Abstract: Apparatus for determination of the freezing point of a liquid or solution has a probe extending into the liquid with means for vibrating the probe. Fixed elements which are cooled, e.g. Peltier plates, are arranged adjacent probe so that a mantle of solid forms on these elements and grows to touch the probe, thereby changing the resonant frequency. This change in resonant frequency is sensed and used to control the cooling so that the probe remains just in contact with a surface where solid is forming, i.e. in liquid at the freezing point. The probe temperature is sensed electrically, e.g. with a resistance thermometer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to steps for large machinery such as road graders, and more particularly to a hydraulically operated step which elevates the operator from a lowered position to a position where he can easily move into the operator's cab.

Abstract: A testing apparatus for cyclically loading specimens of a known configuration to determine properties of materials from propagation or growth of a crack through the specimen including means to provide a direct output which is a function of crack length derived from measurements of the load and the displacement of the specimen.

Abstract: A frame construction for snowmobiles which utilizes perimeter frame members for carrying the front cross axle for the front ski spindles. The perimeter frame members are attached to and reinforced with respect to the tunnel that houses the drive track to provide a rigid structure that permits a wide spacing at the front of the tunnel for placing an engine and torque converter in a low position, to aid in lowering the center of gravity of the snowmobile, without complex mounting and frame members.

Abstract: For feeding blanks into, for example, a carton folding machine, blank feeder apparatus that includes a frame, blank support members having rear and intermediate portions that are forwardly and upwardly inclined and front portions that extend generally horizontally; a magazine for retaining the blanks in generally vertical stacked relationship on the support members, including hold down assemblies for resiliently urging the blank rear edge portions downwardly, and front escape bars; kicker assemblies for feeding the lowermost blank in the magazine forwardly, including endless chains having wedges thereon for lifting the adjacent part of the blank and a ledge adjacent the wedge to engage the blank rear edge to positively move the blank; feed rolls adjacent the front of the magazine to aid in moving the lowermost blank forwardly; and solenoid operated clutch mechanism for starting and stopping the drive to the feed rolls and the kicker assemblies.

Abstract: A clamping assembly for mounting the spring shanks of earth working tools to support frames, and in particular for the spring type shanks used for anhydrous ammonia applicators, which mounts the shank in a cushion support to permit resilient movement of the shank under load to thereby reduce stresses caused by shock loads.

Abstract: Beach cleaning apparatus that includes a generally U-shaped bracket that opens downwardly, a handle attached to the bracket to manually pull the bracket forwardly, an open mesh bag, fastener mechanism for releasably securing the adjacent parts of the mouth portion of the bag to the bracket, a knife blade extending between the legs of the bracket and a retainer bar secured to the bracket and knife blade for retaining the lower edge portion of the mouth of the bag therebetween. The mesh of the bag is of a size to permit passage of sand and small stones therethrough, but retain larger objects within the bag.

Abstract: A control system for controlling a number of different variables in accordance with input information has a plurality of separate control channels each including a digital store, preferably a shift register, for storing input and output data and also control parameters appropriate to that channel. The channels are connected sequentially to a common data processing unit which makes use of a common algorithm store. Selection of algorithms for the various channels is effected by a pin board matrix thereby providing a visual display of the selected algorithms. An operator's console has facilities for selecting any channel and displaying information from the channel store on monitors. A key-board enables the operator to change control parameters of the selected channel. Each channel also includes means for analogue-to-digital conversion of input information, digital to analogue conversion of output information and holding means for output analogue data.

Abstract: A prefeeder drive for a sheet of material positioned on the input side of a standard incremental type sheet feeder for a forming press and which has drive rolls that move a sheet of material through a lubrication bath and toward the press. The sheet is driven to form an upright or overhead loop prior to entry of the sheet into the main, incremental feeder. The drive comprises a pair of rolls which are driven in response to a feedback control system sensing the size of the overhead loop so that the loop size is maintained within a desired range to insure satisfactory feeding of the sheet material into the main feeder and thence into the press. The overhead or free standing loop substantially reduces the inertia of the material that the main feeder has to overcome when feeding an increment of sheet stock into the press, and thus makes the feeding of the material more reliable with less likelihood of misfeeds.

Abstract: A two wire current transmitter providing a current signal representing a parameter measured by a variable reactance transducer along the same two wires that are used to carry excitation power to the circuit. The reactance is measured by a circuit providing a DC signal which controls a current control stage to modify the total current through the two wires. The current control stage has a small number of components and operates on a relatively low voltage.

