Abstract: A filling apparatus for cylindrical containers densely fills the containers with, for example, granularly-shaped fill material by causing a container to be set into a shaking rotation by rotationally oscillating a container retainer.

Abstract: A fluent material dispensing apparatus having a hopper for receiving and holding fluent material, the hopper having an open rectangular mouth which converges into multiple individual discharge openings. Formed around each of the discharge openings are discharge chutes for dispensing the fluent material. A support frame for supporting the hopper includes base members and a plurality of vertical legs extending between the hopper and the base members. A swing gate is pivotally mounted to each discharge chute and is movable from an open to a closed position over the opening of the discharge chute for covering and uncovering the discharge chute to control the discharge of fluent material from the hopper. A swing arm is fixed to each swing gate. A linkage rod is connected to the free end of the swing arm and also to one end of a pivotally mounted lever arm connected to a pivot member on the support frame.

Abstract: A net which may be positioned upon a lawn for collecting leaves thereon without harming the lawn. The device includes a netting material which may be left on the lawn for an extended period of time while leaves fall onto the net from surrounding trees. The net may be gathered together to enclose the leaves by a use of a cord disposed along a periphery of the netting material. The net further includes a dispensing assembly for applying insecticide or fertilizer compounds to the lawn and is also provided with an adhesive applicator for applying an adhesive to the netting material prior to its placement upon the lawn.

Abstract: An apparatus to transport and place a water bottle onto a water dispenser includes an upright frame member having a base portion and a top portion, the base having a pair of strut elements adapted to fit around the sides of the water dispenser without interference. A vertically-movable and horizontal-axis swivelling bottle clamp arm portion extends in a direction parallel to the struts. The clamp arm is supported on the upright frame so that it may be raised and lowered, such as by a winch and cable arrangement. The bottle clamp arm terminates in a pivotable clamp member adapted for releasable capture of a water bottle.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving and holding a flexible and collapsible trash liner comprises a rigid upright trash receptacle having a main body with a generally closed bottom and an open top. The bottom has a periphery about which the bottom is affixed to the main body, and this periphery has at least one cavity formed therealong. The cavity effectively forms a foothold for a user in removing the trash liner from the receptacle as well as a handhold for a user in transporting the trash receptacle.

Abstract: A lift mechanism lifts a bottle of water from a lower upright position to an elevated position at which it can be lowered into a well of a water cooler. The lift mechanism includes a bottle elevator and cam operated bottle turning assembly. A closure on the bottle is adapted to be activated by surfaces of the cooler well to move a plunger from a closed position to a position at which water is adapted to flow out of the bottle.

Abstract: A vapor guard mounted on a gasoline dispenser nozzle includes a collapsible resilient section which provides a limited expansion force enabling the use of a standard gasoline dispenser retainer spring to catch on the vehicle fill pipe flange for hands-free fuel dispensing and straight-pull removal. The expansion force of the collapsible resilient section also is limited to ensure the existence of non-sealing contact between the end of the vapor guard and the fill pipe flange. The vapor guard is sized and positioned on the dispenser to enable the user to see the end of the nozzle as it is inserted into the vehicle fill pipe and aligned with a nozzle port in a restricter plate located in the fill pipe.

Abstract: A pre-conditioned air adapter chute for attachment to an aircraft. The chute has a body which is cylindrical at the top and the bottom, handles on either side of the body, a clamp attached to each of the handles, and a hook attached to each of the clamps.

Abstract: A portable and highly efficient method for filling the hard to reach watering stands of inside trees, and particularly where the environment or nearby objects are susceptable to damage from splashes or spilled water. The invention is made up of approximately four sections of loosely fitting tubing sections with an angular set funnel at the top, which are held together with a tensioned inside elastic cord, and which can be placed downward through the limbs of an inside tree to quickly feed water from the funnel to the watering stand with a syphon effect generated by the moving water in the full length assembled tubing.

Abstract: A distributor funnel for receiving friction material and for dispensing the friction material to a mold for a friction product is disclosed. The container comprises first and second half bodies. Pivot joints connect the first and second half bodies pivotally such that they are pivotable relative to one another about a pivot axis. The two half bodies resemble a duck bill which, in a closed position, form a closed funnel receiving the friction material. The two half bodies are spring-biased into the closed position. When the two half bodies are squeezed together at the top, the friction material is dispensed at the bottom of the funnel.

