Abstract: A vacuum test fixture for the in-circuit and functional testing of loaded printed circuit boards is disclosed. Key components of the test fixture are made from inexpensive state-of-the-art structural plastics under new molding techniques. As a result, a much lighter, more convenient, more compact and considerably less expensive vacuum test fixture is realized without loss of dimensional precision and stability in the most vital components of the fixture. The fixture is constructed to be snapped together and retained by a unitary structurally sound molded trim frame which is lightweight and durable and can be manipulated without tools. An effective seal is established between a top plate and an insert retainer for a lower plate of the fixture by an adhesive-free from fitting neoprene gasket which embraces the margin of the top plate. To create an air seal between the PCB and vacuum test fixture, a closed cell double skin neoprene pad is adhesively attached to the top plate of the fixture.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser particularly for home refrigerators includes a one-piece cradle which can support one or more large beverage bottles in an inclined mode to promote gravity discharge of the beverage. A dispensing valve can be directly coupled with the threaded necks of larger size bottles and with a threaded adapter can be coupled with the neck of a smaller size bottle. A vent tube connected with the dispensing valve extends deeply into the beverage bottle to avoid an air lock therein impeding flow through the valve. A pivoted valve operating lever, when moved to the valve opening beverage dispensing position against spring force, simultaneously opens the vent tube to atmosphere. When the lever is released to cause closing of the dispensing valve, an extension of the lever effects closing and sealing of the vent tube.

Abstract: A pitching practice apparatus includes a frontal mechanical strike zone target at which the pitcher aims the ball and which contains yielding elements enabling the ball to pass rearwardly through a photoelectric sensing plane having sensing beams on two orthogonal axes. Behind the photoelectric sensing arrangement which precisely locates the position of the ball in the strike zone horizontally and vertically is a spring-mounted ball return panel against which the pitched ball impinges and is returned to the pitcher by rebounding from the panel. A ball return trough forming the floor of the apparatus extends between the ball return panel and the frontal strike zone target.

Abstract: To eliminate the excessive time and labor involved in the installation and removal of multi-contact module bars of receiver frames and/or individual test adapter frames, a self-contained module bar is equipped at opposite ends with beveled spring-urged plungers which can snap into receptor recesses provided in a receiver inner frame or in a test adapter frame. The plungers are retracted by use of a simple tool to allow quick removal of the module bar. A spring clip on each end of the module bar assures firm contact of the module bar with datum surfaces of the receiver frame or individual test adapter frame.

Abstract: A wiper for a rear view mirror includes a vertical wiper blade which traverses the mirror from side-to-side on a horizontal linear path. The wiper blade is carried on a spring-urged extension of a drive arm which is shaped to reach around one vertical edge of the mirror. The drive arm is powered by a highly simplified lightweight drive mechanism at the rear of the mirror held on a support bracket which embraces the sides of the mirror and is suspended from the top of the mirror through a sturdy top mounting bolt connected with the main mirror support bracket.

Abstract: A single use disposable medical syringe is constructed and operated in a manner which prevents transmission of infection by the syringe after its use for inoculation. The syringe is marketed in a sterile package ready for use. The syringe needle is then covered by a shield. The syringe plunger assembly is then releasably locked to the barrel of the syringe. Following opening of the sterile package and removal of the needle shield, the plunger assembly is operated to fill the syringe barrel with medication and to inject the patient. Following injection, a piston head housing is unlocked from the syringe barrel and the plunger assembly is retracted toward the rear of the barrel and becomes automatically locked in this position with the piston head housing. The needle is disposed within the barrel rearwardly of a safety shield on the forward end of the barrel containing a safety membrane.

Abstract: A low effort high mechanical advantage occupant-operated rotary lever near one arm rest of a folding wheelchair is connected through a short cable to a longitudinal seat frame member of the wheelchair. Manual rotation of the lever in one direction effects narrowing of the wheelchair sufficiently to allow passage through restricted areas.

Abstract: A molded plastics enlargement insert for a wheelbarrow greatly increases the volumetric capacity thereof so that large quantities of leaves and other lightweight materials can be transported. The insert is formed in multiple sections to greatly facilitate shipment and storage of the product. The user can assemble the sections of the insert using common fasteners and can subsequently disassemble the insert.

Abstract: To replace the customary short flexible tube with attached needle at one end and larger tube connector at its other end, a packaged sterile blood donor assembly is provided. The assembly includes a rigid body having a bore and being equipped at its forward end with a needle and at its rear end with a tube connector having a safety reversible cap. An exterior sleeve on the rigid body is lockable in two positions thereon with the needle in an exposed use position and with the needle retracted and locked in a safety non-use position rearwardly of a safety shield and elastic membrane on the forward end of the exterior sleeve. A discardable needle shield is also provided on the assembly.

Abstract: A sterile barrel and piston assembly with attached aspirating needle is delivered ready for use. Following removal of a needle shield and a reversible safety cap from the rear of the piston, the needle is inserted in a vein and evacuated blood sample tube is inserted in the piston to be penetrated by the rear end of the needle. Following removal of the needle from the vein and removal of the evacuated tube now containing a blood sample, the piston is turned in one direction relative to the barrel of the device to release a first lock between the barrel and piston, followed by retraction of the piston and turning of the piston in the same direction to activate a second lock between the barrel and piston. The safety cap is reversed and re-applied to the rear of the piston where it becomes permanently locked in place. The needle is now safely enclosed within the barrel rearwardly of a safety shield and membrane on the front of the barrel.

