Abstract: A method of storing potatoes, the method comprising the steps of: i. providing a plurality of dormant potatoes, wherein the potatoes have been cured after harvesting; ii. treating the potatoes with 1-methylcyclopropene, the treatment comprising exposing the potatoes, which are at a first treatment temperature within the range of from 10 to 30° C., to 1-methylcyclopropene; storing the potatoes at a second storage temperature within the range of from greater than 1 to up to 6° C. for a storage period within a potato store, wherein the storage period extends continuously until at least 1 week after initiation of eye movement in at least one of the potatoes, and wherein during the storage period the potatoes are stored in atmospheric air free of an external supply of ethylene sprout suppressant.

Abstract: A magnetic valve security device prevents unauthorized opening of fire hydrant valves. The magnetic valve security device includes an inner cylindrical member having a lower end with a recess to receive the valve nut in a non-rotational relationship and an upper end with a first coupling element. The magnetic valve security device also includes an outer rotational member mounted over the inner cylindrical member for rotation with respect to the inner cylindrical member. The outer rotational member includes a second coupling element. The magnetic valve security device also includes a movable element having a non-magnetic body configured to receive a fitted magnetizable piece. The movable element is urged to a first position to decouple the first and second coupling elements. The movable element is movable to a second position to couple the first and second elements in a non-rotational relationship.

Abstract: A magnetic valve security device prevents unauthorized opening of fire hydrant valves. The magnetic valve security device includes an inner cylindrical member having a lower end with a recess to receive the valve nut in a non-rotational relationship and an upper end with a first coupling element. The magnetic valve security device also includes an outer rotational member mounted over the inner cylindrical member for rotation with respect to the inner cylindrical member. The outer rotational member includes a second coupling element. The magnetic valve security device also includes a movable element having a non-magnetic body configured to receive a fitted magnetizable piece. The movable element is urged to a first position to decouple the first and second coupling elements. The movable element is movable to a second position to couple the first and second elements in a non-rotational relationship.

Abstract: Underground water valves having square operating nuts, such as but not limited to critical water valves which control different pressure zones or different demand areas, are secured by a shielding cap, each of which have a recess that receives a valve operating nut and a cylindrical projection which frustrates attempts to rotate the operating nut. When an authorized person decides to open or close one of the valves, the shielding cap is retrieved from the operating nut by a retrieving head which has the socket defined by a frustoconical recess. Within the recess are a pair of opposed pins which seat in J-shaped slots in the frustoconical projection. Upon rotating the retrieving head, the pins move into alignment with open ends of the J-shaped slots, down shank portions of the slots and abut closed ends of the slots so that the shielding cap may be pulled from the valve operating nut and withdrawn through the valve operating box.