Abstract: A bag placer apparatus for placing a valve bag upon a filler spout through which the bag is to be filled with a flowable material. The apparatus comprises three principal components, namely, a magazine for stacking the bags, a registration and indexing apparatus for removing one bag at a time from the stack and aligning the bag with the valve portion thereof in a precise location, and a picker-spouter apparatus which picks up the aligned bag, opens the valve and places it upon a filler spout. The picker-spouter apparatus includes an advantageous combination of clamp mechanism, suction cups, a push rod, and a second clamp mechanism which employs a pair of leaf-springs which selectively grasp and align the vertical edge of each bag below the valve thereof to further ensure proper bag alignment and valve opening.

Abstract: The application discloses a design for an automatically dumping hopper for use with a forklift. The hopper is designed for a 1-man operation with the operator transporting stacking and dumping the hopper without leaving the forklift seat and without the use of any controls other than the controls of the forklift. Two embodiments of the invention are disclosed. One embodiment which is useful for sand, gravel and other loose bulk material has a hinged bottom secured to the sidewalls with a hasp latch constructed such that when the hopper is tilted on edge, the hasp clears from its retainer, releasing the bottom to open when the hopper is lifted. The latch only releases upon tilting of the hopper so that the hopper can be transported and stored when lifted vertically.

Abstract: The production of hydrogenated tar and distillates from coal which is passed through successive condensing, hydrogenation, desulfurization and cooling zones of a dense bed while a flue gas is discharged into the lower portion of the desulfurization zone in admixture with steam and hydrogen for countercurrent flow contact with the coal and coke solids. The gases evolved from the desulfurization zone are passed into countercurrent contact with the coal in the preceding hydrogenation zone where the high boiling coal tar fractions evolved from the coal are hydrogenated and pyrolyzed. The total effluent from the hydrogenation zone is then passed into countercurrent contact with the coal in the condensing zone, preheating the coal by direct contact and initiating the pyrolysis of the coal. The preferred method is practiced in a vertical kiln through which the coal is passed as a dense, compact gravitating bed of solids.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting a standard conventional bucket into a bucket suitable for uses such as by fishermen for storage of bait, tackle, food and other such items. The converted bucket is also advantageously used for picnicing and by hunters and the like. The apparatus comprises a circular, planar base member having perforations along a continuous sector and a solid surface along the remainder thereof. The base member is adapted to receive a plurality of divider panels extending vertically above the base member and a plurality of support legs extending vertically below the base member. The divider panels from cold volume spaces above the perforated portion of the base member for storing food, bait and the like, while the panels form warmer volume spaces above the non-perforated portion of the base member for storing tackle, clothing and the like. The legs permit the base member to extend above ice which cools through the base member perforations.

Abstract: There is disclosed a container that is useful as a sterilization chest for surgeons' instruments and the like. The container includes a generally open-top box having a peripheral flange about its top edge and an open channel extending along at least two of the opposite sides of the box in the peripheral flange. A flexible membrane cover is provided which overlies the top of the box and the peripheral flange and this membrane is reinforced with a plurality of stiffening members which are supported on the undersurface of the flexible membrane cover in a side-to-side array. These stiffening members have distal, downwardly dependent lips which are received in the open channel grooves in the peripheral flange whereby the stiffening members reinforce both the flexible cover and the upper sidewalls of the box, preventing collapse of these elements when the chamber within the chest is evacuated.

Abstract: A hook flash actuated telephone control device that is connected into a subscriber's telephone line to permit a user to place an existing call on hold by selectively activating the hook switch of his telephone according to a particular sequence. The control device includes a comparator which senses the line voltage and produces an output signal, the level of which is dependent upon whether or not the telephone handset is in an on-hook or off-hook condition. First timing and logic means are interconnected so as to be triggered by the output signal of the comparator. If the telephone handset is in an off-hook condition and the hook switch flash signal sequence is completed within a first particular predetermined time, a corresponding signal is generated to energize a hold circuit, whereby to place the telephone circuits in a hold condition. Audio signal generating means are also energized in order to provide the user with a tone to indicate that the telephone circuits are rendered in a hold condition.

Abstract: A vise jaw assembly interchangeable with conventional jaws for precision vises commonly used for holding a workpiece in relation to a cutting tool such as the milling tool of a milling machine. The assembly includes a rotateable or inclineable platform for supporting the workpiece at a selected angle precisely controlled by an indexed rotator protruding through a window on the top surface of the jaw and connected to the platform by means of a shaft extending beyond the face of the jaw toward the opposing jaw.

