Abstract: A switch assembly includes an insulator base with two stationary contacts mounted on that base. A molded insulated tower and insulated post are unitary with the base and form a guide means and anchor means for a movable contact blade which has two movable contacts to engage the two stationary contacts. The tower has a unitary cap with a surface facing the base and a raised fulcrum on this facing surface. An actuator lever pivots on this raised fulcrum and moves the movable contact blade toward engagement of the pairs of contacts and establishes an over-travel means for the actuator lever after the contacts are in engagement.

Abstract: A device which may be conveniently utilized to collect oil drained from an engine crankcase includes a fluid impermeable plastic bag and a rigid drain stand. The drain stand is designed to hold the bag below the oil drain in a manner facilitating flow of oil into the bag while simultaneously preventing larger objects, such as the drain plug, from also falling into the bag. This drain stand is further preferably constructed of a single sheet of corrugated fiberboard material which may be shipped or sold in a flattened or collapsed configuration, and then unfolded and assembled with the bag by the end user. A unique locking mechanism is provided for joining portions of the corrugated fiberboard sheet without adhesives to form a strong, rigid structure. After the oil has been completely drained into the bag, the bag can be removed from the drain stand, sealed, and then disposed of in an ecologically sound and safe manner.

Abstract: The high speed syruper of this invention utilizes a combination of vacuum and pressure to fill cans with liquid. Steam is introduced into the cans prior to the application of a vacuum, and then the cans are filled with liquid under pressure, preferably in the range of 4 to 10 PSI.The filling apparatus comprises a circular ring manifold mounted for rotation on a vertical axis. A rotary coupling fluidly connects the manifold to a pressurized source of liquid, and a plurality of cam operated valves control the flow of liquid from the manifold into the cans.

Abstract: Bag placement apparatus for silo bag filling machines of the type having a forming chamber, said apparatus comprising a bag supporting framework; an overhead winch and cable unit; a trolley; and a trolley track. The winch is supported on the trollery, which, in turn, is carried by and reciprocally movable along the horizontally extending trolley track. A silo bag is draped over the framework and then vertically lifted by the winch-cable unit. The trolley is then rolled forward over the forming chamber and the winch activated to lower the bag supporting framework onto the top of the forming chamber from where the bag is dispensed during the filling operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming and packaging, within a suitable container for the dispensing thereof, an unstable product produced by intimately mixing at least first and second ingredients, the resulting unstable product remaining stable following the mixing of the ingredients for a relatively short period of time under normal ambient conditions, the method including the steps of providing streams of the ingredients, intimately mixing the ingredients in a filling head, ejecting the mixture from the filling head into a container, and sealing the container prior to the elapse of the relatively short period of time.

Abstract: A restrictor adapted to replace missing restrictors of fill pipes of automobile fuel tanks. A containment ring with a reduced center opening (large enough for unleaded fuel nozzles and too small for leaded fuel nozzles) and an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the fill pipe. A spring biased flap or cover, closes the center opening. Bendable tabs extend from the periphery of the ring. The tabs are bent forwardly away from the side of the flap, and the restrictor is inserted into the fill pipe at the designated position. One of the tabs is clamped against the fill pipe wall while the others are rebent into a configuration to engage the fill pipe wall. The tabs are fastened to the wall by an adhesive, soldering or welding. Soldering may be achieved by pretinning of the tab ends.

Abstract: A remailable envelope is disclosed which comprises first and second extensions attached to the front and rear panels and first and second closure flaps attached to the first and second extensions. The nominal height of the rear wall is greater than the nominal height of the front wall, however, by selectively folding the envelope panels about the score lines provided for the first and second extensions, and first and second closure flaps, the envelope structure for the remailing can be made smaller than the envelope structure for the first mailing use.

Abstract: A tapping device for large capacity recipients of a brewing installation for the storage and/or treatment of alimentary or other liquids, in particular beer. The installation includes a network of pipes connecting the recipients with one another and with appliances supplying the functions of service and to use the recipients.The tapping device according to the invention has positioning members for the extremities of the connecting pipes which cooperate with U-shaped members for connecting an orifice of a pipe with an orifice of another pipe.

Abstract: Several embodiments of outboard motor fuel feed systems wherein a position responsive valve is interposed between a remotely positioned fuel tank and the engine charge former for precluding the inadvertant flow of fuel to the charge former when the outboard motor is tilted up. In each embodiment, the valve is a gravity responsive valve and in another embodiment a pressure responsive valve member is provided for ensuring fuel flow when the outboard motor is again tilted down to its normal running position.

Abstract: The proper inflation of playground balls is controlled by fixing a strap to a predetermined circumference equal to the circumference of the ball at proper inflation. The strap is then placed around the center of the ball and the ball inflated until the strap is tight. The strap is then removed and the ball is properly inflated. The strap may be secured at any of a plurality of settings equal to the circumference at proper inflation of any of a plurality of different balls. The strap is marked with numbers equal to the diameter at proper inflation of the ball to be inflated. The desired circumference of the strap is preferably maintained with a hook-and-pile type fastener.

