-to-mass ratio (Q/M) of PS and PMMA powders in contact with carrier particles was measured using the cage blowoff method. The surface charge density (Q/A) was calculated from Q/M.

Abstract: Dust collection apparatus for collecting dust during the grinding of tires includes a collection head mounted on the end of an arm, the collection head having a series of brushes which are arranged to contact the surface of the tire in proximity to where the grinding is taking place, in order to remove and trap the dust. Vacuum aspiration removes the trapped dust from the area surrounded by the brushes, and conveys it away for disposal, preferably via the arm, the arm being hollow for that purpose. The brushes are arranged such that all or substantially all of the tire surface which has been ground is subjected to the brushes. The dust collection apparatus is preferably attached to the arm which carries the grinding wheel used in the grinding machine, such that when the grinding wheel is moved into position against the tire, the dust collection apparatus moves with it, and is positioned against the tire.

Abstract: The water filtration apparatus is based on the principles of swirl-separation, flow-straightening and biological filtration. The waste stream is introduced into a swirl chamber. Overflow from the swirl chamber is introduced into a biological chamber in the form of a vertically-oriented tube bundle, where it is straightened, its velocity is reduced and it is allowed to contact a biologically active media. The overflow from the tube bundle is then removed. Underflow is removed from the bottom of the swirl chamber.

Abstract: The device includes a blade and a handle whereby the device may be used as a conventional snow pusher. Skis or skids below the blade support the blade at an angle relative to the ground, and may raise the blade 5 cm or so off the ground surface, so that the blade does not snag the ground during pushing. Left and right struts support the skis from the blade. The struts are collapsible, and when collapsed the skis lie tucked away against the back of the blade, whereby the device may be used as a shovel.

Abstract: A cutting anvil assembly for use in butt cutting applications typically used in connection with self-adhesive label stock. The cutting anvil is ground to a precise outer diameter against which cutting blades of a precise height are secured by means of trapezoidal blocks. Rapid and simple changes of cutting blades are accomplished by simply setting the blade in place against the anvil and securing the blades in place between alternately semi-permanent and removable blocks. Adjustments of cutting depth to accommodate stock with different weight backings are also accomplished quickly and easily by positioning shims beneath the blades.

Abstract: A wire mesh face mask for hockey or other sports is manufactured from a steel having carbon content in the range of AISI grades C-1018 to C-1038, and preferably C-1022. The mask is made by forming a grid of generally horizontal wires overlaid by generally vertical wires, shaping the grid into a mask shape, welding the wires to each other where they intersect, heat treating and quenching the grid to increase hardness, dipping the grid to coat it with an epoxy coating. This combination of materials and processes permits the use of a thinner wire than has previously been possible in face masks.

Abstract: A rake is described, having wheels mounted rotatably thereto which enable the rake to be moved easily from place to place without lifting the rake from the ground. When the rake is pulled towards the user, the comb is locked such that its teeth are in the conventional operative position, i.e. pointing downwardly, but when the rake is pushed away, the comb rotates out of the way to permit the rake to be pushed easily, even over piles of debris just raked.

Abstract: A fuel preheater for use with internal combustion engines is disclosed. The preheater works on the principle that by preheating the fuel, the fuel is more effectively vaporized, resulting in more efficient combustion. This preheating is accomplished using heat normally wasted via the radiator. The preheater has a housing, through which heated engine coolant on its way from the engine block to the radiator is routed. A coiled steel gas line is routed through the housing, and is connected between the regular fuel line and the engine.

Abstract: A street hockey goalie's blocker is described, which permits the blocker to be used on either the left hand or the right hand. The blocker has a generally planar rectangular blocking pad having a blocking side and an inner side, as in the prior art. Also as in the prior art, a sleeve is provided on the inner side of the blocking pad, and it has an integral thumbguard extending therefrom. However, the sleeve is removably attached to the inner side of the pad, instead of being sewn thereto, and is reversible. Removing the sleeve, turning it over, and then reattaching it in effect changes the position of the thumbguard from one hand to the other. A thumb strap is provided, as in the prior art, but instead of being sewn to one side of the thumbguard, it can be positioned on either side of the thumbguard, to allow for the reversibility of the thumbguard. In the preferred embodiment, strips of VELCRO (trademark) fastening material are used to attach the sleeve to the pad.

Abstract: A plant pot carrier is provided, generally in the form of a ring of lesser diameter than the top of the pot, to support the pot. Preferably, the ring is circular in cross-section and nearly cylindrical but tapered slightly to match the taper of the upper rim of a plant pot. In the preferred embodiment, leading from opposite upper sides of the ring are two flexible straps, which may be bent upwardly to meet each other and which include complimentary means for fastening one to the other, thereby forming a loop which can be used as a carrying handle. At least the lower periphery of the ring includes several inwardly directed tabs or a continuous flange which engages the underside of the lip commonly formed by the annular ring at the top of a typical plant pot. Preferably, several spaced tabs or a continuous flange are also provided at the upper margin of the ring, to engage the upper portion of the plant pot.

Abstract: A seat cushion is shown, of the type commonly used in conjunction with wheelchairs, but not necessarily limited to wheelchair seating. The seat cushion has a flat rigid base on which a shaped foam section with sides which angle outwardly and upwardly is supported. The foam section has a recessed area defined therein, to accommodate either a viscoelastic foam insert, or preferably a fluid-filled pad which is stuffed or accordion-folded into the recess. A suitable cover of two-way stretch moisture-proof fabric is provided. The fluid-filled pad is sealed peripherally along at least the front edge and both sides. The rear edge may also be permanently sealed, or may be provided with a variable position resealable closure extending across the rear end. At least one seam runs from the front edge to near the rear edge, to divide the pad into at least two and preferably three compartments.

Abstract: Conventional cable-laying apparatus has been adapted for the removal of cable. A trenching plow blade is towed behind a bulldozer or the like. Mounted above the area of the blade is a powered cable-pulling assembly. Once an initial length of cable is excavated and routed to the cable pulling assembly, the equipment is advanced along the line of the cable to dig the trench, preferably just a small distance above the cable, such as about a foot, and the cable pulling assembly is driven to pull the cable from the ground behind the advanced blade. The cable may be routed to lie on the ground behind the advancing apparatus, or alternatively may be routed forward over the cab of the bulldozer onto a powered rewind reel. The cable pulling assembly includes a pulling wheel rotatably mounted to the blade support assembly, rotated by a hydraulic motor through a reduction gearbox. A series of rollers are mounted between two roller support arms.

Abstract: An article is disclosed which is capable of being configured as a blanket or mat or the like, or as a carrying bag or knapsack. The article is made of a fabric piece having two opposing arcuate fabric channel halves secured to the lower surface thereof, facing each other. The channel halves define a generally circular channel in the center of the fabric piece. Gaps between the opposing ends of the fabric channel halves expose at least one and preferably two separate continuous ropes which pass through the channel. The fabric piece has a generally circular central portion of smaller diameter than the channel, with at least one retaining loop secured near the circumference thereof.