Abstract: A retaining clip which maintains the bellows on a vapor recovery liquid dispensing system in a retracted position while fuel is pumped from the fueling tube of the vapor recovery liquid dispensing nozzle.

Abstract: A cup holder is provided which is suited for attachment to a spout of a conventional beverage preparation machine so as to support a cup in a fluid-receiving orientation adjacent to such spout. The cup holder includes a base which is configured for securement to the spout, and a U-shaped cup-gripping member which includes a pair of space side walls separated by generally horizontal floor. One of the side walls extends from the base to the floor and the second side wall extends upwardly from the floor and terminates arcuately to provide a seat for a cup's lip. The arc of the second side wall is similar in shape to the side edge of a conventional lipped cup, accommodating angular placement of the cup on the second side wall during filling of the cup.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus capable of providing a continuous source of soil to a level working surface and a vertically and horizontally adjustable conveyor system that transports planting pots proximate to the level working surface, so that an operator may efficiently scoop soil from the level working surface into the pot. The conveyor system is also used to collect and recycle spilled soil via a soil return hopper and a soil return elevator.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for filling motorcycle front forks comprising, a horizontally planar platform for positioning proximate a motorcycle front fork. Mounted upon the platform are a tubular, vertically adjustable dipstick, a hand pump and a reservoir. The dipstick is vertically adjusted to the correct level of fork fluid in the reservoir. The front fork is then overfilled with fork fluid. Excess fork fluid is then pumped out of the fork by the hand pump into the reservoir. Flow of fork fluid automatically ceases when the correct level of fork fluid is attained because the end of the dipstick will then be above the level of fork fluid in the motorcycle front fork.

Abstract: A protective liner for removable insertion into a trash bag or other container comprises an essentially rectangular sheet of strong, flexible material The dimensions of the liner are tailored to the dimensions of the bag or container into which it is to be placed. The preferred embodiment is provided with locking means at one corner, a rounded adjacent corner and is made of one millimeter thick polyethylene. The preferred embodiment is particularly adapted to be suitable for use with the broad category of trash bags known as 30-gallon trash bags.In use, the liner is rolled along its longer axis into a cylinder with an effective diameter smaller than that of the associated container, the overlapping material is pinched together, the cylinder is inserted into the container, and compression is released (allowing the liner to expand to fill the container). Optionally, the liner is locked in place. The container may then be filled with little danger of puncturing the sides.

Abstract: In combination with an automatic nozzle of a gasoline pump, the nozzle having a trigger operable within a housing which includes a trigger guard; an actuator for the trigger in the form of a spring extending transversely of and supported on the trigger guard and engaging the trigger.

Abstract: A semi-automatic T-shirt bag bagging rack and bags for use therewith. The bagging rack has a stationary rear wall with two spaced apart hooks and a tab receiving member. A support base is attached to the stationary rear wall. A movable front frame member moves between a first position distant from the stationary wall and a second position adjacent thereto. The movable front frame member has an upper planar member which is substantially parallel to the stationary rear wall and has a tacky rubber sheet member affixed thereto facing the stationary rear wall. A stack of T-shirt bags having a central tab with a central tab slit and a tab tearing slit cut therethrough and "C"-shaped cuts located near the inside edges of the handles are first loaded on the bagging rack by slipping the central tab slit of the stack of bags over the tab engaging member and by looping the "C"-shaped cuts on the handles onto the hooks on the rear wall.

Abstract: The sample collector includes a plurality of like, plastic bags each of which has an opening in one end thereof. The bags are supported over a bag divider rack having thereon a bottom wall, and a plurality of divider plates which project upwardly from said bottom wall and radially of a centerline thereof, so that each pair of adjacent bags is separated by one of said divider plates. An annular spout is removably mounted on each of said divider plates and is releasably secured in the opening in one of the bags operatively to support the opening in position to register with a liquid dispenser to receive a liquid sample therefrom. After being filled the bags are sealed and can be removed individually from the divider rack or the rack itself can be carried with the filled bags positioned thereon.

