Abstract: A method and system for determining the “fill” status of a coin tube in a coin handling device, including directing periodic incident waves of variable frequencies into the air space above the coins in the coin tube in an incremental fashion, under control of a processor, such as by use of a small speaker preferably positioned at or near the top of the coin tube, such that, for each incident wave, the periodic incident wave will be reflected by the closed bottom end of the coin tube and/or the coins therein, and the reflected wave will interact with the continuing incident wave to effect a resultant waveform in the open space above the coins.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for collecting fallen leaves or other objects. According to various embodiments, the apparatus comprises a mesh, central collection section for lying flat on the ground such that objects may be accumulated onto an upper side of an interior portion of the central collection section. The apparatus also includes an enclosure system connected to the central collection section such that an operator can enclose a peripheral portion of the central collection section around the interior portion. In that way, the objects accumulated onto the central collection section can be easily transported and subsequently emptied. The apparatus may also comprise a plurality of stiffeners connected to a lower side of the peripheral portion of the central collection section. The stiffeners may extend inward from an outer edge of the central collection apparatus and may be made of plastic.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved catalytic process for the alkylation of benzene or substituted benzene with alkyl halides for the continuous production of diarylalkanes or substituted derivatives thereof using ethylaluminum dichloride or methylaluminum dichloride as an organoaluminum dichloride catalyst. A process and apparatus are provided for reacting either benzene (or a substituted benzene compound) together with either an alkyl halide or an aromatic halide.