Abstract: A system for drying municipal sludge to reduce its moisture content and harmful pathogens to a level suitable for direct land application includes a cellular conveyor belt defining pockets which are filled with moist sludge and which is carried through multiple runs in a drying chamber over heat conducting supporting pans in a manner causing inversion of the sludge filled belt for at least one of the runs. Heated drying air is supplied directly to the sludge from above along each run and indirectly by conduction to the sludge from the supporting pans below along each run to provide uniform and rapid drying with maximum efficiency.

Abstract: Footwear is provided for added comfort to the wearer by facilitating the removal and dissipation of perspiration from the foot of the wearer. The footwear has a knitted sock and a shoe in combination. The knitted sock has a toe portion formed of hydrophilic knit fabric and an instep portion adjacent the toe portion formed of hydrophobic knit fabric. Perspiration from the toe portion of the foot of the wearer is absorbed by the knit hydrophilic toe portion of the knitted sock and wicked therefrom by the hydrophobic knit instep portion of the knitted sock. The shoe has a tongue portion overlying and contacting the hydrophobic knit instamp portion of the knitted sock. The tongue portion of the shoe has overlying inner and outer fabric layers formed of hydrophilic fabric and an intermediate fabric layer positioned between the overlying inner and outer hydrophilic fabric layers.

Abstract: A bottom plate has its top surface formed with a recess with a plurality of slanted blades formed therein. A cover has a recess and an increased thickness portion formed around the recess and extending toward a marginal portion. A fluid is sealed in both the recesses. In the recess of the cover, fluid shock buffer blades are formed on at least a portion, which is urged by foot fingers and swelling foot finger roots, the blades being slanted in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cover. The marginal portion of the cover is fused to the marginal portion of the bottom plate.

Abstract: Ski boot in which at least one opening/closing area (7) designed to allow insertion of the foot when the boot is put on/taken off comprises at least two flaps (9, 10) which join by overlapping and in which the movement by which the flaps are drawn together one over the other is controlled by at least one tightening device (12) which connects them in the boot closure position. The boot is provided with a flexible watertight covering element (8, 28) mounted on the outside of its shell on the opening/closing area (7) and encloses the two flaps (9, 10) by sealing the gap (18) remaining between them in the closed position.

Abstract: A vehicle for snow removal has a conveyor belt for transporting shovelled snow from a front end shovel up to a collection load box, above which the snow is melted by a plurality of heat sources for deposit into the collection load box. A pump recirculates melted snow water through a pair of parallel conduit pipes, which pipes are adjacent to the plurality of heat sources. As a result the recirculated water is reheated and the resulting warm water is discharged upon the front end shovel to commence the melting of the incoming, shovelled snow.

Abstract: A picture frame includes a pair of brackets secured in interlocking crossed relation at each corner of a picture assembly. Each bracket includes a turned end for engaging a lateral edge of the picture assembly, and an elongated resilient body extending along the back of the picture assembly perpendicular to the lateral edge engaged by the turned end. The resilient body is angled rearwardly toward the turned end, and the turned end includes an outer web extending forwardly from the resilient body and an end flange joined to the outer web at an acute angle extending lengthwise toward the resilient body and terminating in a contact end. A cord structurally interconnects the pairs of brackets and urges each pair toward a central point on the back of the picture assembly, whereby the resilient bodies are forced forwardly against the back of the picture assembly and the contact ends are forced rearwardly against the front of the picture assembly inwardly from the lateral edges.

Abstract: A sports card display stand includes a platform-like base, at least a pair of support posts mounted upright and laterally-spaced apart on the base, a longitudinal groove extending between upper and lower ends of each support post and facing toward one another for slidably receiving an article holder in the form of a flat plastic sleeve containing a sports card or photo between each pair of the posts with opposite longitudinal edges of the sleeve extending within the grooves, and an elongated narrow top cap member having spaced cavities and a longitudinal channel extending between and intersecting with the cavities being recessed in an underside of the top cap member for receiving in a releasable mated relationship the upper ends of the support posts and the upper edge of the flat plastic sleeve in order to removably mount the top cap member onto the upper ends of the support posts.

