Abstract: An apparatus for pulling or extracting ts brush, plants and the like. The apparatus has a frame for attachment to the standard three-point hitch mechanism of a tractor and a puller assembly pivotally attached at an elevated end to the frame. The apparatus and method uses the leverage principle to extract plants while the tractor is driven forward. The apparatus has a back member, a foot portion including toe and heel sections, a movable jaw, a sharpened engagement plate, plant guide tangs, and meshing fingers. The apparatus and method imparts both vertical and horizontal forces to the plant during the extraction process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing oil consumption and oil deterioration in a reciprocating engine. The engine is provided with ceramic rings and ceramic cylinder linings. Minimal oil lubricant is adsorbed on the surface layer of the rings and liners to form a lubricating boundary-film on the rings and linings. Excess oil lubricant is restricted from entering the piston ring/cylinder lining region to preclude the formation of a hydrodynamic, full film lubricant layer between the rings and linings. Several engine designs are disclosed.

Abstract: A combination boat storage and transporatation apparatus having a mobile trailer and a unitary, aerodynamically contoured, rigid cover cantelevered for raising and lowering by hydraulically activated cylinders on either side of the front end of the cover. The cover is supportable in its lowermost position so that it does not contact the exterior surface finish of the boat while at the same time securing against access to property in the interior of the boat. The cylinders are activated by a self-contained power unit secured by a key mechanism.

Abstract: A visual indicator of temporal accuracy of compared percussive transient signals having a receiver for a reference input signal, a receiver for a performance or test input signal. An electronic circuit determines whether the first signal received is received by the reference input signal receiver or the performance input signal receiver. Further, the circuit determines the time difference between when the reference signal and the performance signals are received. A visual display indicates to the user whether the test signal is ahead or behind the reference signal and by how much it is ahead or behind. The indicator further displays an indication of when the two signals are received at substantially the same time.

Abstract: A bayonet coupling connector having a coupling nut on a first coupling member arranged for cooperation with coupling pins of a second coupling member for enabling the two members to be joined together. The coupling nut carries a coupling ring provided with a spring loaded plunger which is capable of being displaced radially with respect to the nut, the coupling ring being effective for driving the coupling nut when the plunger is engaged therewith. The plunger further being capable of being displaced radially by a coupling pin of the second coupling member when the nut has been moved into a position where the two coupling members are locked together, the locking action thus causing the coupling ring to be suddenly disengaged from the nut thereby providing a tactile indication of the fully locked condition.The connector is suitable for different applications such as fluid supply lines and electrical connectors and it gives additional safety in reducing a risk of making a faulty connection between the members.

Abstract: A method for treating parasitic infestation of animals by the oral administration of a piperidine alkaloid composition over a period of days. Administration of 100-400 units of whole body extract of the imported red fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, over a period of one to eleven days with regular booster dosages disseminates the alkaloid composition through the blood and tissue fluids of the treated animals resulting in the elimination of ticks and fleas.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cylindrical metal screen which has been manufactured by starting from a sheet of material which has been formed in one or more stages, of which at least the first stage is an electroforming stage.To form the cylinder the ends of the sheet-form material are connected by spot welding or mechanically by the presence of mating projections and recesses in the ends of the material to be connected.Also is described a process for forming such a material.

Abstract: A surface for providing an electrically conductive surface coating on an electrical contact body. The process resulting in such a coating comprises the steps of depositing upon the body surface in sequence, (a) a nickel layer, (b) a first gold layer, (c) a palladium/nickel alloy layer which may be an alloy containing nickel up to a proportion of 50% by weight, and (d) a second gold layer. All the layers may be deposited by an electrodeposition process.The resulting surface coating has excellent corrosion and wear resistance properties.

Abstract: A composite of a first metal ion and a ceramic composition in the near surface region of the composition is formed by ion mixing of the first metal with the ceramic composition. The composite has been oxidized at high temperatures thereby resulting in an oxide gradient layer in the surface of the ceramic composition. Alternatively, a second metal ion is ion mixed with the first metal ion in the near surface region of the ceramic composition and then oxidized at high temperatures to form an oxide gradient layer in the surface of the ceramic composition.

Abstract: A fluid spraying system having a spray gun capable of alternatively selecting a low pressure aerated cleaning or high pressure non-aerated rinsing mode. The system further has an interchangeable and disposable fluid cartridge with a combination metering and check valve. The cartridge is sealingly engagable with the gun by use of a bellows fitment. The system utilizes the principle of increased or decreased flow volume to alternatively draw fluid from the cartridge or bypass the cartridge.

Abstract: An adjustable bed system comprising inflatable bags under a hinged mattress support frame with necessary air blowers to raise or lower a head end and leg end of the mattress. The total unit being portable and adapted to fit any size bed.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having a cylindrical rotary valve body positioned over each piston cylinder, and having a flow-passage chamber extending from the bottom of the valve body exposed to the piston chamber, and curved upward opening to the side of the valve body. The apparatus comprises a vertically rotating valve body positioned within a valve liner insert, and whose side aperture is disposed to make communication with the spark-plug cavity, the exhaust port, and the intake port, exposing the curved flow-passage to each function with fixed timing provided by the positions of the port apertures in the valve liner insert. Sealing is affected by compression rings and an aperture ring. Rotation of the valve body is provided by gear or chain linkage, and timed to the crankshaft.