Abstract: A multi-functional material dispensing system comprising in general a container, a discharge unit for discharging material and a support frame to hold the container and discharge unit upright. The container and discharge unit are removably attached to the support frame. A disposable filling device, in the form of a flexible funnel, is removably attached to the container. Flow control is metered through the discharge unit by opening a clamping device varied amounts. A gripper allows the container to be closed when the container is not on the support frame. An auxiliary support is also provided having a holder for the filling device, a cleaning unit, a holder for the cleaning unit and holders for various accessories for the system. A horizontal platform is removably attached to the support frame for holding accessories to the system and for catching material spills. Content tags can also be removably attached to the system and to supplementary storage areas. A method of dispensing material is also disclosed.

Abstract: A timing system for a video game unit. The video game timer is a stand alone device, that works independently of existing video game unit ROM and is adaptable for use on a console or hand held video game unit. The system has software controlled functions for easy redesign. The timer system interrupts the power supply of the video game unit and can be connected to any interface on the game unit when power is present. In a first and second preferred embodiments the timer is connected to a power input jack of the video game unit. In a third embodiment the timer is inserted into the slot that ordinarily holds the game cartridge. In a fourth embodiment the timer is inserted into the battery cover slot. The system can be accomplished in a microcontroller or as discrete electronic components. A method of timing the use of video games is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for balancing a load in an upright washing machine. A liquid ballast system is used that includes liquid filling channels with liquid filling slots that fill individual self-contained cells spaced equally around the top rim of the spin drum. The cells are open at the top and filled with liquid, water, by the pre-existing water supply nozzle of the washing machine. In the bottom of each cell is a dump valve to release water from the cell when activated. A stationary ring attached to the frame of the washing machine activates the dump valve. In a mechanical embodiment, a mechanical arm makes contact with the stationary ring when the suspended core of the washing machine leans off center in response to an unbalanced load. In an electrical embodiment, a solenoid valve is activated when a contact point makes electrical contact with a track in the stationary ring as the suspended core of the washing machine leans off center in response to an unbalanced load.

Abstract: A flotation control system for controlling the boom of a tractor or brush cutting machine. Three hydraulic valves operate together and work in conjunction with the existing main valve of the tractor or brush cutting machine to provide flotation control or automatic movement up and down of the boom in response to ground surface variations. The system also allows the amount of weight that the cutter or other attachment exerts against the ground to be increased or decreased. The first valve is a flow control valve or a flow restricting or dividing valve that divides hydraulic flow from the pump of the tractor to the flotation control system. The second valve is a pressure reducing valve that provides the general operation of the flotation control system. The third valve is a directional valve and functions as an on/off for the flotation control system.

Abstract: A blade for a flail type brush cutting machine. The blade is torch cut or cast from thick metal in a generally L shape to have any desired angle between its stem and floor, in the preferred embodiment the angle is ninety degrees to insure a close cut of brush. The thicker metal will cut thicker brush. A resharpenable cutting edge is also torch cut or cast on the floor of the blade making the cutting edge of the blade resharpenable and renewable by repeat torch cutting. An elliptically shaped attaching hole is also torch cut or cast in the stem of the blade for attaching the blade to a hanger to then be attached to the shaft of the flail cutter. This attaching hole can also be torch cut or cast into any desired shape. A method of providing a blade for a flail type brush cutting machine is also disclosed.

Abstract: A paint can groove cover. The paint can groove cover comprises a generally annular ring having a top portion and a side portion. The upper surface of the top portion of the annular ring is sloped downwardly in the first and simplest embodiment. In the first embodiment of the paint can groove cover a generally flat lower surface of the top portion allows the cover to be stored on top of a resealed paint can. In the first embodiment there is a gap between the lower surface of the groove cover and the upper surface of the top groove portion of a paint can. The second embodiment slopes the lower surface of the top portion of the groove cover to eliminate this gap. A third embodiment has the generally flat lower surface of the top portion and provides a presser integral with the lower surface of the top portion for pressing a gasket into the full length of the annular path of the paint can groove.

Abstract: A blade for a flail type brush cutting machine. The blade is torch cut or cast from thick metal in a generally L shape to have any desired angle between its stem and floor, in the preferred embodiment the angle is ninety degrees to insure a close cut of brush. The thicker metal will cut thicker brush. A resharpenable cutting edge is also torch cut or cast on the floor of the blade making the cutting edge of the blade resharpenable and renewable by repeat torch cutting. An elliptically shaped attaching hole is also torch cut or cast in the stem of the blade for attaching the blade to a hanger to then be attached to the shaft of the flail cutter. This attaching hole can also be torch cut or cast into any desired shape. A method of providing a blade for a flail type brush cutting machine is also disclosed.

Abstract: A control assembly for a brush cutting machine. The control assembly is attached at its top to the distal end of the dipper boom of a cutting machine and at its bottom is attached to the blade assembly of a cutting machine, The control assembly comprises a rotatory in the form of an upper and lower plates which rotate together relative to the boom of a cutting machine thereby causing the blade assembly to rotate into a forward facing position into the material to be cut.

