Abstract: A stormwater treatment system and method for removing sediment, chemical pollutants, and debris from stormwater runoff by utilizing bioretention practices including physical, chemical and biological processes by passing stormwater runoff water through a multi-phase filtering and treatment train. Stormwater is initially directed to and enters a pretreatment collection chamber located within or exterior of a primarily open-bottomed, multi-dimensional container whereby entrained sediment and other transportable materials are captured and collected prior to continued transport, filtration and treatment through a media filter layer. A live plant (preferably a tree) situated within the container with roots resident in the media filter layer with the ability for expansion beyond the perimeter of the container through openings in one or more sidewalls.

Abstract: A mesh structure to which is mounted one or more ornamental stones. The mesh structure includes a series of chain links that are inter-woven. A thin metallic film in the form of a solder layer is hardened onto the surface of the mesh structure so as to make the mesh structure rigid. One or more settings are drilled into the rigid mesh structure, and a stone is disposed in each of the settings that are provided. A series of prongs are formed about the periphery of each of the so-disposed stones by up-setting the mesh.

Abstract: A door knocker including a front display piece that is in the form of an alpha character piece including a front facing surface for display of the alpha character and a rear facing surface having at least one rearwardly directed flange member that forms part of a pivot means for the front display piece, and a rear support piece that is adapted for attachment to the face of the door. The rear support piece includes at least a first leg for pivotal engagement with the flange member and forming another part of the pivot means, a second leg that is for attachment to the door, and a third leg that forms a knocker that is selectively engageable with the rear facing surface of the alpha character piece.

Abstract: A bird feeder that includes a bird feed holder having open top and bottom ends, a plurality of feeding ports disposed in a sidewall defining the holder, a plurality of perches each associated with an inlet of an associated feeding port and a removable base for engaging with the bottom end of the holder, the removable base having a closed position for sealing the bottom end of the holder so as to retain the bird feed therein and an open position in which the base is removed from the holder to enable access to the bottom end of the holder. One embodiment has a manually operated latch member supported by the base and supported for radial engagement so as to enable releasable securing of the removable base to the holder. In another embodiment a manually operated latch couples to a main body portion, the latch being supported for rotation with respect to the main body portion to releasably secure the base assembly to the housing. Also disclosed is a feeder support apparatus.

Abstract: A bearing that is used in a motor pump in which a liquid is, not only pumped by means of an impeller driven by the pump, but also is used to lubricate components of the motor pump including the motor pump shaft. The bearing is for supporting the shaft at at least one location of the shaft. The bearing is constructed of a bronze material having added thereto a small amount of graphite, preferably around 2.5%.

Abstract: An apparatus is illustrated for collecting containers and that includes a storage receptacle having an access door and a support tray. The storage receptacle has an opening through which a container is inserted for receipt on the support tray. The support tray has an initial substantially horizontal position. A scanner detects the presence of the container on the support tray. A collection bag is supported in the storage receptacle at a bottom thereof and for receiving a plurality of containers. The collection bag is accessible via the access door. A mechanism is responsive to the scanner detecting the presence of the container for releasing the container from the support tray to enable the container to fall into the collection bag. The container is released by the support tray pivoting from the substantially horizontal position to an angled position to thus enable the container to fall into the collection bag.

Abstract: The device is for holding an edible food product such as a vegetable or piece of fruit in readiness for the preparation thereof. The device may be used for peeling or cutting vegetables or fruit in a safe manner. The device includes a body that is meant to be grasped by a user of the device and a set of prongs that are supported by the body and extend from a distal end of the body. The set of prongs preferably includes at least three prongs that are disposed in a parallel array and that are for piercing engagement with the edible product. An actuator rod assembly is supported by the body and includes a proximal end cap and a distal pusher piece that is meant to engage the edible product for dis-engagement thereof from the set of prongs. A biasing spring is disposed in the body for urging the actuator rod assembly in a proximal direction.

Abstract: A cover for an anchor, particularly a fluke-type boat anchor is constructed of a cover material of a resilient rubber that includes an elongated section and side wings. An elongated opening and closing member, such as a zipper, enables the cover to be opened and closed for receipt of the anchor therein.

Abstract: A throwing object that includes a multi-sided member that includes a top and a peripheral sidewall integral with the top. The top and peripheral sidewall together form a cap-shaped member that is hollow with the peripheral sidewall having an inner surface and an outer surface. The outer surface is formed as a concave surface shaped for receiving the finger or fingers of the user with the inner surface including a reinforcing rib that is integral with the sidewall.

Abstract: A ticket holding system mounted over a cooking station in view of a user of the cooking station and for holding one or more order tickets for meals being prepared and viewable by the user. The ticket holding system includes an elongated ticket holder; an elongated ticket retainer that is secured to a face surface of the elongated ticket holder and capable of releasably retaining one or more order tickets; and a pair of brackets that support the ticket holder at a position disposed over the cooking station. The pair of brackets are mounted from respective support surfaces that are spaced apart so that the brackets are spaced from each other and mount the ticket holder therebetween. The pair of brackets and ticket holder are cooperatively constructed and arranged so that the ticket holder can be both pivotal relative to the brackets and adjusted in height.

Abstract: A face shield assembly that includes a protective element including an edge and a frame including a top portion, a bottom portion and a side portion, the frame further including: a) an opening sized to fit the protective element, the opening defined by an upper inner edge, a lower inner edge, and side inner edges of the frame; b) a lip spaced from the upper, lower and side inner edges so as to form a channel constructed and arrange to receive a portion of the edge of the protective element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shower monitor to alert a person how long they have been in the shower by emitting a short audible sound at preset intervals and by emitting a continuous audible sound when a preset time limit has been reached. The shower monitor is provided with security features to prevent unauthorized users from by passing the device. The monitor may have a liquid crystal display providing a visual indication of the time remaining. The monitor has a thermal sensor for activation of a timing cycle. The monitor may employ a flow sensor in combination with or in lieu of the thermal sensor for activation of the timing cycle.

Abstract: A steering device which includes coded microstructures which are provided on the steering shaft and/or on a device that is connected to the steering shaft in a non-positive manner; a sensor which detects the microstructures and outputs associated measuring signals; and an electronic circuit to which the measuring signals of the sensor are fed, and which outputs electronic signals to control the steering is disclosed.