Abstract: An apparatus for transporting caskets in a small van including upper and lower decks with the upper deck being movably mounted, with respect to the lower deck, from a lower position wherein the upper deck is adjacent the lower deck to an upper position wherein the upper deck is spaced above the lower deck so that both of the decks may support caskets or the like thereon. The apparatus includes rear supports or legs which are selectively longitudinally adjustably secured to horizontally extending beams so that the apparatus may be placed in vans having wheel housings extending into the cargo compartment thereof.

Abstract: An automated watering trough is provided with a fluid supply line that automatically fills the trough to a desired volume through the use of a valve and actuator. A protective housing may be provided to substantially encase the valve and actuator, along with an optional overflow conduit, to reduce the incidence of contact between livestock and the automation components. The shell of the trough may be comprised of a recycled tire provided with a base plug, which may support the protective tower and automation components.

Abstract: An electric fence post installer comprising a wheeled frame having a first upstanding support extending upwardly therefrom. A generally horizontally disposed boom arm is rotatably mounted on the upper end of the first support and has a carousel support secured to the outer end thereof. A carousel is rotatably mounted, about a vertical axis, on the carousel support and is adapted to have a plurality of vertically disposed and radially spaced-apart electric fence posts supported thereon. A vertically disposed drill is mounted on the carousel support and is adapted to be rotated and moved downwardly with respect to the carousel support to drill a post hole in the ground. After the post hole has been drilled, a fence post is moved from the carousel to a position over the post hole and then is forced downwardly into the post hole. The installer includes means for ensuring that the post hole will be drilled substantially vertically into the ground.

Abstract: A method and means is disclosed for remotely reading the status of and controlling irrigation components and ancillary equipment. A handheld remote user interface (RUI) is provided which includes at least a display. The RUI has the ability to communicate with and control the irrigation components using built-in wireless telemetry technology. The RUI allows the user to read the status of and control the irrigation components and ancillary equipment from any location, without requiring the user to be at the irrigation component controls or at a specific location in the field. Software operational of the RUI generates one or more user screens with graphic user interfaces for quickly and easily monitoring and controlling the irrigation components and ancillary equipment.

Abstract: An end pin for a stringed musical instrument such as a cello, bass or the like having an end pin receptacle at the base end thereof. A first or conical member is slidably mounted on an elongated rod and has a tapered upper end portion which is inserted into the end pin block or receptacle at the base of the instrument. A second or clamping member is threadably secured to the lower end of the first member and tightened thereon which causes a segmented collet portion on the first member to be moved into engagement with the rod to positively maintain the rod in selected longitudinal positions with respect to the instrument.

Abstract: A bulk seed handler and dispenser is provided for transporting bulk seed containers and for dispensing the seed within the containers into planting equipment. The bulk seed handler and dispenser is comprised of a trailer having a plurality of bulk seed containers mounted thereon, each of which is in communication with individual hoppers located therebelow. A horizontally disposed conveyor auger is in communication with each of the hoppers and is adapted to convey the seed from the hoppers to a transition box located at the forward end of the conveyor auger. A seed discharge auger has its lower end in communication with the transition box and extends upwardly and laterally therefrom. A discharge tube is connected to the upper end of the seed discharge auger which is maneuvered for placement adjacent planter unit hoppers.

Abstract: A conductor rail comprising a main body having a facing cap mounted thereon. The main body is comprised of aluminum while the facing cap is comprised of a stainless steel material. The main body of the conductor rail has a head portion which has channels extending into the opposite sides thereof. The facing cap comprises a top portion which is positioned upon the upper part of the head portion and which has side portions welded to plate members positioned in the channels.

Abstract: Tools are described which may be secured to blocking sockets of a vehicle holding system for use with a vehicle frame straightener. Each of the tools is designed to block and hold the frame of a vehicle during the frame straightening procedure.

Abstract: A bulk seed handler and dispenser is provided for transporting bulk seed containers and for dispensing the seed within the containers into planting equipment. The bulk seed handler and dispenser is comprised of a trailer having a plurality of bulk seed containers mounted thereon, each of which is in communication with individual hoppers located therebelow. A discharge auger conveyor is in selective communication with each of the hoppers and is adapted to convey the seed from the hoppers through a discharge tube which is maneuvered for placement adjacent planter unit hoppers.

