Abstract: A crossing guard is disclosed which comprises an operator positioned on one side of a thoroughfare for raising and lowering an arm, a gate connected to the arm, a first lock positioned on the opposite side of the thoroughfare, a plurality of cables supported within the gate, joined together at fixed points intermediate the ends of the cables, and a first end assembly connectable with the cables and the gate at the end of the gate opposite the operator with the first end assembly engagable with the first lock. The device further comprises a second lock positioned on the side of the thoroughfare nearer said operator engagable with a second end assembly positioned on the end of the gate nearer said operator.

Abstract: A composition is provided which comprises a substantially homogeneous semi-solid intimate mixture of (i) over 85% by weight of finely divided particles of at least one fluoropolymer and (ii) less than 15% by weight of at least one normally liquid polysiloxane. A semi-solid wax-like composition of the invention and a liquid waxy composition of the invention can be used to reduce the friction properties of a variety of substrate materials.

Abstract: A method of solicitation of funds to be used by an organization for the purchase of medicine, food or similar goods comprising the steps of: placing in a public location at least two physically bonded canisters, the first canister being larger than the second canister, the first canister having a top end forming an opening sized to permit a container of predetermined size to pass through the opening and into the first canister, the second canister constructed having an open top and forming a cavity of sufficient size into which more than one of the containers may be positioned for removal from the second canister, placing more than one of the containers in the second canister, the containers having removable lids that permit placing monies in the containers, and providing instructions to (i) remove the lid of one of the containers, then (ii) place monies in the container, then (iii) reseal the container with the lid, and (iv) drop the container through the opening and into the first canister.

Abstract: A folding truck bed cover is disclosed having a front panel, a rear panel, and at least one intermediate panel with the width of the panels converging from the front of the truck to the rear, allowing the rear panel to fold down into the bed and form a storage box within the truck bed when the truck bed cover in folded up toward the front of the truck.

Abstract: A drain filtering system is disclosed, comprising a filter placed within a basket which is suspended from frame positioned underneath a drain grate atop the inlet to a storm drain. The filter is constructed from materials which filter out heavy metals and hydrocarbons from the water passing through. The filter also has overflow outlets to prevent back-up of storm water during periods of heavy rain. The basket is constructed from a corrosion resistant material, preferably high density polyethylene which can withstand the extreme pressures exerted by waste and water collected within the filter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a light control system for controlling the operating lights of an emergency vehicle. The light control system (or LCS) will comprise a digital logic controller with a plurality of input pins which are adapted for connection with the operating light switches of the vehicle. The digital logic controller also has a plurality of output pins adapted for connection with the operating lights of the vehicle and a plurality of mode selection switches for selecting a plurality of different modes for controlling the operating lights. In a preferred embodiment, the digital logic controller is a microprocessor.

Abstract: A clip for supporting the clarifier and the droplines in a wastewater treatment system is disclosed. The clip comprises a pair of parallel main plates separated by a bracing plate. The bracing plate is perpendicular to the main plates and is attached to the ends of each. Attached to the free ends of each of the main plates is a pair of mounting plates. These mounting plates are parallel to the bracing plate. In a preferred embodiment, the main plates each contain a hole. This pair of holes is vertically aligned, and each hole is sized to contain a dropline.

Abstract: A process instrument isolation valve is disclosed having a valve body, a plurality of valve seats, a stem, a plug attached to the stem, and an actuator. The valve has an inlet, a sensor port and a vent port. In use, the valve is opened allowing process material to enter the sensor port where a measurement is taken. When measurement is complete, the valve is closed. As the valve closes, process material exits the valve through the vent port while at the same closing off the valve to the process, preventing process material from flowing from the process to the vent line.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for supplying hydraulic fluid for operating a mud pulse generator includes an accumulator that has a reservoir. The accumulator is arranged to maintain the fluid pressure in the reservoir. The system also has a pressure operated, one way inlet valve that is arranged to allow hydraulic fluid to be added, under pressure, to the reservoir. The one way inlet valve also includes a valve core.

Abstract: The present invention relates to power tongs used in the oil and gas industry to make up and break apart the joints on drill pipe and other tubular members. The invention provides a selectively releasable braking apparatus for a power tong. The selectively releasable braking apparatus comprises a braking ring operatively connected to a cage plate of the power tong and a braking surface mechanically connected to the cage plate. The apparatus further has a gripping device capable of selectively gripping and holding the braking surface and has a gear train transferring torque from said brake ring to said braking surface. Power tongs also typically have a throat, a ring gear with an opening, and a cage plate with an opening. The present invention further provides an apparatus for aligning the openings in the ring gear and the cage plate with the throat of the power tong and remotely reversing the direction of rotation of the ring gear and cage plate.

