Abstract: A pipe cleaning apparatus for cleaning pipes or tubes includes a plurality of scrapers and a plurality of spacers secured to a shaft. Each scraper includes a scraper body with an outer perimeter defining a scraper blade adapted to contact an inner surface of a tube and at least one radial slot defined by the body. Each of the scrapers and spacers are inserted onto a cylindrical shaft. Each spacer is sandwiched between two adjacent scrapers. The scrapers are adapted to contact an inner surface of a tube or a pipe.

Abstract: A tube cleaning device with a shaft having a front end and a rear end defining a length therebetween is provided. The tube cleaning device has a plurality of projections extending from the shaft in a spiral configuration around the length of the shaft. The shaft and the plurality of projections are made of metal and have a polymeric coating thereon. The shaft and the plurality of projections may be composed of stainless steel. The polymeric coating is a natural or synthetic rubber material. A method of making the tube cleaning device and a method of using the tube cleaning device are also provided.

Abstract: A beverage container is provided for mounting to vehicles such as power boats, sailboats and recreational vehicles. The beverage container holder is adapted for mounting to support platforms on the vehicle which may be any suitable vehicle structure such as the armrest of a chair. The beverage container holder comprises a mounting ring which is first rigidly affixed to the support platform, and further comprises a cylindrical can having an upper circumferential rim which fits over the mounting ring and includes detents that positively lock the rim onto the mounting ring.

Abstract: A light fixture is provided which includes an improved connector arrangement between a fixture housing and a lens therefor. The connector arrangement includes a pre-mounted plunger cartridge which includes a cartridge body that mounts to the fixture housing and a resiliently biased plunger which projects through the fixture housing wall into releasable locking engagement with the lens.

Abstract: A method for producing an Attapulgite clay (Fuller's Earth) that significantly removes other types of clays and minerals, resulting in improved performance. A unique dispersant is used that will fully disperse the individual Attapulgite particles in water such that the particles remain in suspension, and allow the non-Attapulgite clay particles to be liberated, which then can be easily separated through various techniques. The Attapulgite clay may be recovered from the dispersion and dried in such a manner to produce a finely sized powder from ore, without the need for any grinding or milling operation. The dried Attapulgite clay has a free moisture content of 2-3%. The dried Attapulgite clay with adsorbed dispersant is redispersed in water and retains thixotropic properties.

Abstract: An arrangement for variably mounting an illumination device in an enclosure, such as a safety sign, is provided with a longitudinal track having a longitudinal engagement portion. One or more illumination devices are provided with associated mounting feet for engaging slidably with the longitudinal engagement portion of the track. The track then is fixed onto a pair of stanchions having a respective plurality of engaging portions so that any of several heights can be achieved with respect to a base portion of the stanchion. Engagement of the mounting feet and the longitudinal track is effected by a longitudinal bent portion of the track that defines a space therewithin that accommodates the mounting feet. In addition, the longitudinal track accommodates the engagement portions of the stanchion for supporting the longitudinal track at the desired height.

Abstract: A lighting system for installation on a mounting surface employs a lighting fixture having a housing with a lamp therein, a roof, and sides. Each side is provided with an integrally formed receiver that defines a receiver aperture. A coupler has a mounting portion for coupling with a mounting surface and an engagement portion that resiliently engages with the receiver aperture. The mounting portion of the coupler mounts directly onto a mounting surface and engages with a metal bar of the type used in metal furniture, or mounts on a track that is interposed between the roof of the lighting fixture and the mounting surface. Track-mounted embodiments use a threaded fastener engaged with the coupler to exert a locking force on the inside surface of the mounting track. In a dual-mount arrangement, a fixture mounting arrangement formed of substantially planar portions offset from one another permits engagement with a track, or facilitates mounting on a surface.

Abstract: A flexible lighting system and method of making same. The flexible lighting system includes a flexible translucent rod and an attachment flange. Preferably, the outer casing and the attachment flange are integrally formed to facilitate installation. The flexible translucent rod includes an outer casing and a lighting core. The lighting core is disposed within an axial aperture defined by the outer casing and contains a series of lighting elements. In the preferred embodiment, a texture, such as axial grooves, is applied to a surface of the flexible translucent rod. This texture is applied to the outer surface of the lighting core or the inner surface of the outer casing to diffuse the light emitted by the discrete lighting elements, thereby providing an appearance similar to a solid bar of light. A mounting arrangement is provided for engaging the flexible translucent rod, or a coupler portion thereof, and is arranged to facilitate coupling of the flexible lighting system to a mounting surface.

Abstract: A method for producing an attapulgite clay (Fuller's Earth) that significantly removes other types of clays and minerals, resulting in improved performance. A unique dispersant is used that will fully disperse the individual attapulgite particles in water such that the particles remain in suspension, and said dispersant will not fully disperse other clay and mineral species, which then can be easily separated through various techniques. The attapulgite clay may be recovered from the dispersion and dried in such a manner to produce a finely sized powder from ore, without the need for any grinding or milling operation. The dried attapulgite clay with adsorbed dispersant is redispersed in water and retain thixotropic properties.

Abstract: A pipe cleaning apparatus that is a pipe cleaning plug assembly for cleaning pipes or tubes that includes a plurality of scrapers removably secured to a plurality of shafts. Each of the scrapers includes a body having an outer perimeter defining a scraper blade and at least one perforation defined by the body. Each of the shafts is removably secured to the scraper. The scraper blade is adapted to contact an inner surface of a tube or a pipe.

Abstract: A flexible lighting system and method of making same is disclosed. The flexible lighting system includes a flexible translucent rod and an attachment flange. Preferably, the outer casing and the attachment flange are integrally formed to facilitate installation. The flexible translucent rod includes an outer casing and a lighting core. The lighting core is disposed within an axial aperture defined by the outer casing and contains a series of lighting elements. In the preferred embodiment, a texture, such as axial grooves, is applied to a surface of the flexible translucent rod. This texture may be applied to the outer surface of the lighting core or the inner surface of the outer casing to diffuse the light emitted by the discrete lighting elements, thereby providing an appearance similar to a solid bar of light.