Abstract: A power wrench opens and closes a gate valve on irrigation water pipe thereby controlling water flow from the pipe into desired areas for irrigation of crops. The power wrench includes a tubular flow member which defines a flow passage extending through a second gear and through a gripping member mounted on the second gear and engageable with the gate valve whereby water flowing from the open valve will flow through the gripping member and tubular flow member. The power wrench is power operated and includes a drive motor operative to rotate a first gear and thereby turn a second gear in engagement therewith.

Abstract: A multipassenger pedal vehicle comprising at least two rear drive assemblies, each having a conventional design and including a triangularly shaped frame, a rear wheel, a seat, and a pedal assembly. The rear drive assemblies are interconnected in a side-by-side, spaced apart, and aligned relationship by a plurality of laterally disposed connectors. A steering assembly, also having a conventional design and including a wheel mounted in a fork-shaped frame with handlebars, is positioned centrally and forwardly of the rear drive assemblies and is connected therewith for steering the vehicle. The handlebars extend outwardly and upwardly from the stationary sleeve member of the steering assembly, to a point respectively adjacent to and interior of each of the corresponding seats, whereby each of the users can, with one of his hands, grasp one of the upstanding handlebars, and singly, or in cooperation with the other user, pilot the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus using an electric shock to relax and stabilize poultry as they move along a defined path in a poultry processing plant wherein the poultry is shocked and then subjected to processing and then shocked again for further relaxation. The apparatus includes a frame structure with electrodes mounted thereon in spaced apart relation and having an electric power supply connected to the electrodes to apply an electric potential difference therebetween. Conveying members carry poultry, that are to be processed, through the shocking devices wherein the poultry engages the electrodes in each device and forms a conductive path therebetween so that an electric current from the power supply passes through the poultry to shock and relax them. Non-conductor shields and insulating structure prevent current from passing through the conveying system to other areas of the processing plants and further protects persons from contact with the electrodes.

Abstract: A tool for bending metal wire hangers such as those used for hanging false ceilings below exposed under floor structures of the type separating successive floors in modern multiple story commercial buildings and in other buildings where a lowered ceiling is desired. The wire bending tool includes a pair of operating handles connected to a gripping jaw having members for holding a wire to be bent. The gripping jaw forms part of a rectangular block to which a third handle is pivotally mounted. The third handle is associated with a roller which cooperates with two corners of the block to bend the wire into two successive right angles as a third handle is pivoted about its axial connection on the rectangular block.

Abstract: An applicator for applying treating material to animals upon activation thereof by an animal includes a base frame formed of a plurality of base members arranged to define a closed geometric figure preferably having three sides and a matching top frame supported above the base frame by a plurality of standards extending therebetween. Treating material applying means are suspended from each of the rail members of the top frame and positioned so that engagement thereof by an animal moving under the respective rail members effects application of treating material to the animal.

Abstract: A program expander for a sprinkler valve timer, alternates a pair of valve selector switches each having a plurality of sprinkler valves connected thereto. The expander includes a star wheel attached to the shaft of a double wafer rotary switching arrangement and a lug on a motor driven timing disk which engages the star wheel once at the end of each revolution thereof, thereby advancing the switching arrangement one position. The expander further includes a bank selector switch which connects valve actuating power alternately to one valve selector switch and then the other, and a disk motor switch which delays disconnecting the disk motor until the end of every other revolution of the disk in cooperation with a motor stop switch actuated by the timing disk and operative to disconnect the disk motor switch at the end of each revolution of the disk.

Abstract: Disclosed is a clamping means for securing filter bags in a bag filter device. The bag filter device has a filter chamber separated from a plenum chamber by means of a partition having openings therein through which the filter bags extend from the plenum chamber into the filter chamber. Gas to be filtered is passed into the filter chamber and flows through the walls of the filter bags from the outside to the inside thereof and thence into the plenum chamber prior to being discharged from the filter device as cleaned gas. The partition has a stationary shoulder surrounding each opening on the plenum chamber side. The open end or cuff of each filter bag is clamped between the shoulder and a clamping ring so as to secure the filter bag in the partition and to effect a seal which prevents leakage of unfiltered gas into the plenum chamber from the filter chamber. The seal is maintained by the influence of gravity or by a seating or force-applying means.

Abstract: A refrigerated cargo vehicle has components therein effective to uniformly distribute cooling air throughout a cargo body which is divided into a plurality of compartments including a center compartment by a plurality of longitudinally spaced partitions extending transversely between opposite side walls of the cargo body. Laterally spaced walls extend longitudinally from each end wall of the cargo body and terminate at the respective partitions defining the center compartment thereby defining upwardly opening passages each communicating with respective opposite end portions of a duct extending between and through the partitions defining the center compartment.

Abstract: An instrument for massaging and kneading areas of the human body having cellulite therein and having a base member larger than a hand of a user with a flexible member extending thereover and having an opening for the user's hand to be positioned on the base member. A plurality of closely spaced balls are supported under the base plate for rotation with the axes of rotation substantially parallel and generally in a plane spaced below the base member. The balls are resiliently mounted to permit movement of the balls in a direction normal to the axial plane thereof to tend to equalize the pressure of the balls on an uneven surface engaged thereby. Heating means is supported by the base plate and positioned to apply heat to the balls and the body area thereunder.

Abstract: A noise reduction device for use with citizen's band transceivers to reduce interference caused by signals from distant sources during reception without impairing the transmitter section's performance includes a transistor in a self-biasing arrangement, a switch for bypassing the transistor, a housing, and conventional coaxial connections for connecting the device between the transceiver and the antenna.

