Abstract: An apparatus and method for storing grain wherein improved and efficient ventilation is achieved and internal ventilation is practiced without subjecting the stored grain to overdrying and overheating.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting a high flange on the wheel of a railroad car having a base member secured to the track; an upright element secured to the base member; an L-shaped unit, having a horizontal arm positioned adjacent to the track and a vertical leg extending underneath the base member, pivotally connected to the upright element; and a signal device connected to the leg of the L-shaped unit for giving a visual signal when a flange having an excessive depth passes over the arm and displaces the arm thereby moving the leg to activate the signal device.

Abstract: A vending machine apparatus of a type which can be manually actuated once a sufficient amount of money is inserted therein to thereby dispense a selected item is provided with an ejector assist mechanism and a mechanism for preventing the item being dispensed from tipping over during the dispensing thereof for thereby assuring a positive delivery of the item and for preventing more than one item from being dispensed at one time. An item holding structure includes a pair of flanges of a particular shape for causing items being dispensed from interfering with one another during the dispensing process.

Abstract: A machine for concurrently laying a dual-layered cementitious composition on a base surface with the layers having different compositions. A self-propelled main frame has an adjustable platform frame overlying the main frame. Adjustable support elements are coupled to the main frame for changing the position of the main frame to conform with the grade characteristics of the base surface. A first receiving unit is coupled to and is extended in front of the main frame and receives the first cementitious composition. The first receiving unit includes a first strike-off element extending transversely to the normal direction of movement of the machine and is spaced a predetermined distance above the base surface. Upon movement of the machine forwardly, a bottom layer of the first composition is formed and shaped. A second receiving unit is coupled to and is extended between the main frame and the first receiving unit for receiving the second cementitious composition.

Abstract: A drive apparatus for a cable conveyor system having a channel formed adjacent to a drive wheel for receiving a partial loop of excess cable for the purpose of preventing the cable from becoming too tight or too loose for the proper functioning of the system. A switch assembly is positioned adjacent to one end of the channel for sensing an enlarged partial loop of cable and shutting off the power to the drive apparatus in response to such condition.

Abstract: A telescoping cover assembly for the open bed of a vehicle comprising front and rear cover sections movable relative to each other is disclosed. The assembly provides a versatile enclosure which permits selective access to all areas of the vehicle bed without the burden of removing the cover. Furthermore, this structure is sectionally removable, or tiltable to a vertical telescoped position which allows ready use of the open bed for large cargo transport. The sections are lockable in various positions to insure safety and security.

Abstract: An electrically heated fluid coupling apparatus having an electrical resistance heating element positioned inside a hollow heating conduit which runs along the side of the fluid conduit, which conduit is connected at its lower end to the fluid source. Positioned opposite the hollow heating conduit along the fluid conduit is a power cable conduit carrying the power cable which connects to the heating element at the top of the apparatus and near the bottom of the apparatus travels away therefrom to be connected to a source of electrical energy. A casing is positioned about the apparatus and thermal insulation fills the area between the casing and the internal components.

Abstract: A pair of angular interlocking rings are provided as apparatus for engaging in a game. One of the interlocking rings is placed around the neck of a first person, and the other ring is placed around the neck of a second person. The object of the game is for the first and second person to switch the rings from one person to the other. Pairs of individuals then compete, the pair switching the rings the quickest being the winner. A safety device is provided for each ring whereby the ends of the rings will separate from each other if too great a force is exerted thereon.

Abstract: A cement batcher for use with a concrete plant and having a suspended, elongated, low profile, hopper secured to an inclined arcuate trough, a helical auger operably disposed in the trough for moving cement from the lower inlet end to the upper discharge end of the hopper, a discharge tube secured to the upper end of the trough for discharging the cement from the batcher, a valve in the discharge tube to control the flow, and a plurality of holding baffles mounted transversely of the tube in the hopper to prevent the excessive free flow of cement to the lower end of the hopper.

Abstract: An elongated, cylindrical support member. Attached to the support member intermediate the ends thereof are a plurality of annular roller members. Handle members are attached over each end of the support member. Each roller member bears a plurality of uniformly spaced, radially disposed projections. Engagement of the skin of an individual by the projections, when the support member is moved with respect to the body of the individual, effects a stimulation of the acupuncture points located thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus for improving the heating characteristics of a fireplace for an enclosed area is disclosed. A heat exchange conduit extends concentrically through the chimney for a distance and then connects at one end to a ducting system having at least one outlet within the enclosed area. The other end of the conduit is connected with a plurality of bent arms which are positioned in the firebox and they, in turn, connect with a manifold pipe. The manifold pipe is a horizontal member having heat sensitive valves in the ends thereof, and orifices along the length thereof directed toward the firebox. A fan is positioned within the ducting to pull air primarily from the enclosed area and force it through the conduit.