Abstract: A method of constructing an origami-style of foldable picture frame is described. Firstly, a unitary blank of sheet material is cut to a described shape. Secondly, a series of cut lines necessary to form a picture viewing window are placed on the unitary blank. Thirdly, trim off corners enabling opposed edges of a portion of the unitary blank to inserted into the picture viewing window. Fourthly, place a series of fold lines are placed on a portion of the unitary blank to form a primary panel. Fifthly, a series of fold lines are placed on a portion of the unitary blank to form a secondary panel adapted to overlay the primary panel. Sixthly, a series of fold lines are placed adjacent the cut lines where the picture viewing window is to be positioned. Seventhly, a series of fold lines are placed on a foldable portion adapted to be inserted into the picture viewing window. Eighthly, a series of fold lines are placed on another foldable portion adapted to be inserted into the picture viewing window.

Abstract: A lightweight wind tube utilized for advertising, constructed of fabric with a constant diameter having annular sleeve at each end. The forward end sleeve being held in an open circle by flexible frame members with furled ends which are positioned in lateral openings in the forward end sleeve to provide attachment points for mounting yoke strings and access for disassembly. The wind tube further includes a rear sleeve formed in the exit end of the tube including a string for adjusting the choke in the exit end of the tube.

Abstract: A display device and recorder/playback system combination including a panel for displaying photographs, posters, etc. and having an integrated circuit memory chip embedded therein, and a recorder/playback system that connects to the integrated circuit memory chip. The embedded integrated circuit memory chip is disconnectable from the recorder/playback system whereby different display panels with different messages can be connected to the recorder/playback system and the messages stored in the memory chips are not destroyed by being disconnected from a power source.

Abstract: A collapsible display frame apparatus for use as a motor vehicle roof-top display, wherein a collapsible frame includes rods forming an underleaf perimeter and an overleaf perimeter, coupling means for connecting the rods to define a corner joint, a flexible display, fasteners for attaching the display to each perimeter, and a swivel-slide joint for slidably interconnecting the frame of the underleaf and overleaf perimeters.

Abstract: A fish gaff apparatus has a hook member and a pole member. The hook member has a nook portion and a cover portion that is biased to assume different positions relative to the hook portion. The cover portion in a first position extends between both ends of the hook portion to prevent injury by the hook end of the latter. The cover portion in a second position holds the hook member on the pole member. Using the pole member, the hook member is inserted into a fish. The pole member is then moved relative to the hook member to disconnect those two members, and the bias between the two portions of the hook member moves the cover portion back toward its first position to press against the fish. The hook member may be constructed from a single length of wire.

Abstract: A device for holding a fishing rod has a rod engaging section which is pivotally affixed to a base section. The base section is attached, preferably rotatably, to a mounting section. The mounting section is constructed such that it can be alternatively clamped onto a wheelchair, or a lawn chair, or the side of a boat, or stuck into a shore/bank using a specially adapted securing stake. The device is constructed such that upon a fish strike, the rod engaging section swivels toward the direction of the applied force, preventing the fish from pulling the rod into the water. A spring loaded screw can be used to lock the rotating rod section into a set, non-rotatable position.

Abstract: An insect trap using attractant light, comprising a source of light and a housing can be mounted on a vertical surface or placed near a ceiling surface. The housing and the source of light cooperate to form an upwardly facing opening for the facilitated entry of flying insect pests and for the reflection of light onto the vertical surface. Insects that enter the trap are immobilized on a surface within the trap. Cooperation between direct radiant light, reflected light and an upwardly facing entrance for insects substantially increase capture rates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of compounds of the general formula I ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 represents C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 -alkyl or hydroxy-C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 -alkyl;R.sup.2 represents C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 -alkyl; andm represents an integer from 10 to 20,for combating cockroaches.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for killing animal pests infesting a water-bearing product and including placing the product in a chamber having at least some oxygen therewithin and reducing the pressure in the chamber below atmospheric pressure. The improvement comprises the steps of reducing the pressure in the chamber at least to the boiling point of the water in the product so that oxygen in the chamber is displaced by water vapor until the chamber is substantially oxygen depleted. The oxygen depleted condition is maintained for the "time of lethality," i.e. for a time at least equal to the time required for a pest to be killed in an oxygen-depleted environment. Specific aspects of the new method also involve using inert gas and a poison gas fumigant.

