Abstract: An apparatus that is utilized with a pool skimming system to remove a deck lid from a skimmer reservoir and a skimmer basket from inside the skimmer reservoir while the user remains in a standing position. The apparatus has an elongated handle and an engaging mechanism. The engaging mechanism, which is at a lower end of the handle, has an inverted U-shaped engaging member with a pair of spaced apart outwardly extending engaging projections that engage slots in the deck lid to remove the deck lid from the skimmer reservoir and then engage a basket handle of the basket to remove the basket from the skimmer reservoir. The apparatus can include an adjusting mechanism to adjust the distance between the engaging projections of the engaging mechanism and/or a sampling mechanism having an integral correct depth indicating mechanism to obtain a water sample from a body of water.

Abstract: An infusion/dispersion device includes a handle, a tube, a rod, and a basket. The handle includes a first section and a second section. The first section is rotatable with respect to the second section. The tube is connected fast with the first section of the handle. The rod is received in the tube and is connected fast with the second section of the handle. The basket includes an outer shell and an inner shell that is receivable in the outer shell. The outer shell connects fast with the tube and the inner shell connects fast with the rod such that rotation of the first section of the handle with respect to the second section of the handle results in rotation of the inner shell with respect to the outer shell.

Abstract: A hand-held vessel has a bottom wall, a sidewall and a supportive strap attached to the bottom wall and the sidewall. The bottom wall and sidewall have an inner and outer surface. The sidewall extends from the bottom wall, whereby the inner surfaces of the bottom wall and sidewall define a cavity for holding fluids or loose materials therein. The strap has a first end and a second end, whereby the first end is fixedly attached to the sidewall and the second end is selectively secured to the bottom wall. The strap is adaptable to accept a user's hand disposed between the strap and the outer surface of the sidewall. The strap urges the hand against the outer surface of the sidewall to secure the vessel to the hand and stabilize the vessel with respect to movement relative to the hand.

Abstract: A swimming pool net includes a mesh material and a frame that circumscribes the mesh. Fasteners are positioned in the frame to secure the mesh to the frame. A pair of mounts is formed in the frame in opposed relation to one another. A spring has opposed ends that respectively engage the opposed mounts. The spring is taut when its opposite ends engage the mounts. A middle section of the spring is manually pulled and spaced apart from the mesh by a preselected distance, followed by abrupt release of the spring, causing the middle section to travel from a first side of the frame to a second side, striking the mesh as the spring passes through the plane of the frame and ejecting items away from the mesh. The mounts may be apertures or posts or the ends of the spring may be embedded in the frame.

Abstract: A debris catching device for surge tanks in swimming pool circulation systems prevents debris from building up within a surge tank. The debris catching device includes a net member for capturing the debris before it enters the surge tank and an elongate main body that is adjustably extendable to select lengths for proper installation. A drawstring cord extending through the length of the elongate main body and around the lining of the net member is provided for cinching the net member closed around the exterior of the gutter drain pipe so that the captured debris doesn't spill out of the net and into the surge tank. A support cord attached to the elongate main body and having opposite ends attached to the lining of the net member may be used for holding the net member in an upright position.

Abstract: A device for preparing a nutritional composition by supplying water to ingredients provided to the device includes a pump connected to an integrated or external water supply, and a water discharge head designed for providing water to a cartridge containing ingredients for interaction between water and the ingredients in the cartridge. The pump and the water discharge head are in water communication via a water flowpath, and the pump can supply water under pressure through the water flowpath The device includes a rigid filter assembly having at least one antimicrobial filter membrane and filter enclosing member. The filter assembly and the filter enclosing member are complementary configured such that the filter assembly is insertable into the filter enclosing member across the water flowpath in a fluid tight manner before the water discharge head, and is removable from the filter enclosing member.

Abstract: A collapsible container consists of three parts: a rigid top rim, a flexible center band, and a rigid base. This combination of sections allows the container to easily collapse to about one-third of its original height. The container is also quite stable when expanded and is self-supporting. In various embodiments of the invention, for example, the upper rim may be expandable, the base may include holes or mesh to serve as a colander or strainer, or the base may be configured as a tube to function as a funnel.