Abstract: A funnel comprises a flat sheet of resilient flexible material and has interengaging formations on opposite sides of the sheet whereby the sheet may be rolled to funnel configuration and the interengaging portions detachably interengaged with each other to hold the sheet in funnel configuration. The interengaging portions are stamped from the material of the sheet, and can comprise a slot on one side of the sheet and a tongue on the other side of the sheet, the tongue being detachably receivable in said slot, or they can comprise slits cut in marginal portions of the sheet and extending in opposite directions from each other, the slits being engageable one within the other thereby releasably to retain the sheet in funnel configuration. The interengaging portions have substantially point contact with each other, whereby the sheet may be formed by manual pressure selectively into a funnel of variable conicity.

Abstract: A waste collection device is designed to assist a person in the collection of yard wastes. The device is in the form of a rectangular generally box-shaped configuration. It includes side wall, a bottom wall, a back wall, a top wall and an open front. The top wall has a generally elliptically shaped opening extending from the front end near the open front toward the back wall but terminating short of the back wall. The opening allows a user of the device to push yard wastes into the box and backward into the box so as to compress the materials therein. A handle is positioned on the top wall to enable the user to lift the device to deposit materials collected into the device into larger containers.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a trash bag. The apparatus includes base structure having an opening therethrough for allowing the body portion of the trash bag to extend therethrough and having a lip adjacent the opening for allowing the opened end of the body portion of the trash bag to be folded there over; and funnel structure having an opened first end for being positioned within the hollow body portion of the trash bag and within the opening of the base structure and having an opened second end. The funnel structure has a passageway extending between the first and second ends thereof for allowing trash inserted into the second end to pass therethrough into the hollow body portion of the trash bag. The cross-sectional area of the passageway at the second end of the funnel structure is larger than the cross-sectional area of the passageway at the first end of the funnel structure and larger than the cross-sectional area of the opened end of the body portion of the trash bag.

Abstract: A filling device for filling an injection syringe is provided which enables the user to count the intake dosage by means of a sound indicator which may be mechanical, electrical or an electronic sound device. The filling device includes a moveable syringe holder to which is attached a removable syringe that is connectable to a medicinal bottle. The filling device mounts a gear which is moveable one notch at a time to actuate a linear gear to which the syringe is mounted. The device is connected to a microprocessor controlled voice chip device to obtain a suitable voice readout indicating the amount of liquid medicinal uptake by the syringe.

Abstract: A leaf disposal bag is formed from a large diameter thin plastic circular sheet. A drawstring is woven through a plurality of evenly spaced apertures provided around a peripheral edge of the circular sheet. A pair of radially extending tabs are formed at diametrically opposed locations on the sheet and each receive a ground insertion spike for retaining the circular sheet in a flat open condition on the surface of the ground. In use, leaves to be disposed are piled upon the upper surface of the circular sheet. Upon collection of a sufficiently large volume of leaves, the ground insertion spikes are withdrawn from the ground and the drawstring is tightened to close the circular sheet into a closed bag. The ground insertion spikes may be formed as a separable enlarged head portion and a sharpened shank portion having a mating frusto conical plug and socket connection.

Abstract: An improved plastic trash receptacle to support a plastic trash bag, expanding to admit approximately a maximum capacity of trash. A plurality of slots (10), are molded into the lower circumference of a receptacle (28), resulting in an equal number of flexible side panels (12), incorporating a reinforcement bead (34), along the edge of each side, and ends of slots. The panels bulge outwardly as trash is compacted into the plastic trash bag (22), figure (8). The bulging panels result from expanding slots (36). After a filled bag is securely closed, it may be lifted from the receptacle. If the receptacle lifts with the bag, the user places his toes over the hand toe grips (14), to keep the receptacle on the supporting surface while lifting the bag therefrom. If the filled bag is excessively heavy, the user tips the receptacle upside down, containing the securely closed bag. Again, utilizing the hand toe grips (14), the user lifts the lightweight receptacle from the filled bag.

Abstract: A sanitary cover for a liquid dispenser, such as a typical soft drink dispenser is provided. A typical soft drink dispenser includes a nozzle assembly and an adjacent actuator where a diluent such as carbonated water is mixed with a beverage concentrate or syrup to produce a soft drink. The present invention provides a cover for the dispensing area of a conventional beverage dispenser which allows a user or consumer to manipulate, through a hand slot, a cup behind the cover in order to fill the cup at the beverage dispenser. The sanitary cover includes a cup inlet which discourages the insertion of a full or partially full cup. The outlet of the cover allows a full cup to be removed from the casing but discourages insertion of a full or partially full cup. The cover, thus, prevents a soiled cup from contacting the beverage dispensing nozzle or actuator assembly. The cover also provides shielding of the actuator and dispensing nozzle area of a beverage dispenser for sanitary reasons.