Abstract: The invention comprises the use of bacterially generated polymers as coagulants and flocculents for the removal of suspended solids from wastewater. Polymer producing bacteria such as Bacillus polymyxa NRRL 21881 are added to wastewater treatment systems. The bacteria will reproduce in the system, substantially increasing the number of coagulants over the amount of original bacteria introduced. Throughout their life cycles, the bacteria will biologically treat BOD.sub.5 in the system. When the BOD.sub.5 levels are sufficiently low, the bacteria will produce polymers to increase their ability to capture organic matter. The polymers will capture the suspended particles in the water, creating strands of polymer connected particles. As the strands come into contact with one another, the strands will become entwined, creating flocs. These flocs will combine and will absorb the suspended particles which they encounter.

Abstract: A valve assembly used to minimize chemical loss during the transfer of chemicals from one container to another is disclosed herein. The valve assembly minimizes chlorine or other process material loss to the environment by sealing the manifold and the cylinder to be filled from the environment while the valve assembly is connected or disconnected. The valve assembly includes an inlet valve connectable to an outlet valve, the inlet valve comprising a first plug positioned in a bore extending between an inlet and outlet port and a transfer tube engaging a bore of a first insert positionable within the bore of the inlet valve. The outlet valve comprises a second plug positioned in a bore extending between an inlet and outlet port and a second insert positionable within the bore of the outlet valve. The transfer tube has a first and second end configured to be insertable at least partially within respective bores of the first and second inserts, the first and second ends each having at least one port.

Abstract: An assembly is used in a subterranean well. The assembly includes a first collar that has a support for supporting an oil tool at a first location and a second collar that is connected to the first collar for retaining the tool at a second location downhole of the first location.

Abstract: A mounting assembly is used to mount a printed circuit board on an oil tool. The assembly includes a flat surface on the oil tool. The flat surface is arranged to receive the printed circuit board. The assembly includes a clamp that is adapted to engage with peripheral edges of the printed board substantially around the periphery of the printed circuit board and to clamp the printed circuit board on the flat surface of the oil tool.

Abstract: A can holder worn by a person comprising a can holding member having a rigid back plate and rigid support arms extending from the back plate to form a gap between the support arms of sufficient distance to allow a can's sidewalls to pass between the arms. The support arms have opposing notches sized to receive a can handle attachment members and where the notches are positioned to permit the can to pivot about the can handle attachment members; and a belt suspension member attachable to one end to a belt and pivotally attachable at its end opposite the back plate.

Abstract: A portable liquid-solid separator tank having a bed with a drain, surrounding sides and a dividing wall. A grate overlays the interior of the vessel, bed, and sides, and forms the dividing wall. A filter overlays the grate, extending up the sides and covering the top and the dividing wall. The separator, which may be vacuum loadable, is filled with a sludge which is then separated from the liquid it contains by gravity and hydrostatic pressure which force the liquid through the filter. Liquid is drained out of the bottom of the vessel and the solids are transported within the vessel. The solids are removed through a gate that may be provided in the tank, or by using a hydraulic lift system in much the same manner as a garbage truck empties a municipal dumpster. The filter is removed with the solids and usually discarded.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sod plug cutting and replanting device having a body with a sod plug retention cavity formed therein. The device further includes a cutting surface positioned at a lower section of the body such that the cutting surface will cut a plug of sod prior to the plug entering the plug retention cavity. The device also has a connector attached to the body such that the body may be fixed to a device for driving the body into the sod. The invention also provides a method for harvesting a section of sod by inserting into the section of sod a cutting device having a opening formed within the parameter of a cutting edge such that a plug of sod is separated from the section of sod. The method further includes positioning the plug of sod in the ground below a predetermined depth of the section of sod; and cutting the sod section at the predetermined depth such that the plug of sod remains in the ground when the section of sod is removed.

Abstract: A portable bulk storage container having a counterweight mechanism for opening and closing a heavy lid. The container comprises a substantially gas and liquid tight tank secured inside of a frame. An opening is positioned on a front portion of a top of the tank. A lid is pivotally connected to the top of the tank for sealing the opening. A pair of fulcrums or connecting members extend from opposite sides of a rear portion of the lid. A counterweight is attached to each fulcrum. Each counterweight has an elongated lever end which extends away from the rear of the lid such that the counterweight can be used to rotate the lid between closed and open positions. Each counterweight is positioned beyond a side wall of the tank such that the counterweights can be rotated along the side wall of the tank, thereby effectively utilizing the limited amount of space available inside of the frame.

Abstract: A self-lubricating vertical shaft impact crusher having a housing, lubricating assembly, and a motor wherein the lubricant cools and lubricates the bearings of the rotating shaft and is circulated by using the hydraulic pressure associated with the height of the lubricant reservoir and propellers located on the vertical shaft itself within the shaft housing wherein the propellers provide additional driving force for the lubricant as the vertical shaft rotates.