Abstract: There is provided a service valve for use at an irrigation sprinkler. The service valve enables water flow into the sprinkler to be controlled from above a buried irrigation sprinkler. The service valve enables maintenance of internal components of the sprinkler without having to turn off a service valve that is remotely located from the sprinkler.

Abstract: An applicator made from stainless steel comprising an elongated handle, a chamber, and a blade. The handle having a longitudinal axis and comprising a first end and a second end, a first section, a second section, a third section, and a fourth section, each in substantial alignment along the longitudinal axis of the handle. The chamber is substantially cylindrical and is coupled to the first end of the handle for collecting a calibrated volume of material. The chamber has an open end distal to the first end of the handle and a closed end proximate the first end of the handle, and is in substantial alignment with the longitudinal axis of the handle. The blade is coupled to the second end of the handle, the blade having a curved profile and a tip with a rounded facial contour, and being in substantial alignment with the longitudinal axis of the handle.

Abstract: There is provided a service valve for use at an irrigation sprinkler. The service valve enables water flow into the sprinkler to be controlled from above a buried irrigation sprinkler. The service valve enables maintenance of internal components of the sprinkler without having to turn off a service valve that is remotely located from the sprinkler.

Abstract: An applicator made from stainless steel comprising an elongated handle, a chamber, and a blade. The handle having a longitudinal axis and comprising a first end and a second end, a first section, a second section, a third section, and a fourth section, each in substantial alignment along the longitudinal axis of the handle. The chamber is substantially cylindrical and is coupled to the first end of the handle for collecting a calibrated volume of material. The chamber has an open end distal to the first end of the handle and a closed end proximate the first end of the handle, and is in substantial alignment with the longitudinal axis of the handle.

Abstract: A container tapping device for use with a container containing liquid contents. The device comprises a proximal end portion, a middle portion, a distal portion and a distal end portion. The proximal portion comprises a proximal surface, a distal surface, and a central bore capable of being in fluid communication with the liquid contents of the container. The middle portion comprises a locking chamber and one or more middle portion orifices, the orifice(s) capable of being in fluid communication with the central bore as well as the liquid contents of the container when the device is engaged with the container. The distal portion comprises a recess in one or more of the faces of the distal portion. The distal end portion comprises a point portion formed by an apex area of the distal portion, the point portion capable of puncturing the container and protruding therein.

Abstract: A method for forming a pigmented aqueous slurry includes a step of combining a dispersant having pigment affinic groups with water to form an aqueous dispersant mixture. Pigment is added to the aqueous dispersant mixture to form an aqueous pigment mixture. The aqueous pigment composition is ground until the average particle size is less than 30 microns to form a pigmented aqueous slurry.

Abstract: A method for forming a pigmented aqueous slurry includes a step of combining a dispersant having pigment affinic groups with water to form an aqueous dispersant mixture. Pigment is added to the aqueous dispersant mixture to form an aqueous pigment mixture. The aqueous pigment composition is ground until the average particle size is less than 30 microns to form a pigmented aqueous slurry.

Abstract: A method for forming a pigmented aqueous slurry includes a step of combining a dispersant having pigment affinic groups with water to form an aqueous dispersant mixture. Pigment is added to the aqueous dispersant mixture to form an aqueous pigment mixture. The aqueous pigment composition is ground until the average particle size is less than 30 microns to form a pigmented aqueous slurry.

Abstract: A method for forming a pigmented aqueous slurry includes a step of combining a dispersant having pigment affinic groups with water to form an aqueous dispersant mixture. Pigment is added to the aqueous dispersant mixture to form an aqueous pigment mixture. The aqueous pigment composition is ground until the average particle size is less than 30 microns to form a pigmented aqueous slurry.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a train detection system for detecting the velocity, presence, and direction of a railroad car which may be utilized in existing railroad crossing installations. The train detection system is suitable for self-testing of its components and if an anomaly has been detected, the train detection system is capable of placing the system in a fail-safe state. The train detection system of the present invention is also capable of constant communication between the sensor of said system and the implementing device of the train detection system via a wireless link.

Abstract: A railroad maintenance-of-way personnel warning system and method therefor provides advanced detecting and warning of oncoming trains encroaching the construction area. Magnetometer sensors detect an oncoming train whereby a warning signal is transmitted to a receiver unit at the construction zone. Warning alarms including a flashing light and siren horn are thereby activated to indicate the imminent danger whereupon the construction personnel may take cautionary and evasive action in sufficient time to avoid mishap.

Abstract: A flexible gate is disclosed which comprises a plurality of segments. The segments may be connected by at least one coupling. When the flexible gate is acted on by a force, the flexible gate may flex. When the force is no longer present, the flexible gate may return to a substantially straight position. The segments may be removed or added as needed to repair broken segments or to adjust the length of the flexible gate.

Abstract: A railroad maintenance-of-way personnel warning system and method therefor provides advanced detection and warning of oncoming trains encroaching the construction area. Magnetometer sensors detect an oncoming train whereby a waning signal is transmitted to a receiver unit at the construction zone. Warning alarms including a flashing light and siren horn are thereby activated to indicate the imminent danger such whereupon the construction personnel may take precautionary and evasive action in sufficient time to avoid mishap.

Abstract: A railroad crossing traffic warning system for alerting a motorist approaching a railroad crossing to the presence of an oncoming train. The system comprises a series of magnetometer sensor probes buried in the right-of way adjacent to a railroad track at predetermined distances from the railroad crossing. These sensors provide a signal to a controller unit when the presence of a train is sensed. The controller unit first determines the speed at which the oncoming train is traveling and the time it will take for the train to reach the crossing and then activates an improved warning apparatus at a predetermined amount of time before the train reaches the crossing.

Abstract: A railroad crossing traffic warning system for alerting a motorist approaching a railroad crossing to the presence of an oncoming train. The system comprises a series of magnetometer sensor probes buried in the right-of way adjacent to a railroad track at predetermined distances from the railroad crossing. These sensors provide a signal to a controller unit when the presence of a train is sensed. The controller unit first determines the speed at which the oncoming train is traveling and the time it will take for the train to reach the crossing and then activates an improved warning apparatus at a predetermined amount of time before the train reaches the crossing.

Abstract: A method and system for determining a level of vapor generated by an evaporative system. The evaporative system is closed to atmosphere. An initial pressure in a fluid-filled tank is sensed and, after a predetermined amount of time, a second pressure in the tank is sensed. A pressure difference is determined based on the sensed initial pressure and the sensed second pressure. The level of vapor generated by the evaporative system is determined based on the pressure difference.

Abstract: An elongated, two-piece, hardshell, digestible gelatin capsule, to be taken orally, comprising a C-shaped body member into which may be inserted a liquid, and a digestible hard-shell gelatin cap member formed with a stepped free marginal edge portion complementary to the body member, telescopically registrable with the free upper end of the body and welded thereto in overlapping hermetically sealing, closing relation.

Abstract: An elongated, two-piece, hardshell, digestible gelatin capsule, to be taken orally, comprising a C-shaped body member into which may be inserted a liquid, and a digestible hard-shell gelatin cap member formed with a stepped free marginal edge portion complementary to the body member, telescopically registrable with the free upper end of the body and welded thereto in overlapping hermetically sealing, closing relation.

Abstract: A lineman's pliers which is designed to push or pull a snake through a conduit or tubing with less effort and time due to the provision of special gripping and alignment means that do not crimp the snake and apply more effective gripping action. The pliers include a pair of crossed levers provided with a head at one end having front and rear pairs of opposing jaws and opposing elongated handles at the other end whereby said jaws may be operated to effectively grip a snake.