Abstract: A base has an end plate adapted to rotate about an axis substantially orthogonal to the base. A first jaw extends from the end plate and is pivotably engaged with the end plate. As the end plate rotates about the axis, the first jaw defines a first separation angle when the end plate is at a first position and the first jaw defines a second separation angle when the end plate is at a second position.

Abstract: A base has an end plate adapted to rotate about an axis substantially orthogonal to the base. A first jaw extends from the end plate and is pivotably engaged with the end plate. As the end plate rotates about the axis, the first jaw defines a first separation angle when the end plate is at a first position and the first jaw defines a second separation angle when the end plate is at a second position.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for cooking food are provided. In particular, food is placed in a bowl held at an angle to horizontal. With the food in the bowl, the bowl is simultaneously heated and rotated. A scraper assembly is disposed within the bowl, to lift the food from the side and bottom surfaces of the bowl as the bowl rotates. A temperature sensor can be provided to provide a signal to discontinue rotation of the bowl and the application of heat to the bowl when the food has reached a desired temperature. A tilt mechanism can also be provided to maintain the food within a desired distance from the top edge of the bowl.

Abstract: A series of interconnected packing chip precursors that can be formed and transported economically to a packager as a flat sheet and then expanded at the site where they will be used into individual packing chips by folding and separation from the other chips. Preferably, the precursors are formed on a chipboard sheet by forming fold lines and lines of separation and by adding securing means, such as bonding media or connecting features to secure the sides of the expanded packing chip in its final shape. The fold lines and lines of separation can be configured to form jagged or serrated edges on the expand-on-site packing chip, and the chip may also include apertures; the jagged and serrated edges and the apertures cooperating with each other and other aspects of adjacent chips to interlock the chips when they are placed around an item in a package for shipment.

Abstract: A series of interconnected packing chip precursors that can be formed and transported economically to a packager as a flat sheet and then expanded at the site where they will be used into individual packing chips by folding and separation from the other chips. Preferably, the precursors are formed on a chipboard sheet by forming fold lines and lines of separation and by adding securing means, such as bonding media or connecting features to secure the sides of the expanded packing chip in its final shape. The fold lines and lines of separation can be configured to form jagged or serrated edges on the expand-on-site packing chip, and the chip may also include apertures; the jagged and serrated edges and the apertures cooperating with each other and other aspects of adjacent chips to interlock the chips when they are placed around an item in a package for shipment.

Abstract: A series of interconnected packing chip precursors that can be formed and transported economically to a packager as a flat sheet and then expanded at the site where they will be used into individual packing chips by folding and separation from the other chips. Preferably, the precursors are formed on a chipboard sheet by forming fold lines and lines of separation and by adding securing means, such as bonding media or connecting features to secure the sides of the expanded packing chip in its final shape. The fold lines and lines of separation can be configured to form jagged or serrated edges on the expand-on-site packing chip, and the chip may also include apertures; the jagged and serrated edges and the apertures cooperating with each other and other aspects of adjacent chips to interlock the chips when they are placed around an item in a package for shipment.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method for forming a biodegradable, thin-walled packing chip from an aqueous pulp of recycled newsprint by contacting the pulp with a mold comprising: (a) a solid core having substantially the shape of the article to be formed and having a minimal number of holes through which air may be evacuated and (b) an air permeable, stretchable fabric which covers the exterior of the core. After forming the chip on the fabric through application of a vacuum, the fabric is separated sufficiently from the solid surface to cause release of the chip from the fabric. The dried packing chip has enhanced packing qualities, is environmentally friendly and provides a significant new use for recycled newsprint.

Abstract: A compact, follow-behind sod cutter employs a frame with two front wheels and two rear wheels. A motor mounted to the frame drives all four wheels for improved traction and stability. The motor also drives an oscillating blade adjacent to said rear wheels. A handle extends rearward from the frame for guiding the sod cutter. A linkage having a proximal portion adjacent to the handle allows the blade to be selectively moved between a raised position in which the blade is above the sod and a lowered position in which the blade cuts the sod.

Abstract: A lawn aerator has a series of tine assemblies spaced along a driven shaft driven by a motor. Each fine assembly has a plurality of tines for aeration extending in a substantially radial pattern about the driven shaft. The inner tine assemblies along the middle portion of the driven shaft are secured to the driven shaft to drive the aerator along the lawn as the driven shaft rotates. The outer tine assemblies adjacent to the ends of the driven shaft are rotatably mounted to the driven shaft. This permits the outer tine assemblies to rotate independently and thereby makes the aerator more maneuverable and easier to turn. Removable weights can be attached to either side of the aerator housing to help maintain a straight course when traversing a slope.

Abstract: Aerating apparatus is provided and includes a chassis having a handle, a rotor having aerating tines rotatably mounted on the chassis, drive means for rotating the rotor, a support member rotatably mounted on the chassis for movement between a down location at which the aerating tines are out of contact with the ground and an up location at which the aerating tines are in contact with the ground, a pair of wheels mounted on the support member, first and second linkage apparatuses pivotally mounted on the chassis and moving apparatus mounted on the handle for moving the first and second linkage apparatuses to move the support member to the down or up location, adjusting apparatus for adjusting the position of the pair of wheels when the support member is at the up location and a connecting rod connecting the first and second linkage apparatuses for assuring simultaneous movement thereof.