Abstract: A position limiting switch assembly is disclosed in this application for limiting movement of an associated device within limits defining a range of allowable movement and includes an input drive assembly responsive to movement of the associated device for driving a pair of counter assemblies each of which is in driving engagement with an actuator assembly. Each actuator assembly is positioned adjacent a switch assembly and when either of the counter assemblies reaches a position corresponding to a limit position of the associated device, the actuator assembly is driven to a position wherein its associated switch assembly connects a control circuit for the associated device. The corresponding positions of said counter assemblies are adjustable to accommodate various limit positions of the associated device.

Abstract: A drive assembly usable with windshield wipers and the like is disclosed in this application and includes a motor having an output shaft including a helical pinion provided with no more than five teeth. The pinion is in meshing engagement with a helical gear for driving an output shaft connected to a linkage operative to drive a windshield wiper system. The preferred embodiment of the invention disclosed herein includes a pair of bearing assemblies for the motor output shaft, one located adjacent one end of the output shaft and the other located intermediate the ends of the shaft such that a portion of the shaft extends beyond the other bearing assembly. The motor is associated with the output shaft between the bearing assemblies and the helical pinion is located on the extending portion of the shaft.

Abstract: A disposable dental drill assembly is disclosed in this application and includes a housing in which is rotatably carried a rotor member including a turbine blade configuration and which is fixed to the end of a dental burr. The housing is formed with interlock means cooperating with complimentary means formed on a handle member whereby the drill assembly is easily removable from the handle member and can be replaced when the burr wears out. Both the housing and handle are formed with air passages and the handle is connected to a source of air pressure so that air flows over the turbine blades driving the rotor member and, accordingly, the burr. Because the drill assembly is disposable, the housing and the rotor member, including the turbine blade configuration, are made of a relatively inexpensive plastic material which can also be utilized for the handle member.

Abstract: A curbing machine utilizing slip form casting of cement or concrete is disclosed which will continuously cast curbing or pavements and simultaneously with the casting operation provide the necessary expansion joints in the cast curbing. The curbing machine includes a conventional tractor with an additional speed reduction gear box. A unitary open bottom hopper and slip mold is removably and adjustably carried between the wheels of the tractor by hydraulic cylinders permitting both vertical and tilting adjustment of the mold to adjust the mold to the contour of the ground. Means are provided within the hopper and immediately in front of the slip mold to form the expansion joint in the cast curbing. In an alternate embodiment, the slip mold is mounted outboard of the tractor with hydraulic cylinders provided to raise, lower and tilt the slip mold.

Abstract: A differential gear system is disclosed for selectively transmitting power from one of two alternative power sources and which is particularly suited for use in actuating assemblies. The differential gear system includes an input gear rotatable about a sleeve assembly and in driving engagement with a spider gear assembly keyed to the sleeve assembly and driving an output gear also rotatable about the sleeve assembly. In one mode of operation, a first input gear system drives the differential input gear about the sleeve assembly while the sleeve assembly is held stationary by a second input gear system whereby power is transmitted through the spider gear assembly to the differential output gear. Alternatively, second input gear system drives the sleeve assembly while the first input gear system holds the differential input gear stationary whereby power is transmitted through the spider gear assembly to the differential output gear.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the invention disclosed herein relates to a feeding and mixing arrangement for generally fluent material including components having different specific gravities, for example, certain food products, and includes a supply hopper in which the material is adapted to be contained. The supply hopper has an open upper end and has both discharge and inlet openings in its base. The discharge opening communicates through a supply conduit with an associated device, for example, a container filling apparatus, to which the fluent material is to be delivered and the inlet opening communicates with the supply conduit through a return conduit connected to the supply conduit adjacent the container filling apparatus.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the invention disclosed herein includes a housing having an inlet opening and an outlet opening, the latter being in communication with a discharge chute. Inside the housing a cutter bar is rigidly mounted adjacent a rotor assembly including a plurality of cutting blades which cooperate with the cutter bar for cutting brush, that is, tree limbs and similar debris, into small chips. The brush is fed to the cutter bar through the inlet opening and the chips are discharged through the outlet opening into the discharge chute where they are carried away in a high velocity air stream provided by a blower unit. Further included is inertia means mounted for rotation with the rotor assembly whereby the rotor assembly can be rotated at lower speeds while assuring that the cutting blades exert sufficient force to adequately cut the brush.

Abstract: A pivoted bucket conveyor is disclosed in which pivotally mounted buckets carried by a chain conveyor is provided with the buckets normally arranged to travel in a horizontal position across a reject station and, upon receipt of a signal from an inspection station, to pivot and discharge their contents at the reject station. A flexible bucket guide member is provided at the reject station to engage beneath projections on the sides of the buckets and guide the buckets across the reject station. Pins carried by a second chain conveyor engage and support the flexible bucket guide member at points between each bucket and permit the flexible guide member to be deflected upon dumping of a bucket at a position beneath the bucket being dumped and still direct movement of adjacent buckets. Modified forms of guide members are also disclosed to stabilize and direct movement of all buckets other than the particular bucket being pivoted or dumped.

Abstract: Apparatus and processes are disclosed which will automatically separate a whole dressed and eviscerated chicken into its usable component parts of wings, legs, thighs and breasts and discharge the remaining carcass consisting of the backbone and rib cage into a container. The apparatus includes conveying means which supports and transports chickens along a predetermined path. A pair of movable cutting blades are provided to swing in toward the chicken and cut the wings away from the carcass. Thereafter, a pair of swinging jaws engage and pull the breast off of the carcass. As the carcass continues movement along the conveyor, guide means engage the legs of the carcass and direct the legs toward cutting blades which cut the legs from the thighs at the leg joint. Thereafter, cutting blades partially cut through the carcass at the thigh joint and jaws then grip the thighs and pull and twist the thighs simultaneously to remove the same from the carcass.