Abstract: A portable cooling trailer for cooling produce at the harvest site, where the produce may be cooled by either forced air refrigeration, where cooled air is drawn through the produce and recycled through a heat exchanger, or hydro cooling, where chilled water is sprayed onto the produce, recaptured and recycled through the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A process for forming a uniform, boron nitride coating on a boron-doped, refractory carbide body, and in particular on a sintered, boron-doped, silicon carbide fiber, where the body is exposed to a nitrogen-containing atmosphere at a temperature equal to or greater than the densification or sintering temperature. The coated fibers exhibit no loss in strength properties and show improved creep resistance.

Abstract: An improved clamping device for securing a thin-walled tube against movement in the axial direction during cold forming operations performed on the tube end, the clamping device having a base member and a clamping member each containing semi-circular channels which combine to define a generally circular bore to receive a tube, where the channel walls are provided with plural annular grooves, each groove having a recess bounded by two raised shoulders which extend into the interior from the channel wall and are pressed into the outer wall of the tube to provide a frictional grip against axial movement of the tube.

Abstract: A high strength, high creep resistant, boron-doped, silicon carbon fiber having no boron nitride coating, originally formed by sintering, is produced by exposing the fiber to a nitrogen atmosphere at a temperature equal to or preferably elevated above the sintering temperature and also exposing the fiber to a carbon monoxide-containing atmosphere at a temperature sufficient to remove boron and boron nitride. The nitrogen atmosphere step may be performed before or after the carbon monoxide-containing atmosphere step. The resulting, uncoated SiC fibers have tensile strengths greater than approximately 2.0 GPa and Morscher-DiCarlo BSR test creep resistance M values greater than approximately 0.75 at 1400 degrees C for one hour in argon. The method is applicable to non-sintered fibers as well, in which case the nitrogen exposure is carried out at between approximately 1750 to 2250 degrees C and the carbon monoxide exposure is carried out at between approximately 1600 to 2200 degrees C.

Abstract: A looped fastener having a fabric covered elasticized member having a thin, substantially rectangular cross-sectional configuration having terminal ends formed in a loop by passing the elasticized member through a hollow open ended decorative body. The looped fastener is tightened and loosened by moving the open ended body up and down the fabric covered elasticized member. The smaller the loop the tighter the fasten. The larger the loop the looser the fasten. Secondary open ended bodies affixed to the terminal ends of the fabric covered elasticized member prevent the elasticized member from accidentally being pulled out of the aforementioned open ended body.

Abstract: A puncture proof insole insert formed of multiple layers of flexible metal sheets, the insert being capable of stopping penetration by a sharp object at forces up to 60 foot pounds in the ball area of the foot and up to 80 foot pounds in the heel area of the foot, there being a greater number of metal sheets in the heel area than in the ball area. The device may further incorporate cushioning or fabric layers, and may be formed with a raised arch or other orthotic shape. The device is preferably constructed of layers of 17-7 stainless steel with each layer having a thickness of 0.015 inches.

Abstract: A drop chute spill guard contains spills in conjunction with a loading hose supplying fuel to an in-ground storage tank. The spill guard includes a flexible barrier sized to surround the sump and a sealing ring having an outside diameter substantially corresponding to a diameter of the sump. An opening is disposed in the vicinity of the tank inlet and extends through the barrier and the sealing ring for receiving the drop chute.

Abstract: A portable load scale for use in rugged terrain or at locations without suitable support pads, the load scale having a support deck affixed to a base platform through a plural number of load cells, where the base platform is constructed to provide ramp members joined by longitudinal runner assemblies to form a rigid, non-flexing assembly having a central gap and gaps between pairs of ramp members to reduce the standard rectangular footprint by approximately 30 percent. The runner assemblies are constructed so that the bottom of the support deck is separated from the top of the base plate of the runner assemblies by a distance of several inches so that debris will not impede the operation of the load scale. The load cells are mounted onto the underside of the support deck and joined to the base platform by ball bushings such that the load cells can pivot in any or all axis directions relative to the base platform to relieve stresses induced by uneven terrain.

