Abstract: A feedback control for a polymer dispensing system, which otherwise continuously adjusts the polymer feedrate so as to keep the measured streaming current of filtrate from a sludge dewatering process at one predetermined setpoint. The feedback control includes a video camera focused on sludge as it trails behind plows on a dewatering belt, a video image processing system for converting the video signal into single numbers known as “camera readings”, and a computer programmed both to compare them with a “camera reading” setpoint and to determine whether the filtrate charge is more positive or more negative than it normally is whenever the “camera reading” deviates from its setpoint by a threshold amount. A controller, activated by the computer, incrementally resets the polymer feedrate in such a direction as to restore the normal cationic charge of the filtrate.

Abstract: A compound leash for use with a bicycle as a person simultaneously rides the bicycle and runs the animal. Made by a dog lover and bicyclist, the leash allows the dog to range across an area extending from about 10 inches to about 3 feet laterally from one side of the bicycle and about 2 feet forward and and aft of its rear axle. The leash comprises a mast, a clamp and a flexible connector joining them together. Mounted on the bicycle frame below its rear axle, the connector terminates outwardly in the mast which extends upwardly therefrom. Secured to the mast distal from the connector is at least one strap attachable to the dog's collar or harness. With the connector so mounted below the rear axle, the force from a harsh sidewise pull on the mast by the animal tends to tip the bicycle away from him rather than tipping the bicycle on the animal.

Abstract: A two-wheeled trailer which can transported, when empty, in a folded position with its wheels off of the ground. Particularly useful for hunters who want to get into the back country without having to pull a trailer, it can be rapidly deployed when needed to haul game. The folding trailer is also handy for do-it-yourselfers who want to move lumber, plants, fertilizer, and the like. The trailer includes a rectangular frame which is mounted on a pair of wheels and a “T”-shaped member. Hinged to a transverse cross brace which generally bisects the rectangular frame are two arms. Disposed perpendicularly to the transverse cross brace, the arms terminate forwardly proximate with the distal ends of the “T”-shaped member to which they are pivotally connected. When the trailer is unfolded, the leg of the “T”-shaped member extends in front of the wheeled frame so as to define a tongue.

Abstract: An apparatus for towing a bicycle with another bicycle when the first bicycle is also towing a baby jogging cart or, alternately, a bicycle trailer or trail-a-bike. Particularly useful for exercising with a child and allowing her to ride a bike until tired, and then towing the child's bike while she rests in the jogging cart, the apparatus comprises a bracket assembly which is removably mounted on the rear wheel support structure of the towing bicycle. The bracket assembly comprises a hitch pin which is removably attached by a flexible connector to the towing arm. The latter is connected to the front of the jogging cart and its undercarriage. Prior to towing the child's bike, one turns its front wheel approximately 90 degrees and places it between the axle of the jogging cart and the back of the cart's seat. Straps hold the wheel of the towed bicycle and its handle bar to the axle and to jogging cart handle, respectively.

Abstract: A paint brush wiper and holder for a paint can which is removably mountable thereon whether the can is open or closed. The brush wiper and holder includes a short, cylindrical sidewall for partially capping the paint can and a lip which extends inwardly and generally perpendicularly to the sidewall. A promontory-like protrusion on the lip extends inwardly from the remainder of the lip and slopes downwardly therefrom, so that paint collected on the protrusion can drain into an open paint can. The leading edge of the promontory-like protrusion is both sharpened and generally convex in shape, so that it can serve as an efficient brush wipe. As the bristles of a brush are pressed against this leading edge, they spread open, fan-like, releasing excess paint. Affixed to the lip near the mid-section of the promontory-like protrusion and projecting generally upwardly of the sidewall is a pair of bowed plastic arms which exhibit leaf spring action or similar releasable fasteners.

Abstract: A system which utilizes a scraper blade, set at an angle to longitudinal centerline of a conveyor belt, to remove metal objects therefrom, the belt, under normal operating conditions, being supported in a trough-like configuration. Attached to the backside of the blade is a pair of high density plastic press-down feet. They protrude downwardly a short distance below the lower edge of the scraper blade; and each press-down foot, immediately prior to belt flattening, is disposed above a part of the trough-shaped belt which situated just inside one of its outer edges. Making contact with the belt slightly ahead of the scraper blade, the press-down feet flatten the belt, protecting it as the blade is being lowered. Any contact between the belt and the blade occurs along its lower edge which is covered by a high density rubber guard beneath which the belt can slip. Similarly, beneath the belt are mounted flat, elongated strips made of a high density plastic.

