Abstract: A waste-liquid transfer device. In a first embodiment, the device includes a receiver assembly having a horizontal bottom wall and a vertical side wall integral with the bottom wall, providing a receiver cavity for temporarily holding the waste liquid. The vertical side wall defines a cylinder concentric with a standard fifty-five-gallon drum having a top with an opening in it. The receiver assembly fits snugly over the top of the drum, and a drain tube extending downward from the bottom wall fits into the opening in the top of the drum. In a second embodiment, the device includes a receiver assembly having a horizontal bottom wall and a vertical side wall integral with the bottom wall, providing a receiver cavity for temporarily holding the waste liquid. The device further includes a drain pipe leading from the receiver assembly to a storage tank, and a frame supporting the receiver assembly during the transfer operation.

Abstract: A versatile carrying bag useful for industrial and sporting use. The bag comprises front, rear, bottom, and side panels. The front and rear panels have exterior and interior surfaces, and upper and lower halves. The front panel and the lower half of the rear panel are substantially parallel. The upper half of the rear panel extends beyond the front panel to provide a margin which folds down over and overlaps the upper half of the front panel. Matching strips of a self-adhesive material are attached to the outer and inner surfaces of the upper halves of the front and rear panels, respectively, to provide reversible closure of the carrying bag. A pair of substantially parallel side panels are indented along their entire length. The indentations so formed are joined to the upper half of the rear panel and to the bottom panel, thereby forming an upper fold in the upper half of the rear panel, and a pair of lower folds in the bottom panel.

Abstract: A chemical composition which, when applied to water spots on a glass surface such as a windshield, removes the water spots from the windshield or other glass surface. The composition includes (a) an alcohol such as isopropyl alcohol with one to three carbon atoms per molecule, (b) hydrofluoric acid, (c) water, and optionally (d) ammonium fluoride.

Abstract: A device for feeding deer, antelope, and other animals by releasing a liquid feedstock such as molasses whenever part of the device is licked by the animal.

Abstract: Motor vehicles in which steerable wheels aft of the front wheels are steered by the same steering wheel which steers the front wheels. In one aspect the present invention provides an extended motor vehicle thus steered, and in a second aspect a tractor-trailer assembly in which the trailer is steered from the tractor. In one embodiment a mechanical power train is used to forcibly steer the steerable wheels aft of the front wheels. In a second embodiment the wheels are steered electronically, and in a third embodiment they are steered pneumatically. For extended vehicles the steerable wheels aft of the front wheels are forcibly steered in response to the position of the Pitman arm which controls the front wheels. For tractor-trailer assemblies a directional sensor is disposed and held in the V-shaped slot of the fifth wheel of the tractor, and the steerable wheels on the trailer are forcibly steered in response to the direction of motion of the tractor sensed by the sensor.

Abstract: Motor vehicles in which steerable wheels aft of the front wheels are steered by the same steering wheel which steers the front wheels. In one aspect the present invention provides an extended motor vehicle thus steered, and in a second aspect a tractor-trailer assembly in which the trailer is steered from the tractor. In one embodiment a mechanical power train is used to forcibly steer the steerable wheels aft of the front wheels. In a second embodiment the wheels are steered electronically, and in a third embodiment they are steered pneumatically. For extended vehicles the steerable wheels aft of the front wheels are forcibly steered in response to the position of the Pitman arm which controls the front wheels. For tractor-trailer assemblies a directional sensor is disposed and held in the V-shaped slot of the fifth wheel of the tractor, and the steerable wheels on the trailer are forcibly steered in response to the direction of motion of the tractor sensed by the sensor.

Abstract: A steering system for use in a towing vehicle-trailer combination, wherein all trailer axles are load-bearing and fixed. The rearmost axle on the trailer has directional wheels that automatically adjust to the direction of motion of the rear wheels of the towing vehicle. The motive force for steering the directional wheels emanates from a sensor nested in the V-slot of the fifth wheel of the towing vehicle. The steering system is designed to be installed as a retrofit to existing trailers, or as optional equipment for trailers not yet manufactured. Abling and disabling the system is automatic. Abling takes place when the fifth wheel is moved into position to couple the king pin under the trailer. The system is disabled when locking lugs for the fifth wheel are released, and the fifth wheel moves away from the king pin.

Abstract: A steering system for use in a towing vehicle-trailer combination, wherein all trailer axles are load-bearing and fixed. The rearmost axle on the trailer has directional wheels that automatically adjust to the direction of motion of the rear wheels of the towing vehicle. The motive force for steering the directional wheels emanates from a sensor nested in the V-slot of the fifth wheel of the towing vehicle. The steering system is designed to be installed as a retrofit to existing trailers, or as optional equipment for trailers not yet manufactured. Abling and disabling the system is automatic. Abling takes place when the fifth wheel is moved into position to couple the king pin under the trailer. The system is disabled when locking lugs for the fifth wheel are released, and the fifth wheel moves away from the king pin.

Abstract: Machinery and method for the removal, separation, and recovery of petrochemical oils from the surface of bodies of water. The machinery comprises a pickup unit, a first separator unit, a second separator unit, and a third separator unit. The pickup or skimmer unit is designed to operate independently of or in combination with the separator units, and is capable of being propelled by a powered vessel or of being anchored to receive the separated and recovered oil by channelling booms.

Abstract: A device which provides an escape route from a fire. In a first aspect, the present invention provides a directional fire hose which enables a person a person, even in a dark and smoke-filled environment caused by a fire, to follow the fire hose in a direction away from the fire and toward safety. In a second aspect, the invention provides a directional carpet which enables a person, even in a dark and smoke-filled environment, to escape from a burning house or building. The invention is particularly useful for volunteer fire-fighters, inexperienced fire-fighters, and crewmen on a seagoing vessel or platform at sea.