Abstract: Plant seedlings are transplanted from a germination tray to one or more maturation trays by penetrating the soil plug surrounding the plant and its root system in the seedling tray by means of a rotating spirally coiled shaft, withdrawing the seedling, soil plug and shaft as a unit from the germination tray, inserting the plant, soil plug and shaft unit into the maturation container, and penetrating the soil plug with a needle-like holding implement while rotating the coiled shaft in a reverse direction to withdraw the shaft from the plug and deposit the plug and plant within the maturation container. In the preferred embodiment, a plurality of such coiled shafts are provided on a traveling frame controlled by a microprocessor to enable mass transplantation of plural seedlings to be carried out on a rapid automated basis.

Abstract: A vehicle anti-theft parking space device including a vertically slideable post telescopingly received in a receptacle base securely mounted underground from ground level in a driveway and the like so that the post can be raised and locked in the raised position above ground level by a padlock to prevent unauthorized movement of a vehicle parked on the driveway. A spring mechanism is disposed between the post and the receptacle base to maintain the post in the raised position in a vertical alignment with the receptacle base. A hasp is pivotally mounted within the post so that the hasp can freely pivot through a slot in the post into a horizontal position extending outwardly from the post, and secured in the horizontal position by the padlock so that the post cannot be lowered into the receptacle base. The hasp is pivoted back into the post, when the padlock is removed, as the post is being lowered into the receptacle base. A handle is provided for pulling the post up to the raised position.

Abstract: Theft preventing means at a parking lot comprising a hindrance means (10, 30) raisable from a retired position and lockable in a raised position. The hindrance means comprises a tubular part (10) depressed into the ground at the parking lot, and a post (30) telescopically mounted therein. The post (30) has a slot (40) in which a catch (41) is pivotally mounted between an inner position, in which the catch is accommodated within the cross section of the post and an outer position in which the post is prevented from being pushed down in part (10), on the post. An opening (44) is arranged in the catch (41) for receiving the clamp of a padlock.

Abstract: A security door structure is affixed to an opening in a building wall exteriorly of a combination affixed glass door and sliding glass door to prevent in entrance by an intruder through the glass doors. The security door structure includes a first rigid metal frame with top and bottom rails and opposing vertical side rails and a plurality of rigid metal bars affixed between the rails. The metal bars are mounted at a predetermined distance from each other to prevent passage of a human body therebetween. The first metal frame is affixed exteriorly of the affixed glass door, and extends the same height and width as the affixed glass door. A second metal frame is pivotally mounted about a vertical axis to the first metal frame to swing between a closed position coplanar with the first metal frame and an open position pivoted exteriorly away from the coplanar position.

Abstract: A door framing spacer apparatus (41, 41a) and method for use with a pre-hung door (21, 21a) to enable installation of the door in a door opening (31). The spacer assembly (41, 41a) is formed for positioning between the door (21) and a door jamb member (27) or the door (21) and another door (21a). The portion of the spacer (41, 41a) between the door (21) and jamb member (27) has a thickness dimension (t) therebetween substantially equal to a desired reveal space (29) to be maintained between the door (21) and jamb (27). The spacer (41, 41a) can include a door portion (46, 46a) which is secured by a fastener (43, 43a) to the door and a jamb portion (47, 47a) which is secured by a fastener (42, 42a) to the jamb. The spacer additionally includes a connecting portion (48) between the door and jamb portions which couples the two together as a unit and in turn couples the door (21) to the jamb assembly (23) to enable manipulation of the assembly during installation.