Abstract: A bag apparatus for support on the door of a cabinet or some like supporting structure. The bag apparatus includes spaced and parallel upright sides including upper and lower portions and a detachable open frame coupling the sides and resting thereupon. The open frame defines a mouth through which a plastic bag depends, the bag having a peripheral margin adapted for being draped over the frame. A lower member extends between and is detachable from the sides. This lower member is capable of supporting the bottom of a bag draped over the frame and is further provided for supporting a source of replacement bags. A cover is pivotally connected to the sides for closing the mouth defined by the frame. The cover, sides, open frame, and lower member are detachable from one another and adapted to be packed together in a flat compact structure of nesting parts in order to conserve shelf space for marketing. The sides are provided with receptacles in which may be stored ties for closing bags which are used.

Abstract: A sheet of flexible material may be hand formed into a selected, conic, funnel shape; maintained in that shape while utilized as a funnel; then disposed of. A kit containing a quantity of such sheets provides ease of transport and ready access to a multiplicity of disposable funnels of various selected sizes.

Abstract: An elongated sleeve made of a plurality of substantially rigid panels interconnected with one another in folding relationship. When in the stored condition, the sleeve is folded flat. When in condition to be used for its intended purpose, the sleeve is unfolded to form an open ended sleeve closed on the sides. The sleeve is adapted to positively retain and support a collapsible bag at the top while the bag is being filled by filling the interior of the sleeve. Handles are provided in the top edges of the sleeve to facilitate removal of the sleeve from the full bag.

Abstract: A filling device for filling an injection syringe is provided which enables the user to count the intake dosage by means of a sound indicator which may be mechanical, electrical or an electronic sound device. The filling device includes a movable syringe holder to which is attached a removable syringe that is connectable to a medicinal bottle. The filling device mounts a gear which is movable one gear tooth at a time to actuate a linear gear to which the syringe is mounted. A spring loaded ball bearing is biased against the gear wheel and produces a distinctly audible clicking sound when the gear moves a single notch. These clicking sounds can be counted by a user when the attached syringe holder moves, and hence will accurately indicate the amount of liquid medicine drawn into the syringe. The same device may be connected to a microprocessor controlled voice device to obtain a suitable readout indicating the amount of liquid medicinal uptake by the syringe.

Abstract: A receptacle is provided for the collection and transport of empty beverage cans for return to the store for refund. It comprises a reusable bag loader and a standard paper grocery bag. The loader comprises a cluster of open ended tubes. It is insertable into the bag to receive cans in the predetermined formation of rows and columns of the tubes. It is removable from the bag while the cans remain in the bag for transport thereby to the store.

Abstract: A foldable and expandable frame for use independently of or as a part of a wall mounted system for reinforcing the opening periphery of a flexible container, such as a plastic bag or the like, to facilitate filling and emptying of the container. The frame includes a pair of identical frame members each hinged centrally thereof and at opposite ends interconnected with integral hinge pin portions to facilitate expanding movement of the frame from a folded parallel storage position to an expanded container reinforcing and holding position. The frame members include an integral locking arrangement which releasably locks the frame members in the storage and expanded positions. Bracket mounting means are included in the system to mount the frame on a vertical supporting surface.

Abstract: A two piece portable and upright trash bag supporting device having a frame member removably retaining the open end of a conventional flexible trash bag to an opening in an upright unit. The unit has an inclined ramp leading into the unit opening and, thus, into the bag. A handle is provided at the upper end of the unit for holding the same while sweeping trash, leaves, grass and other debris into the bag. After filling the bag, the frame member and attached bag is removed from the unit, the frame member is removed from the bag and the bag is discarded.

Abstract: A bag holder to hold a plastic bag with an open mouth and handles and having two side members, dimensioned to accommodate a bag with handles, a top rim on each said side member over which said open mouth of said plastic bag can be folded, tongues on each of said side members located below the plane of the top rims and on which handles of said bag may be attached; and, mounting means for mounting the side members on a support.

