Abstract: A silver recovery apparatus for recovering silver from a solution containing silver ions, such as a photographic fixer bath, including an electrolytic recovery cell, a probe electrode located in a liquid conduit connecting a source of the solution to the cell, and a magnetic drive pump in the same liquid conduit between the probe electrode and the cell. The probe electrode senses the presence or absence of silver ions at the cathode of the cell and provides a signal that is used to regulate a pulsed plating current. The relative orientation of the probe electrode, magnetic drive pump and recovery cell, as well as the pulsation of the plating current, results in higher plating currents in the cell at high silver ion concentrations.

Abstract: A materials heating device includes rod-shaped electrical heating element which serves both to heat a thermoconductive receptacle containing the material to be heated as well as tools and instruments for working with the material. The heating element is mounted in spaced relationship to the receptacle by a thermoconductive bracket through which heat is conducted to the receptacle to heat the contents thereof. The end of the heating element protrudes from the bracket, whereby tools and instruments to be heated can be held in direct contact with the exposed end portion of the heating element until sufficient heat is transferred thereto. An adjustable heat dissipator can be provided on the receptacle to regulate the temperature of the receptacle.

Abstract: A water control valve particularly suited for use with poultry watering apparatus having a deformable rubber sleeve lining the interior of the valve housing. A pair of piston members are arranged to pinch the sleeve and thus cut off the flow through the valve in response to a cross member attached to a control lever alternately urging each of the pistons into the housing.

Abstract: A data distribution system for a private branch telephone exchange for providing information to a plurality of PBX stations. Two embodiments (serial and parallel) including addressable stations are shown. Memory devices driving a plurality of displays at each station are updated in response to command signals from a controller preceded by the station address. Each station may communicate with the controller and transmit keyed-in signals or information reflecting station availability. A novel multiplexed LCD, switching matrix bypass upon controller failure circuit, and bus protection circuit upon remote power supply failure are also shown.

Abstract: An aqueous bath for producing a bright zinc-nickel alloy electroplated deposit. The bath includes a soluble zinc containing compound, a soluble nickel salt, an ammoniated electrolyte, a non-ammoniated electrolyte, a non-ionic polyoxyalkylated surfactant and an aromatic aldehyde. The bath can also be ammonia-free, wherein the bath also includes boric acid and an aromatic carbonyl compound.

Abstract: Apparatus for securing a doorknob against unauthorized entry. A shroud fits over the entire doorknob and its associated shaft, and extends to fit on or over the rose through which the shaft extends. A clevis fits through slots in the shroud to retain the shroud in place on the door knob and shaft. The present apparatus can be used to retrofit a lock onto an existing knob which has no locking structure, and also prevents tampering or unauthorized access to an existing built-in lock cylinder of a doorknob.

Abstract: Closure apparatus for the opening in the top of a storage bin or the like, including means for providing a liquid seal between the inside of the storage bin and the outside atmosphere. The apparatus includes a reservoir surrounding the opening in the storage bin and a movable gate structure including a downwardly extending wall that is lowered into the reservoir when the gate structure is moved into a closed position.

Abstract: A line of poultry suspended on hangers and moving in alignment in series through a processing plant is divided by engaging and urging alternate one of the engaged hangers laterally with respect to the direction of movement of the hangers along the conveyor line, substantially without deflecting the hangers or the poultry carried thereby from their longitudinal movement with the conveyor line. In one embodiment, paddles carried on a continuous separator conveyor move along a path that diverges laterally beneath the conveyor line and the surfaces of the paddles which engage alternate ones of the hangers are oriented at an angle that does not impart movement to the hangers or the poultry carried thereby along the conveyor line.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for rapid and automatic welding of joints which interconnect sections of pipe, and in particular oil or gas transmission pipe. The system includes at least one torch transport assembly which simultaneously moves one or more welding torches along a path parallel to the joint being welded. Selected operating parameters such as preheating power for the filler wire, of each welding torch are adjusted to accurately position each torch with respect to the joint, and to repeatably provide programmed welding parameters resulting in a uniform joint weld. The present system is disclosed in the context of hot-wire gas-tungsten arc welding torches.