Abstract: A flush-surface type door glass run for automobile is provided which is adapted into a channel 17 of a door frame 11 having a bottom portion 12 and a pair of side walls 13 and 14 each having an engaging projections 15 and 16. The side walls form a U-shaped section together with the bottom portion 12 in which a door glass 19 is fitted into the channel 17 at a position offset from the center of the channel 17 of the door frame. The door glass run includes a bottom portion 2, side walls 3 and 4 integrally connected to the bottom portion 2, engaging lips 5 and 6 which integrally extend from base of the side walls 3 and 4 toward the engaging projections 15 and 16 of the door frame 11, respectively. The outer side wall 3 is in contact with the outer side wall 13 of the door frame 11 and has a thin-walled portion which extends from the engaging projection 15 to an opening 18 at the distal end thereof so that a space 10 is defined between the door glass 17 and the outer side wall 3 of the glass run 1.

Abstract: This invention relates to a carbon dioxide blast cleaning system for propelling dry-ice pellets by cryogens, namely high pressure nitrogen, helium and/or oxygen, against a surface being cleaned. Carbon dioxide pellets, in a pellet hopper, a blast unit and a blast gun are located at a blast site near the surface being cleaned. A portable cryogenic liquid nitrogen, liquid helium and/or liquid air tank with an ambient air vaporizer is also located at or near the blast site. Cryogenic liquid nitrogen, liquid helium and/or oxygen flow through the ambient air vaporizer to the liquid and is vaporized to form a high pressure gas. The high pressure, cryogenic gas is then brought into the blast unit and mixed with the pellets. The mixture of the high pressure gas and the pellets exit the gun nozzle at high velocities to blast the surface being cleaned.

Abstract: A magnetic head slider producing apparatus includes a rotary lapping member having a lapping surface, a work member having a surface, and an elastic member fastened to the surface of the work member. The elastic member has [adhesion properties] adhesive characteristics. Magnetic head sliders each have a back surface, and rail surfaces in which magnetic heads are embedded. The back surface of each of the magnetic head sliders is in contact with the elastic member, and the magnetic head sliders are adhesively held by the elastic member [due to the adhesion thereof]. The work member is positioned so that the rail surface of each of the magnetic head sliders comes into contact with the lapping surface of the rotary lapping member.

Abstract: A tool for forming a soft contact lens having an optical zone formed with a center spherical surface and surrounding aspheric surfaces is disclosed. The tool includes a lens holder having a perfectly centered rearwardly extending cylindrical portion received in a collet of a lens cutting lathe and a transverse front end wall defining a front end opening receiving the lens blank body projecting forwardly through the opening. The lens blank is formed with a mounting flange seated against a rear facing step in the transverse end wall. The lens body is retained in the holder with an insert threadedly received in the holder. A set screw received in the insert applies pressure to the lens blank rear surface to deform the front concave surface which has been previously cut and polished to a spherical surface.

Abstract: A process for blast cleaning a surface with a blast media which is softer and more friable than sand such as sodium bicarbonate is provided and which comprises passing the blast media in pressurized air through a blast nozzle including an inlet section which contains a passageway which converges substantially along only one direction to a rectangular venturi orifice and a fan-shaped outlet section which contains a passageway which diverges along substantially only one direction perpendicular to the direction of convergence of the converging passageway, the inlet passageway being greater than twice the diameter of the inlet of the nozzle so as to provide streamlined flow and reduce turbulent flow of the friable blast media in the blast nozzle.

Abstract: A water, fire and heat proof roof is provided and consists of a tar holder affixed about an inner surface of a parapet, so that a lower portion of the tar holder will overlap and cover curved ends of an upper layer of polymer roof covering material to help keep the roof water proof, heat proof, fire proof and cool. A water sprinkler system is also utilized to prevent a fire and reduce heat on the roof to keep it cool.

Abstract: A multi-activity complex incorporates a plurality of activity floors, each of which has an associated playing surface and is selectively movable between a storage position, located below an event staging or activity area, and an in-use position located in the activity area. A system is provided for alternatively shifting the activity floors between the respective storage and in-use positions. The shifting system includes a lift assembly for vertically moving the activity floors into and out of the activity area and a second mechanism for laterally shifting the activity floors to and from a respective storage area disposed below and laterally outwardly of the activity area.

