Abstract: An article dispensing system comprising a plurality of bins disposed in generally parallel spaced relationship and angulated for facilitating storage and discharge of at least one article contained therein. The system includes an x-y-z positioning mechanism adapted for being disposed adjacent the end of the angulated storage bins. The mechanism is adapted for both loading and retrieving individual ones of the articles into and out of the storage bins. By utilizing a gravity feed system, the mechanical complexity of the x-y-z positioning mechanism is greatly reduced as is the overall cost of the system. Each storage bin is constructed with a lip formed on the lower end thereof for retaining stored articles therein, which retaining lip is inexpensive to fabricate and facilitates simplicity in the mechanical loading and retrieving operation.

Abstract: A hand held brush specifically adapted for sweeping and cleaning regions of carpet. The brush is constructed with a handle portion in which is secured a field of bristles in a slanted bristle array. The bristle length tapers downwardly from the frontal edge of the brush to the rear edge and the flexibility varies accordingly. In this manner, the bristles may be swept through an area of carpet to remove both large and small dirt and lint particles by utilizing the varying flexibility of the bristles concomittantly with the tapering length thereacross.

Abstract: This inventive scale consists of a frame (2), a platform (3) parallel and perpendicular to the frame (2), a load lifter (5) and a level mechanism consisting of at least one arm (1). The lever mechanism transmits the load from the platform (3) to the load lifter (5) and is connected to the frame (2), the platform (3) and the load lifter (5) by means of couplings (10, 13, and 15). The lever mechanism, consisting of at least one arm (1), has a flexible connector at each end and one in the middle (7, 8, and 9). The end connectors (7 and 9) are attached to the platform (3) and the load lifter (5) by means of pins (10 and 15), respectively. The middle connector (8) is attached to the frame (2) by means of two swivel couplings (13).

Abstract: Process tower vapor/liquid flow distributor and packing bed comprising a plurality of relatively thin corrugated layers stacked one atop the other. The corrugated sheets are disposed in face to face contact with respective corrugations inclined to the horizontal and facing one another for the countercurrent passage of vapor and liquid therethrough. At least two layers are utilized and rotationally offset for diverting the vapor liquid in two separate directions to effect maximum vapor liquid distribution for countercurrent fluid flow passing therethrough. An improved homogenous mixture of vapor/liquid within the process tower packing sections may thus be provided. The assembly affords optimal pressure drop characteristic while maximizing even vapor/liquid distribution into the packing regions.

Abstract: A system for the prevention of theft of a motor vehicle comprising a valve system and electronic package for the control thereof. The valve system is connected between the master cylinder and the slave cylinder of the vehicle brake system and is selectively actuatable to cause the brakes of the vehicle to lock when the vehicle's ignition is turned off. The electronic package is connected to the valve system and the ignition system for generating an alarm system for generating an alarm system for selectively actuating the valve system. A keyboard is connected to the electronic package for controlling the operation thereof and means are provided for receiving a multi-digit code in the keyboard to effect actuation and deactuation of the valve system and the release of the vehicle brakes for operation of the vehicle. A series of separate alarm sensors are provided in conjunction with the electronic package for affording added safety and theft deterrence.

Abstract: An anaerobic, pasteurizing conditioning system for treating matter such as whole and ground grain, minerals and other ingredients to increase the rate of their conversion and absorption during digestion and thus the nutritional value thereof. The system comprises a direct fired steam generator adapted for producing an effluent stream comprising steam and non-condensible gases, a vapor homogenizer for producing a substantially water-free treatment fluid from the effluent stream, and the treatment fluid containing insufficient oxygen for aerobic bacterial life. The treatment fluid, comprising steam and oxygen deficient non-condensible gases is discharged into the vessel for counter-current flow relative to grain passing therethrough.

