Abstract: Stacks of fabric plies are sequentially positioned by a carousel feeding apparatus in an unloading position where the uppermost ply in a stack, so positioned, is individually and sequentially separated from the stack, and an edge thereof presented between the jaws of a gripping device. Once the gripping device is satisfied that one and only one fabric ply is in place between the jaws, the single ply is transferred over onto the receiving end of a conveyor for further processing. The fabric separation occurs by means of an aerodynamic technique which tends to lift by suction the uppermost ply from the remainder of the stack. A proximity switch determines the spacing between the gripper jaws which spacing confirms the existence of one and only one fabric ply therein.

Abstract: A transducer formed of one or more electrode arrays is positioned in confronting relation and parallel to the plane of rotation of one or more rotating members. A plurality of phase modulated, two-phase, square wave drive signals of the same amplitude and frequency are applied to each electrode. The signals are combined at a central node or electrode to form, as a result of the signal, the superposition of the algebraic sum of all drive signal pairs. Samples of the resultant signal taken at the same frequency and of a duration of less than one-half the duration of the drive signal period provide a multi-step, synchronously detected signal. The detected signal is a multi-step approximation to a sine wave, the phase angle thereof relative to a timing point being proportional to the angular position of the rotating member.

Abstract: A wire hanger assembly includes a hook member with at least three wire members depending therefrom, which wire members are specially designed for quick attachment to and release from a compatibly designed container. Each wire includes an enlarged protuberant end portion and the rim of the hanging container includes a plurality of substantially T-shaped slots therein. Each protuberance is inserted through the cross portion of one of the T-slots, and then the wire portion above the protuberance is slipped back to a position where the protuberance is seated in a cavity from which it cannot inadvertently slip.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a liquid basting sauce includes an elongated sauce delivery tube having multiple spray nozzles suspended in spaced relationship along the length of the tube. The sauce delivery tube is mounted on the barbecue grill in a position above the food being cooked or, alternatively, intermediately between the food and the firebox. Connected to one end of the delivery tube is a pressurized sauce supply bottle which contains the selected basting sauce. A timer-controlled injection valve connects the sauce supply bottle to the delivery tube, and upon activation of the valve by the selected timer device, sauce is injected under pressure into the tube and dispensed through the spray nozzles.

Abstract: One of the side walls of a tray is provided with a stepladder side rail engaging bracket which includes opposed diverging channel members. Such channel members rest, without any fasteners or the like, upon the exposed upper edges of the side rails or stringers which form one side of the stepladder. The angle formed by the diverging channel members approximates the angle formed by the diverging front and rear side rails of the stepladder when in the open position. The tray may be compartmentalized to carry tools or parts; alternatively it may be partially or totally free of compartments to support paint cans or buckets for other uses.

Abstract: A towing device for connecting an IV-pole to a gurney when transporting a patient from one hospital area to another. The device includes an elongated body portion with a hook means attached on each end thereof. A spring-biased locking member associated with each of the hooks locks the hook into engagement with the respective gurney and IV-pole and prevents disengagement of the hooks therefrom.

Abstract: A tool for sanding, grinding, or polishing ferrous or non-ferrous work pieces which includes a plurality of abrasive particles, such as silica sand or the like, embedded in a binder matrix formed primarily of polytetrafluoroethylene and equivalent polymers. The matrix may further include a stiffening agent for adding rigidity to the tool, such as ground glass.

Abstract: A seat is provided with a downwardly depending tubular casing having a generally open bottom except for a retainer therein. The base includes an open top support cylinder which receives the tubular casing therein. The piston of a gas or hydrapneumatic spring cartridge is mounted at the lower end of the support cylinder in axially and radially fixed relation thereto. Even though the gas spring (cartridge and piston) is capable of swiveling about its longitudinal axis relative to the support cylinder, the longitudinal axis of the gas spring (cartridge and piston) remains substantially vertical at all times. The casing is loosely received or floats within the support cylinder and loosely surrounds the cartridge. Near the upper end of the casing an internal wall operatively engages the upper end of the cartridge in such manner that movement of the cartridge along the piston rod causes a corresponding movement of the casing.

Abstract: The temperature of a serviced area or zone is cost efficiently maintained within a prescribed range by establishing a prescribed fan cycle period, during which period the fan is both operative and non-operative at variable intervals. The temperature of the serviced area is monitored and averaged for each given cycle. The fan run time is then determined by a CPU for the succeeding cycle dependent upon the difference between the average measured temperature and a prescribed balance temperature.

Abstract: A linking mechanism for irrigation/aspiration machines which includes a coupling member having a plug that is inserted into an opening in a receptacle on the face of the I/A machine. The plug projection is sealed in air tight relation to the wall surrounding the opening and an auxiliary prong(s) prevent rotation of the plug as well as lock the plug in the receptacle. The receptacle includes an arming switch activated responsive to proper seating of the plug in the receptacle to arm the peristaltic pump that is subsequently operated by a foot switch to generate a vacuum in the aspirant line.

Abstract: An improved navel member positioned in the cover of the spinning rotor of an open-end spinning frame includes a barrel having a longitudinal passageway extending therethrough. The axis of the passageway is substantially coincident with the thread path as it exits the spinning rotor. A cylindrical insert is fixed in the barrel passageway and includes a longitudinal channel therethrough through which the thread actually passes. A plurality of spaced longitudinal grooves in the inside wall surrounding the longitudinal channel receive elongated ceramic rods partially embedded therein. The rods form a plurality of spaced obstructions around the periphery of the longitudinal channel. The periphery of yarn passing through the navel member intermittently engages and disengages the ceramic rods causing an improved roughening and bulking effect.