Abstract: A powder feeder pick-up tube having a central powder delivery tube receiving powder entrained in a propellant gas, an outer concentric tube delivering propellant gas to the powder delivery tube and evenly entraining powder in the gas as the powder enters the powder delivery tube. The propellant delivery tube has an inwardly curving end that forms a gap with the open end of the powder delivery tube, and the geometry of the curving end and the size of the gap are factors determining the operational characteristics of the pick-up tube. Variations on the basic pick-up tube include a concentric fluidizing tube surrounding the propellent delivery tube and locally fluidizing powder around the opening of the powder pick-up tube. The shape of the fluidizing orifice at the outlet of the fluidizing tube may be modified to alter its fluidizing characteristics. The tube is immersed in a hopper of powder when operating and the entire hopper may be fluidized and vibrated to assist the operation of the pick-up tube.

Abstract: A dip stick cleaning tool having a cylindrical body with flexible sides and removable ends. The body contains a core of absorbant, flame proofed, rolled material having an open center for receiving the dip stick. The top of the tool has an opening leading into the open center of the core and also has a pivotably mounted cover that acts with the side of the top opening to clean an inserted dip stick with squeegee action while the core wipes the dip stick and absorbs the wiped liquid. Inside the cylindrical body the core is spaced from the cylinder walls by a plurality of ribs to allow air to circulate around the core, and the core is spaced from the top of the tool by a plurality of pointed spurs to provide a space to hold liquid squeezed out of the core when the cylindrical body is squeezed while operating the tool.

Abstract: A loader or other vehicle provided with three pairs of wheels located as closely to each other as is practical while allowing a small space between the peripheral surfaces of adjacent wheels; the axles of the three pairs of wheels extending transversely of the vehicle, with the center axle located in a horizontal plane lower than the horizontal planes of the front and rear axles, providing four wheel traction at all times automatically utilizing either the combination of two front and two center wheels or the combination of two rear and two center wheels depending on whether the vehicle load is greater forwardly or rearwardly of the center axle.