Abstract: A protective sports helmet that is molded from a shock absorbing foam. The helmet is preferably an single, homogenous piece of injection molded foam. An insert plate can be positioned near the user's forehead at the top and forward portion of the helmet. The purpose of the insert plate is to simulate the hardness of the user's head for heading a ball. The helmet can head the ball without the injury to the head and the brain as potentially encountered without protection. The soft-shell also minimizes injuries on other parts of the body that are struck by the helmet. The helmet can be utilized for football and other contact sports. Additional external components such as metal or plastic inserts can be inset molded into the foam. The purpose of these inserts is to improve stability and allow for attachment of face guards and chin straps.

Abstract: A trencher mountable on a vehicle such as a tractor, includes a substantially horizontal hollow stationary member positioned substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel of the vehicle, an extension member which is slidably receivable within the stationary member and a member for extending and retracting the extension member with respect to the stationary member. The trencher further includes a swiveling member pivotably attached to one end of the extension member with the swiveling member being horizontally pivotable with respect to the extension member. The trencher further includes a trenching head attached to the other end of the swiveling member, the trenching head including a trenching wheel and a device for pivotably raising and lowering the trenching head with respect to the swiveling member, and a frame for mounting the trencher to the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention provides a practice device for practicing the game of golf. The practice device includes a ball, and a tether affixed to the ball for limiting the travel of the ball. The practice device also includes a reel for receiving the tether. The reel can include a lock for preventing the rotational movement of the reel. An anchor is provided for securing the practice device to a surface. The anchor has at least one leg. In an embodiment, the anchor includes two legs, each leg having a distal end and a proximal end. The proximal ends of the legs are joined by a substantially perpendicular cross member, and the distal ends of the legs are receivable into the surface. The reel is rotatably secured to the anchor. The invention can also include a loop secured to the anchor for guiding the tether. The invention can additionally include deflector for preventing the ball from hitting the reel or the anchor.

Abstract: An anhydrous 5-aminotetrazole or “5-AT” based gas generating composition for use in passive restraint devices, such as air bags and a method of preparing the same that is devoid of metal oxides. The gas generating composition includes 5-AT with a blend of oxidizers such as potassium perchlorate and potassium nitrate. This gas generating composition is devoid of metal oxides, such as copper oxide or iron oxide, which form an insoluble slag when ignited. After ignition, the combustion products of the gas generating composition can be filtered with a filter assembly that includes a ceramic blanket. The ceramic blanket preferably includes an aluminum oxide and a silicon oxide.

Abstract: An apparatus for a dental instrument and specifically for a dental curette. The dental instrument comprises a handle having a first end and a second end. The handle has a substantially elongate form, and is molded from a composite of nonmetallic components. The handle also includes a first tip and a second tip that are received into the first end and the second end of the handle, respectively. The first tip and the second tip include metal tools, preferably formed from a stainless steel. The handle includes a core component comprising of a substantially rigid material, and a grip component comprising of a substantially elastic material. Selected thermosetting or thermoplastic polymeric casting resins, which are autoclaveable and chemclaveable, provide the desired tactile and structural qualities for the core component and the grip component.

Abstract: Thermal presses and methods for operating thermal presses in the fabrication of finished articles from a web of thermoplastic material. In one embodiment, a thermal press includes a primary frame, a drive shaft rotatably attached to the frame, and a first arm projecting away from the drive shaft. The drive shaft can extend from one side of the frame to another to rotate about its longitudinal axis, and the drive shaft can have a load area spaced apart from the primary frame. The first arm projects from the drive shaft at the load area, and the first arm is connected to the drive shaft to rotate with the drive shaft. The first arm includes a connecting point configured to pivotally attach the first arm to a second link that is rotatably attached to a first forming assembly. The rotation of the drive shaft rotates the first arm and the second link to move the first forming assembly along a travel path between an engage position and a disengage position.

Abstract: A produce merchandiser for displaying produce, such as fresh fruit and the like, at a controlled temperature. The produce merchandiser includes a bin receiving structure and a bin for containing produce. The bin receiving structure has a base, and a refrigeration unit mounted on the base. The refrigeration unit supplies cooled air to the produce. The bin receiving structure also includes a mast mounted to the base and extending substantially vertically therefrom. A lifting mechanism, comprising a carriage and an actuator, is also provided. The carriage includes at least one bin floor support arm, and is adapted to travel vertically on the mast. The actuator is for raising and lowering the carriage. The bin of the produce merchandiser is removably installed on the base unit.