Abstract: A dish washing aid device for segregating soapy dish water in a single basin kitchen sink, the device comprising a lower base portion adapted to seal with the bottom wall of the basin about a drain therein, the base portion having a water tight vertically adjustable swivel connection with an upper funnel-like portion serving as a diverter for rinse water and being adapted to be rotated to a position under the sink faucet so that the rinse water may be poured onto cleaned articles to rinse away the soapy water and diverted into the drain without diluting or draining the soapy water in which the remaining articles are soaking.

Abstract: The insert of the invention is designed for installation in a gasoline filler neck so that the neck is restricted to a size allowing filling only by unleaded gasoline-size nozzles. The insert is designed for situations where the original restrictor has been removed and/or altered so that regular gas may be used. The insert is designed with locking teeth around the perimeter to allow the insert to be placed into the neck and yet provide that the insert is difficult to remove.

Abstract: A storage and transport container for radioactive waste has an upwardly open vessel having a closed bottom, solid walls, and an open upper mouth. A lid is sealingly engaged over and completely blocks the mouth. This lid is formed with at least one vertically throughgoing passage having a lower end and an upper end. A rigid guide tube fixed to the lid extends down in the vessel from the lower passage end to a location immediately adjacent the bottom of the vessel. Thus the interior of the tube forms a downward continuation of the passage to the location. A flexible feed tube extends along the passage and the continuation thereof and has an upper end screwed to the lid at the upper passage end and a lower end at the location. Thus the vessel can be filled and emptied through this feed tube, which therefore can be an accessory that need not be left on an inactive container, thereby greatly reducing cost per container.

Abstract: An item is placed into a relatively close fitting pliant bag by first turning the bag inside out over a horizontal ring mounted over a work surface on at least one upright support leg. Desirably, at least half of the peripheral extent of the ring is unsupported to facilitate pulling the bag over the ring and to facilitate removal of the bagged item. The item is placed within the ring in contact with the interior surface of the bottom of the bag and then moved downward through the ring, pulling the open top of the bag up, over, and through the ring. This turns the bag right side out, with the item inside. The ring has circumferentially spaced openings on its upper surface leading to a hollow interior that communicates via a valve to a source of pressurized air.

Abstract: There is provided a sealed container for accommodating a plurality of product in bulk form, and providing limited access thereto for a user to withdraw a portion of said products from said container, the sealed barrier formed by a bottom wall, side walls, a top wall and a front wall, one of the walls provided with a first aperture bound by a perimeter delineating an opening for access to the interior confines of the container, a flexible pouch barrier having a perimetric opening and being sealed around the perimeter of the first aperture, the flexible pouch barrier positioned within the interior confines of the container, the flexible barrier being sufficiently flexible and pliable to adjust to the contour of the hand of the user, and a second aperture formed in the wall which accommodates the first aperture, the second aperture being positioned adjacent to the first aperture and providing an exit pathway from the interior confines of the container to permit the removal of product from the container while the

Abstract: A sheet metal oil filler extension formed of a metal tube having a stamped metal fitting on one end with a seal and a spring washer therearound for sealed attachment to an engine valve cover, and an annular sheet metal cap on the other tube end to receive a removable cover.

Abstract: A bag expander for a flexible bag comprising a frame of two U-shaped rods or wires which are slidably connected so that the frame can be expanded when placed inside the bag mouth. Loops on the ends of each frame member slide on the limbs of the other frame member. U-shaped leg members of rod or wire are pivoted by the ends of the limbs to the bases of the frame members respectively so that the frame can be supported above ground. To slow the expander the frame members are telescoped together and the leg members are folded to lie side by side with the frame members.

Abstract: The portable leaf and trash collector according to the invention includes a first member with a chute portion on one end, a scoop on the other end, and a groove between the chute and scoop. The chute portion is inserted into the top opening of a plastic bag, and the bag is surrounded by a ring with a handle thereon. The handle is positioned so that it is approximately opposite the chute and the bag is retained between the ring and first member by snapping the ring into the groove.