Abstract: A liquid containment device for capturing and retaining any liquid falling into the device, such as from a leak, spill or run-off of another liquid container, where the device is designed to fit between the parallel rails of a railroad track with a railroad car positioned above, comprising a generally rectilinear pan or tray and a removable cover which directs rain water into a drain opening which corresponds to an apertured drain column rising from the bottom of the pan, such that with the cover in place rain water is directed into the drain column and passed underneath the pan rather than into the pan itself. Multiple pans may be connected in line through connector fittings in their end walls, or drain conduits may be connected to the fittings for removal of the liquid from the pan. Apertured grating members and absorbent mats may be placed within the pans. The pans may be used in conjunction with lateral pans positioned on the outside of the rails.

Abstract: This invention describes photopolymer printing plate developing solvents comprising diisopropylbenzene, alone or in combination with one or more co-solvents. Compared with solvents of the prior art, the developing solvents of the present invention have lower toxicity, higher flash points, a milder and more pleasant odor, increased resistance to thermal decomposition, higher solvency, faster dry time, and pose reduced threat to the environment. The solvents of the present invention can exhibit azeotropic-like properties resulting in improved recycling characteristics and reduced drying times. Also, the solvents of the present invention exhibit a degree of selective solvency towards non-crosslinked photopolymers vs. crosslinked photopolymers that is not seen in solvents of the prior art.

Abstract: A condom testing apparatus utilizing an arcing electrical current to detect holes and excessively thin wall areas in a condom mounted on a conductive testing mandrel, where the condom is passed across a conductive fabric member to test the main body and transition portion of the condom, and is passed through the bristles of a conductive brush member to test the nipple end of the condom. In alternative embodiments, the apparatus may utilize only conductive fabric or only conductive brushes.

Abstract: A combination head support and carry bag device having a cover encasing an internal frame assembly, where the frame assembly has a pair of base members pivotally joined to a pair of head support members, and a pair of post members pivotally joined to the free ends of the head support members, where an access opening is provided between the post members, and where the device can be positioned in an extended position with the post members connected to the base members or in a collapsed position with the post members disconnected from the base members.

Abstract: An exercise device for the hands, wrists and forearms comprising an externally threaded, vertically oriented inner post member and an outer sleeve member coaxially mounted thereon in a rotatable and telescoping manner, where the outer sleeve supports a number of interchangeable weight disks and the outer sleeve member is raised and lowered relative to the inner post member by rotation of the outer sleeve member. Outer sleeve member is connected to an internally threaded bearing nut containing a plural number of ball bearings, the ball bearings being retained by external threading on said inner post member.

Abstract: A system and method is described for processing waste citrus peel to remove oil from the peel in a highly efficient manner for subsequent processing, where the temperature of the peel is elevated, the peel is then finely fragmented to create a slurry, the solid particles are removed from the slurry and dried, and the oil is separated from the water in the slurry. The temperature of the peel is elevated by exposing the peel to steam so that minimal water is added.

Abstract: A self-ventilating vest having a plural number of conduits extending through the vest, the conduits having an intake opening and one-way intake valve through which outside air can be drawn into the conduit, one or more compressible members, such as a tube, bulb or bladder retaining the air so that it absorbs body heat, and a one-way exhaust valve and exhaust opening through which the warmed air is expelled. The compressible members are compressed by the expansion of the chest during breathing or exertion to expel the warmed air, and when the compressive forces are removed, the compressible members expand to draw fresh air back into the compressible members through the intake opening to repeat the cycle.

Abstract: An electric starter for a kick-only motorcycle which can be mounted directly on the motorcycle and connected to the kickshaft of the motorcycle, or can be used as a stand-alone starter connected to the kicker arm, where the starter drives a pinion gear which partially rotates a kicker arc gear to crank the motor.

Abstract: A metal pallet having a deck member formed as a grate or grid by the perpendicular intersection of plural rod members with flat bar members positioned on edge, where the rod members are embedded within the flat bar members by pressure resistance welding such that the upper surface defined by the rod members is even with the upper surface defined by the flat bar members.

Abstract: A collapsible liquid containment device having a floor, side walls and peripheral skirt made of a flexible, foldable, liquid-impermeable material, where the side walls are supported by foldable brace members having an angled buttress member and an insertion member joined by a hinge, the buttress members being attached to the skirt. The insertion members are inserted into vertical pockets mounted on the exterior of the side walls, and the upper rim of the side walls is provided with a retention flap having a lower opening which receives the hinged joint between the buttress member and the insertion member. Preferably a rim support tab is affixed to the hinged joint to support the uppermost portion of the side wall. The brace members can be folded into a flat configuration when the insertion member is removed from the vertical pockets, allowing the entire device to be collapsed and folded.