Abstract: Electronic control apparatus is disclosed for automatically controlling the operation of refrigeration units on truck-drawn trailers which includes an undercool comparator (240) connected to a resistor (239) in a voltage divider including a temperature selector (13) and having its output in parallel with an overcool comparator (44), either of which will actuate a malfunction indicator (15) in the event of undercooling or overheating conditions during a chilled food setting for the temperature selector (13). An overcool comparator (91) that is turned on when the selector (13) is moved to a frozen food mode operates a control element in the form of a transistor (99) that serves to disable the output of overcool comparator (240) and prevent the actuation of the heat load device (23) by effecting grounding connections in the circuit.

Abstract: Apparatus for enumerative display and disposal of surgical sponges comprising a circular one piece molded plastic article adapted to be fit over the rim of a standard surgical kick bucket and a bag placed in the kick bucket. The article bears a predetermined number of notches in its upper portion for display of sponges draped over the notches, so that when each notch bears a sponge, the number of used sponges on the article is known. The article contains a number of other features including a circumferential fluid receiving portion, shoulder portions, and a tapered annular channel portion to receive a bucket handle, and tapered projections in the notch portions to improve retaining engagement of the sponges. The article is designed to be nestable for easy packaging, sterilizable, inexpensive, and disposable.

Abstract: In solar energy collecting apparatus the problems of leakage due to differential thermal expansion and contraction between different parts of the collector, duplication of parts, fixed factory costs, and the unnecessary use of expensive materials are solved by using collector members made using on-site roll-forming machines, the assembly of parts at the job site, and collector members that connect side by side, each having a sheet metal collector plate (11) as the principal part of a weather membrane above underlying support structure. A unique cover (13) and method of forming the cover enable use of relatively inexpensive film that is supported on side supports held to a pair of opposed sidewall portions (18 and 19) of a collector panel (31) so as to accommodate ready replacement of covers for individual collector members and ready attachment by joiner strips in an assembly of the collector members connected side by side.

Abstract: The problem of adequate flexibility and reliability in apparatus for controlling temperatures in a plurality of zones is solved by a clock and digital logic circuits, together with a temperature sensing circuit portion effective in combination with platinum film-type temperature sensors, which produce effective sensing over a wide range of temperatures. The control apparatus automatically effects two temperature sets per twenty-four hour period for each zone with an optional temperature set for weekends for all zones and has a display of current time and a display of temperature for each zone.

Abstract: A speed indicating device disclosed includes a plate scaled with speed indicia mounted for pivotal movement about a generally vertical pivot at the front of the plate to enable the plate to aline with the direction of boat movement. A pointer is mounted for pivotal movement about a generally horizontal pivot at the rear of the plate. A drag assembly inclusive of a flexible line with a weight is suspended from the pointer causing the pointer to swing through an arc related to boat speed and the plate to aline with the direction of the boat as the weight is dragged by the boat via the water.

Abstract: The problem of providing tight-fitting closures for containers is solved by the closures and the methods of installing and removing closures utilizing a closure (20) which includes a central portion (21) and an annulus portion (22) hingedly connected to the central portion by a hinge (23) to enable at least a portion of the annulus portion to contract during insertion and removal operations. The annulus portion pivots to an expanded position to become compressed between the central portion and the orifice surface (25). A retaining portion (68) in a modified form of closure serves to hold the outer edge of the annulus portion relative to movement of the central portion and to prevent premature removal. In installing and removing, the closure is readily adapted to be turned at an angle to the axis of the orifice for easier insertion and removal and for bung-type closures the filler apparatus for a beer barrel is useful in installing these closures.

Abstract: A monoflow ball valve is disclosed that is particularly suited using plastic materials that resist metal-corrosive acids, as in a spray system using hydrofluoric acid and the like. The valve has a valve body with a passage section smaller than the external diameter of the ball and the ball is forced into the generally cylindrical passage section to become a highly effective fluid-tight seal. A spacer at the inlet forms with the ball a second fluid-tight seal and is adjustably movable to dislodge the ball from the passage section if required.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for effecting accelerated chemical reactions between reactants at elevated temperatures and pressures including the wet oxidation of materials in waste streams. A reactor has a through pipe that extends down into a cased hole in the earth and back up independent of the hole. A controlled flow of influent fluid with reactants is flowed down the pipe to form a hydrostatic column of fluid that is of sufficient depth to exert a pressure and provide a temperature sufficient to cause reactants to react at an accelerated reaction rate and to achieve the necessary retention time to substantially complete the reaction. Heat is released in the reaction zone to heat the fluid, and the heated fluid is then flowed back up in heat exchange relation to the downflowing fluid. The temperature of the fluid is controlled in the reaction zone by adding heat for start-up and selectively adding or removing heat to maximize the reaction rate and to prevent boiling of the fluid.

Abstract: Bag handling apparatus includes a bag flattener for flattening and evenly distributing the material in each bag and a bag palletizer having an infeed conveyor for metering the bags at a controlled rate onto a bag turner apparatus. The bag turner apparatus rotates selected bags from a stream of the bags either 90.degree., 180.degree., or 270.degree. to orient the bags for forming a selected of a multiplicity of layer patterns on a live roller conveyor load table. From the load table a pusher bar transfers the bags onto a set of stripper plates which are separable for depositing the layer pattern of bags onto a pallet situated on a pallet elevator below the stripper plates. After each layer is deposited the layer is squared and then compressed by moving the deposited layers up against the stripper plates for vertical compression. Alternating layer patterns are loaded onto the pallet, with squaring and a vertical compression after each layer, until a full pallet load is obtained.

Abstract: A strap fastener and method for securing a strap to the fastener for forming a tight loop for strapping an object. The fastener is a one-piece, generally rectangularly shaped body having either a single slot or a pair of slots providing a pair of opposed inside edges, an intermediate slot, and an end slot with all slots being sized to receive flexible strap.