Abstract: A device for mounting an earth working tool to a tool bar for allowing the earth working tool to move upwardly and rearwardly when it encounters an object which it cannot penetrate, rather than placing an undesirably high force on the earth working tool itself. A tool holding rod is moveably mounted in a slot in a housing and is pivotally connected to a pair of levers which are, in turn, pivotally connected to the housing. Biasing structure is provided for urging the earth working tool to a proper working position.

Abstract: Apparatus for maintaining an implement which is coupled to a tool bar in a controlled position behind a prime mover, having a pair of rock arm devices each including a rod coupled to the bottom lift arms of the tractor's three-point hitch, each of the rods being rotatably received by a sleeve upon which is mounted a normally upright plate. Positioned a distance above the sleeve on the plate is a second rod extending rearwardly and rotatably received by a second sleeve. The second sleeve is rigidly secured to the tool bar by a bracket device. A cylinder and piston having one end of the cylinder pivotally fastened to the tool bar and the piston pivotally fastened to the nearest plate, with a rod coupling both plates together. As the piston expands and contracts relative to the cylinder, the tops of the plates are displaced in the same direction.

Abstract: A throttle control device for use with a rotating throttle control member of a type being biased to an idle position such as commonly used on motorcycles. A pair of elongated members having arcuate surfaces thereon adapted to contact the throttle control member are pivotally connected together at one of the ends thereof and an O-ring structure is provided for biasing the opposite ends of the elongated members together, thereby causing the elongated members to be in frictional engagement with the control member. Because of this structure, the throttle control device of this invention in cooperation with a brake lever or other projection can be used to maintain the throttle control member at any desired setting, but allows the person in control of the throttle control device to selectively and instantaneously overcome the frictional engagement of the throttle control device with respect to the throttle control member to turn the throttle back to an idle position when necessary.

Abstract: A multi-action head gate is disclosed which, by actuation of a single element, selectively opens a passageway or closes it about the neck of an animal for secure engagement therewith. The engagement apparatus consists primarily of a vertically movable ear block and a pair of opposing pivotable jaw locks, all three of which simultaneously move to engage or release the animal.

Abstract: An improved animal oiler device having an extensive frame base, an upstanding shaft secured to the base, a pair of spaced horizontally disposed plates rotatably mounted on the shaft, a plurality of generally upstanding wooden posts rotatably secured between the plates and an oil reservoir formed in each post, wherein oil disposed in said reservoir will seep to the periphery of the post. The action of the animal rubbing on the post will cause the post to rotate, thus presenting a large surface of oil to the skin of the animal, and further, the rotation of the post about the shaft prevents damage to the oiler.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining an equilibrium of temperature and moisture between grain stored in a grain bin and the surrounding atmospheric air. A grain temperature sensor and an air temperature sensor are connected to a comparator circuit which compares the relative temperatures. When a predetermined temperature differential between the grain and the atmospheric air is exceeded, the comparator circuit switches on an activating circuit which, in turn, completes an electrical circuit to the fan motor. When the fan is running, outside air is circulated through the grain to bring the temperature and moisture of the grain and the outside air back into an approximately equilibrium condition, plus or minus an allowable temperature differential. When the temperature differential between the grain and the atmospheric air is reached, the fan motor is turned off.

Abstract: A grain storage bin utilizing solar energy to heat air that is circulated through stored grain, having an outside sidewall constructed of heat absorbing material and forming a closed structure. A roof is disposed over the outside sidewalls. An inside sidewall forming a second closed structure is disposed inwardly from the outside sidewall, thereby forming a solar plenum between the outside and inside sidewalls. Air intakes are disposed within the outside sidewalls, thereby permitting ambient air to pass into the solar plenum. An air pervious floor is attached to the inside surface of the inside sidewalls and a grain chamber is formed by the inside sidewalls and the air pervious floor. An air circulating device is disposed within the grain bin for circulating ambient air through the air intakes, the solar plenum, the air pervious floor, the stored grain, and out of the grain bin.

Abstract: A hay transport having a bed mounted upon an axle, the bed being pivotable about the axle. A frame extends forwardly from the axle, and a tilt cylinder is affixed between the frame and the bed. A support structure has an inner sleeve affixed thereto. An outer sleeve slides over the inner sleeve, and a horizontal hitch cylinder is disposed within the inner sleeve. The hitch cylinder is affixed between the frame and the support structure, and the outer sleeve slides upon the inner sleeve as the hitch cylinder is operated. The support structure bears control mechanisms and is affixed to a prime mover. Actuation of the hitch cylinder causes the hay transport to be moved away from the primer mover.

Abstract: A process for storing and preserving grain once it has been cured by promoting hydrolysis of the grain starches and proteins to thereby alter the grain composition to a more usable state and to effect and increase in the dry weight of the grain.