Abstract: The power drive system of the present invention provides a rotary drive swivel unit which can be tilted along its horizontal pivotal axis until its output shaft is substantially horizontal. A drill pipe provided in a substantially horizontal bed adjacent to the drilling rig is aligned with the output shaft of the rotary drive swivel unit and this joint is made up. The rotary drive swivel unit is raised and the suspended drill pipe reoriented to a vertical position and is aligned over the drill string and added thereto substantially at platform level. The power drive system turns the drill string and advances the drilling downhole. The rotary drive swivel unit disengages from the drill string and the foregoing steps are repeated.

Abstract: A post tensioning anchor assembly comprising a tapered tubular member, cable cap and anchoring plate assembly. The anchoring plate is constructed for live end or dead end securement in the sidewall of a concrete formation for post tensioning of a sheathed cable. The plate has inside and outside faces constructed for matingly receiving over the cable either the tubular member cap or both. In this manner the post tensioning plate assembly can be used for both outside and intermediate post tensioning constructions. In the intermediate configuration, tubular members are secured both to the inside and the outside faces of the plate with the tensioning cable extending therethrough.

Abstract: A grain treatment system incorporating a steam vessel and centrally disposed, grain diverting steam sparger unit for facilitating the flow of homogeneous plugs of grain therearound. The system incorporates a discharge unit having garner valves and/or flow restrictors for facilitating the anti-coring grain flow through the steam vessel with side and corner draw-off therein and the even percolation of steam upwardly therethrough for iniformly heating and moisturizing the grain. A vapor generator is used for providing a heating medium comprising a mixture of condensible and non-condensible gases introduced into the grain through the centrally disposed steam sparger. In this manner, homogeneous plugs of grain are uniformly passed through and discharged from the grain treatment system permitting controlled heating and moisturizing of grain and substantially eliminating problems of coring, grain clingage, static sludge build-up and associated grain treatment problems prevalent in many prior art systems.

Abstract: A ball pitching system comprising a pneumatically actuated pitching arm and automatic ball feed system. The pneumatic actuation is provided by an automatic pressure sensor valve. Compressed air is provided by a DC compressor affixed to the frame of the pitching apparatus and may be powered by a conventional 12 volt vehicular battery system. In this manner the preselect pitching of baseballs and the like along a predefined trajectory can be provided at remote locations away from conventional power sources by using conventional automotive electrical supply. The system further provides a reliable, inexpensive assemblage require little maintenance and maximum enjoyment of use with baseballs and the like.

Abstract: An interface circuit for a telephone instrument forming part of a character display phone PBX system. The circuit is connected to receive data signals indicative of the condition of the character display and keyboard portions of the instrument, and to store and manage the incoming data and produce a serial RS232 output for communication of the data to a computer or terminal device. The interface enables the use of a computing device to store large amounts of information related to potential calling parties and called parties which may be identified in the display of the telephone instrument and also to associate such information with messages entered into the computer via the keyboard. The overall system thus enables custom answering of a multiplicity of lines of such a character display phone system and use of a single multi-line phone as a messaging center.

Abstract: A dynamic eave building system comprising a flexible joint for first vertical and second angulated structural members pivotally connected one to the other. The adjacent ends of the first and second structural members are mitered into a mating configuration and spaced one from the other by the pivot joint. The pivot joint comprises a pivot pin received through aligned apertures formed in one of the members and in a knee splice secured in the other. The knee splice is positioned to define the flexing space between the mitered ends. The second angulated member also includes moisture collection troughs formed longitudinally therealong. The first member is provided in a hollow configuration for receiving fluid flow from the troughs of the second angulated member. Both members are adapted for securement of conventional curtain wall material, siding or roofing thereon.

Abstract: A device for producing a directed fluid flow utilizing an elongate paddle member having first and second wing portions formed along a common longitudinal axis. The wing portions are orthogonally disposed relative to one another. Pivots are constructed in each of the wing portions, which pivots extend substantially perpendicular to each wing portion and are disposed orthogonally relative to each other. First and second rotatably driven shafts are disposed in generally parallel spaced relationship and are coupled to the pivots by a hinge and swivel arm connected to each shaft at one end and to the pivot at the other end. The rotatably driven shafts then define a notional plane and the rotation of the shafts causes rotation of the paddle member for generating directed fluid flow generally perpendicular to the notional plane.