Abstract: An apparatus for detangling a plurality of conventional garment hangers located on a common supporting rail, comprising a generally cylindrical elongated rigid barrel having a plurality of spaced elongated bristles fixedly attached to the barrel projecting radially from the surface of the barrel, the bristles being spaced substantially around the circumference of the barrel; and, a motor for rotating the barrel about its axis. Hangers presented to the apparatus, such as by a conveyor, are supported by the barrel. The bristles turn in the direction of the hanger hook curve and any crossed hangers are automatically combed apart and separated. The hangers are moved from the front end toward and off the rear end of the barrel during rotation.

Abstract: A plastic slidable removable cover for a beverage container, such as a soda can, that can cover or expose the can opening using the same hand that grasps the container. The cover comprises a tab portion that fits under the rivet of a conventional soda can pull ring and covers the opening created, a periphery engaging portion that grips the lip of the can, and a plurality of serrations facilitating easy sliding of the cover around the lip periphery. The cover can be easily removed for use with other containers.

Abstract: A device for recovering oil from a plurality of open mouthed containers comprising a funnel having a plurality of openings at its upper end and an outlet port at its lower end. The outlet port is threaded to receive a collection container, such as a plastic oil container. The upper end of the funnel has a plurality of spaced openings, each opening has associated with it a ring having a plurality of vertical ribs spaced around the interior circumference for releasably retaining the neck of a container by a pressure fit. Each ring has a removable cap removably attachable to it for covering an opening not in use, thereby preventing dirt from entering the funnel. A set of braces having a mounting plate extends from the funnel for securing the device to a wall. An optional valve permits closure of the outlet port when a recovery container is removed, thereby preventing fluid from leaking out of the device.

Abstract: A mobile cooler including a compartment having pivotable wheels and a handle assembly for pulling the cooler. A pair of wheel assemblies individually pivot within recesses in the cooler from a raised to a lowered position. In the lowered position the cooler can be transported over smooth or uneven terrain. The handle telescopes partly into the compartment, and partly folds down by a pair of hinges to fit within recesses in the compartment lid. The handle length can be adjusted to suit the user.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for sorting laundry. The method includes laundering a plurality of items each having a separable tag portion of a laundry ticket bearing bar coded identification data associating an item of laundry with a laundry ticket, arranging tickets for the plurality of items into a randomly ordered stack, and scanning bar coded identification data from the randomly ordered stack of tickets for the laundered items into a control computer. The method includes scanning identification data for each laundered item into the computer, placing the scanned items onto a rotating pickup assembly, and bringing collector arms, one at a time, toward the rotating pickup assembly. The method also includes removing the items, one at a time, from the rotating pickup assembly to the collector arms according to the identification data so that items may be assembled with the associated ticket without altering the rotational speed of the rotating pickup assembly.

Abstract: A laundry ticket is provided that has separable tag portions with adhesive strips on opposite ends on one side thereof. The tags are threaded through a button hole and the two adhesive portions brought together to attach the tag to a garment without the use of staples. The tags bear bar coded identification data for associating an item of laundry with a laundry ticket.