Abstract: A bird feeder which includes a cylindrically shaped outer shell. The shell is free to move about a structure having first and second generally drum-like faces. The first drum-like face defines a feeding trough and access to a storage chamber. Attached to the second drum-like face is means for mounting the feeder so that both faces are disposed generally vertically. Whereas birds can feed while resting on perches which protrude outwardly from the first drum-like face, non-flying predatory animals such as squirrels must approach the feeder along its outer periphery, traversing the shell in the process. As the predator tries to climb onto the feeder, the outer shell spins; and the animal loses both its footing and any chance of using the feeder. The storage chamber can be easily filled without removing the bird feeder from its mounting. A funnel connects the storage chamber with the feeding trough to insure a smooth flow of bird feed from the chamber to the trough.

Abstract: A pair of holding arms which can be installed quickly and used to press a workpiece in a safe manner against a guide fence, regardless of the cuts made upon it, when the workpiece is moved past a shaper having cutter blades rotatably mounted on a stationary shaft. Each holding arm includes a rubber-faced roller, an elongated, solid rod of angular transverse cross-section, and a track-mounted post for supporting the rod in a horizontal position. Contact between the workpiece and the holding arm is made through the roller which is vertically mounted on one end of the rod. The post includes a clutch plate for locking the horizontal extension of the rod. Each roller can be quickly moved forward into contact with the workpiece without releasing the clutch plate. To move the roller backward—away from the workpiece, the user releases the clutch plate with one hand and pulls backward on the rod with the other.

Abstract: A device for killing pathogens that grow on the surface of the evaporator coil within a conventional air conditioner and in the drip pan of its evaporator. Utilizing ultraviolet radiation which is well-known to kill a wide range of pathogens, the device comprises at least one elongated ultraviolet light source. This source is positioned in such a way that its light strikes both the evaporator and the drip pan. Also this source is mounted transversely to the flow path of air passing through the evaporator.

Abstract: A machine which greatly reduces the labor required for repairing flat roofs on commercial and industrial buildings. Formerly, old roofing material usually had to be removed manually from the roof deck before new material could be installed. Removal of this old material was the most labor intensive part of the job. The present labor-reducing machine not only scrapes off the old roofing from the roof deck but also loads any material so scraped into a cart for removal from the roof. The machine comprises a pair of drive wheels, a flat conveyor belt, and a chisel-like front member. To begin the removal process, the latter is first wedged between the old roofing material and the roof deck; and then the drive wheels are used to push the chisel-like front member, when it so wedged, forward. The flat belt conveyor is mounted in close proximity to the front member so that as the old roofing material is being dislodged, it is directed onto the belt.

Abstract: A streaming current detector having a probe in which dielectric elements used to generate the streaming current—specifically, a sleeve for slideably receiving a reciprocating piston and the piston itself—can be replaced independently of the electrodes. Paired electrodes, each positioned proximate with one of the distal ends of the sleeve, are mounted on immobile structures other than the sleeve. The latter include a housing which forms a sheath for the sleeve and a retaining fitting. Threadedly engaged with the housing, this fitting also holds the sleeve in place. Generally, removal and replacement of each probe element can be accomplished in the field in under one minute. Costs of the dielectric elements are only a small fraction of those in the prior art, allowing a consumer to replace them much more frequently, as well as to substitute matched dielectric elements designed for their chemical and/or physical compatibility with a particular test fluid.

Abstract: A portable brining apparatus in which salt beds can be fully utilized between charges while simultaneously producing saturated brine in bulk is claimed. The apparatus comprises at least two salt dissolving tanks, each tank being generally cylindrical in shape and having a conical bottom in which a perforated exit pipe extends upwardly along the centerline thereof. Surrounding the exit pipe is a gravel bed which rests on the conical bottom and serves as a filter. Each tank in the apparatus is initially charged with a bed of salt placed atop the gravel. Valving allows one to maximize salt uptake in flows of water going into and out of the two tanks. When fully charged, the tanks are utilized in a parallel flow mode: water is introduced through spray nozzles placed near the top of each tank and then flows downwardly, in succession, through its salt bed, gravel filter and finally perforated exit pipe. The flows discharged from both tanks are combined in the final effluent.

Abstract: A serving tray partially surrounding a beverage holder with which it is integrally molded to form a single, one piece unit. The beverage holder extends downwardly of the tray and serves both as a container and as a handle. Fluids can be stored in the beverage holder itself and consumed therefrom, using a straw. Alternately, a canned beverage or standard size disposable drinking cup can be snap-fitted within the beverage holder. Disposed with bilateral symmetry about the longitudinal centerline of the beverage holder, the tray extends generally perpendicularly therefrom, as does a flat surface on the bottom of the beverage holder, so that when the latter rests upright on a table, the tray extends approximately horizontally. Within the tray itself is situated a plurality of watertight, shallow open compartments, separated from each other by at least one dividing wall whose distal ends link an outer wall of the tray with the side wall of the beverage holder.

