Abstract: An apparatus for testing the reflectivity of a material under test includes a rotating carriage, a light source, and a light detector. At least two sample units are mountable to the rotating carriage. Each sample unit includes a planar surface disposed under a portion of a hemispherical surface. The light source is mounted on a pivoting boom and generates light. The light detector is mounted to measure optical power of the light emitted from the light source and reflected from a selected one of the at least two sample units. The pivoting boom and the rotating carriage rotate through different angular positions to obtain reflectance signatures as a function of incident angles for the at least two sample units.

Abstract: A post extracting device having a frame, a ram supported on the frame with a piston extending outwardly therefrom, and a chain affixed to the piston. The ram serves to move the piston from a retracted position to an extended position. The chain is suitable for wrapping around the post. The ram pushes the chain upwardly so as to extract the post from the earth. The ram is pivotally mounted to the frame so as to be movable between a vertical orientation to an orientation angularly offset from vertical.

Abstract: A system and method for converting a sliding door installation in which the door is mounted within at least one section of track mounted on the upper, or lintel, side of the door opening into a swing open or hinged door. According to one aspect an elongate support member that includes a first end and a second end is used. The first end of the elongate member adapted for insertion into the section of track mounted on the lintel side of the door opening. A mechanism for hingedly supporting a door from the elongate support member is also included, so that the hinged door may be supported from the elongate support member to close off at least part of the door opening. According to another aspect, a system or kit is taught for converting a hinged, bi-folding door to a hinged, double door system. The kit allows the use of the existing doors by providing a set of spacers that allow proper fit of the existing doors and allow clearance for the hinges within the door opening.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus including a beam assembly, a lifter affixed to a surface of the beam assembly for lifting weighted objects toward or away from the beam assembly, a cable extending from the lifter, a first leg pivotally connected to one side of the lifter on the beam assembly and a second leg pivotally connected to an opposite side of the lifter on the beam assembly. The first and second legs are pivotally movable between a first position in parallel relationship to the beam assembly and a second position perpendicular to the beam assembly. Each of the first and second legs has a foot member affixed thereto opposite the beam assembly. The beam assembly includes a first beam member and a second beam member in spaced parallel relationship to the first beam member.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus having a frame with a first bracing member and a second bracing member pivotally connected together with a ladder receptacle means affixed to an end of the second bracing member opposite the pivotal connection, and a pulley affixed to the frame so as to receive a cable therein such that a portion of the cable extends vertically downwardly between the first and second bracing member. At least one wheel is connected to an end of the first bracing member opposite the pivotal connection with the second bracing member so as to allow and end of the first bracing member to be moved toward and away from the second bracing member. A winch is attached to the first bracing member and a cable extends outwardly from the winch and over the pulley. A stop plate is connected to the frame at a location below the pivotal connection so as to limit an angle of pivotal movement of the first bracing member with respect to the second bracing member.