Abstract: A bag neck tying device for tying a ribbon dispensed from a spool about a gathered neck. A pulley and proximity switch are mounted to prevent the completion of a tying cycle if a bag neck is not properly gathered and ready to be tied.

Abstract: A padding machine attachment for a vehicle is provided. When padding of a ditch for a pipeline or cable is required, the padding machine is removably attached in a position at one end of a conventional bucket loader, bulldozer, or other base machine or vehicle, whereby said attachment moves along the path of travel of the vehicle. As the vehicle moves the padding machine attachment along one side of the pipeline ditch, the padding machine attachment picks up at least a portion of a pile of excavated material placed parallel to and along the same side of the ditch and processes the excavated material into padding material for placement into the ditch for padding the pipeline or cable.

Abstract: The hydraulic disc brake actuator for a trailer includes a first connector for securing the actuator to a towed vehicle; a second connector for securing the actuator to a towing vehicle; and a force multiplying parallel linkage apparatus connected between the first and second connectors for actuating a brake master cylinder. The master cylinder has a body portion and a plunger portion, the body portion being connected to one of the first or second connectors and the plunger portion being connected to the force multiplying apparatus such that the magnitude of force applied to the master cylinder is greater than the magnitude of force tending to move the first connector relative to the second connector. The parallel linkage supports and lifts the tongue weight of the trailer to dissipate energy, and to prevent binding between the connectors when they shift from a towing position to a braking position.

Abstract: A mounting clip for securing a heat sink to a device package is secured to the heat sink by forming a groove in the heat sink, positioning the central body portion of the clip in the groove and deforming the wall of the groove to trap the clip in the groove. The clip is an elongated body with ends extending from the axis of its central body. The ends may be trapped or hooked in appropriate receivers on a frame or socket holding an electronic device package to secure the heat sink adjacent the device package.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for vending a hot food product wherein a sealed container is moved from a protective sleeve and deposited in an oven where heat is transferred to the container for initially melting a protective sealing film and then heating the food product. After the food product has been heated, the container is removed from the oven and reinserted into the protective sleeve prior to dispensing the heated food product.

Abstract: A track fitting assembly for removably securing a seat to a generally channel-shaped track secured to the fuselage of an aircraft. The track fitting assembly includes a forged body member having spaced track lugs projecting laterally from a narrow finger portion. The body member has a socket which receives a threaded shear plunger adjusting screw. A head on the adjusting screw moves into the socket to indicate when the shear plunger is properly seated to lock the track lugs in the track.

Abstract: A portable self-supporting greenhouse comprising: a plurality of transparent inflatable tubular rings forming a cylindrical shaped structure, the tubular rings having a first inlet for inflating the transparent tubular rings and interconnecting passageways which allow the transparent rings to be inflated via the first inlet, at least one opaque inflatable tubular ring attached to the transparent inflatable rings forming a base for the structure, the opaque ring having a second inlet for inflating the opaque ring with a dense medium. A transparent cover is provided which comprises a plurality of transparent inflatable radial segments defining an annular top which is in communication with the transparent rings, the annular top having an opening and an inflatable transparent hatch positioned over the opening and removably secured to the annular top.