Abstract: The ion chip operating module allows for the inevitable ionizing electrode erosion by high voltage ionization of the prior art ion chip, by extending its life, improving its performance and maintenance. A ionizing module is provided which lengthens the life of its ionizing structure by providing more ionizing electrodes, which usually operate sequentially, and also allows replacement of an exhausted module by a fresh one. The ionizing electrodes are provided by ionizing needles, conductive carbon coated fibers and mixtures thereof. The carbon coated fibers when in brush form present a very large number of potential ionizing electrodes. The module is a metal plate with the ionizing structure on one side and a pin adapted to engage a socket on the other. The advantage of injecting negative ions into air conditioning systems to enhance air quality by increasing negative ions and by precipitating particulate contaminants is known.

Abstract: A scoop has a handle attached thereto by a neck. The neck has a built in strain gauge supporting the scoop which measures weight in the scoop. An analog-digital converter converts the strain gauge output to a digital signal, which displays the weight as a readout (either metric or avoirdupois) on a panel in the handle. Control switches built into the handle or panel control the functions of the scoop, while indicator/annunciator lights indicate status. A level indicator is provided having a ball bearing resting freely on a conducting bottom plate forming a spherical sector of predetermined angle and a cylindrical sidewall having therein conducting elements. When the ball bearing contacts a sidewall conducting element it closes a circuit which switches off a level indicator/annunciator light, which when on shows that the scoop is level. The position of the ball bearing is visible to the operator, allowing correction of tilt.

Abstract: A grain elevator auger uses a hydraulic cylinder incorporating a checkvalve. This checkvalve enables the volume of hydraulic fluid required to raise the elevator to be reduced to that required to replace the extended piston rod, instead of the full volume of the cylinder. The necessary capacity of the tractor hydraulic system reservoirs which are used to raise the elevators are similarly lessened. The checkvalve prevents hydraulic pressure retracting the piston, pressure is equalized on both sides of the cylinder piston, which then retracts slowly under the weight of the elevator, rather than rapidly under hydraulic pressure.

Abstract: A vacuum tool for delicate dusting of plants and similar delicate fabrics has an inner and outer shell. The inner shell has a distribution of holes providing even volume of air flow per unit length of inner and outer shells. The outer shell has an even distribution of holes which provide even volume of air flow and air velocity per hole and also even suction over the outer shell. The outer holes are sunk within grooves so that fabric, leaves and petals and the like are not sucked against the holes and torn, ripped or frayed. The grooves also provide even suction over the surface of the outer shell.

Abstract: A method of stripping leaf cutter bee nest blocks passes several sets of stripping pins through the block in a single pass. Each set of pins has a different length, the lengths differ so that only one set of pins at a time contacts the seal plugs in the nest block tunnels. One set of pins contacts the plugs and breaks them loose before next set contacts the plugs. The pins are spaced so that each pin of a set is not directly adjacent a pin of an immediately preceding or succeeding set. The method increases speed and reduces cocoon crush.

Abstract: A long life deodorant composition lasting up to about 7 days for foot odor, and up to about 15 days underarm, includes specially treated cornstarch or oat starch as a substitute for talc. Additionally the treated starch acts as a spreading agent, giving a silky smooth effect. Citric acid, an increased proportion of zinc oxide and aloe vera concentrate are advantageously included in the deodorant.

Abstract: A light canister for protruding and typically exterior building corners has support brackets, a vertical groove to accommodate the corner, and hooks inside the groove to engage the support bracket. The bracket has two corner contact plates connected by a protruding connection forming a space between the wall and itself when the bracket is attached. The hooks are dimensioned to fit snugly within the space. Both are conveniently V shaped.

Abstract: A circular robotic device has retractable extendible surface engaging drives controlled by linear actuators. A pressure transducer indicates the pressure exerted by one such drive on the surface if the pressure is to high the drives are retracted, if the pressure is too low the drives are extended. A more sophisticated version controls the pressure exerted by each drive independently. In a pole centering version this providing a tight clamp allows the device to climb and descend the typically tapered poles. The device can prime and paint poles to predetermined thickness, as well as sandblast the poles. In a pipe cleaning version the drive engage the internal surface of a pipe. The pipe cleaning version carries pipe cleaning and/or X-ray equipment. A microprocessor monitors the device and provides status information to a remote control unit.

Abstract: A process of detoxifying gas plant filters for environmentally acceptable disposal involves immersing the filters in aqueous cleansing fluid in a tank, containing a suitable cleaning agent. When saturated they are then agitated and passed through compressing rollers to extract as much cleansing fluid as possible. The extracted cleansing fluid returns to the tank it came from. The filters are then subject to similar repetitive steps of immersion, saturation, agitation, compression and fluid extraction in subsequent tanks. Five such stages are provided usually with diminishing proportion of cleaning agent in the aqueous cleansing fluid. The last two stages are often rinsing with water, although this is not always the case. The cleaned filters meet environmental standards for landfill disposal. The toxin accumulate as sludge in the tanks and are periodically removed for disposal in approved hazardous waste disposal sites.