Abstract: A retaining element system is provided that improves face stability in poorer quality soils that are not suited to conventional soil nailing. The method includes inserting retaining elements substantially vertically into an earthen mass to shore the face of an excavation. The earthen mass can be any material or combination of materials, such as soil, clay or rock that requires excavation for the installation of a shoring wall. The plurality of retaining elements are placed side by side in a substantially linear arrangement. A plurality of soil nails are then inserted into the excavation plane, at the approximate midpoint between a pair of adjacent retaining elements. An exposed tip portion of each soil nail attaches to a wale, which is a substantially horizontal element that contacts a retaining element on both sides of each soil nail. The wale can be a beam, bracket, or a set of concrete reinforcement bars.

Abstract: A method for an anaerobic digester system is provided that employs a cumulative data base to better monitor and control the anaerobic process, as compared with conventional anaerobic digester systems. The method includes the storing and ensiling of a feedstock, preferably a biomass, to form a digester feed material, which then processed by a digester. The process evolves a biogas and forms a digested material. The process is monitored, to collect a plurality of digester data from all stages of the process. These individual points or elements of the data are telemetered to a cumulative data base for storage and eventual retrieval and the cumulative data base is mined to compile predictive, feed forward controls and construct feedstock correlations between the metabolic activity within the digesters and an analysis of the feedstocks into the digesters. The method further includes the production of a high quality plant growth media from the digested mash, and recovery of the biogas generated within the digester.

Abstract: An insulating sleeve for a beverage container is provided. The sleeve is constructed from at least two layers of fabric, and has an integral pocket incorporated between the two layers. Two elasticized fleece fabric panels, each having a rectangular body area and a pocket extension, are joined at their edges and then attached at their ends to form the sleeve. The pocket extensions are folded down between the two elasticized fleece fabric panels to form the integral pocket. The insulating sleeve has indicia affixed to its outer surface. The sleeve provides a beverage cup insulating sleeve that is easily positionable on a beverage cup, and that will remain in position without adjustment. It can be machine washed and used repeatedly, instead of thrown away after use. The sleeve can adapt itself to fit a variety of container shapes, and can be folded compactly for storage when not in use. Additionally the pocket provides a way of keeping a punchcard with the sleeve.

Abstract: A produce catcher is provided that includes a support frame having a support member, a first extending arm and a second extending arm. The first extending arm is substantially parallel to and extendible from the support member, and the second extending arm is substantially parallel to and extendible from the support member. The first extending arm extends in a direction substantially opposite from the extension of the first extending member. A first tarp pole pivotally attaches to the first extending member and a second tarp pole is affixed to the support member. A third tarp pole pivotally attaches to the second extending member, and a fourth tarp pole is also affixed to the support member. The second tarp pole and the fourth tarp pole are spaced apart from one another at a distance sufficient to allow the positioning of a trunk of a tree between the second tarp pole and the fourth tarp pole. A first tarp is adapted to be suspended between the first tarp pole and the second tarp pole.

Abstract: An off-axis adapter for a parallel, offset fishing rod coupling is provided. The adapter includes a ferrule having two ends. The ends of the ferrule are each attached to a support and each support has a rod mount and a ferrule connection. The rod mounts each attach to a primary rod at mounting points, and the ferrule connections attach to the ferrule proximate to each respective end of the ferrule. The ferrule receives and maintains a secondary rod in a substantially parallel configuration in relation to the primary rod. Because the adapter is attached from the length or side of the host or primary rod, the installation of the adapter does not require matching dimensions of a host rod and a bushing. The adapter is installed onto a side portion of a fishing rod that has already been built and does not require removal of fishing rod components.

