Abstract: The invention disclosed is a perforated paddle wheel electroplating barrel divided into a number of spaced apart longitudinal chambers, each chamber having a flexible chain type cathodic contacts in electrical contact with a tubular conductor tube which rotates with the barrel, said conductor tube rotatably and electrically contacts a pair of conductor arms that are connected to an appropriate source of current.

Abstract: A carrying case for a display board that carries information and product samples. The case includes at least one pair of opposed, interior-facing slots for receiving a display board, and an open aperture to expose one face of the display board. Typically, the display board includes electrical components which may be removed from the carrying case and connects to a processor such as a microprocessor or a computer, for operating the electrical components in an integrated manner for display.

Abstract: With the device and method, ground meat is pumped through an elongated discharge tube into a plastic bag at the bottom of a frustoconical-shaped mold casing. The mold casing cooperates with a pneumatic or air inflatable elastic resilient piston that causes the meat being pumped through the discharge tube to be packed tightly down to a desired texture. As more meat is pumped into the bag and mold casing, the piston when inflated has a varying diameter and the mold casing moves axially downward with respect to the resilient piston to allow for more room for meat in the mold casing and bag until a point is reached where the discharge tube along with the inflated piston are forced out of the mold casing by downward movement of the mold casing.

Abstract: An electroplating barrel comprises a rotatable, perforated barrel for holding objects to be electroplated. The barrel defines at least one access aperture for access to its interior, plus means for imposing an electrical potential across electrolyte solution within the barrel. In accordance with this invention the access aperture has aperture-defining edges, the edges occupying planes which are at an acute angle of about 10.degree. to 80.degree. to the plane of the aperture they define. Accordingly, door members shaped to fit each access aperture and defining correspondingly angled edges may close the access aperture without forming significant spaces between the door members and the aperture-defining edges.

Abstract: A control device for a valve (8) in the water supply conduit (7) of a reservoir (1), e.g. the water reservoir of a coffee machine, comprising a diaphragm (10) disposed in a reservoir wall and having an operating stud (11) for a tilting member (12, 40) swivelling between two end positions, the tilting member being associated with a bistable switch. The tilting member (12, 40) is retained in one, first end position by magnetic force (15), and is then in the path of motion of the operating stud (11). The swivelling movement of the tilting member (12, 40) to the other, second end position is used for operating a microswitch (18) incorporated in the control circuit of the valve (8).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating of implanted artificial (mechanical or bioprosthetic) heart valves includes a microprocessor responsive to a series of digital signals for processing a portion of the series of digital signals corresponding to valve sounds in a phonocardiogram. A deconvolution algorithm is provided to transform the portion of the series of digital signals into an impact history signal which characterizes the motion of the occluding elements and an impulse response signal. A microprocessor is used to transform the impulse response into a power spectrum signal and to calculate ring down times therefrom which characterize the physical structure of the valve cage. A recorder is provided for graphically portraying the extent and nature of degradation and deterioration of the heart valve. Such a printed graphic record of the impact history signal can then be precisely evaluated and a period-to-period comparison can be made with an earlier recorded impact history signal.

Abstract: A cabinet with a plurality of stacked drawers has an outer frame and a plurality of first track members carried on opposed inner walls of the frame. Each first track member defines a pair of inwardly extending, spaced arms. A plurality of drawers carry at least one roller on each lateral side, with the rollers resting on an inwardly extending arm so that the rollers of each drawer roll along the arm in which they rest as the drawer is opened and closed. There are more drawers present than track members on either of the inner walls, which provide an economy of weight as well as improved function. Additionally, a novel drawer slide structure is shown in which the first track members may have at least one arm which defines a longitudinally extending, convex rib on which the drawer rollers travel, for improved operation over other designs.

Abstract: A safety cabinet for the storage of flammable or combustible materials that has doors and a closure mechanism designed to automatically close and latch the doors in the event of fire. The closing mechanism is fully automatic and eliminates mechanical timing features as well as provides an automatic positive method and structure of closing the doors of the cabinet to insure a complete seal and lock.

Abstract: A container for flammable fluid has an insulating plastic container body, metallic structural handle parts carried on the plastic container, a delivery port, and a metallic screen flame arrestor positioned across the delivery port.In accordance with this invention, an insert is sealed within the plastic container body in contact with both the structural handle member parts and the screen flame arrestor. The insert comprises an electrically conductive mixture of a plastic which is sealingly compatible with the plastic of the container body, and a finely divided, electrically conductive material. Accordingly, differences in static electric potential between the screen flame barrier and the structural handle member parts may be minimized to eliminate static electric sparks.