Abstract: A basket filler, blank for making same, and a method of making same include an elongated body member formed of flexible and yet resilient material, shaped and preformed so that the body member has arcuate edges along the long sides thereof, one end of the body member being provided with a plurality of spaced stepped shoulders with each stepped shoulder being provided with one or more slots, the other end of the elongated member provided with projections for engagement during assembly of them with the stepped shoulder slots, and tabs provided by slits cut into the body member from the longer arcuate edge of the body member. During the process of assembly of the basket filler blank, the desired diameter of the filler is ascertained from measurement of a basket with which the filler is to be used, and then the appropriate stepped shoulder selected for receiving the projections through the slots thereof.

Abstract: A trash bag holding stand that may be manually assembled without the use of tools to support a pliable bag (such as a plastic bag) in open fillable position.The stand includes a rectangular frame with its corners formed of right angle pipe elbows having sockets disposed at right angles to each other. The sides of the frame are elongated members such as pipes which are telescoped into the respective sockets of the elbows to form the frame. The elbows also have leg-receiving sockets into which legs are telescoped to support the frame. Upstanding pins are disposed on the top surface of the elbows for detachably receiving the plastic bag. The stand may be provided with a cloth bag for receiving the plastic bag to protect it from breaking. A funnel may be provided to facilitate flow of waste material into the plastic bag.

Abstract: Leaf collecting equipment and a method for its use comprises a blanket having a central hole through it and an attachment means around the hole to which the blanket is secured, the attachment means having provisions for removably attaching a trash bag to it to receive leaves dropped through the blanket hole and the attachment means directly into the bag.

Abstract: A basket filler for use in filling with marine life a basket having handles extending outwardly therefrom comprising a body which is frusto-conical in shape having open ends, one of which is larger than the other, the larger end having an outwardly extending flange portion transverse to the central axis of the filler with a circumferential skirt extending axially from the outer circumference of the flange portion, and the extending flange portion including at least one pair of diametrically opposed slots provided therein for reception of the pair of basket handles therethrough when the filler is mounted upon the basket, and at least one of the slots being open through the outwardly extending flange portion and the axial skirt to the outside.

Abstract: A tubular inserter/extractor and a packet of down. The packet includes a tubular, film package permanently sealed at one end, and at the opposite end has two elongated tabs extending beyond a releasable seal. The packet is placed in the tubular inserter/extractor and the two tabs are pulled backward along the extractor, after opening the packet by the releasable seal, to turn the packet inside-out and release the down contained in the packet.

Abstract: A manual ice bagging device comprises a hopper having an inlet end for receiving aggregate ice therethrough, and an outlet end for directing the ice into a commensurately shaped bag. A stand is connected with the hopper and supports the same above a floor surface, and a bag support member is operably connected with the stand and is positioned directly below the outlet end of the hopper for abuttingly supporting the bottom of each bag during filling. A bag retaining clip is connected with the hopper and is shaped for detachably suspending a plurality of the bags therefrom and positioning the bags adjacent the hopper outlet end for sequentially unfolding the bags into an open, material receiving position about the hopper outlet end for individually filling each bag in a sanitary manner.

Abstract: A packing jacket and holder for ice cream cones including a generally tubular body tapering inwardly from one end for receiving a sugar cone in said one end, and having an enlarged cup on the other end for receiving the enlarged head of a cake cone in the enlarged cup.

Abstract: This invention provides vending and dispensing apparatus comprising a housing having a bin section and a dispensing section separated by a belt type conveyor. The conveyor embodies means which in the movement thereof serve not only to influence elements of a conglomerate mass of material stored in the bin section to separate one from the other but to carry elements of the separated material to the dispensing section for their discharge in a relatively individualized form.The invention also features a mobile dispensing unit which may be be backed up to receive the discharge from the dispensing section of the above described housing and moved to deliver measured amounts of the material to a plurality of remote stations. The mobile unit embodies a storage type receiving chamber having a movable bottom wall structure including a pocket which accommodates a measured amount of the material delivered to the storage chamber.

Abstract: An improved sand bag filling apparatus comprising a hopper having rotatable longitudinal members with radially extending arm members that fluff the sand in the hopper as the longitudinal members are rotated. A powered conveyor belt receives sand from the hopper and moves the sand to a conveyor discharge end whereat is disposed a bag chute. The bag chute has a pivotable nozzle that cooperates with a switch to actuate the conveyor belt when the dispensing nozzle is pivoted in a sand delivery direction.