Abstract: A system for injecting a fluid spray into a wind machine-generated airstream is provided. The system includes a wind machine that is rotatably mounted upon a central tower. The wind machine is a conventional type, generating the air stream by the rotation of a propeller. The air stream can be directed toward a target, such as an orchard, vineyard or crop for cooling, humidifying, heating or the dispersal of agricultural chemicals. The present invention can be utilized for dust control. A nozzle array is mounted proximate to and preferably onto the wind machine, downstream of the air flow. The nozzle array includes at least a nozzle wand with a base end and a nozzle end. The base end attaches to the wind machine and each nozzle end has a nozzle. The nozzle injects the fluid into the air stream, behind and away from the rear of the wind machine. A rotatable manifold distributes the fluid to the nozzle array through the fluid outlet. The manifold is ring shaped and circumferentially mounted on the central tower.

Abstract: A device for moving bulk flow material is provided. The device includes an idler sprocket assembly and a drive sprocket assembly. The drive sprocket assembly is engaged with a motor, which turns the drive sprocket assembly. Endless loop drive chains are functionally engaged on the idler sprocket assembly and the drive sprocket assembly. Spacer bars are positioned perpendicular to and attached to the endless loop drive chains. A conveyor belt is received loosely on the endless loop drive chains, covering the endless loop drive chains and leaving slack in the conveyor belt. A method for moving bulk flow material is also provided. According to the method, the motor turns the drive sprocket assembly, advancing the drive chains. The weight of the bulk flow material presses the conveyor belt against the chains, creating friction which advances the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A support for receiving and supporting stacked tiers of cylindrical roll stock is provided. The support can be either located on the base tier of the rolls, folded between tiers, or placed on the top tier, all to provide a rectangular stacked arrangement of the roll stock that is especially suited for storage or transport. The roll support includes a support body that is preferably formed from a resinous plastic, polymeric material, such as PET that includes a plurality of curved cradles and each curved cradle is sized for receiving a roll of cylindrical stock. A multiple of the support bodies combine to support a multiple of the rolls of cylindrical stock in a tiered array. Each support body can substantially support the weight of each roll of cylindrical stock received within its curved cradles. The weight of the support body is less than the supported weight of the roll of cylindrical stock.

Abstract: A convertible trailer and stroller having, a pair of frame blocks mount to a frame member of a jogging stroller, each proximate the two rear wheels of the jogging stroller. The frame blocks are each attached to a wheel block at a wheel pivot that interconnect the frame blocks to their respective wheel blocks. A pair of wheels having hub axle ends are received into a wheel bearing within each of the wheel blocks, and the wheel blocks are rotatable about the respective block pivots to selectably raise or lower each wheel relative to the block pivots. In the lowered wheel, or stroller configuration, a high ground clearance for all terrain operation is provided, while in the raised wheel or trailer configuration, a low and stable center of gravity is provided. The convertible trailer and stroller can also include an upper bar that attaches to the wheel blocks.

Abstract: A heater apparatus for a wind machine and particularly for heating a wind stream generated by the wind machine, the wind machine rotatably mounted upon a central tower. The generated air stream can be directed toward a target such as an orchard, vineyard or crop. The wind machine rotates upon a pinion attached to the wind machine. The pinion rotates within a housing, and the housing is immovably mounted to the central tower. The housing includes a pinion cavity, which receives the pinion. The pinion is rotatable within the housing, and the pinion is co-rotatable with the wind machine about a common axis of rotation upon the central tower. A manifold is formed within the pinion cavity, between the pinion and the housing and is further bounded by an upper seal and a lower seal. A fuel is receivable into the manifold, the fuel conducted into the manifold through a housing port. The housing port penetrates through the housing and is open to the manifold. The housing port conducts the fuel into the manifold.

Abstract: A new hop plant variety is disclosed. The new variety is used for its bittering and aromatic properties. The new variety is moderately tolerant to powdery mildew and Sphaerotheca. The new variety produces a medium size compact cone with good pickability and storageability. The cones mature early, and yield a crop of 2650 to 2880 pounds per acre (2970 to 3230 kg/ha).

Abstract: The new hop plant variety is a bittering-type cultivar of recent origin. Its bittering and aromatic properties are similar to the Galena hop variety. However, unlike Galena which is susceptible to powdery mildew, the new variety is moderately tolerant to powdery mildew. It is also tolerant to Sphaerotheca. The new variety produces a medium size cone with fair to good pickability, and fair to good storageability. Harvest is medium-late, with a crop yield of 2450 to 2550 pounds per acre (2750 to 2860 kg/ha).