Abstract: The roof assembly for a structure including a number of support elements including walls, columns and beams includes a plurality of complementary shaped roof panels which are selectively secured to each other as well as a support beam and the support elements of the structure. Also disclosed are standard designs for the support beam and roof panels which have modifiable parameters as well as methods of designing the roof assembly, assembling the roof and its constituate components, and manufacturing the roof panels.

Abstract: An improved door assembly is provided in the wall of a building. A full length door is mounted in an outer door frame by a plurality of primary hinges mounted in alignment along a first vertical axis. A partial length door is mounted within an opening defined entirely within the structure of the full length door by means of secondary hinges aligned along a second, vertical axis laterally spaced from the first. The partial length door is movable inwardly in rotation about the second vertical axis between open and closed positions relative to the full length door. A rigid link at least as long as the distance of separation between the primary and secondary vertical axes is secured to an interior wall surface within the building. The link releasably engages a catch on the partial length door, preferably through a hook and eye connection.

Abstract: An architectural element is formed from a frame and a body. The frame includes a nailing flange for adhering it to a surface such as a wall and an outwardly extending portion. The body, which substantially overlies the mounting frame, has an attachment portion for engaging the outwardly extending portion. The mounting frame and body are held together by an affixing part. In one embodiment, a recess is formed in the body and the affixing part includes a clip disposed within the recess. The clip resists movement of the body away from the mounting frame after their engagement. Resilient foam is disposed within a portion of the recess for forming a seal between the mounting frame and body. The body also includes an outwardly protruding portion which is designed to cover siding material that may overlie the nailing flange of the mounting frame.

Abstract: A jamb assembly is used to form a door frame system for installation within a wall having an opening for a door. The jamb assembly comprises a first elongated member having an L-shaped shoulder along one side of the member. A groove running parallel to the shoulder extends the length of the member. The jamb assembly has a second elongated member identical to the first member. The members are inverted relative to one another so that the L-shaped shoulders of the first and second members fit together to form an expandable base of the jamb assembly. A third elongated member has a tongue projecting on one side thereof that extends the length of the third member. The tongue is formed to fit into the groove of the first or the second elongated member to form a cap for the jamb assembly. The tongue extends beyond the ends of the first and second members when the jamb assembly serves as a head jamb assembly.

Abstract: The invention is to a roofing material and the method of making the roofing material. The roofing material is in the form of a standard material know as "felt" or "tar-paper" that has a plurality of nail tabs attached to the felt base material prior to coating the felt base with a water resistant material such as petroleum "tar". In a second embodiment, the nail tabs are attached to the felt during installation of the felt on a roof. The roofing material is attached to a roof with roofing nails that are driven through the tabs.

Abstract: The invention is a resilient pad for placement under a floor system. The pad is made up of a base and a plurality of pad elements spaced longitudinally apart and attached to the base. At least one of the pad elements has a thickness which is greater than another of the pad elements. Because the pad elements have different thicknesses, the resilient pad provides desirable response and shock-absorption characteristics over a wide range of applied loads. Hence, the resilient pad is especially suitable for use with sports floors and the like.

Abstract: A ridge cover is formed of inorganic (glass) felt-like sheet material fill-coated with an asphaltic material modified to improve its flexibility. The sheet material is repeatedly back bent upon itself to provide a thickened portion for the ridge cover. The flexible asphaltic material surprisingly allows such back bending of the sheet material substantially without fracture of the glass fibers of the inorganic felt at the bends.

Abstract: Structure intended to prevent a relative angular displacement on either side of an expansion joint (3) separating two parts (1, 2) of an assembly forming a very long beam, such as a bridge deck, in particular made from prestressed concrete, includes a rigid beam (8) arranged longitudinally on either side of the joint and resting on each part via two supports (9, 11, 13; 10, 12, 14) spaced apart longitudinally, so as to transmit a bending moment and/or a shearing force without inhibiting the expansions. At least one support is preferably provided with an adjusting jack (13, 14).