Abstract: In the first preferred embodiment a flail cutter for a brush cutting machine comprises generally a shaft having a plurality of holes therethrough and a locking sheath also with a plurality of holes therethrough. The holes in the shaft and the holes in the locking sheath each receive a hanger, each hanger in turn holding a ring. Each ring holds a pair of flail blades. All blades are thus quickly attached to or removed from the shaft. After all blades have been attached to the shaft, the locking sheath is slid in one horizontal direction over the shaft to thereby lock the blades in attached engagement to the shaft. To remove all the blades, the locking sheath is slid in the opposite horizontal direction to release the blades from the shaft. In the second preferred embodiment, the hangers are attached directly to the shaft and the locking sheath is eliminated. Each hanger still holds the ring and the ring holds a pair of flail blades. The flail cutter is powered by a chain drive system.

Abstract: A combination cup holder and arm rest for use in a rowed seating arrangement. The combination cup holder and arm rest includes an elongated arm rest member which has attachment means so that the arm rest member can be fixedly attached to the existing arm rest of a chair or the existing arm rest of the chair can be removed and the elongated arm rest member can be fixedly attached to the standard of an existing arm rest. A neck member connects the elongated arm rest member to a cup holder portion and the neck member fits between the backs of two chairs thereby facing the cup holder portion of the combination cup holder and arm rest rearwardly to be used by the person seated behind the chair that the combination cup holder and arm rest is attached to so as not to encroach on the leg room or front chair width of the user of the chair to which the combination cup holder and arm rest is attached.

Abstract: A bag filling machine for use in holding a larger empty bag by a plurality of bag loops, the bag being filled while being held by the machine and then being released from the machine to be transported to a remote location is disclosed.The machine comprises a plurality of downwardly and inwardly inclined members fixedly attached to the frame of the machine with the inclined members holding the empty bag by the plurality of bag loops usually used on an empty bag. A generally C-shaped hook is pivotably mounted on each inclined member and is moved from a holding position to a release position by a plurality of linkage rods connected to an activating mechanism. The inclined members and the C-shaped hooks co-act to permit the filled bag to release itself by gravity from the inclined members upon an activation of the C-shaped hooks by the activating mechanism. The activating mechanism may be a manual one such as a human being, a hydraulic cylinder, an air cylinder and an electric solenoid among other types.

Abstract: A rotary shear attachment and tool for laminated plastic and other materials is disclosed. The shear attachment comprises a frame which is fixed to an existing motor case and has an upper and a lower portion spaced apart and separated by a central portion. Driving and cutting wheels are positioned on the frame and are rotatably mounted for cutting the plastic and other materials. A chip breaker is positioned on the frame to break up the chip formed by the shear attachment and the frame has means associated with it for diverting one side of the plastic being cut in a direction away from the plane of the other side of the plastic. The novel rotary shear attachment may be incorporated into an improved rotary tool, may be incorporated into existing rotary tools and may also be used with a novel table for cutting a large sheet of plastic at a job site.

Abstract: A contaminant sealing system which may be utilized to enclose dust and other contaminants such as asbestos in an area between the roof and ceiling of a building. The contaminant sealing system utilizes a new and novel suspended ceiling comprising a plurality of ceiling tile frames, and a plurality of ceiling tiles which are positioned within the ceiling tile frames by way of an attaching mating means such that the cell which is formed is sealed to prevent the passing of dust or other contaminants through the cells. The plurality of cells are connected to each other and sealing means are provided in the form of seam covers to prevent dust or contaminants from passing through the connection between the cells. A plurality of X-shaped braces are positioned partially over the seam covers and are fixedly attached to the corners of the ceiling tile frames to reinforce the entire structure.

Abstract: A bag closing and sealing machine is disclosed for closing and sealing stepped end adhesively sealed type bags. The machine is designed to allow a separation at the axial center line of the machine whenever a bag jam starts to occur. By providing for axial separation, lengthy and costly dismantling of the machine to clear a jam-up is eliminated. The machine comprises three primary sections which are a feeding and creasing section, a folding and heating section and a compression section. The various sections are fixedly attached partly to a fixed elongated frame and partly to a pivotable elongated frame in the preferred embodiment. In a modification of the preferred embodiment, the pivotable elongated frame is replaced by a slidable elongated frame to function in a similar manner. A method of quickly and easily releasing a jammed stepped end bag from the machine is also disclosed.

Abstract: A bag closing and sealing machine is disclosed for closing and sealing stepped end adhesively sealed type bags. The machine is designed to allow a separation at the axial center line of the machine whenever a bag jam starts to occur. By providing for axial separation, lengthly and costly dismantling of the machine to clear a jam-up is eliminated. The machine comprises three primary sections which are a feeding and creasing section, a folding and heating section and a compression section. The various sections are fixedly attached partly to a fixed elongated frame and partly to a pivotable elongated frame in the preferred embodiment. In a modification of the preferred embodiment, the pivotable elongated frame is replaced by a slidable elongated frame to function in a similar manner. A method of quickly and easily releasing a jammed stepped end bag from the machine is also disclosed.

Abstract: A new and novel calculator for use by cooks, dieters and others is disclosed. The calculator may be made in a hand-held model and may be made in a scale version for use in the kitchen. The calculator permits instant access to counting of calories, carbohydrates and/or proteins and adding the amount of each item consumed. In the modified form of the invention a weighing mechanism is incorporated to accurately weigh each item to be consumed.