Abstract: A seed dispensing apparatus comprises a support frame adapted to receive a separate seed bin and with a down spout positioned within the support frame and connected to a delivery conveyor for transporting seed from the bin to a seeder implement. A seal arrangement in the support frame substantially eliminates leakage of expensive seed from the seed bin. The seal arrangement consists of upper and lower telescoping seal parts which are spring biased to an extended position so that when the seed bin is placed on the support frame, the outlet of the seed bin bears against the seal arrangement which is kept in tight engagement with the outlet to prevent seed leakage.

Abstract: A probe and test socket assembly wherein spring biased plunger probes of extraordinarily small diameter, such as 0.02 inch, are densely packed into a test socket for testing of integrated circuit chips. The socket is constructed in upper and lower halves with bores to receive the probes. To manufacture probes of such small diameter and to provide minimal and constant electrical resistance, the plungers and barrel of the probes are not crimped or otherwise secured together. The configuration of the socket bore walls in combination with the probe maintains the probe plunger and barrel together. The assembly is particularly useful in densely packed arrays of extremely fine diameter probes for testing densely packed test sites.

Abstract: An automatic bowling pin setting machine includes a sorting section receiving knocked down pins and bowling balls, an elevator conveying pins to a receiving reel, and a setting reel to which pins drop downwardly from the setting reel. Gripper arms accompanying the setting reel pick up any standing pins to ready the alley for a second throw. After a second throw, the alley is swept clean of pins, and the setting reel places a new set of pins in the alley. The setting machine is designed with reduced maintenance in mind and for sureness of operation.

Abstract: A cup holder assembly is mounted to a chair arm of the type having a T-shaped arm. The cup holder assembly comprises a cup holder body having an open-top receptacle for receiving a beverage cup, a lower leg extending from the body for support against a chair arm stanchion and a bracket having a clip portion to grip the chair T-shaped arm and an upstanding leg. The bracket is connected to the cup holder body by a fastener to mount the cup holder body to the chair arm. A bracket cover conceals the bracket.

Abstract: A warning sign for cautioning pedestrians away from spillages or wet floor areas is formed of a pair of swing legs connected at upper ends so that they can be spread apart form self-support. An extension member can be pulled upwardly from between the legs to enhance the visual warning effect. A catch in the hinge area selectively locks the extension member to an extended position when the legs are spread apart and allows the extension member to be lowered when the legs are swung together.

Abstract: An endodontic probe system comprises a measuring kit of a plurality of flexible rods for insertion as probes into a root canal for determining the apical aperture diameter. Each rod has a tip end with a diametrally enlarged end ball structure so that a user obtains a precise tactile sensation when passing the end ball through the apical aperture. A variety of different end ball shapes are disclosed. Measurement of the apical aperture diameter is important to determine so that the root canal may be properly and entirely cleaned without unnecessary reaming or enlarging the diameter of the apical aperture.

Abstract: A new and useful device for the watering, in a continuous basis, with great physical ease, of a Christmas tree.

Abstract: A unitary panel sorting and packing machine receives vinyl siding panels from an extruded production line. The machine includes a panel receiving section which includes lifting and flipper arms for selectively inverting panels for packing efficiency. From the panel receiving section, the panels are transferred to a panel accumulation section. The machine also includes a box folding section for folding corrugated paper box blanks along predetermined score lines. The box folding section is preferably parallel and adjacent to the panel receiving section and the panel accumulation section and includes retractable arms which selectively position the box in a ready position for packing panels therein. After the box is full, conveyor mechanisms carry the box from the box folding section through a box lid glue applying station and then into a box end folding and gluing station. This machine can substantially reduce repetitive stress caused injury to the operator.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a removable bottom cannister that receives the refuse of the cleaning process. The bottom cannister is fitted with a plate forming an air channel along a portion of the interior side wall of the cannister. When air flows across the top of the air channel, as from cyclonic motion, suction occurs that is used to draw down a liner, or removable bag, against the inside of the cannister and thereby to prevent the liner from floating up and being drawn into the outlet, which would block the operation of the vacuum cleaner. The liner is positioned to receive the refuse and is desirable for reasons of convenience and hygiene during the process of emptying the cannister. In addition, the air channel can be fitted with a clip to aid in the insallation of the liner. The cannister can also be fitted with an interior hood or cone to optimize the flow of air across the top of the air channel.

Abstract: A gauge system determines the thread pitch diameter of an internally or externally-threaded article and includes a standard measuring caliper with styli selected and fitted into the caliper to correspond to a particular thread type and pitch. The styli are mounted into the caliper to provide a reference zero position to the calipers for either externally or internally-fitted articles. A processor is associated with the calipers and styli and is of a type which is configured for hand-holding. The processor has input buttons for inputting a descriptor of internal or external threads, thread type and thread pitch. The processor software receives and processes information received from the caliper to calculate the thread pitch diameter. A display connected to the processor presents the thread pitch diameter.