Abstract: A computer stand for holding a notebook-type computer at a convenient height for use in a motor vehicle. The stand, which is free-standing, holds the computer in sight and reach of the driver and is particularly useful for reading location maps. It also facilitates the use of the computer in modem/facsimile operations while a commuter is in transit. The computer stand comprises a weighted base, a flexible column and a platform for detachably mounting a laptop computer. Weights in the base provide ballast for the computer stand. The column has both a telescopic section and a flexible segment so that the position of the platform can be easily adjusted, bringing any computer mounted thereon in reach and sight of the user without interfering with the seating or control of the vehicle.

Abstract: A ramp assembly for loading/unloading pickup trucks which includes at least one pair of hinged panel members across which, when fully extended, cargo can be transferred. Mounted on a truck in such a way that both panel members are disposed rearwardly of its open tailgate, the ramp assembly includes a “T”-shaped support and a “L”-shaped hitch arm. In the latter, two branches of disparate length extend perpendicularly to each other. The longer branch is slideably engageable with a conventional class II or, alternately, class III hitch receiver; the shorter terminates in a transverse opening. Prior to use, the “T”-shaped support, upon its having a leg thereof inserted through this opening, is coupled with the shorter branch. Secured atop the support are bearing posts which extend upwardly therefrom and define holes for slideably receiving an elongated shaft.

Abstract: A bra for large breasted women which is both comfortable to wear and allows a user to engage in vigorous physical activity without experiencing discomfort to her breasts. The bra comprises a pair of molded cups, each of which is mounted in a non-stretchable harness member that encircles the breast giving it firm support. Also attached to the harness member is a soft, stretchable cloth cover. The cover both enhances the appearance of the bra and provides additional support for the breast. The two harness members, which are generally mirror images of each other, are removably fastened together in the front by a heavy duty zipper. Rearwardly, each individual harness member is supported by three straps which encircle the user's body. Among these straps are an elastic waistband, a wide shoulder strap of adjustable length, and an underarm strap.

Abstract: A three-piece cleat assembly for use on athletic shoes which have, embedded in their soles, an interlocking receptacle, such as that used in the Q-LOK R system. Molded of plastic, the cleat assembly includes a connector, a traction-enhancing member and a T-shaped member. The latter includes a stem from one end of which arms project outwardly. Distal from these arms, the stem is bifurcated into two branches. During assembly, the stem of the T-shaped member is inserted through a center hole in the traction-enhancing member; and the branches are squeeze-fitted into et square bore within the connector. Upon being released, the branches spring apart, pressing against the connector. Simultaneously, the arms nest snugly within troughs formed in the base of the traction-enhancing member; and a barb on the tip of each branch is caught on a shoulder rimming the square bore.

Abstract: A gang mower mountable on a tractor and having a plurality of independently-cutting mower units whose cutting heads are individually powered by hydraulic motors. Each mower unit is suspended from the end of a support arm which can move vertically through a distance of about 12 inches, each mower unit is itself mounted beneath a swivel ball joint that allows the mower to undergo pitch, roll and yaw motions as well as the up and down movements of the support arm. Moreover, this mower suspension mechanism allows each of the mower units to hold the ground due to its own weight alone and does not require any stabilizing force to be applied through springs or otherwise. The freedom of motion of the suspension mechanism in combination with an independent drive for each mower unit yields a gang mower with a smooth, wide-cut mowing action.

Abstract: An improved angular golf tee made from a single unity piece of plastic which defines an elongated, ribbed body and a tapered structure with a shoulder. Distal ends of the ribbed body terminate in the shoulder and in a thin ring, respectively. Properly inserted into the earth, the tapered structure is disposed vertically; and the ribbed body is bent away from the vertical by an angle of about 30 degrees. This configuration allows one to direct the upper end of the ribbed body toward himself, so that there is less chance of the tee and any golf ball resting thereon being hit simultaneously. The ribbed body further defines a pair of open, elongated cavities between which protrudes an elongated, vertical, flat rib. The pair of elongated cavities and rib are capped by the thin ring which terminates upwardly in a horizontally-disposed rim. Sloping inwardly from the rim, the ring defines a concave hollow, whose curvature closely matches that of the exterior surface of a standard-size golf ball.