Abstract: A molded plastic leaf cutter bee nest block, having opposed sides, opposed ends, and opposed faces, formed of expanded plastic beads, having nonstandard length, to accommodate more integrally molded round bee holes. The holes may be tapered, for ease of stripping. The sides may be reinforced for ease of handling, assembling, strapping, transport and storage. High density polystyrene blocks have improved product life, while the blocks, reinforced or otherwise are parasite resistant.

Abstract: A double lead-pup trailer assembly for container transport has swivel bunks enabling the container to be carried on the articulated trailers. The rear swivel bunk slides rotatably within a slot extending to the rear of the pup trailer allowing the container to be directly unloaded. The coupling means between the trailers is adjustable between a highway articulated driving relationship, and a backing up aligned relationship. One advantage is the gross vehicle weight and payload are improved. Another advantage is that the container more closely tracks the tractor and trailer wheels on turns, thus providing more manoeuvrability and safety.

Abstract: Vertical bore holes are constructed for municipal sanitary landfills by drilling or otherwise excavating holes of large dimension to substantial depth, in virtually all known soil conditions however variable. They can be excavated well below the groundwater table, then lined with an impermeable or other permanent liner. This allows the landfill area to be much more efficiently used for the storage of various waste products. Solid organic waste other than cellulosics can be anaerobically fermented to methane and compost. A central core shaft is used as gas removal vent and conduit. After methane generation and removal the resulting compost is removed for use as soil nutrients. This system fully complies with the Environmental Protection Act and other regulations now in force in North America. Air, soil, groundwater, and surface water pollution and contamination are eliminated as all waste storage is contained within its own environment below natural grade.

Abstract: A pesticide fogger suitable for use with internal combustion engines has a heat exchanger built into the exhaust. A pesticide line is run along the exhaust, its entry port is at the hottest point of the exhaust, suitably about 3 inches from the inlet end of the exhaust. The line is wound in counter current flow in six coils around the exhaust between the muffler and the entry port. An outer sleeve surrounds heat exchanger, exhaust and entry port to form a sealed chamber. The discharge pipe apertures in the muffler are at least 3/16 inch in diameter. The device is conveniently an exhaust component for attachment to an internal combustion engine, and is suitable for lawn mowers. A hand operated accordion primer pump built into the pesticide container conveniently provides initial positive pressure.

Abstract: A door security system has a floor contacting foot pivoted on a prop, itself pivoted on a locking system attached to a door support. A bracket with opposed spaced apart face walls joined by edge wall to receive a door corner may be used to attach the door support. A hand releasable locking system has saw teeth engaging saw teeth on the door support. Prop mountings on both foot and locking system restrict the floor prop angle, which may be from 60.degree. to 70.degree., and conveniently 65.degree. to 70.degree., especially 69.degree.. The device may be installed permanently or temporarily, on a door, it is far more effective than a door chain. A ratchet may be incorporated to tighten the prop, and a release lever to `break` the prop. A floor plate with a hole may be used to fix the foot to the floor by a pin passing through a similar hole in the foot.

Abstract: A rotary power tool holder, particularly a holder for rotary power handsaws, has a bottom wall including a longitudinal slot for the circular saw or tool element. A side wall parallel to the slot has a projection to engage the tool guard. This projection can be varied to accommodate different guards, its distance from and height above the slot can be varied to accommodate different rotary power saw models. The breadth of the slot can be altered to let the saw sit lower. The projection may be adjustable in height. Both bottom wall and side wall are attachable to substrates. Tool receiving recesses may be provided on the side wall away from the slot, which form sockets when the side wall is attached to a substrate.

Abstract: A door security system has a floor contacting foot pivoted on a prop itself pivoted on a locking system adjustably attached to a door support removably mountable on a door by a detachable bracket. The system is simple to install. A door so equipped can be opened a slit for conversation but insufficient for entry, then locked in position. The bracket has opposed spaced apart face walls joined by edge wall to receive a door corner, the door support is attachable to the bracket by a wingnut. The hand releasable locking system has saw teeth engaging saw teeth on the door support. Prop mountings on both foot and locking system restrict the angle of the prop to the floor. This angle may be from 60 to 70, and conveniently is 65. The device may be installed permanently or temporarily, on a door, it is far more effective than a door chain. Both bracket and door support can be permanently fastened to the door by screws.

Abstract: A telephone ringer is light controlled, when the light intensity is below an adjustable preset level the ringer does not ring. The control element includes a SCR switching element, the gate potential of which is controlled by a light dependent resistance. A manual switch element to allow the telephone to be set ON, OFF, or AUTOMATIC is included. The AUTOMATIC setting is the light control element. The control element may be in the telephone set, or in a module insertable between set and system. The module additionally includes circuitry to allow phoning out. Courtesy and indicator light circuits are provided to allow dialing in the dark and incoming calls.

Abstract: A cranberry harvester has a array of vertically oscillatable tines extending forward and over a ground roller. The roller pulls the vines through the tine array, stripping the berries, without damaging the vines or jamming the tines. Round upwardly curved tapered tines pivoted on a transverse bar are independently oscillated by a transverse camshaft to disentangle the vines effectively. Fruit is removed through a suction duct to a storage bin. The cranberry harvester is conveniently mounted on either a center articulated self propelled chassis, or a unitary self propelled chassis.