Abstract: A communication system allows the transmission of voice, data, and non-compressed video signals over shielded or unshielded copper wire for extended distances. The system includes a transmitter, a wire link, and a receiver. The transmitter in the preferred embodiment amplifies substantially the entire frequency spectrum of the signal, converts the signal from common mode to differential mode, and adds a current to drive the signal over the wire link for extended distances. The receiver in the preferred embodiment provides an offset impedance and an offset capacitance to the signal to compensate for the impedance and capacitance of the wire link, amplifies the signal, converts the signal from differential mode to common mode, suppresses the noise in the signal, removes the current from the signal, and amplifies and refines the signal using sin x/x correction.

Abstract: An electrical contact test probe for use in providing electrical continuity between diagnostic equipment and a test point of an electrical circuit under test is provided. The test probe includes an elongated plunger slidably mounted within an elongated tubular barrel and extending outwardly therefrom for contacting the test point of the circuit under test. A spring is seated in the barrel and is interposed between the barrel and the plunger for biasing the plunger axially and outwardly of the barrel. The barrel consists of an elongated body having an inner bore, a generally closed end, and an open end. The barrel also has at least one cantilevered tab struck from the body and having a free end projecting into the inner bore toward the generally closed end of the barrel. The tab is located on the barrel such that the free end engages a shoulder of the plunger when the plunger is in an extended position so as to prevent outward biasing of the plunger beyond the extended position.

Abstract: Flameless infrared catalytic heater units are mounted in a generally wing-shaped carrier for positioning above surfaces of an aircraft. The carrier is attached to a boom end extending from a truck or other suitable self-propelled ground equipment. A temperature sensor bounces an infrared signal off the aircraft surface and inputs the skin temperature into a micro-controller regulating the output of the infrared heater units. The micro controller maintains a desired safe skin temperature sufficient to melt ice and snow from the aircraft surfaces without blistering the paint or raising concern about temperatures within fuel tanks. The catalytic heater units use inexpensive natural gas or propane. Use of this system substitutes for expensive and hazardous ethylene glycol solutions heretofore sprayed over the aircraft.

Abstract: A current sensing wafer fits about the blades of an AC power cord and is connectible to peripheral equipment for sensing when current is being drawn through the power cord, and thereby indicating when a power consuming device using the power cord is operating. The wafer, in a preferred embodiment, comprises an insulating substrate which has thereon a loop of ferromagnetic material. Slots for fitting about the twin blades of an AC power cord plug extend through the wafer and the loop of ferromagnetic material extends about the slots, generally in a FIG. 8 pattern. This arrangement, extending about the positive and negative conductors, creates a magnetic current in the loop. A sensor coil is integrated into the loop and includes an amplifier circuit for signaling controlled peripheral equipment that current is flowing through the AC power cord, and therefor, electrical devices using the current are operating.

Abstract: An extension or companion conveyor is used with a primary conveyor to convey grain or other granular materials. The companion conveyor swings into a lesser angle than the primary conveyor, which may be at a relatively steep angle to convey grain into a tall bin. The companion elevator travels at a high rate relative to the primary conveyor to provide an accelerator function. A mounting mechanism between the companion and primary conveyors includes a swing arm pivotally connected in its opposite ends so as to swing the companion conveyor from end to end abutment with the primary conveyor forwardly and outwardly to a stored/transport position parallel to the primary conveyor. A slip connection in the mounting mechanism allows the angle of the companion conveyor relative to the primary conveyor to vary as it is folded against the primary to reduce the pushing force necessary to be applied by an operator during the first half of travel of the swing arm.

Abstract: A portable awning producing shade adjacent to ball field fences and dugouts and similar situations comprised of a retractable awning wound around a roller tube, a housing for the awning and roller tube, telescoping legs, guy lines for lateral stability and a handle attached to the housing. The free end of the awning protrudes through an elongated slot in the housing and is attached by snap hooks to a fence. The other end of the awning is attached to the roller tube which is mounted inside of the housing. The housing is vertically supported by the telescoping legs and stabilized by the guy lines attached to the ground. The telescoping legs are attached to the housing by hinges so that the legs may fold adjacent to the housing for stowing. The housing has a handle and restraining straps attached to it for portability and includes storage areas at the ends of the housing provided for the guy lines and stakes. The restraining straps hold the legs parallel to the housing while stowed.

Abstract: An automatic bowling pin setting machine includes a sorting section receiving knocked down pins and bowling balls, an elevator conveying pins to a receiving reel, and a setting reel to which pins drop downwardly from the setting reel. Gripper arms accompanying the setting reel pick up any standing pins to ready the alley for a second throw. After a second throw, the alley is swept clean of pins, and the setting reel places a new set of pins in the alley. The setting machine is designed with reduced maintenance in mind and for sureness of operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of control for a device such as a vacuum cleaner or a central vacuum cleaner comprising a central machinery and a pipe or a pipe system connecting the central machinery with a working point.