Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for relatively flat packets such as individually packaged non-prescription drugs is disclosed. A housing having openings in the top and front walls thereof receives a plurality of vertically disposed magazines. The magazines each comprise a packet receiving tray member and a removable sleeve which partly encloses the tray member. An opening in the magazine is provided by the cooperation of an opening in a wall of the sleeve and the tray member. A liner is disposed in the tray member depending from the wall of the tray member and engaging the inner rear wall of the tray member. A shelf depends from the magazine opening at the lower end of the opening. An optional laterally disposed extension is provided at the bottom of the housing.

Abstract: An improved coin operated vacuum cleaner canister with coin mechanism is disclosed. A blank having a polygonal or rectangular opening is rolled into a canister sidewall. A frame comprising a plurality of straps defining a polygon with an open side is mounted within the opening in the sidewall with the frame depending from the opening into the interior of the canister. A coid mechanism enclosure is detachably mounted to said frame such that a coin mechanism and coin container are receivable within the enclosure. The enclosure includes a flange which surrounds the opening of the enclosure and overlies the sidewall surrounding the opening in the sidewall. The flange is curved generally codiametrically to the sidewall. An alternative embodiment provides a coin duct disposed within the canister for passage of coins handled by the coin mechanism from the coin mechanism into a vault mounted in the base on which the vacuum cleaner is mounted.

Abstract: A water supply recirculation system is provided having a recirculation pump and a duct into which the recirculation pump propels water. A selectively operated, closed at rest, flow valve is maintained open while the pump operates. A flow sensor serially installed in the recirculation duct detects flow and senses a failed condition. A second control valve which rests in an open position selectively prevents passage of water from the recirculation duct into a drain duct when pumping is in progress. The recirculation duct transmits water into a water supply tank and discharges it onto the central surface of the water supply in the tank. When pumping ceases, the first control valve closes, and the second control valve opens, allowing water in the duct to drain from the duct.

Abstract: Gun securing apparatus is provided which comprises a base, trigger guard securing pins selectively mounted to said base, having annular grooves or slots upon the length thereof, a locking member insertable in a transverse passageway of said base and intercepting said annular groove or slot of said pin, padlock means securing said locking member and engagement within said annular groove or slot of said pin. An alternative embodiment provides cam locking means which selectively engage the annular groove or slot of said pin member. Another embodiment provides a curved enclosing member having an end insertable with a passgeway of a base, said end having a groove or notch thereupon. Cam lock means selectively engage said notch or groove of said enclosing member effectively preventing removal of said enclosing member from said base.

Abstract: Apparatus for storing and handling pallets is disclosed. A vertical housing capable of holding pallets in a vertical stack is equipped with openings to receive stacks of pallets and discharge pallets singly. Vertically arranged wheels are provided on opposing sidewalls of the housing which compress when pallets pass between them. The wheels are ganged to incrementally rotate on a selective basis, opposing wheels rotating in opposite directions. Incremental rotation of the wheels dispenses pallets from the bottom of the stack. Straightening bars which are driven toward the interior of the housing tend to keep the pallets in stack alignment. A ram discharges dispensed pallets from the housing.

Abstract: A snap together display badge intended to be worn on a person's clothing as a name badge, display button or the like. An open frame equipped with front and rear ridges receives a transparent cover, the display material, and a backplate through the rear, the cover abutting the front ridges and the backplate passing interferingly by the rear ridge. An S-shaped wire clasp is detachably affixed to the backplate by means of a snap attachment made up of ramp elements and protrusions positioned in paired arrangement about an opening in the backplate and a bridge element traversing the opening. The S-shaped body of the clasp is received by the supports of the bridge when the ends of the clasp body are passed over the ramp elements and into position between the protrusion and ramp of each of the pairs thereof.

Abstract: Portable apparatus for agitation of animal waste materials collected in a livestock confinement pit which can be inserted into tubes passing through the sidewall of the pit is disclosed. An elongated housing in which is mounted a high speed propulsion screw and a hydraulic drive mechanism is shown. Openings are provided in said housing to allow intake into the enclosure above said propulsion member and an exhaust opening is located in said housing at the lower end of the housing adjacent said propulsion member. A method for intermixing of solid and liquid animal wastes contained within a confinement facility collection pit is described.

Abstract: A bicycle drive sprocket apparatus which allows for varying torque transmission during its rotation and for varying angular velocity of said sprocket when constant rotational force is applied thereto. The device provides for accelerating and decelerating angular velocity during predetermined sectors of the rotational cycle. Through elliptical and other non-uniform radius gear parts, said apparatus converts varying torque inputs into constant torque output. Used as an improved front sprocket for a bicycle, it provides increased resistance to the operator of said bicycle during the downward stroke of the pedal and relatively less resistance during the horizontal portion of the pedal cycle.

Abstract: An improved screw conveyor hanger comprising a top frame, a pair of upper bar members fastened to said frame and fastened to each other in opposed configuration, a pair of lower bar members each fastened at one end to the upper bar members and at the other end forming by a fixed spacial relationship a bearing enclosure, a bearing of split cylindrical configuration, key means to prevent rotation of the bearing in its enclosure, optional means for introduction of a lubrication tube into said hanger allowing penetration of lubricant to the bearing inner surface, optional gusset and welding means to strengthen said hanger.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing exercise to muscles used in skiing. A pair of foot platforms are provided which are affixed by rocker assemblies above a pair of first platform members. The first platform members are each rotatively mounted to a base. Biasing springs interconnect the first platform members. Anchor means are provided for securing the tips of ski poles held by the user.

Abstract: A livestock waterer is described which is automatically heated through use of geothermal energy within the earth. Working fluid is housed within a reservoir below the surface of the earth, is heated to evaporation by geothermal heat, is transferred to a condensation chamber adjacent a water container, whereupon condensation of said working fluid occurs transferring heat to the water within the water container. Condensed working fluid is returned to the reservoir. An insulating lid is shown which allows demand use of the waterer by livestock and aids in the retention of heat within the water supply.

Abstract: A detachable connection for use in applications where detachment or shear of the connection is desirable or foreseen as a necessity. An improvement in a connection between two structural elements having identical, but oppositely oriented complemental connecting portions which mate, forming an enclosed space through which is inserted a deformable coupling member with cross section different from the cross section of the enclosed space. The improved connection will disconnect when subjected to predetermined forces, leaving the oppositely oriented structural elements undamaged.