Abstract: An automated fruit harvester which includes sensors and robotic arms which position themselves adjacent to a fruit to be harvested. A fruit transport head secures the fruit, cuts the stem, and transports the fruit within the hollow arm, to deposit the fruit in a collection bin.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus to be connected to the end of a fire hose that will allow a nozzle operator to perform mop-up fire fighting work without a shovel man and to extinguish both below-ground pockets of smoldering material and small surface fires. The apparatus incorporates a low-pressure, air-aspirated nozzle mounted on an elongated conduit that can be used for both the above-ground and below-ground work, can be used with fire foam, can extend the useful reach of fire hose equipment and can lengthen the use time for a given volume of water contained in a portable tank. Mop-up work refers to the process of extinguishing smoldering pockets of compacted organic material on and below the ground and small flare-ups that remain after the primary surface fire of a forest or grassland fire has swept through an area or been extinguished.

Abstract: The invention is an automated fruit harvester which includes sensors and robotic arms which position themselves adjacent to a fruit to be harvested. A fruit transport head secures the fruit, cuts the stem, and transports the fruit within the hollow arm, to deposit the fruit in a collection bin.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus to be connected to the end of a fire hose that will allow a nozzle operator to perform mop-up fire fighting work without a shovel man and to extinguish both below-ground pockets of smoldering material and small surface fires. The apparatus incorporates a low-pressure, air-aspirated nozzle mounted on an elongated conduit that can be used for both the above-ground and below-ground work, can be used with fire foam, can extend the useful reach of fire hose equipment and can lengthen the use time for a given volume of water contained in a portable tank. Mop-up work refers to the process of extinguishing smoldering pockets of compacted organic material on and below the ground and small flare-ups that remain after the primary surface fire of a forest or grassland fire has swept through an area or been extinguished.

Abstract: A lever and latch assembly for a split ring for securing a cover on a drum includes a bar on the lever for disposition in a pocket of latch with a snap action. An enlarged finger engaging flange on the latch facilitates movement to a latched position and an unlatched position with a suitable tool. The assembly is designed to accommodate domestic and international seals for security purposes.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp is operated by a-c pulses having a pulse length sufficiently short that the lamp acts like slightly positive impedances. A pulse modulator which produces the pulses has a power transistor biased to saturation. However, varying the base drive of the saturated transistor causes a generally linear change in tube current to permit tube dimming and control. A servo circuit provides feedback control of the base drive to automatically compensate for variable effects to maintain constant tube lighting. Tube dimming is obtained by adjusting the feedback circuits of the servo.