Abstract: A blank may include a tang section, a base section, and an angled section with a recess. The tang section may have an outer surface with an outer diameter. The base section may have an outer surface with a diameter greater than the outer diameter of the tang section. The angled section may lie between the tang section and the base section and may have an outer surface that transitions in diameter from the outer diameter of the tang section to the outer diameter of the base section. The recess in the angled section may be shaped to engage a tip of a former.

Abstract: A blank may include a tang section, a base section, and an angled section with a recess. The tang section may have an outer surface with an outer diameter. The base section may have an outer surface with a diameter greater than the outer diameter of the tang section. The angled section may lie between the tang section and the base section and may have an outer surface that transitions in diameter from the outer diameter of the tang section to the outer diameter of the base section. The recess in the angled section may be shaped to engage a tip of a former.

Abstract: A device that can be installed on a simple litter pan to enhance the capability of the litter pan to retain pet wastes that, in the absence of the device, might be voided by the pet over the side of the pan. The invention provides a sloping surface around the rim of the litter pan to intercept urine and feces and redirect them to the litter within the pan. It may be removably attached to the litter pan at the option of the user.

Abstract: Alternaria disease on plant leaves and stems is controlled by inoculating the plants with an effective amount of a biologically pure culture of a Pseudomonas cepacia strain. Ps. cepacia strain AMMD is a particularly effective biocontrol agent which inhibits leaf and stem blight caused by Alternaria panax in ginseng plants.

Abstract: A three-dimensional measurement system for measuring stator half coils includes a sonic digitizer which makes measurements of the stator half coil. These measurements are provided to a computing apparatus which converts the measured points to corresponding surface points on the surface of the stator half coil and combines the surface points into a measured shape. The measured shape is displayed on a display unit overlayed on the designed shape of the stator half coil for visual comparison of the two shapes. Preferably, the display is in color with different colors used for edges of the measured and designed shapes.

Abstract: A hand-held apparatus is connected by means of an air hose to a high pressure compressor and air tank unit, and is connected by means of a hose to a conventional water faucet. The device includes a bin for storing granular fertilizer and an air valve connecting the high pressure air supply into a rigid outer tube that is inserted into a pre-drilled hole in the ground. An operator stands on a horizontal ground plate attached to the outer tube to seal the hole, and opens the air valve to force high pressure air into the pre-drilled hole. The compressed air rapidly lifts up the apparatus and the operator standing thereon. As the compressed air then escapes, the apparatus and person standing on the ground plate falls back to reseal the hole, producing an effective repetitive hammering action that causes the compressed air to more effectively loosen the soil, creating many small crevices in the soil around the roots of a plant. The fertilizer in the bin then is released into the outer tube.

Abstract: A hand-held apparatus is connected by means of an air hose to a high pressure compressor and air tank unit, and is connected by means of a hose to a conventional water faucet. The device includes a bin for storing granular fertilizer and an air valve connecting the high pressure air supply into a rigid outer tube that is inserted into a pre-drilled hole in the ground. An operator stands on a horizontal ground plate attached to the outer tube to seal the hole, and opens that air valve to force high pressure air into the predrilled hole, creating many small crevices in the soil around the roots of a plant. The fertilzier in the bin then is released into the outer tube. The high pressure air valve is reopened. The high pressure air forces the granular fertilizer out of the bottom of the outer tube and into the previously created crevices.