Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing thorns and foliage from a plant stem. The apparatus includes an elongated body member having a passageway and a thorn removal member. The passageway of the elongated body member has a diameter greater than the diameter of the plant stem with its thorns allowing for passage of the plant stem and thorns through the passageway of the elongated body member. The thorn removal member has an opening sized to permit passage of the plant stem, while resisting passage of the thorns and foliage of the stem of the plant. The thorn removal member traverses the passageway of the elongated body member. As the stem of the plant is moved to and fro through the opening of the thorn removal member, at least a tip portion of the thorns is removed by the thorn removal member without damaging the stem of the plant.

Abstract: A utility belt for painters having a holders for painting devices and tools, and releasable connectors for connecting the holders to the utility belt. Methods of using a utility belt for painters.

Abstract: A painting apparatus having a spray gun connected to one end of an extension handle, both a roller and a spray nozzle having a plurality of nozzles connected to the opposing end of the extension handle, the spray gun connected to the spray nozzle via a connecting hose. The painting apparatus permits an operator to adjust the spray pattern of a composition such that the composition is disposed on a surface, the roller, or both.

Abstract: A filter having a an outer peripheral surface comprising an accordion wire mesh and an inner peripheral surface comprising a support structure, the filter permitting a liquid composition such as paint to be filtered therethrough when connected to an airless paint spraying system. Method of using a filter.

Abstract: A paint booth facility for painting truck cabs and attachments in which electronic robots operating electrostatic paint guns apply successive coats of paint. The object to be painted is indexed through a series of spray booths, flash-off booths and finally curing ovens all of which have a contained atmosphere. The level of volatile organic compounds (VOC) in the paint booth atmosphere is not permitted to exceed 25% of its lower explosive limit but is maintained at a level that is higher than permitted in paint booths that are occupied by humans. A portion of the recirculated paint booth atmosphere is directed to a thermal oxidizer where it is ignited autogeneously, and this portion is replaced by fresh air that has been conditioned.

Abstract: A thread cutting device for a sewing machine that will cut threads in a scissor-like action. The device is mounted on a sewing machine pressure arm and can be manually operated. The device comprises a stationary horizontal cutting blade; a pivoting cutting blade is attached to the stationary blade so as to form a cutting field and a finger pressure assembly, having a tensioning means, creates a scissor-like action in the cutting field.

Abstract: The method and apparatus of the present invention substantially reduce the incidence of cracking, flaking, bulging and other mold defects which originate during the drying step of the investment mold formation process. Drying is conducted under conditions which enhance uniformity of drying and which preclude harmful increases in pattern temperature resulting from changes in the moisture removal kinetics of the slurry layer. In particular, during the drying process, drying air of different quality is provided during the different stages of moisture removal from the slurry layer.

Abstract: The method and apparatus of the present invention substantially reduce the incidence of cracking, flaking, bulging and other mold defects which originate during the drying step of the investment mold formation process. Drying is conducted under conditions which enhance uniformity of drying and which preclude harmful increases in pattern temperature resulting from changes in the moisture removal kinetics of the slurry layer. In particular, during the drying process, drying air of different quality is provided during the different stages of moisture removal from the slurry layer.