Abstract: A relatively lightweight insulating enclosure for placement over an attic structure such as a disappearing stairway or an attic fan, to reduce unwanted heat transfer through the structure when closed. The insulating enclosure comprises a number of box segments made of a lightweight insulating material such as foamed polystyrene, connected together with overlapping joints. Expansion members are optionally included to enlarge the width of the assembled enclosure.

Abstract: A spot facing tool is mounted on a work table with an arbor located beneath the work table and movable upwardly through an opening in the work table. A cutter holder is mounted on the surface of the work table with a cutter receptacle positioned in alignment with the arbor. A cutter is releasably retained in the receptacle. The arbor is movable upwardly through the opening of a work piece and into the cutter, and connected to the cutter. The cutter and arbor are moved downwardly until the cutter engages the work piece and rotation of the cutter and arbor causes spot facing of the work piece about its opening.

Abstract: As a web of material is guided along an L-shaped path toward a sewing station, the web is progressively folded in the first leg of the L-shaped path, and the web is refolded into a binding fold as it turns from the first leg to the second leg of the L-shaped path. The folder through which the web of material passes progressively shapes the web into the desired fold, and the folder is open along its upper edge so that if the material is too wide or irregularly shaped, the upper edge of the material can protrude out of the folder as the material is being folded along the first leg of the L-shaped path, and when the material is being refolded, the protruding edge of the web is folded into the binding fold.

Abstract: Storm window frame apparatus adjustable to fit various sizes of windows. The frame apparatus includes mitered right angle frame components that are hinged for easy assembly without tools. Frame members fit telescopiedly within each other for adjustability.

Abstract: A quick release winch tie down assembly is mounted in the tracks of a ramp of a car hauler vehicle and includes a crank shaft extending from one end through a segmented bearing sleeve, a release shaft connected to said crank shaft in nonrotatable telescopic arrangement, and a tie down sleeve extending about both the release shaft and crank shaft in a space between the bearing sleeve segments. A spring urges lock elements of the tie down sleeve and the release shaft in locking relationship. A tie down chain is connected at one end portion to the tie down sleeve, and a rachet and pawl means limits the rotation of crank shaft to one direction, so that when the crank shaft is rotated it also rotates the release shaft and tie down sleeve and winds the tie down chain about the tie down sleeve, and when the lock elements are disengaged, the tie down sleeve is free to rotate and unreel the tie down chain.

Abstract: An adjustable-height support apparatus such as an adjustable-height table or bed, including a platform which is supported by a pair of leg supports, which cross each other, each leg support comprising a pair of legs pivotally connected at one end with respect to the platform for sliding movement, the opposite end being arranged to contact a support surface; a strut being associated with each leg, the associated strut being pivotally connected at one end to the platform and the other end being pivotally connected at a location along the leg, both legs of each pair being connected together for movement in unison, and actuating means, e.g. a ram or a screw member associated with both leg supports for slidably moving the legs relative to the platform to lower or higher the platform.

Abstract: Cloth moves from a reel along its length, a first "right-handed" edge treatment system positioned at one edge of the path of movement of the cloth treats one edge of the cloth, the cloth is turned over and a second "right-handed" edge treatment system positioned at the edge of the path of movement treats the opposite edge of the cloth. The cloth then moves into a cutting station where the cloth is cut into smaller sections. The cut sections are moved along an L-shaped path by a conveyor system with the cut edges extending along the path, and a third "right-handed" edge treatment system positioned adjacent the first leg of the L-shaped path treats one cut edge of the sections, the sections are turned over as they move into the second leg of the L-shaped path, and a fourth "right-handed" edge treatment system treats the opposite cut edge of the sections. The sections are then stacked.