Abstract: A heat lamp for a pig farrowing crate comprising an elongated housing having an elongated halogen bulb disposed therein at the upper end thereof with the longitudinal axis of the bulb being parallel to the longitudinal axis of the divider panel upon which the housing is mounted. An elongated, inverted channel is provided at the lower end of the housing for receiving the upper end of the divider panel. Heat from the halogen bulb is directed downwardly through the open lower end of the housing into creep areas at opposite sides of the divider panel.

Abstract: An artificial insemination system and its use requires a sheath which has a first lumen for receiving and holding an endoscope, and a second lumen through which semen can be injected into the uterus of the animal to be inseminated. Additionally, the sheath includes a blunt guide probe which extends distally from the distal end of the sheath. A window covers the distal end of the first lumen so that the user can use the endoscope to view the guide probe and the general area surrounding the guide probe. When using the system, the endoscope is initially inserted into the first lumen of the sheath. The combination of sheath and endoscope are then inserted into the vagina of the animal and, using the endoscope, the guide probe is position at the cervical os. While continuing to view the guide probe with the endoscope, the guide probe is directed through the cervix until the distal end of the second lumen is positioned in the uterus.

Abstract: The outlet hose from the lagoon pump is telescopically connected to the waste injector inlet tube such that the outlet hose is free to rotate and maintain itself in a straight condition by the fluid pressure in the outlet hose during use. A tow swivel is provided which allows the tractor and waste injector to pull the outlet hose back and forth across the field without interfering with the free rotation of the outlet hose relative to the inlet tube.

Abstract: An insulated wall includes first and second spaced apart layers of concrete having a layer of insulating material sandwiched therebetween. Extending through the insulative layer are a plurality of spike connectors having their opposite ends protruding into the two concrete layers and having their central portions extending through the insulating material. On of the opposite ends of the spike connectors is pointed so as to permit it to be punched through the insulative layer. The opposite ends of the spikes each include a holding surface facing at least partially toward the central insulative layer and holding the concrete layers against movement away from the insulative layer. C-shaped connectors may also be used in a similar fashion with hook ends hooked over elongated cables extending within the two concrete layers so as to tie them together.

Abstract: An air mattress and method adapted to provide firm posture support and comfort, and to be supported on a flat surface. The mattress comprises a low pressure bag having a size and shape adapted to support a person during rest. A high pressure bag is adapted for inflation to a pressure higher than that of the low pressure bag and is of a size and shape to provide posture support as desired. An enclosure shell is adapted to enclose the high and low pressure bags with the second high pressure bag being disposed below the low pressure bag and at approximately the longitudinal center of the low pressure bag.

Abstract: A golf putting cup that includes an outer cylindrical wall and a bottom portion disposed therein. The bottom portion forms a ferrule socket and includes at least one passage for directing sand and other debris away from the ferrule socket. The ferrule socket is of minimal surface area to prevent sand or other material from becoming trapped between the ferrule and ferrule socket.

Abstract: An actuator for a turbocharger includes a piston axially movable within a housing. The piston has a plurality of annular grooves thereon, and a plurality of O-rings are loosely restrained respectively in the annular grooves. Thus, the O-rings are axially movable within the grooves prior to moving with respect to the housing, so as to reduce the hysteresis which normally accompanies movement of the piston within the housing.

Abstract: A ganged pumping apparatus includes first and second variable displacement open circuit pumps, each having a load sensing control and a servo actuator together for changing the fluid displacement of each pump respectively. The load sensing controls being adjusted so that the setting of the control on the second pump is lower than the setting of the control on the first pump. The servo actuator of the first pump having over-center capability, allowing the first pump to operate with negative fluid displacement, and the servo actuator of the second pump having a stop to limit minimum displacement to non-negative or zero displacement. A single pressure compensating pilot valve disposed in the first pump provides the pressure compensation function of both pumps. A pilot signal line interconnects the pressure compensating pilot valve, the load sensing controls, and a load such that the flow output of the pumps is combinable into a single output and functions as a single large displacement pump.

Abstract: A lifting device which includes a frame and an elongated boom having a lower end pivotally connected to the frame along a pivot axis. The lower end of the boom has a counterweight connected thereto offset from the pivot axis. The counterweight has a center of gravity which is movable with respect to the pivot axis of the boom. The counterweight can be freely pivotal, fixed, or partially fixed with respect to the boom. When linkage is provided between the counterweight and the boom, the counterweight can be rolled or tilted so as to move the counterweight center of gravity with respect to the pivot axis of the boom.