Abstract: A steering system for use in a towing vehicle-trailer combination, wherein all trailer axles are load-bearing and fixed. The rearmost axle on the trailer has directional wheels that automatically adjust to the direction of motion of the rear wheels of the towing vehicle. The motive force for steering the directional wheels emanates from a sensor nested in the V-slot of the fifth wheel of the towing vehicle. The steering system is designed to be installed as a retrofit to existing trailers, or as optional equipment for trailers not yet manufactured. Abling and disabling the system is automatic. Abling takes place when the fifth wheel is moved into position to couple the king pin under the trailer. The system is disabled when locking lugs for the fifth wheel are released, and the fifth wheel moves away from the king pin.

Abstract: A self-extinguishing cigarette equipped with fail-safe means for fire prevention and improved means for holding the cigarette. The cigarette is disposed and held within a hollow, perforated tube to which the supply of air is limited. In one embodiment of the invention, a tilt-ring is fastened to the outer surface of the tube so that, if the tube holding the cigarette is placed upon a horizontal surface such as a bed or carpet, the tube will tilt and bring the unlit end of the cigarette to rest on the horizontal surface. In a second embodiment, a pair of tilt-rings are provided, one ring at each end of the tube, so that the entire tube and cigarette are held above and away form the horizontal surface. The preferred means for limiting the supply of air to the cigarette include tubal perforations of about one-thirty-second of an inch, separated by an average distance of about one-quarter of an inch.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrolyte solution, a reference half-cell, and a complete electrochemical cell particularly useful in making pH measurements of industrial and waste streams having suspended solids or high salt concentrations. An electrolyte solution containing water; at least one lithium salt, e.g. lithium chloride; and at least one ionic species at a constant electrochemical potential, e.g. silver chloride, buffered to a constant pH, is used in the half-cell and complete electrochemical cell. A high concentration of total ions in the electrolyte solution provides a flow direction out of the cell into the test stream, thereby reducing or eliminating the problems of cell contamination and plugging previously encountered. A second solution of high total ionic concentration, e.g. lithium nitrate, is also provided as a salt bridge in the cells to further insure diffusion of the cell electrolyte solution out into the stream being tested.

Abstract: Apparatus for digging post holes with motorized power. The earth drill comprises a rigid lever pivotally mounted on an axle supported by a pair of wheels. Motorized digging means are pivotally connected to one end of the lever. The other end of the lever is adapted for exertion of upward and downward forces thereupon. The distance from the point of support of the lever by the axle to the first end of the lever defines a first lever arm. The distance from the point of support to the other end of the lever defines a second lever arm.

Abstract: A frame for a self-ventilated greenhouse, a self-ventilated greenhouse, and a method for controlling the air pressure between the layers of a double-layer roof for a greenhouse. The frame for the greenhouse comprises first and second parallel rows of upright sideposts; first and second sets of elongated, arcuate frame members; a plurality of cross-members hingedly connecting the sets of frame members; and means for separating and reuniting the sets of frame members. A roof for the greenhouse is provided by disposing first and second translucent sheets above the first and second sets of arcuate frame members, thereby conveting the frame into a greenhouse. The method comprises sealing the ends of a pair of sheets along their edges to form an inflatable pouch, disposing the sealed sheets above a frame to form a roof for a greenhouse, inflating the pouch, and controlling the pressure within the pouch with a back-pressure control valve.

Abstract: A self-ventilating greenhouse and frame therefor. The frame comprises a series of aligned sideposts connected to a series of partially overlapping frame members which support a translucent roof. The frame members are hingedly joined by a series of cross-members which guide the frame members as the roof is opened and closed by means of a worm gear or a rack and pinion.

Abstract: A taillight assembly for boat trailers. The assembly comprises a taillight, and means for mounting the taillight on a trailer. Means are provided for raising and lowering the taillight from and to lower and higher elevations, without manually adjusting the position of the taillight, and while keeping the taillight pointed in a horizontal direction rearward of the trailer. The lower elevation is useful in transporting the boat, and the higher elevation is useful for launching the boat. Keeping the taillight pointed horizontal and rearward of the trailer ensures that the light will be visible both on the road, and while launching and reloading the boat onto the trailer. Means are provided for holding the taillight at the first and second elevations.

Abstract: Safety mechanisms for a plumbing fixture supplying hot and cold water through a common line. One mechanism is mechanical and the other electrical. The mechanical mechanism makes use of a mechanical linkage between the hot-water valve and an auxiliary cold-water valve to flush residual hot water out of the common line with an excess of cold water. The electrical mechanism uses a microprocessor to activate the cold-water valve when the hot-water valve is shut of, this flushing the residual hot water out of the line with an excess of cold water.

Abstract: A device for pulling fence posts from the ground, and for digging holes for the emplacement of fence posts. One embodiment comprises a substantially T-shaped member pivotally mounted on a shaft. A second embodiment comprises a rigid triangular member pivotally mounted on a shaft. Each embodiment further comprises a pair of wheels mounted on the shaft, which thereby serves as an axle for the wheels. Two very important advantages of the first and second embodiments are (1) a continuously variable mechanical advantage and (2) automatic adjustment of the distance of the device from the fence post being pulled up for maximum efficiency. A third embodiment of the invention comprises a digging machine connected to one of the first two embodiments. Either of the first two embodiments are also useful for transporting fence posts or other materials needed in laying fences, or for stringing wire between fence posts.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Coreopsis grandiflora Haag ez Sweet, resulting from a selection of a crop of seedlings of Coreopsis grandiflora `Sunray`, characterized by its exceptional dwarfism, its unique spreading habit, and its early blooming.