Abstract: An elastomeric joint seal for architectural structures is provided with a multi-part cover and employs special anchoring hardware at least partially, and preferably entirely, mounted outside of the joint. The preferred mounting hardware comprises channels for receiving anchoring ribs of the multi-part cover. The main portion of the cover spans and seals the architectural joint, and is secured in the mounting hardware by anchoring ribs at each side. Cover strips are also anchored in the mounting hardware, and cover any exposed portions of the mounting hardware. The effective width of the joint is increased, by locating the mounting hardware outside of the joint space, which enables the joint to be designed to a narrower width dimension. The cover strips may be of a different color than the main seal to minimize the sight line.

Abstract: A wall for a rampart or building, consisting of a plurality of building blocks, each comprising slightly compacted sawdust or wood chips glued with resin. The building blocks are interconnected by a number of assembling pins and by recesses integral to the respective blocks, so as to frictionally engage into one another. There are also provided full length projections and corresponding grooves of the respective blocks for the same purposes. The thus erected structure is remarkable by the quality of the joints and by the ease and quickness of its assembly or disassembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for tying elongated members together includes an attachment element and a mating centering element. In use, the attachment element is attached to one of the members to be tied and the centering element is used to align and juxtapose the attached member to a stationary member. Two coils of wire are wrapped around the attachment element and centering element. Upon separation of the rod attachment and rod centering elements, the coils of wire are adapted to tighten around the aligned members and tie the members together. The apparatus of the invention is particularly suited to blind tying reinforcing rods in a structure formed of concrete masonry units.

Abstract: A method for installing dry cellulose fiber insulation into a stud cavity includes the initial step of attaching a non-elastic reinforced polyethylene vapor barrier membrane to the interior faces of the studs, plate and sill forming a plurality of stud cavities in a building structure having an exterior wall. The staples are oriented vertically and spaced apart along the stud interior faces a distance which permits excess air pressure to escape between the membrane and the stud interior face between the staples. The staples are oriented horizontally along the sill and plate interior faces. An access hole is then formed in the membrane to access each stud cavity, and located approximately one-fourth to one-fifth of the distance downwardly from the upper sill to the lower plate. A pneumatic hose is then inserted through the access hole with the dispensing nozzle located at the bottom of the stud cavity.

Abstract: An egg packer apparatus is disclosed having baskets mounted on a transport moveable in a continuous path. The baskets have side-by-side compartments and move from an upright loading position to an inverted position at an unloading station. In the inverted position, the eggs roll along a cover to provide lateral movement of each egg in the direction of its pointed end. The unloading station has chutes to receive only the blunt end half of the egg as it rolls along. The egg drops into the chute blunt end first and then topples forwardly down the chute and drops pointed end downwardly into the egg flat.

Abstract: Bottles are closed with capsules whose free end segment is crimped over the top of the bottles. To avoid abrasion and turbulence, the end segment of the cap is deformed by a simultaneous, uniform upsetting of its entire circumference in a female die. An apparatus for carrying out the invention has a female die that is split into two parts, with cylindrical bores and with a constricting rib on a bottom portion which fits around the neck of the bottles. The rib has a concavely rounded side upon which the end segment of the cap, is thrust against and is deflected toward the bottle. The female die is split into two jaws that can be pivoted toward one another and whose opening and closing motion is coupled to the motion of an axially displacable male dies that displace the capsules in the female die for sealing the capsules onto the bottle.