Abstract: A sharpening guide for a dental tool is provided, with the dental tool having a handle, a working portion, and a shank extending between the handle and the working portion.

Abstract: A closed loop dispensing system for use on a liquid container such as a bottle or the like for dispensing the liquid contents from the bottle. The outlet opening of the bottle is closed by a throat plug having a valve positioned therein which is open when the container cap is mounted on the container, but which automatically closes when the cap is removed from the container. An inlet opening is provided in the container insert so that liquid may be drawn therethrough. A closure cap is mounted on the bottle and has a dispensing tube extending therefrom for dispensing liquid from the container to a mixing machine or the like. A check valve is associated with the cap for preventing backflow from the dispensing tube to the container and for permitting liquid flow from the container to the dispensing tube in response to suction being applied to the dispensing tube.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating organic waste sludge such as sewage sludge is disclosed wherein the sludge is first dewatered, moved to a day hopper for storage, and then successively passed through first and second reactors. As the sludge is passed through the first reactor, in a continuous fashion, the sludge and acid are thoroughly mixed and has the pH thereof substantially lowered due to the addition of acid in the first reactor. The sludge is then moved through the second reactor where the sludge is subjected to a base material to substantially raise the pH thereof. The treated sludge is then pumped from the second reactor to a pugmill and then to a dryer which dries the material. The dried material is then suitable for use as a fertilizer.

Abstract: A blade attachment for an off-road vehicle such as an ATV is provided. A mounting frame is pivotally connected at its rearward end to the ATV rearwardly of the forward end thereof. A hinge plate is pivotally mounted, about a vertical axis, to the forward end of the mounting frame and has the blade of this invention mounted thereon to enable the blade to be pivoted left, right, or positioned in a straight position. The blade is locked in its various positions by a blade position lever. The blade position lever is automatically moved to its unlocked position when the blade is moved upwardly to a predetermined position and is automatically moved towards its locked position when the blade is moved downwardly to a predetermined height. A winch is operatively connected, in a slip clutch fashion, to the hinge plate to enable the blade to be pivotally moved, about a vertical axis, between its various angular positions, when the blade position lever is in its unlocked position.

Abstract: A water tray drinker for pigs comprising a tray wherein the water compartment thereof is divided into water compartment portions by divider walls of different heights. An adjustable valve water supply mechanism is positioned above the tray for automatically filling one or more of the compartment portions of the tray depending upon the vertical adjustment of the adjustable valve water supply.

Abstract: A two-plate splice connection assembly for connecting the lower end of an upper tubular pole member to the upper end of a lower tubular member which eliminates the need for having an individual positioned on the outside of the tubular pole member and an individual positioned on the inside of the tubular pole member when the splice plates are secured together.

Abstract: A metering valve assembly is provided with a valve stem having one or more tapered channels formed therein for selective engagement with a valve seat to provide incremental regulation of fluid flow through a valve housing. An adjustment knob provides one manner of reciprocal movement of the valve stem within the valve housing. Alternatively, the valve stem can be directly engaged for rotational reciprocal movement within the valve housing. Different embodiments of the valve stem are provided for alternate fluid flow regulation requirements. The metering valve assembly is comprised of a limited number of component parts for ease of manufacture as well as the replacement and exchange of component parts in the field.

Abstract: A squirrel teasing hanger assembly for a bird feeder emits sounds or illuminates lights when a squirrel or large bird alights on the bird feeder attached to a lower support of the hanger assembly.

Abstract: A hay saver insert is adapted to be removably positioned on and within a conventional cylindrical hay feeder. The insert includes an upper end portion which rests upon the upper end of the conventional feeder and a conical-shaped portion which extends downwardly into the interior of the feeder. Hay is placed within the insert and the animals have access thereto. Hay being pulled from the insert by the animals may fall into the area between the conical-shaped portion of the insert and the interior of the feeder which prevents the hay from being trampled.

Abstract: A dosing and/or dispensing system for use with a liquid container such as a bottle or the like for dosing and/or dispensing liquid contents from the bottle. Various different dosing and/or dispensing embodiments are disclosed which enable the liquid to be dosed or dispensed by gravity from the container.

Abstract: A dosing and/or dispensing system for use with a liquid container such as a bottle or the like for dosing and/or dispensing liquid contents from the bottle. Three different dosing and/or dispensing embodiments are disclosed which enable the liquid to be dosed or dispensed by gravity from the container.