Abstract: A closing device for the bending closure of binding combs having generally C-shaped perforating members for the comb binding of single sheets or the like has a bending tool provided with two opposing bending punches or dies. The two bending punches or dies are provided with batten-like contact elements or components which at least approximately form point- or line-shaped supports for the perforating members of the binding comb. The two upper contact elements or components are designed so that they produce a greater static friction on the binding comb. The distances of the contact elements or components are in each case adjustable with respect to one another.

Abstract: A pressure regulator comprises a housing internally divided by a diaphragm, the diaphragm carrying a valve closure ball engageable with a valve seat forming part of an outlet from the housing. The ball is located within a ball carrier which is attached to the diaphragm, the ball being retained in the carrier by a ball retainer which comprises an annular disc and engagement means for receiving an end portion of the ball carrier, the ball and the retainer being capable of limited lateral movement with respect to the direction of movement of the diaphragm.

Abstract: An engine throttle control system comprises a control unit for controlling the position of a throttle by means of a motor in response to a position transducer actuated by an accelerator pedal. A detector detects when a signal produced by the control system is outside a range of acceptable values and, for instance, shuts down the engine. In one embodiment, the detector detects whether stress in an accelerator pedal return spring is less than a value expected.

Abstract: A baling apparatus is provided for forming fibrous material into rectangular bales. The apparatus includes a bale chamber having a rectangular cross-section with a substantially vertically (typically 10.degree.-12.degree. from vertical) disposed inlet end. Structure is disposed forwardly of the bale chamber for delivering a mat of material to be baled to the bale chamber. The structure includes a conveyor having a vertically reciprocating discharge chute for discharging the mat of fibrous material in a vertical zig-zag pattern at the inlet end of the bale chamber to form successive layers of folded material within the bale chamber. Dedicated structure is provided for compressing the fibrous material with a flat surface at upper and lower portions of the bale chamber in a direction towards the rear of the bale chamber.

Abstract: A portioning dispenser for bulk food items is disclosed which receives bulk food items in a storage bin, portions food items from the storage bin, and dispenses measured portions of food items for further processing. The dispenser can include a rotary drum for conveying food items from the storage bin and a load cell for weighing the quantity of items conveyed from the storage bin into a secondary bin. The dispenser can also include a conveyor system for sequentially accepting, filling and returning a plurality of portion containers. In another embodiment of the invention, a method is disclosed for dispensing measured portions of bulk food items which includes several of the above-discussed operations.

Abstract: A high capacity coin hopper is disclosed comprising a cylinder mounted for rotation above a coin dispensing disc assembly. The central axis of the cylinder is offset above the central axis of the coin dispensing disc, creating a wall in the cylinder. Coins pile up against the wall, alleviating pressure and jamming in the region of the disc. Coins spill over the wall where they are picked up by the disc. In addition, lift fingers inside the cylinder pick up coins from the base of the wall and lift them above the wall so they can fall into the region of the disc.

Abstract: A right angle shielded connector includes an elongated shaft having connector surfaces and an opposite head portion with a flange which is slidably received within a groove around a slot in a shell cap. The slot extends through the upper portion of the cap and a lower threaded portion of cylindrical shape except for the slot extending therethrough. A cylindrical threaded bushing screws onto the lower threaded portion and snugly against the flange. A pair of terminals are located within the hollow interior of the shell cap and are keyed to prevent rotation once assembled. Prior art right angle connectors are also illustrated in which the shell cap are formed from two halves of a cover which mate together.

Abstract: The data transfer system operates by collecting data from game machines and transferring said data to a smart card type data transfer unit containing memory, addressing, control, and protection circuitry. Depending on the level of capability desired, the card may or may not have microprocessor and encryption circuitry. Various embodiments include systems that store data regarding cash flow, security violations, machine malfunctions, and volume of play attributable to an individual player, and transfer that data to a smart card for use in monitoring machine performance and determining the eligibility of a particular player to receive premiums as a play incentive. Additionally, either in concert with one or more of the above features or not the system can allow a player card to be used in lieu of cash to play game machines. In this instance, the player card can either be used as a pre-paid debit card, or as a credit card in which case money is collected from the player after he has played.

Abstract: A rotary distributor type fuel pumping apparatus for supplying fuel to an internal combustion engine has a radially disposed plunger located in a radial bore in the distributor member. The plunger is moved inwardly by a cam follower including a shoe engaging the plunger and a roller which engages cam lobes formed on a cam ring surrounding the distributor member. The cam follower is located in a slot in a part rotating with the distributor member and is so arranged that the roller is offset from the plunger in the direction of rotation of the distributor member.