Abstract: A can filling device for minimizing damage to cans during filling by providing full can pockets on a filler wheel having upper and lower arm portions which maintain the constant vertical orientation of the can during the filling process. A locator brush is disposed to induce an inward radial force relative to the rotating filler wheel to maintain the can within the can pocket. Additionally, a hold down guide assembly displaces the cans in a downward position on the rotating filler wheel to prevent damage by the spindle mechanism. Sufficient tangential clearance is provided by the star wheel pockets to prevent damage due to play between the rotating filler wheel and the star wheel. Close tolerances are provided in the radial direction to ensure full transfer of the can from the star wheel pocket to the filler wheel pocket.

Abstract: A novel technique of connecting two or more pumping modules under a laminar flow hood is described. The technique includes the use of a novel manifold which is specifically designed to enhance laminar air flow across the outlet port of the manifold when connected to one of the pumping modules. The manifold includes a cylindrical housing having an axially extending outlet port, and two or more sets of radially extending inlet ports eminate from the cylindrical housing. The inlet ports of each set are closely spaced with respect to one another to minimize the length of the cylindrical housing. A common fluid channel extends substantially through the length of the cylindrical housing to connect each of the inlet ports to the single outlet port.

Abstract: A bag filling apparatus for large bags of around 1 ton capacity, includes arms for suspending the bag to be filled on the frame of the apparatus and a bag base support for supporting the base of the bag being filled, the support being vertically movable into and out of contact with the bag base. The bag base support is adjustable to cater for bags of different lengths and vibrates to assist in material settlement. The bag suspension apparatus has a weighing arrangement for weighing the filled bag.

Abstract: An overflow trap on a reservoir for liquid anesthetics with at least one inlet conduit for filling and an overflow conduit for overflow which both open at its side wall. The entering of anesthetic liquid from a feed tank through the inlet and the overflow of anesthetic due to shifts or rocking of the liquid level is prevented. For this purpose, the inlet conduit and the overflow conduit are slanted toward the bottom of the reservoir and they have openings close to a wall of the reservoir which is opposite to the inlet and the overflow openings of the conduits.

Abstract: A gas-oil pressure accumulator having a load-bearing structure of composite material, suitable for aircraft hydraulic circuits. The accumulator is formed of a cylindrical body with closed ends, at least one of which is composed of a convex cap. A piston slideable in the cylindrical body defines two chambers, one adapted for containing hydraulic oil and the other adapted for containing gas under pressure.

Abstract: A gas-pressurized collapsible bladder inside a fluid accumulator in a hydraulic system has a detection device that informs a user about the state of inflation of the bladder. Abnormalities in system operation, e.g., a gas leak from the collapsible bladder or sudden turning on of the fluid-actuated device in the system can cause bladder deflation whereas clogging of lines or sudden stoppage of a fluid-actuated device may cause fluid pressure rise in the system, and hence, deflation of the collapsible bladder to actuate the detection device. In one aspect of the invention, the condition of the bladder is detected by use of a permanent magnet that actuates a reed relay. In another aspect of the invention, a light-emitting diode, a reflector and a photosensor detect the bladder condition.

Abstract: A fuel-intake device for automatic bottom fueling. The device includes spaced inner and outer barrier walls with edge portions joined together, first and second aligned openings in the barrier walls, and a standpipe having a proximal end secured to the inner wall about the second opening and a distal end having a fuel outlet spaced from the inner wall. Two annular seals preferably allow a conical nozzle to sealingly engage both barrier walls. Other preferred embodiments relate to barrier wall, seal, and standpipe configurations, fuel and vapor pressure relief valves, entry doors and a protective cover.

Abstract: A container lifting arrangement wherein a pair of spaced rails and a vacuum cup assembly are concentrically mounted and relatively actuated to raise and lower a container, in part while the container is being conveyed toward a filling station by a conveyor. The vacuum cup is caused to engage the bottom surface of the container only after the container's forward movement has been stopped so as to not be subjected to any sliding action by the container, such action tending to roll the cup's edge and destroy its suction capabilities. Lifting the container before the conveyor stops provides additional time for filling the container.

Abstract: A novel purge system for a string of tank cars wherein purge gas is directly introduced into the vapor space of each tank above the cargo in the tank and wherein the purge gas is not bubbled through the cargo but is supplied directly to the vapor space above the cargo and forces the cargo out the vent pipe at the end of the car to the next car to successively assure that the proper level of cargo and the proper pressure of the purge gas is maintained in all of the cars. Since the gas is not bubbled through the cargo, gas will not be stored in the cargo and the pressure requirements will be substantially reduced as compared to bubbling through the commodity and the volume of gas required will be reduced due to the lower pressure and elimination of potential absorption which may occur when the bubbling method is utilized.

Abstract: A drill collar is formed from a composite material to protect equipment during drilling operations as in oil and gas exploration.