Abstract: Male and female connectors for connecting corrugated where the male and female connectors form a firm locking relationship by means of protuberances in the female connectors cooperating with locking slots when the flange of the male connector is in locked mating position. Two female connectors can be inverted and locked in mating position by the protuberances cooperating with slots on a respectively mated connector.

Abstract: A sealing cap is provided for use in conjunction with safety storage containers and the like, which provides automatic venting and relief of interior vacuum, including low interior pressure resulting from contraction of the contents of the storage container, and from removal of liquid contents from the container. The cap provides a secure closure for a first opening in the container through which contents may be added or removed, while simultaneously providing the aforedescribed venting function. Incorporation of the present invention with a storage container having a second fluid dispensing opening avoids the necessity of providing an alternate or specialized air vent to admit air and prevent a vacuum build-up during dispensing of the contents. In one embodiment, the device is particularly immune to the effect of corrosive fluids stored within the container.

Abstract: A fill gauge is provided which may be used in connection with a storage container to inform an operator of the relative status of a filling operation. A multiplicity of indicia are progressively displayed to provide an initial warning when the filling operation is nearly completed, and to signal when the filling should be terminated, such as when a desired air-gap has been established. Further indicia may also be provided relating to, for example, an overfilled condition. The fill gauge is reusable and inexpensive, and may be sealed for safe storage. Adjustments for use with fluids of differing density are possible.

Abstract: A safety dispensing conversion device for converting storage containers of inflammable fluids such as gasoline or the like, such as the well-known "jerry can", into a container with safety dispensing features. A pour spout, a flame arrester extending from the pour spout interiorly of the container, a safety cap in a normally closed relation to the pour spout, and a spring-biased operating handle and linkage arrangement mounted on the upper end of the container and connected to the safety cap to cause opening of the safety cap upon movement of the operating handle in an opening direction, and insuring closing of the safety cap due to the action of the biasing spring when the operating handle is released, in modular form, is integrated into such a container.

Abstract: A plastic vent valve apparatus for use in connection with storage containers provides for equalization of the internal pressure of the container. Air is admitted into the container in response to a partial vacuum, while fumes or fluid contents of the container are expelled in response to over-pressurization of the container to prevent explosion of the container. Moderate over-pressurization resulting from normal expansion of the contents is relieved by venting of the fumes or liquid contents by means of a valve mechanism. Severe over-pressurization requiring rapid venting is better accommodated by ejection of a thin-walled break-away portion of the upper housing defining a large unobstructed vent aperture. Finally, under severe fire conditions the melting of the plastic valve components may provide a yet larger aperture for maximum venting.

Abstract: A front feed system that includes powered rollers for feeding sheet metal into the front of a shear. In one embodiment, the system uses ball transfer apparatus for facilitating feeding the sheet metal at various angles to the shear blade as desired by the operator. The transfer apparatus may then be lowered to rest the oriented sheet metal on the rollers for delivery to the shear. In a second embodiment, a turntable is positioned proximate the shear to further facilitate final orientation of the sheet material to be sheared. In a third embodiment, the sheet metal is automatically forced against a squaring arm on the shear to assure cuts perpendicular to the edge of the sheet metal, whether the sheet is positioned on the ball transfer apparatus or on the rollers through inclination of portions of the conveyor and/or the ball transfer apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus for locking a drafting board in a desired attitude of angular adjustment enables adjustment of the drafting board through a full ninety degree movement. Force is selectively applied by a control system to interdigitating brake leaves to hold the drafting board surface from rotating once the desired angle has been achieved, and is selectively released to enable angular adjustment. Provision is made to adjust the control system of the apparatus responsive to the particular geometry of the drafting table.

Abstract: An optical position location apparatus for locating the position of an object in one or more dimensions, which relies upon one or more sources of radiant energy and distributor devices to disburse such radiant energy over a location region or window. Integrated collector assemblies positioned opposite to the distributors receive and collect the transmission of the distributed radiant energy and through reflection or refraction, transfer radiant energy to a minimum of detection locations to monitor the absence or alteration thereof. A rotating optical scanner and a detector are utilized with a continuous stationary light source to successively monitor specific location-coordinate-related portions of transmitted radiant energy and through electronic circuitry, a signal is developed to disclose, with accuracy, the location of objects within the location region "window", as well as other parameters including object size.