Abstract: Vacuum cleaner filters, in particular replaceable vacuum cleaner filters suitable for both dry and wet/dry type vacuum cleaners are disclosed, as well as systems incorporating the use of such filters and methods for their use. The filters include a plurality of adjacently positioned pleats arranged in a closed circumferential, cylindrically-shaped path, a top end cap having a central orifice capable of constricting a post on a vacuum filter cage, and optionally a molded end ring oppositely-spaced from the top end cap for engagement with the motor housing of a vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A device for easily removing a product from a vessel comprises a rod associated with a flexible supporting element adapted to be introduced into a vessel containing a product either immersed or not in a liquid, said flexible supporting element having such an arrangement as to fit an inner portion of the vessel, said rod including, at a free end portion thereof, a gripping element for raising said device to facilitate a removal of a product while draining off the liquid.

Abstract: The curb inlet filter includes a filter bag having an opening at an upper end leading into an interior of the filter bag and a support bar coupled to one side of the upper end of the filter bag. The support bar is configured to rest outside of the basin against curb face sides bounding the opening in the street level curb face. A support frame is coupled to a second side of the upper end of the filter bag and is configured to engage with the support bar to suspend the support frame substantially at grade within an interior of the basis and define a rigid opening into the filter bag. The remainder of the filter bag hangs below grade within the curb side drain basin.

Abstract: An assembly and method for capturing debris before it enters a skimmer mechanism in a pool are described, herein. A basket filter assembly is comprised of a frame assembly, which is constructed of water- and rust-proof material that has a mesh material placed around and attached to it. The basket filter assembly is then attached to a U-shaped arm, by which it is lowered into position over the skimmer mechanism. The other end of the arm is then attached to a weighted stand such that it holds the assembly in place.

Abstract: Vacuum cleaner filters, in particular replaceable vacuum cleaner filters suitable for both dry and wet/dry type vacuum cleaners are disclosed, as well as systems incorporating the use of such filters and methods for their use. The filters include a plurality of adjacently positioned pleats arranged in a closed circumferential, cylindrically-shaped path, a top end cap having a central orifice capable of constricting a post on a vacuum filter cage, and optionally a molded end ring oppositely-spaced from the top end cap for engagement with the motor housing of a vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A blood filter device includes: a housing that includes a dome 2 provided with a blood inlet, a filter retaining portion 3 that is positioned below the dome, and a bottom portion 4 provided with a blood outlet; and a filter 8 that is mounted in a cavity of the filter retaining portion and partitions a cavity of the housing into a dome side and a bottom portion side. A sheet-like filter member 8a of the filter forms a plurality of pleats, and ridgelines of the respective pleats traverse the filter retaining portion in parallel respectively.

Abstract: Described is a filter cartridge having a cup shape that can be filled with a filtering material, and placed in a filtering device such as a water pitcher. The filter cartridge has a base, a side wall, and a flange defining the cup shape of the filter cartridge. A removable mesh insert may be affixed atop the flange, allowing replacement of the filtering material.

Abstract: A collapsible container consists of three parts: a rigid top rim, a flexible center band, and a rigid base. This combination of sections allows the container to easily collapse to about one-third of its original height. The container is also quite stable when expanded and is self-supporting. In various embodiments of the invention, for example, the upper rim may be expandable, the base may include holes or mesh to serve as a colander or strainer, or the base may be configured as a tube to function as a funnel.

Abstract: A disposable apparatus for straining food or other material is disclosed. Specifically, a strainer or colander made from a disposable material for convenient and limited use is disclosed. The strainer can be in any shape such as the shape of a bowl, box or triangular shaped vessel with holes or slots in the sides and/or bottom to allow liquids or flowable powders to pass through. The strainer is ideally made from an inexpensive, disposable material suitable for limited use and then discarded. Preferably, the material may also be capable of being rinsed one or several times. The strainer of this invention is also designed to be stackable or nest-packed, much in the manner of coffee filters.

Abstract: The present invention provides a colander serving bowl having an outer shell with an open bottom, a movable sealing plate with upwardly extending support arms that ride on inclined surfaces on the rim of the outer shell, and a perforated inner shell supported on the sealing place. The sealing plate is movable between a lowered sealing position where the plate seals the open bottom of the outer shell, and a raised draining position where the plate is spaced above the open bottom to allow draining through the open bottom. As the support arms are moved, the support surfaces of the arms move from the lower end to the upper end of the inclined surfaces of the rim, thus moving the sealing plate from the sealing position to the draining position.

Abstract: An increased efficiency, more durable pool leafing tool, and method, for gathering leaves and other pool debris from a pool bottom wall has a handle, a handle-controlled basket of a water-pervious and leaf and debris-impervious plastic mesh pocket having a closed end and an open end and a leaf and debris receiving volume therebetween formed by longitudinally extended sidewalls. The sidewalls provide an open end edge margin that is attached to a supporting frame. A pocket stay structure has one or more spring elements bent on themselves about the pocket closed end. The stay structure extends attached to the sidewalls for substantially the sidewall longitudinal extent length for biasing the mesh pocket volume against collapse onto itself in its empty or leaf and debris-filled condition to facilitate both gathering and disposal of leaves and debris from swimming pools.

