Abstract: A bucket including a bottom section and a side wall extending upwardly therefrom to define an interior region. The bottom section has a compartment located therein. The bottom section further includes a door that may be moved between a first position that allows access to the compartment and a second position that closes the compartment.

Abstract: A pet platform assembly configured to securely mount to a window sill may include a base configured to support the weight of a pet, at least one clamp secured to the base, and a support bracket secured to an underside of the base. The clamp is configured to securely mount the base to an edge of the window sill. The support bracket is configured to brace the base with respect to a wall that supports the window sill. The support bracket may include a cord passage that routes the electrical cord therethrough.

Abstract: A turbocharger comprising a turbine, director, and compressor. The turbine may be formed as a turbine wheel surrounded by at least two scrolls. The at least two scrolls may direct exhaust gases supplied thereto toward the turbine wheel to cause rotation thereof. The director may control distribution of the exhaust gases between the at least two scrolls to optimize circumferential velocity in the scroll or volute, and thus impingement velocity on the turbine. The compressor may be driven by the turbine.

Abstract: A fluid heating system configured to regulate a temperature of a fluid within a fluid receptacle having a fluid reservoir includes a processing unit, at least one fluid temperature sensor in electrical communication with the processing unit, and a heating element in electrical communication with the processing unit. The at least one fluid temperature sensor is configured to detect a temperature of one or both of the fluid receptacle and/or fluid retained within the fluid receptacle. The processing unit selectively activates and deactivates the heating element to regulate the temperature of the fluid within the fluid receptacle.

Abstract: A fluid heating system includes a fluid receptacle having a fluid reservoir, and a heating control system configured to heat fluid retained within the fluid reservoir. The heating control system includes a processing unit, at least one fluid temperature sensor positioned on or within the fluid receptacle, a heating element configured to heat fluid within the fluid reservoir, and a power switch disposed within an electrical path between the heating element and the processing unit. The processing unit is configured to selectively activate and deactivate the heating element through the power switch based on the fluid temperature detected by the fluid temperature sensor.

Abstract: A deicing system configured to heat fluid within a fluid receptacle to prevent ice from forming includes a sensing unit and a heating element. The sensing unit is configured to detect a change in at least one of capacitance and resistivity. The heating element is configured to heat the fluid. The sensing unit operates to deactivate the heating element when the sensing unit detects the change in at least one of capacitance and resistivity.

Abstract: A water agitation system configured to be positioned within a water retention structure configured to receive and retain water, includes a housing having a drive shaft extending downwardly therefrom; at least one upright member connected to a cross beam that is configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the drive shaft; and at least one buoyant stirrer that slidably engages an upright member. The buoyant stirrers are configured to move relative to the upright members in response to a level of water within the water retention structure.

Abstract: A multiple-node clip-type bottle securement and carrier device is disclosed.

Abstract: An automatic liquid filling system including a liquid supply, a liquid-retaining structure, and a filling apparatus in fluid communication with the liquid supply and the liquid-retaining structure. The filling apparatus is configured to automatically supply liquid to the liquid-retaining structure when the liquid recedes below a low level that is based on a position of the filling apparatus in relation to the liquid-retaining structure.

Abstract: An integrally molded carrier for balanced lifting and carrying of multiple containers by their necks includes a substantially planar web having multiple nodes defining multiple aligned annular support rings, the web being provided with a flexibly attached U-shaped handle attached to one side of the web. Annular neck-engaging flanges integral with the web are arranged around the inside of the support rings for releasably engaging the necks of containers.

Abstract: An automatic liquid filling system including a liquid supply, a liquid-retaining structure, and a filling apparatus in fluid communication with the liquid supply and the liquid-retaining structure. The filling apparatus is configured to automatically supply liquid to the liquid-retaining structure when the liquid recedes below a low level that is based on a position of the filling apparatus in relation to the liquid-retaining structure.

Abstract: A bird bath including a basin configured to receive and retain water, and a mounting a mounting assembly configured to securably mount the bird bath to a structure. The mounting assembly supports the basin and includes a mounting bracket configured to mount to the structure and a pivoting bracket pivotally secured to the mounting bracket. The basin is secured to the pivoting bracket, which is configured to pivot with respect to the mounting bracket so that the basin may move between a secured retracted position for receiving and retaining water within the basin and a fully extended position for emptying contents of the basin.

Abstract: A harness for holding two tub-like containers together is disclosed.

Abstract: An integrally molded carrier for balanced lifting and carrying of two bottles by their necks and that maintains a space between the bottles so as to prevent collisions between them is disclosed.

Abstract: A water deicer for maintaining an opening in a body of water that would otherwise freeze over with ice, includes a water pump having an inlet and an outlet, and a heater. The heater is constructed and positioned to deliver heat to the body of water at or near the water surface. The combination of the heater and the pumped water functions to maintain an opening in the water's surface that would otherwise freeze over with ice.

Abstract: An integrally molded carrier for carrying three containers by their necks includes a substantially planar web having three nodes and defining three annular support rings. Annular neck-engaging flanges integral with the web are arranged around the inside of the support rings for releasably engaging the necks of containers. The centers of the support rings are situated in the web such that they correspond to the three corners of a triangle.

Abstract: An electric water heater for use with a livestock water tank includes a heating element, a housing including a drain plug fitting, and a power cord. The power cord is interconnected with the heating element through a temperature control device, e.g. a thermostat, for delivering electrical power to the heating element in a controlled fashion so as to regulate the temperature of the contents of the tank. The heating element and housing are sized and configured for insertion through the drain plug opening from the outside of the tank. The housing includes a drain plug fitting for affixing the heater to the tank through the drain plug opening in a sealed manner, thereby preventing inadvertent removal of the heater and also preventing the contents of the tank from leaking out of the drain plug opening. The fitting includes a threaded portion or boss sized for insertion through the drain plug opening and a back wall which is larger than that of the drain plug opening.

Abstract: A method of controlling an X-ray system and a cabinet for an X-ray system. The method comprises viewing a first virtual X-ray image of an object, manipulating the first image to best show an area of interest, and generating a second image in real time corresponding to the area of interest. The cabinet comprises an inner housing having an open mouth and being fully insertable with a clearance in an outer housing having an open mouth, the inner and outer housings being attachable to secure and space the housings in a predetermined relationship. Lead shielding comprises a substantially complete intermediate layer extending between the inner and outer housings and the open mouth is provided with a lead lined closure.

Abstract: A bird bath includes a bird bath basin adapted to hold water, a water reservoir adapted to hold water, and an electrically operated pump adapted to pump water from the reservoir to the basin. The pump has an inlet in fluid communication with the reservoir and an outlet in fluid communication with a flow opening positioned in the lowest part of the base. When the pump is operating it pumps water from the reservoir, through the flow opening, and into the basin. When the pump is not operating, water in the basin drains under gravity flow through the flow opening, through the pump and into the reservoir. As a result, the basin may be automatically filled and drained at selected times during the day. A mechanism, such as a timer or photocell, may be provided for controlling operation of the pump. The bird bath may include a heater for heating the water in the reservoir. The basin can be mounted on a base, or alternatively it can be mounted on a structure such as a deck, fence, post or building.