Abstract: A tensioned fire damper assembly and method are disclosed. The assembly includes a damper tensioning frame for tensionably mounting a fire damper within a duct or other mounting aperture, thereby allowing substantially unrestricted thermal damper expansion into an expansion gap located between the aperture and the tensioning frame. Screw type tensioning fasteners can be employed to tensionably mount the frame, and the degree of frame tension can be regulated by using tensioning fastener bushings which limit the threadable movement of the fasteners. Additional embodiments are disclosed in which multiple dampers can be accommodated in a tensionable frame.

Abstract: A fully automated robotized system and method is provided for cooking food products. The system and method is especially useful for use in a quick service or fast food restaurant and, in one embodiment, is capable of cooking, on a fully automated basis, french fries, chicken nuggets, fish filets and chicken patties. In one embodiment, the system includes a robot, a bulk uncooked food dispensing station, a cooking station and a cooked food storage station. The system can be controlled by a computer operating and control station that controls and directs the robot to obtain bulk food from the dispensing station, place it in cooking position at the cooking station and when cooked, remove the food and deliver it to the storage station, at a rate required to fill anticipated customer orders. In one embodiment, the cooking station is a clamshell grill and the robot deposits on and retrieves from the grill hamburger patties in a predetermined horizontal array with a novel end of arm tool.

Abstract: An article of play apparatus is provided having an open-ended, hollow rotatable member which is maintained in an elevated, horizontal orientation by two support members located one at each longitudinal end of the rotatable member. A plurality of padded ridges extend along the longitudinal extent of the rotatable member. In this manner, children can climb through the rotatable member while other children climb over it, causing the rotatable member to rotate. A novel bearing system is housed inside each support member.

Abstract: Attachment devices for joining endoskeletal, prosthesis to prosthetic sockets on a person's stump are disclosed. The couplers have a peripheral notch on their side surfaces which define a void into which material can be molded to effectively secure the coupler to the socket. A depression is provided in the top surface of the device to facilitate fitting to a prosthetic socket.

Abstract: A clamp for mounting and grounding a telephone interface box to an electric utility box of variable width is provided. The clamp has base which spans one side of the box. The base is adjustable through a range of finely graduated widths. Arms extend from the ends of the base and are positioned to engage opposite sides of the box. A sliding plate is mounted on one of the arms to secure the clamp to the box. A mounting plate secures the telephone interface box to one of the arms. In one embodiment, an abrading bolt also mounted on one of the arms to make intimate electrical contact with the box.

Abstract: The overfill device comprises a body (6), a flap valve (7) mounted in the body, a float (8) connected by a lever (9) to the valve, a plunger tube (10) connected to the body (6) and provided with an aperture (11), characterized in that an elastically deformable closure member (13) is mounted in the plunger tube and is applicable against the inner surface parts of the tube located on each side of the aperture by the effect of its own resilience and thereby closes the aperture when the float is located outside the plunger tube. Applications in tanks storing liquid products such as hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Handlebars for a bicycle include a central crosspiece connectable to a bicycle steering post and sidewardly extending portions which may include a pair of pads for supporting a rider's forearms. A generally vertical handgrip portion is located by an intermediate section to a forward central region to permit the rider's hands to overlap each other while grasping the vertical handgrip portion and define a rider position in which the rider's elbows are located near the central rear portion and the rider's arms extend forwardly when the rider's hands are grasping the vertical handgrip portion. In certain embodiments, the vertical handgrip may be T shaped with additional horizontal sections. In other embodiments, an adapter allows the generally vertical handgrip and intermediate section to be clamped to an original bicycle handlebar.

Abstract: A system and method for cleaning, conditioning, storing and wetting rigid gas permeable contact lenses is provided. The system includes a cleaning, conditioning and storing solution and a separate wetting solution. Both solutions contain hydrophilic disinfectants or preservatives which do not inhibit proper wetting of rigid gas permeable contact lenses. The lenses are stored in the cleaning, conditioning and storing solution during nonwearing periods. This storage also acts as a secondary or backup cleaning treatment to help remove any residual contaminants after the primary cleaning with this solution.In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a preservative system is provided for a contact lens solution that comprises high purity benzyl alcohol.

Abstract: A ventilator comprises an elongate strip (10) formed as a single component including an integral formation (19,23) extending adjacent an intermediate portion (13), the formation defining an opening (24,33) which is below openings (22) in the intermediate portion (13) thereby ensuring that there is no direct passage to and from the said openings (22) in the intermediate portion (13) in a direction normal thereto.

Abstract: A step type exercise apparatus is disclosed in which two pedal members are connected for reciprocating movement by a chain which, in turn, operates through a transmission providing a resistive force to the pedals. The resistive force is supplied by an alternator which is controlled by a computer. Means are provided to lubricate the chain thereby prolonging the life of the chain.