Abstract: A percolating steeper comprises a carafe, a filter layer situated inside the carafe moving up and down for compressing the infused substance, a control element for controlling the movement of the filter layer, an isolating layer for inhibiting the water convection, at least one free moving non-return unit and one passive non-return unit are disposed on the isolating layer; the control element connects with the isolating layer by means of the passive non-return unit to move in different direction from that of the free moving non-return unit, wherein, the tight unit of the isolating layer and the tight point of the carafe are higher than the lowest feed water surface in the lower aspect of the isolating layer for conducting the fluid to the valve hole; through the elevation difference, when the substance and the fluid separate from each other, a visual effect of clear air isolation is generated.

Abstract: A strainer assembly for a camp cooking kit has a strainer body having at least one rim for engaging a rim of a camp cooking pot and a plurality of openings for pouring liquid from the camp cooking pot while preventing egress of other contents from the pot. Strap guiding features formed in the strainer body provide for guiding a securing strap around both the strainer body and the camp cooking pot. The securing strap includes a fastening arrangement for securing the securing strap together for attaching the strainer body to the camp cooking pot. Handles, which can be formed in the strainer body or attached to the securing strap enable the strainer body to be tipped together with the camp cooking pot to strain the contents of the cooking pot.

Abstract: A strainer for straining food is disclosed wherein. The strainer includes a clamping device for clamping the strainer to a center partition of a sink.

Abstract: A caged filter cartridge assembly has a pair of coaxially spaced-apart end plates, and a number of tubular filter cartridges extending between said end plates. These end plates include seat recesses having a coaxially disposed retaining ring establishing an annular terminal lock edge. The filter cartridges include end caps at each opposed end thereof which are received within respective ones of said seat recesses. The end caps have at least one annular lock ring which is forcibly engaged with the terminal annular lock edge of the retaining ring so as to join the end cap, and thus said filter cartridge, to the end plates.

Abstract: The invention is a kitchen utensil that aids in the removal of grease or oil from soups, sauces, etc. Specifically, the device is a ladle with an inverted funnel that when dipped into soup or sauce, it effectively removes the fat from the top of the soup or sauce. The invention works on the notion that oil and water do not mix, and as a result, the oil will float on the top of the water. When dipped into the soup, the fat is forced through the inverted funnel until it is forced out and then falls into the ladle device.

Abstract: An apparatus for absorbing, containing, immobilizing, transporting and disposing of quantities of used cooking oil and/or other oils and hydrocarbons, comprising decomposed organic matter and/or inorganic matter.

Abstract: A tool for cleaning debris from swimming pools includes a flame, a corresponding net, and retaining means for retaining the net on the frame. The preferred retaining means is an elongated strip of resilient, flexible material, having a generally U-shaped cross-section. The web portion of the cross-section includes an exterior surface smoothly shaped between its two edges to urge debris from the pool into the net. The leg portions of the cross-section include gripping portions to assist in engaging and/or disengaging the retaining means from the frame, to permit the net to be assembled, changed or replaced. The preferred frame of the tool is fabricated from metal and includes an elongated, curved frame portion with its ends welded to a tubular attachment member, to permit attachment of the tool to a handle, pole or similar structure. The preferred net of the tool includes one or more anti-slip devices to prevent the edge of the net or bag from slipping between the frame portion and retaining means.

Abstract: Sludge accumulations can be quickly removed from a vat containing liquid resin, by a manual mechanism that includes a porous platform adapted to rest on the vat bottom wall. Lifter arms extend upwardly from the platform to mount lifter handles at the vat upper edges. The handles can be pulled upwardly to lift the porous platform out of the vat. Sludge is retained on the platform, while liquid resin drains into the vat.

Abstract: A pool skimmer basket assembly is submerged in a filter passage. The filter passage communicates with a filter opening formed in a wall of a pool. The basket assembly operates to separate and capture debris entrained in pool water entering the filter opening and moving downstream through the filter passage. The skimmer basket assembly is accessible through a user access opening communicating with the filter passage, such that the skimmer basket assembly is readily removable by a user for periodic emptying and cleaning. The skimmer basket assembly includes a basket defined by walls and having an open top arranged for receiving pool water. A filter is provided for separating debris from pool water flowing downstream through the filter passage and through the open top of the basket. An extendable handle is attached to the basket for being grasped by the user to lift and remove the basket outwardly from the filter passage through the access opening.