Abstract: In a first preferred embodiment of the invention, a clip-on switching device is disclosed to prevent the placing of unauthorized outgoing calls from a (Touch Tone) telephone and/or to selectively switch an incoming call to an accessory (extension) telephone circuit. The switching device includes a housing which is particularly shaped to conform to the contour of the telephone cradle so as to be releasably connected therewithin. Positioned within the housing is a card having a control circuit thereon for selectively controlling the telephone circuitry. A unique spring-biased light emitting diode push-button switch is associated with the instant switching device, whereby to provide a visible signal, so as to indicate the operation of the telephone control circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a fin to the bottom surface of a surfboard and comprising a uniquely configured fin box designed to provide a more secure structural relationship between the fin box and the surfboard. The invention is also designed to provide a more secure means for securing the fin within the fin box to prevent inadvertent loss of the fin while still providing a more advantageous means for releasing the fin from the fin box when removal of the fin is desirable. More specifically, the present invention comprises a fin box of substantially rectangular configuration and designed to be embedded within the underlying surface of the surfboard whereby the exterior surface of the fin box lies flush with the exterior underlying surface of the surfboard. A novel flange integral with the fin box is included to provide added structural resistance to transverse forces that normally occur during surfing which would otherwise tend to cause rotation and loosening of the fin box within the surfboard.

Abstract: A method for making a solid pharmaceutical and/or nutritional dosage form that is suitable for oral administration. A prescribed dosage of a pharmaceutical or active substance (including either or both of a vitamin and mineral) is mixed with a carrier or base material comprising cohesive lecithin granules or powder. The resulting combination is blended into a substantially homogeneous mixture having a plastic consistency that is characteristic of the lecithin. The mixture is then shaped into a desired solid form by a conventional technique, such as, for example, that including either extruding, molding, or rolling. The shaped form is then cut into a plurality of convenient, swallowable dosage units ready for packaging and distribution. The dosage units may be coated, so as to be provided with a finished appearance and resistance to moisture.

Abstract: A unitary, wide rim of fiber composite material for use in conjunction with flywheels for inertial energy storage apparatus, the rim being fabricated to minimize radial stresses and equalize hoop stresses ordinarily produced at high speed rotation of the flywheel. Novel fabrication techniques include varying the density of the rim as a function of radius by means of ballasting; and using a combination of layers of fibers having different modulus of elasticity. By utilizing the aforesaid novel fabrication techniques, a preferred embodiment of a unitary, thick flywheel rim achieves radial stress reduction to trivial levels and hoop stress equalization sufficient to permit extremely efficient energy storage as a function of flywheel weight.

Abstract: The invention comprises a cleaning composition and a method for its use in the removal of asphaltic, polyvinyl acetate, and rubber base adhesive coatings from floors. The coating removal composition comprises an organic solvent having a flash point above about 140 degrees F., an inorganic solid adsorbent powder, a water-in-oil surfactant in an amount sufficient to form an oil external phase emulsion and an oil-in-water surfactant in an amount sufficient to reverse the emulsion to a water external phase upon the addition of water thereto.

Abstract: A connector assembly by which a user may detachably connect a tool (e.g. a flashlight, a screwdriver, or a chemical spray container) or a tool holder to a wall or to an article of clothing, such as a belt, or the like. The instant connector assembly comprises a hollow recepticle member, which may be interfaced with the user's clothing, and a plug member, which is interfaced with the tool or tool holder. The front face of the recepticle member is provided with an entry slot, through which the plug member is inserted. The underside of the front face is provided with a drop slot or groove, into which the plug member can be seated. Ramp portions are formed between the entry and drop slots for reliably guiding the plug member from the entry slot into engagement with the drop slot. The recepticle member also includes a slideable locking plate located therewithin.

Abstract: A suction outlet assembly providing a path through which water within a whirlpool bath may be pumped out for recirculation. The assembly comprises three principal components, namely, an elbow structure which includes an integral flange and threaded pipe for protruding through a suitable orifice in the wall of the whirlpool bathtub into the interior of the tub; a locking ring having a matching threaded annular surface for securing the elbow structure against the tub wall by tightening the locking ring from the readily accessible interior side of the tub wall; and a suction cover which is designed to engage the locking ring in a fixed spaced-apart relation to provide a finished asthetically appealing appearance to the assembly while providing safe multiple exit paths to the water flowing therethrough. These three components of the present invention are of unique but simple structure which may be manufactured from molded plastic.

Abstract: A unique folding chair having a frame which permits said chair to be easily and conveniently folded into a compact configuration that facilitates both the storage and transport thereof. The frame of the instant folding chair includes a triangular-shaped seat support structure and an arrangement of legs that are spaced relative to one another in positions that correspond to the vertices of a triangle. By virtue of particular coupling assemblies, the structural members of the folding chair of the present invention are adapted to be moved in one or both of two perpendicular directions. Accordingly, the chair may be folded so that the structural members thereof can be arranged in substantially parallel alignment with one another and generally in a single plane.

Abstract: There is disclosed a brush which is suitable for installation and use on the flexible hose of a conventional pool sweep. The brush is useful as a substitute for the wear rings which are used on the hoses. Typically, the flexible hose of a pool sweep is provided with a plurality of these wear rings which are rotatably mounted on the hose and are captured between fixed collars secured on the hose. These rollers reduce the drag of the hose against the surface of the pool and minimize the wear on the hose. This function is also provided by the brushes on my invention which also serve to scrub or scour the surfaces of the pool, greatly improving the cleaning efficiency of the device.