Abstract: A simplified and reliable apparatus for positioning rail cars at a loading or unloading station is disclosed. A rail car movement carriage traverses carriage guide rails anchored to cross-ties between the rail car rails. The carriage includes an onboard hydraulic system in which a single power cylinder activates crossed pivotally connected rail car axle engaging arms in a precision mode. The carriage also mounts a transverse support arm on one end of which is carried a limit switch and limit switch actuator which responds to contact with the flanges of rail car wheels during reverse travel of the carriage to count wheels and thereby establish a proper starting point for the forward movement of the carriage and activation of the car axle engaging arms. The other end of the carriage mounted cross arm is attached to a foldable feed tray which receives and stabilizes an electrical cable supplying power to a motor and valve of the hydraulic system on the carriage.

Abstract: A flour recycling system includes a compressed air and vacuum head placed over a bakery product conveyor line. Flour is removed from the product units and is conveyed through a vacuum hose to the inlet of a remotely located dual stage separator in which the flour with entrained dough particles is subjected to a two-stage vacuum induced centrifugal separating process. Cleansed flour is drawn by vacuum through two fine mesh sifter screens into two reclaimed flour tanks each containing a vortex eliminator and each having an air release bag. Reclaimed flour is delivered to storage receptacles beneath the tanks through elongated flexible chutes which can be tied off and closed at desired elevations. The tanks, their air release bags and flexible chutes can be individually vacuum cleaned without shutting down the system merely by stopping the operation of one blower while continuing to operate the other blower of the dual blower system, one for each tank.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for separating the pith from the bast of sweet sorghum is disclosed. Cut and headed stalks of the plant are arranged as a mat of the required width on a conveyor and are forcibly advanced endwise into a rotating flail having a multiplicity of dull beating or striking elements which catch the advancing stalks against a stationary bar. The output of the process is a hail of small discrete particles of wet sugar-laden pith used in the production of fuel alcohol and elongated strings of fibre which had been the organized structural backbone of the plant. The quite differently sized and shaped products are separated by vibrating screens or elutriation in an air stream.

Abstract: A computerized apparatus for performing functional and incircuit tests on complex printed circuit boards is disclosed. A printed circuit board under test is held in a vertical fixture and electrically coupled with the power circuit of a primary test unit. A limited bed of nails unit is interfaced with the vertical fixture holding the printed circuit board under test and the multiple spring contact probes of the limited bed of nails unit are maintained by spring pressure with predetermined terminals on the rear solder side of the printed circuit board under test. The limited bed of nails unit includes an etched printed circuit panel whose circuitry is connected with the spring probes of the unit through soldering.

Abstract: A portable barbecue grill knocks down readily into a compact state for travel or for storage in a limited space. In the assembled state, the unit is larger than known portable grills which cannot be disassembled at all or are difficult to disassemble, and the unit is capable of grilling several large steaks or cooking larger cuts of meat. When disassembled, the fire pan nests within the cover and has its open top covered by a base plate of the unit during transport or storage. The grill rack and a pedestal tube are then also stored within the fire pan.

Abstract: A pumping system for various flowables utilizes a dual alternating piston pump in communication with a tank hopper having flowable material inlet and delivery lines and an internal oscillating elbow conduit equipped with a pressurized wear plate which is moved cyclically into and out of registration with the cylinders of the dual alternating piston pump. A vacuum pipe rising from the tank hopper having a floating check valve and a suction shut off valve communicates with a vacuum pump external to the tank hopper through a filter. The evacuated tank hopper is enabled to fill itself immediately with flowable material and maintain a full condition while the dual alternating piston pump is pumping material through the delivery line with high efficiency. When vacuum to the tank hopper is shut off, the dual piston pump can be reversed to pump through the suction line while drawing in material through the delivery line.

Abstract: The top extrusion cap for a reed used in high speed looms is strengthened to resist bending without adding additional weight to the extrusion cap by the addition of longitudinal stiffening ribs to the opposite sides of the top extrusion cap.

Abstract: A stone crusher lifted and propelled by the arms of a track loader is disclosed. The stone crusher has a windrow tunnel formed through its bottom longitudinally and includes a hood having deflector plates above and in communication with the tunnel. An impact rotor within and across the tunnel propels material against the deflector plates of the hood and into pendulum hammers disposed in the upper portion of the hood above the elevation of the impact rotor. Crushed material is deposited in a windrow behind the rotor.

Abstract: A fuel preheating unit for internal combustion engines is placed between the carburetor and fuel pump. The unit consists of spaced concentric insulating sleeves surrounding the fuel line and held in assembled relationship by end plates. An electrical heating element includes several wire turns immediately surrounding the interior insulating sleeve with wire terminals extending exteriorly of the unit. The unit is encased in a body of insulating material, such as asbestos cement.

Abstract: To facilitate handling cargo while standing erect, the camper top of a pickup truck cargo box is held by power-operated screw jacks which are installed in existing side board mounts of the cargo box. The provision of side curtains on the camper top allows conversion to a true recreational vehicle. The camper top cannot be raised or lowered until the ignition key is in place and a switch for the screw jacks is activated, thereby providing security.