Abstract: Apparatus for holding and storing items, such as bread, contained in a flexible wrapper and for closing and opening a mouth of the wrapper. The apparatus includes a support and a carriage slideably positioned on the support and configured for receiving and holding the items contained in the flexible wrapper. A mechanism is provided in association with the support and the carriage for grasping and for selectively twisting and untwisting the wrapper mouth to close and open the wrapper mouth. Access to the items in the wrapper is provided when the wrapper mouth is opened, and the items are tightly sealed within the wrapper when the wrapper is twisted closed.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a method for manufacturing a bag-in-a-bag system wherein there is provided a content-carrying sealed and opaque inner bag and a windowed outer bag having a layer in the window-forming graphic content replicating indicia. The graphic layer indicia is of a high quality and is prepared by a high resolution printing technique where the minimum resolution is defined as 160-200 line screen. This type of resolution can be achieved using a rotogravure process. For ease in manufacturing, several indicia are printed on a web, which is then longitudinally slit to separate the indicia and then cut transversely into patches for application to the bag. The bag itself may be printed using a lower resolution technique such as rubber plate printing.

Abstract: Apparatus (packaging machine) for the packaging of articles of differing size. In packaging technology, it is often necessary to solve the problem of producing packs of differing size on one and the same packaging machine. As a rule, adapting this to the different pack formats requires considerable conversion work. This in turn involves lengthy standstill phases of the packaging machine. To make it easier for the packaging machine to be changed over to different pack formats, packaging members, especially folding members, critical for the packaging process are provided in the form of a plurality of, preferably two sets (40, 41). A particular set of packaging members is in the packaging position (43). A further (part) set is in an exchange position (44) for the exchange of individual or all packaging members for other formats.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a container with a fluid comprising a fluid supply source having a pump fluidly coupled thereto and electrically interfaced to a controller. Fluidly coupled to the pump is a nozzle valve which is also electrically interfaced to the controller. During the operation of the apparatus, the container is positioned under the nozzle valve, with the controller being operable to fill the container with the first volume of the fluid from the supply source at a first flow rate, and fill the container with the second volume of the fluid at a second flow rate which is lower than the first flow rate.

Abstract: A baggage protection device wherein the device consists of a base carriage onto which is mounted a turntable with a securing device. Also mounted on the base carriage is a roll of stretch-wrap plastic film, along with feeder posts and a vertical frame. An alternative embodiment of the baggage protection device consists of a base carriage unit having a rear section and a front section which may be extended outwards from the rear section to accommodate larger baggage to be wrapped thereon. A turntable is mounted on the front section of the base carriage unit, the turntable having a pair of hydraulic rams which act to urge together a pair of grip tongs movably mounted on the upper surface of the turntable. Mounted atop the rear section is a roll of stretch-wrap plastic film. As the plastic film is drawn from the roll, it passes around an idler roller and around a tensioning roller, the tensioning roller and idler roller being in contact with one another.

Abstract: A device that prevents wrapping of long strands of fibrous material around an exposed rotating shaft has a stationary flange fixed to the chassis or bearing housing for the shaft and a rotating flange fixed to the shaft. The flanges are positioned to pass one another during each revolution of the shaft. When the flanges are nearest to one another, a loop of vegetation forms tightly around the flanges. Continued rotation of the shaft then stretches and tears the loop apart. This loop forming and tearing is repeated for each revolution of the shaft to effectively prevent fibrous material from wrapping around the shaft.

Abstract: A combination blade assembly is designed for use with a riding type lawn mower and the like. The combination blade assembly modifies the riding type lawn mower into a mulcher and chipper without prohibiting the lawn mower from being used for cutting grass. The combination blade assembly is permanently installed on the riding type lawn mower which eliminates the need for additional equipment. Due to the nature of the riding type lawn mower, the combination blade assembly creates a very mobile mulcher and chipper.

Abstract: The picker bar on a cotton harvester drum includes a lower bushing with a thrust surface added. The spindle drive shaft is drilled and tapped to receive a bolt inserted through the bottom of the picker bar. Bevel gear thrust loads are transferred through a thrust washer, secured by the bolt to the bottom of the drive shaft, to the lower bushing thereby eliminating need for a snap ring and snap ring groove at the top of the bar. The spur gear bending load at the top the bar is transferred through a large rigid gear section to the bearing at the top of the bar. The top bearing is supported closer to the gear load than in previous bars which utilize snap ring retention. The drive shaft, bevel gears, upper bearing and drive gear section are inserted as a single assembly into the upper end of the picker bar during manufacture.