Abstract: A pipe repair apparatus includes an outer carrier tube, an inner bladder tube within the carrier tube, and a repair sleeve within the bladder tube. The bladder tube and the carrier tube are formed by one unitary tube which is folded back upon itself. A wick extends from the repair sleeve to the rear end of the bladder tube and permits evacuation of gases from the bladder tube when the bladder tube is flattened by a vacuum during insertion of a curable resin into the bladder tube at its forward end. The bladder tube can be inverted out of the carrier tube so as to place the repair sleeve in contact with an area to be repaired within a sewer pipe. This method may also be used to repair the damaged joint between a lateral sewer line and a main sewer line.

Abstract: A lawn mower including a liquid-cooled engine having a radiator grille positioned over the radiator thereof. The radiator grille includes a perforated screen member having a series of alternating grooves and ridges formed therein which run downwardly and rearwardly from the forward end of the screen member. The design of the screen member and the radiator grille permit the perforated screen member to self-clean and also provides a convenient means by which the screen member may be manually cleaned, if necessary.

Abstract: An improved access top cover for a washing machine includes a top panel having a rear edge, first and second opposite side edges, and a front edge. The upper surface of the top panel includes a sloping surface commencing adjacent the front edge of the top panel and sloping upwardly and rearwardly toward the rear edge of the top panel. An access opening is provided in the top panel and a lip flange is positioned between the access opening and the front edge of the top panel. The lip flange forms a ridge which is located above both of the front edge of the top panel and the access opening.

Abstract: An exercise device and method includes a frame, a source of resistance, a rope extending from the source of resistance, and a free end of the rope that can be grasped by or attached to an exerciser. A second resistance and a second rope are also associated with the frame. The ropes and resistances are movable independent of one another. The ropes can be moved in any of a plurality of directions. The exercise device and method therefore provide a variety of different exercises and exercise benefits from one machine including independent movement for two ropes.

Abstract: A mounting device for use with a washing machine to mount a cantilevered piezoelectric film accelerometer to a circuit board. The invention includes a housing structure having a cavity formed therein, with the accelerometer extending inwardly into the cavity from a first wall of the housing structure. The invention also includes a means for flattening the cantilevered piezoelectric film proximate the first wall of the housing structure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of monitoring mobile objects or persons utilizes the Global Positioning System satellites and cellular telephone communications. The apparatus may include first and second remote units adapted to be worn on the monitored person or object. These remote units would comprise the position and data sensors as well as the transmitter device to transmit the information back to a central tracking station. The remote units may be operative to monitor many data items such as system integrity, motion, temperature, audio, and the like in addition to position. This data would then be transmitted back to a central monitoring station operative to process and display the information. The system is also adapted to monitor persons in hazardous environments such as radioactivity or poisonous gases or even to monitor inanimate objects such as automobiles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gutter protection system (GPS) which serves to effect at least two water flow slowing direction reversals in use, and directs rain water into gutter systems (GS) that collect rain water at the lower edges of sloping building roofs, while preventing the accumulation of debris therein. In particular, mounting clip design (MCK) (MCR) (MCV) in combination with gutter protection system (GPS) design, featuring limited mounting clip (MCK) (MCR) (MCV) three-dimensional motion allowing, installation facilitating, hem section (HS) (HS') and projecting lip (C) (PLK') (PLR') (PLV') interconnection, are described.

Abstract: An inner spring mattress with firmness adjusting air bladders, the inflation pressure of which defines the mattress firmness. A plurality of inflatable bladders are disposed within the mattress. The bladders may span the entire width of the mattress. Alternatively, the width of the mattress may be divided in two using two bladders placed end-to-end providing independent firmness control for both sides of the mattress. Still further, bladders may be grouped together to form firmness zones, and the entire process may be computer controlled.

Abstract: A ceramic material which is an orthorhombic boride of the general formula: AlMgB.sub.14 :X, with X being a doping agent. The ceramic is a superabrasive, and in most instances provides a hardness of 40 GPa or greater.

Abstract: A tractor-mounted forklift comprising a first frame having its rearward end secured to the underside of the tractor and having its forward end secured to the forward end of the tractor about a longitudinally extending pivot axis. A second frame is pivotally secured, about a transverse axis, to the forward end of the first frame and has a pair of ground-engaging wheels mounted at the opposite sides thereof. A hydraulic cylinder is pivotally connected to and extends between the first and second frames to pivot the second frame upwardly and downwardly with respect to the first frame. A materials handling attachment, such as a bale grapple, is mounted on a vertically movable lift which is secured to the forward end of the second frame.