Abstract: A liquid flow activated switch is operative to effect completion of an electrical circuit and energizing of an electrical power using device, such as an electric water heater, upon commencing of liquid flow through a liquid inlet of a housing having walls defining a chamber therein. A switch member is pivotally mounted in the chamber and has a first portion positioned between the liquid inlet and a liquid outlet so that liquid entering the chamber impinges upon the first portion of the switch member to move a second portion of the switch member and a magnet thereon to a second position energizing magnetically operated components mounted on the housing and electrically connected to the electrical circuit.

Abstract: An adjustable drop nipple for sprinkler heads is disclosed which comprises a stationarily mounted collar with internal threads that receives an externally threaded nipple, and whereupon rotating the nipple a portion of its length is caused to retract into the collar or extend from it, depending on the direction of rotation, in order to precisely regulate vertical elevation of a sprinkler head attached to the lower end of the nipple. An effective seal against leakage of water is achieved by use of one or more O-rings on the nipple which abut a smooth bore section inside the collar.

Abstract: A soil working and seed planting apparatus includes a frame connected to a prime mover and supporting thereon a seed dispensing device operative to dispense seed in response to rotation of a soil working device which is operative to form a plurality of longitudinally and laterally spaced pockets in the soil surface and soil mounds on the soil surface. The soil working and seed planting apparatus includes an elongated roller mounted on the frame and operative to level the soil mounds and to move the soil over the seed in response to forward movement of the frame.

Abstract: An improved process for producing a high quality, edible meal product from cottonseed by releasing oil under conditions whereby unruptured gossypol cells are floated out with the oil flow and immediately separated from the remaining solids. Sufficient gossypol is removed in the cooking step of the extraction phase by a simple, low temperature heat and moisture treatment so that the final meal product rendered is safe and nutritious for human consumption, yet produced at lower cost than prior art methods. The dry, decortiated oleaginous material is treated in a flow down cooker where heat and moisture are added for removal of a significant portion of the oil and gossypol therein, after which the material is mixed with a solvent for removal of the major portion of the remaining oil and gossypol.

Abstract: A safe pressure relief assembly of the rupture disc type guards against pressure differentials beyond a predetermined range extending both above and below zero and includes a positive relief disc which is perforated to permit negative flow without rupturing, a sealing disc normally blocking the perforations, a cutting member positioned in spaced relation to the sealing disc and extending a substantial transverse distance thereacross and a sealing disc support member having a stay arrangement projecting into negative supporting engagement with the sealing disc, the stay arrangement having a resistance to collapse sufficient to retain the sealing disc out of contact with the cutting member only up to a predetermined negative pressure. The subcombination of sealing disc, stay arrangement and cutting member is separately useful, especially as a very low pressure relief device.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing solids from a settling pit or tank is disclosed which comprises a horizontal collector section that rests at the bottom of the tank and an attached vertical conveyor or elevator section having an upper, discharge end above the tank. Carrier means is employed for conveying settled solids across the floor of the collector section and upwardly within the elevator section for discharge into a receiving container located outside the tank. The collector section includes a distributor means whereby settling solids are distributed over the floor thereof at a desired rate, thereby preventing overloading of the carrier means during peak or slug loading conditions so that removal of solids from the tank at a desired rate remains smooth and unhampered.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for nonrigidly connecting a vehicle cab enclosure with a vehicle body, comprises a rigid, elongate plate fixedly attached to the base of the enclosure and extending around a marginal surface of the vehicle body. A plurality of pins are attached to and depend perpendicularly from the plate in a spaced apart and generally aligned relationship, and are telescopically inserted into mating apertures positioned in the vehicle body for sliding cooperation therewith. A flexible and resilient gasket is positioned between the plate and the vehicle body marginal surface and receives the pins through associated apertures positioned therein whereby the gasket resists the transmission of vibratory motion between the vehicle enclosure and body. A plurality of longitudinally resilient fasteners are spaced apart along the body marginal surface and have one end thereof connected with a sidewall portion of the vehicle enclosure and the other end connected with the vehicle body.

Abstract: An elongated strand of electric fence wire is provided with wheels whereby the strand can be rolled from one location to another while remaining stretched out lengthwise. The wheels also serve as posts whereby the strand of wire is held out of contact with the ground and at a desired elevation when in use. Each end of the wire can be attached to a portable holding means for anchoring the wire and which is also useful in moving the fence to a new location. When the fence is moved, the wheels roll and move with the wire, becoming rolling fence posts so that the wire does not snag an obstruction which may be lying on the ground or protruding from it.

Abstract: A connector for electrically joining insulated conductors without removing the insulation therefrom. The connector is generally channel-shaped having a web with opposed, spaced apart side walls extending therefrom, and includes an electrically conductive inner portion, ultrasonically bonded to an electrically insulative outer portion. Rows of conductor engaging protuberances are disposed transversely on the side walls, each of said rows having a plurality of protuberances with a spacing between adjacent edges thereof, for receiving one of the conductors therebetween. Said spacing is smaller than the width of a conductor and is graduated such that the spacing gradationally decreases in width from those rows adjacent the connector ends to those rows intermediate of said connector.

Abstract: Hydraulic pulley apparatus including a frame, anchored to a tiedown assembly, supporting a first pulley on a movable axis and a second pulley on a selectably fixed axis. A cable or chain extends over the first and second pulleys and is connected at one end to the frame, with the other end being attached to a workpiece. The pulleys are arranged in such a manner that movement of the first pulley away from the second pulley draws the end of the chain attached to the workpiece toward the second pulley. The movement of the first pulley is accomplished by selectively operable and controllable hydraulic power means. A third pulley may be mounted on the frame at various positions above the first and second pulleys for receiving the end of the chain attached to the workpiece, and maintaining the chain at various attitudes. Locking means hold the chain under tension to permit release of the hydraulic power means for sequential operation thereof.