Abstract: A frontal assembly for mounting on the front of a vehicle that serves to reduce drag, increase wheel traction and shield the windshield. A deflecting plate with a convex frontal surface extends up and back along a smooth, continuous curve of a selected radius as viewed from the side so as to cause the air to flow upwardly and rearwardly in a rolling action and then back over the roof of the vehicle. The deflecting plate extends laterally of the hood a sufficient length to direct airflow away from the front and along the sides of the vehicle. A fastening arrangement releasably fastens the deflecting plate to the vehicle. A support for the plate resists the forces of the air flowing against the deflecting plate during movement to hold the plate in position during use and is adjustable to enable changing the angular disposition of the upper edge portion of the plate so that the upper edge portion is always directed substantially toward the roof of the vehicle during use.

Abstract: A compact powered manlift cart suitable for usage in building interiors for raising and supporting an operator at elevated heights. The cart has front and rear wheels of which one front and one rear wheel are driven by a two-speed drive motor through a chain and sprocket drive train. Power driven front and rear steering assemblies allow the front and rear wheels to be steered independently of one another making the cart highly maneuverable. A lift mast for raising and supporting the operator includes a lift bucket wherein the operator stands during operation of the cart and also includes telescoping mast sections driven by a motor through a cable and pulley arrangement. The mast is extended and retracted for positioning the lift bucket at various heights up to a maximum height for supporting the operator for overhead work.

Abstract: The problem of properly cooking food and handling heated food so that it retains a fresh-cooked taste, fragrance and appealing appearance is solved by apparatus that includes an inner wall means (15) defining an inner chamber (16) and an outer wall means (17) defining an air circulating passage (18) extending in a loop around the inner wall means. Louvered slots (28) with inclined fins (29) are provided in the inner wall means along said air circulating passage that are sufficiently narrow to confine the circulating air substantially to said passage without a significant amount of airflow in direct contact with the food in said chamber and at the same time arranged to permit moisture and heat to diffuse between the circulating passage in the inner chamber via said apertures to control the moisture and heat in the chamber and establish a substantially uniform temperature throughout said chamber.

Abstract: Land leveling apparatus includes a leveling attachment drawn by a tractor with the attachment having pivotally connected side blade sections on a central blade section affording a substantially greater leveling capacity. The side blade sections fold up to reduce width during transport and have a power-driven linkage arrangement for each blade section that moves and positions the blade sections and locks them in the lowered working position, together with upper and lower level adjustments for the side blade sections. A hitch assembly facilitates quick coupling to a crossbar carried by the lower links of the tractor linkage and is pivotally joined to the central blade section so as to facilitate rear tractor wheel movement independently of the scraper blades.

Abstract: Land leveling apparatus includes a leveling attachment drawn by a tractor with the attachment having pivotally connected side blade sections on a central blade section affording a substantially greater leveling capacity. The side blade sections fold up to reduce width during transport and have a power-driven linkage arrangement for each blade section that moves and positions the blade sections and locks them in the lowered working position, together with upper and lower level adjustments for the side blade sections. A hitch assembly facilitates quick coupling to a crossbar carried by the lower links of the tractor linkage and is pivotally joined to the central blade section so as to facilitate rear tractor wheel movement independently of the scraper blades.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a compressor is disclosed wherein both the compressed air output and the speed of the compressor are simultaneously adjusted in relation to compressed air demand over a wide range of air demands and in a way so as to use less input energy during below-peak demand and automatically return the compressor to an operating condition of minimum speed and minimum power input when there is no demand on the compressor. A reciprocating piston compressor with at least two, and typically more than two, compression chambers driven by a prime mover has a separate unloader device for each compression chamber. A control assembly is responsive to tank pressures indicating demand on the compressor with the movement of one movable control member simultaneously operating both a control valve adapted for successively operating each of the unloader devices one at a time and a speed regulating member for the prime mover.

Abstract: A series of treatments are performed on old asphaltic pavement to make it suitable for being satisfactorily applied as a new mat. The old asphaltic pavement is heated and scarified to form a loose aggregate-asphaltic mixture while remaining on the ground surface. The mixture is removed from the ground surface and heated in an elongated rotary housing having heated conductors without direct flame contact with the mixture, and the mixture is then thoroughly mixed with a conditioner for old asphaltic pavement, and finally is reapplied to the ground surface as a new mat. The treatments are carried out by independently operable, portable apparatus during the movement of all of the apparatus in a coordinated train that moves over the ground surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting and measuring an electrostatic field is disclosed which includes two sensing plates and a rotary blade that is rotated to move over the sensing plates to vary the amount of area of each of the sensing plates exposed to an electrostatic field being measured. A particular width and a particular arrangement of the sensing plates are used for producing a non-symmetrical electric output signal with a repetitive wave-form having a reversal of the peaks in each half-cycle. The dissymmetry of the peaks indicates field polarity information and the amplitude indicates field intensity information. Each sensing plate has a non-linear varying width that decreases from a wide end to a narrower end to develop distinctive characteristics in the wave-form.

Abstract: A competitive game apparatus for two or more players that simulates human life and the psychological effects of different human experiences. The game apparatus includes a board having a plurality of alternative routes, each with a plurality of stations with reward, penalty, and chance indicia printed thereon and a plurality of favorable and unfavorable personality tokens representative of personality enrichment. The accumulation of favorable personality tokens enables the acquisition of each of the buttons required to win the game. Playing pieces are moved from station to station by the players as determined by a chance device, and the favorable and unfavorable personality tokens can be won or lost. A general route has a plurality of interconnected stations by which a player has the opportunity to accumulate all types of available personality tokens.