Abstract: A pool cleaning apparatus includes a head having a forward portion and a rearward portion, a debris reservoir detachably connected to the rearward portion or the head, a first deflectable blade detachably connected to a lower end of the forward portion of the head, and being movable downwardly to engage a surface of the pool in response to water flow in the direction of the debris reservoir, and a bracket for connecting a handle to the head.

Abstract: A strainer device for assisting in draining packing liquid from opened tuna fish cans, as well as from opened cans of produce such as vegetables, fruit, and beans, the device including a molded plastic short hollow cylinder open at the top end and closed at the bottom end with a perforated bottom wall, the strainer body sized to be slidably fit into an opened tuna fish can. A pair of flange ears at the top enable the bottom each to be pushed into the tuna to force the liquid out through the bottom wall perforations as well as a series of slots around the perimeter. The bottom wall bulges down to be convexly shaped, aiding in moving the liquid out through the slots and also allows an inverted open can of produce to drain through the perforations as the strainer is resting on a supporting surface.

Abstract: Undesired contact with dental debris is minimized by a disposable dental trap which is provided with a removable top cover and a pivotable handle. The useful capacity of the trap is increased with a corrugated filter which increases the available filter surface area and thereby reduces the frequency of trap replacement.

Abstract: Spray paint equipment combining a paint gun and stand. The stand serves to adjustably support a primary paint supply; filters for filtering paint; a gravity feed tank for the spray gun and the spray gun when it is not in use. To this end the stand is formed with a horizontal base dimensioned to support the paint supply. An upstanding vertical post extending from the base has adjustably mounted thereon an initial filter holder supporting a filter to filter paint as it is delivered into the paint supply. Also adjustably arranged on the vertical support post is another filter supporting holder and final filter mounted above an adjustable gravity tank support and gravity feed paint tank for the spray gun permitting selective positioning of the componets necessary to effect spray painting.

Abstract: A skimmer assembly for swimming pools includes an arrangement to facilitate the emptying of debris from the skimmer basket. A handle is pivotally mounted along the skimmer pole near the end opposite the basket and an operating member is pivotally mounted along the pole near the basket. A flexible line interconnects the handle, the operating member and the basket such that when the skimmer assembly is rotated 180.degree. about its axis and the handle pivoted to its emptying position, the operating member is raised to extend the basket to an inverted, open position, thereby allowing collected debris to fall freely from the basket into a receptacle. The skimmer assembly allows the user to empty the basket without having to touch the basket.

Abstract: A strainer basket is integrally connected to a rectangular frame that is integrally connected to an elongated handle. At the end of the handle opposite from the frame, the handle broadens into a grip and then narrows and terminates in a small hook; the small hook is designed for removing the covers of skimmer wells in swimming pools. An elongated flange projects from the rectangular frame on the frame side opposite to the handle, and forms an elongated hook that is useful for grasping skimmer basket handles; thus, the tool permits removal and cleaning of skimmer baskets from pool skimmer wells without the user having to bend over and risk contact of their hands with pool scum, dead leaves, and the occasional live snake or other undesirable live or deceased animals encountered during the cleaning of pool skimmers.

Abstract: A fish handling net comprises a body portion having a triangular opening. The body portion can be formed from a net material or from waterproof plastic sheet material such as PVC which has been perforated to provide drainage holes.The body portion is provided with attachment means comprising weighing rings, and VELCRO.RTM. strips along each side of the body portion. The weighing ring is attachable to a projection of a sleeve which is clamped to a pole.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for removing metal particles from a liquid by means of a bag filter containing a plurality of magnets in linearly elongated interior pockets. A liquid containing metal particles passes from the interior of the bag filter through its exterior. The magnetic force associated with the magnets contained on the inside of the bag filter attract the metal particles thereto and hold such particles there against the pockets while the liquid passes through the bag filter.

Abstract: A small net is attached to a rectangular frame that is integrally connected to an elongated handle. At the end of the handle opposite from the net frame, the handle broadens into a grip and then narrows and terminates in a small hook; the small hook is designed for removing the covers of skimmer wells in swimming pools. An elongated flange projects from the rectangular frame on the frame side opposite to the handle, and forms an elongated hook that is useful for grasping skimmer basket handles; thus, the tool permits removal and cleaning of skimmer baskets from pool skimmer wells without the user having to bend over and risk contact of their hands with pool scum, dead leaves, and the occasional live snake or other undesirable live or deceased animals encountered during the cleaning of pool skimmers.