Abstract: A coil spring guide, for use in connection with the insertion of a catheter into the vessels of a body, that has a coil spring, and a wire core extending within the coil spring and having a distal end welded to the distal end of the coil spring. The coil spring is made from metal wire that in a straightened condition is circular in transverse cross section throughout its length, and that after being coiled, to have adjacent helics abut against one another. Thereafter the radially outer circumferential portion of the coil is ground away to provide a helical radially outer spring coil surface (chordal surface) that is of a substantially constant radius throughout the axial length of the coiled wire and has a helix width of a chord parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the coil spring that is subtended by about a 10.degree.-140.degree. angle of two radii of the coil spring wire.

Abstract: An energy absorbing device designed to absorb kinetic energy of moving objects by the inelastic stretching of one of its members. The device has at least two support members, and when subjected to load in an axial direction portions of the members will move apart. The portions which move apart are connected by a strap or straps made of a material which will inelastically yield a substantial amount before failure. Thus, when axial forces exceeding a preselected amount are absorbed inelastic yielding occurs to absorb energy.

Abstract: Trailer apparatus for hauling small vehicles such as snowmobiles, motorcycles and the like that includes a wheel mounted main frame, a ramp hingedly mounted on the rear part of the main frame for movement between a transport position and a loading position, side frames on transverse opposite sides of the ramp and main frame respectively extending a substantial distance above the ramp and main frame, a spring biased latch on one of the ramp side frames to latchingly engage the adjacent main frame side frame to releasably retain the ramp in a transport position, and fastening mechanism for connecting the adjacent ramp side frame to the main frame side frame to retain the ramp in the transport position independent of the latch.

Abstract: A slip form paving machine for forming curbs, gutters, barriers and other structures in a continuous process. The machine is mounted on three steerable and individually powered wheels. The wheels are mounted on parallel linkages so that the frame can be raised and lowered relative to the wheels without changing the orientation of the steering axis, to permit and insure precise control. A wide variety of paving forms of different heights and widths can be used without modifying the machine. The engine and other heavy components are located in relation to the wheel mounting so that the frame is balanced and stable with the three wheel support. The operational components of the machine including a loading conveyor are stored within a standard frame width so that the unit can be transported over the road without special permits.

Abstract: A drip irrigation device comprising a connector for two lengths of hose which includes a flow restrictor for emitting a drip for use in irrigation. The device includes a core member having a central through passageway and an outer helical rib or thread providing an outer continuous restricted channel between the central passage and the exterior of the housing. An outer member surrounds the channel and can be moved independently of the core member to position clear of the rib to permit flushing the helical channel for the drip irrigation device without twisting or separating the two hose sections.

Abstract: A feeding control for regulating the feeding of hay or other forage crops into a grinder of the "tub" type wherein a large hopper or tub is used for feeding the forage into a rotating cylinder adjacent the bottom of the tub, and wherein the forage or hay crop is moved across the cylinder for grinding. The feed control comprises a slidable cover plate member that regulates the size of the effective inlet opening to the cylinder to control the amount of forage which can contact the cylinder at any one time.

Abstract: A reciprocating sheet feeder for feeding sheet material into a press, such as a deep draw cupping press. The sheet feeder comprises a rocking or pivoting framework that has gripper means thereon for gripping the edges of the sheet to be fed and when the frame is rocked about its pivot axis, moving a length of the sheet into the press and then releasing the sheet prior to a return stroke for the rocking feeder.The grips of the rocking feeder thus reciprocate during use. The feeder is used in combination with edge guides that are positioned ahead of the grips with respect to the direction of movement of the sheet so that the sheet is primarily guided while under tension. The pivoting frame is made so that it does not have substantial strength in torsion or in lateral directions of the sheet, so that the sheet essentially guides the frame during the feeding stroke to avoid buckling or misguiding the sheet. The framework does have rigidity needed for moving the sheet in its longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A snowmobile which is constructed in a unique manner to provide a tendency to oversteer to the left, which is the common direction for turns in oval track racing. The snowmobile is constructed so that the center line of the drive track is offset from the center line between the two steering ski spindles to create a moment about the center of drag of the steering skis and about the center of gravity which tends to turn the machine in a selected direction.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for use for precise control of the height of the earth working blade on road graders, and in particular for use in combination with road graders that are automatically controlled. The control system is selectively operable, and when engaged will permit only simultaneous movement of the two cylinders used for controlling the depth of the earth working blade.

Abstract: A support structure mounted at the top of the side walls of a tower silo including a safety platform accessible from the exterior of the silo, and extending into the interior of the silo so that operators may stand on the platform for servicing unloaders and filler devices at the top of the silo. Incorporated into the support structure is a track member which has a traveling carriage thereon adapted to provide a support for both a silo unloader and a silage filling distributor. The carriage and the distributor are connected by linkage such that when the filling distributor is to be used, the carriage moves laterally to move the center of support for the silo unloader away from the center of the silo so that the silo unloader can be raised above the top of the silo staves and positioned out of the way.