Abstract: A strainer mountable upon a 55 gallon drum or the like, for thawing frozen edibles comprising a vessel having side walls, preferably a pair of sloping bases extending out from a central opening, which opening is covered by a removable perforated lid. The central opening is surrounded by an upstanding wall to aid in confinement and delivery of the thawed fluid to the drum or barrel.

Abstract: A filter bag assembly includes a filter media fabricated from synthetic materials, has a heat sealed edge forming a cylinder, with one end of the cylinder being heat sealed (welded) to form a closed container. The other cylinder end is folded over a relatively rigid ring member and is sewn (stitched) in a manner to affix the ring member to the filter media thereby maintaining the integrity of the media's micron rating.

Abstract: A sifter has a casing that is detachably coupled with a screen unit that also has a casing. A sifter handle is configured for detachable coupling to a conventional electric knife drive.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for filtering molten metal is disclosed. The apparatus includes a filtering vessel, a portion of which is a porous filter material. Attached to the rim of the filtering vessel is a shock resistant ring. The filtering vessel is positioned such that the porous filter material is submerged in the molten metal, and the rim is held above the surface of the molten metal by a brace which is attached to a fixed bracket.The molten metal is filtered by seeping through the porous filter material into the filtering vessel. The filtered molten metal is extracted from the filtering vessel.

Abstract: A swimming pool cleaning apparatus comprising a quick connect-disconnect handle, an ovate frame, a collecting net structure with an inner and outer section, and a blade-like edge on the forward portion of the frame. The collecting net structure contains an open inner net contained in a closed outer net; the inner net allows easy ingress of debris into the outer net while retarding its escape if the direction of net motion is reversed. The blade-like edge of moderately flexible material attached to the front of the net increases the efficiency of collection of debris close to the bottom walls of the pool. Construction of the apparatus is modular and allows easy replacement of worn parts without discarding serviceable parts; repairs can be made without the use of tools. The ease of assembly and disassembly allows the net to be stored and shipped in a disassembled state and is reflected in reduced handling costs.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for intersecting and filtering a molten metal stream. The apparatus includes a filtering vessel, which is fitted with a filter element. Means are provided for dampening the momentum of the molten metal stream so that the filter element is not damaged by impact with the molten metal stream. When not in use the filtering vessel can be placed within a molten metal bath for preheating. The present invention can be used to filter molten metal that is being intermittently transferred.

Abstract: A device for use in water drains provided with an outer drain grating for preventing accidents and coarse material falling into the drain. The device is intended for separating and collecting particulate impurities, such as sand, wooden pegs and leaves, and also oil and other liquid impurities passing through the grating. To this end, the device includes a holder ring intended to be mounted under the drain grating, and carrying the combination of a coarse-filtering and protecting means and a fine-filtering means. The coarse-filtering and protecting means is cup-shaped and arranged in the holder ring, while the fine-filtering means comprises a filter bag of a flexible and water-permeable cloth or fabric material arranged around the holder ring. The holder ring is preferably funnel-shaped and provided with a mounting flange arranged to be firmly clamped beneath the drain grating, and the coarse-filtering and protecting means comprises preferably a wire basket.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for filtering molten metal is disclosed. The apparatus includes a crucible, a portion of which is a porous filter material. Attached to the rim of the crucible is a shock resistant ring. The crucible is positioned such that the porous filter material is submerged in the molten metal, and the rim is held above the surface of the molten metal by a brace which is attached to a fixed bracket.The molten metal is filtered by seeping through the porous filter material into the crucible. The filtered molten metal is extracted from the crucible.

Abstract: For use in combination with a supporting open frame structure adapted for connection to a handle and formed from a material of generally circular cross-section, there is described a net replacement unit which comprises a resiliently deformable, tubular cover and a depending net formed integral therewith. The cover has an inner surface defining an ovate longitudinal bore communicating through a slot coextensive with the bore along its narrow side for reception of the frame therethrough. Additionally, the cover is provided with a plurality of longitudinal ribs coextensive with the bore and extending thereinto from the cover's inner surface in a particular orientation to bias the frame to retain the frame in the cover, yet permit the cover to be readily snapped on and off the frame using only hand pressure when necesssary to replace the net and/or cover.

Abstract: Filter for cooking oil formed of polyester or polytetrafluoroethylene having specific characteristics. The filter is removably supported on a frame which permits easy replacement of the filter.