Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a housing incorporating a handle assembly and a nozzle assembly, a suction fan and cooperating suction fan drive motor carried on the housing, a rotary agitator held in the nozzle assembly, an agitator drive motor carried on the housing and a motor control and protection circuit. The motor control and protection circuit includes a handle switch to de-energize the agitator motor when the handle is displaced to an upright storage position. The motor control and protection circuit may also include an above-floor switch and cooperating activation to de-energize the agitator drive motor when the nozzle assembly is displaced above the floor for bare floor cleaning. Additionally, the motor control and protection circuit may include a hose switch and activator, a selection switch and activator, a circuit breaker and a temperature sensor switch.

Abstract: A combined spray and rotary drying apparatus includes a spray dryer having a housing defining a spray drying chamber, an annular inlet and an outlet. A burner and atomizer sprayer are provided in the spray drying chamber. The outlet of the spray drying chamber feeds into a rotary drying drum. A raw material feed chute is also provided for feeding raw material of relatively low moisture content directly to the rotary dryer. Methods of drying a raw material and of processing raw animal parts are also disclosed.

Abstract: A composition is proposed for use in preventing the formation of ice or snow on outdoor surfaces, such as roadways or aggregate stockpiles, and also for deicing surfaces upon which snow or ice has formed. The composition is formed from a waste product of the process of removing sugar from sugar beet molasses, also known as desugared sugar beet molasses. As a byproduct of a widely used process for making edible sugar, the desugared sugar beet molasses is readily available at a low cost. Moreover, the composition is ready for use in conventional spraying equipment without the need for mixing agents, is environmentally friendly, and is able to perform at temperatures well below the freezing point of water. The composition is also non-corrosive and can be admixed with chloride salts, such as magnesium, calcium, or sodium chloride, to reduce the corrosiveness of the resulting solution while still providing effective deicing activity.

Abstract: An apparatus for regenerating compacted soil in reclaim surface mining lands is provided. The apparatus includes an auger rotatably mounted above and forward of the blade of an earthmover, such as a bulldozer. The auger is longer than the blade and is mounted such that it extends substantially beyond one side of the blade. Adjacent this extension, a controllable lateral baffle is mounted for selectively adjusting a transverse dimension of the blade. In operation, compacted soil is collected by the blade until it reaches the auger. The auger then decompacts, transversely displaces, and deposits the soil relative to the blade, thereby creating a decompacted rooting layer that is ideal for planting. The lateral baffle may be selectively adjusted during operation to control the level of deposition of decompacted soil to provide a substantially level berm. A method of soil regeneration using the apparatus of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: A modular link conveyor including a plurality of modular link assemblies made up of links of an improved design assembled to create a closely interdigitating conveying surface is disclosed. The improved links eliminate undesirable gaps or openings in the conveying surface. Particularly, the improved links include a forwardly extending tongue, projecting from the leading apex of the link, which occupies an open space between the trailing apexes of the legs of the next forward link, thus minimizing the tendency of foreign objects from falling into the open space. The topside of the tongue is tapered downward so as to lift free any objects present in the open spaces primarily while the conveyor is maneuvering through a turn. A forwardly projecting finger, positioned between adjoining links, is also provided for filling a void between the adjoining links. The finger aids in dislodging any foreign objects present in an opening between the legs of the next forward adjoining link, also primarily during turning.

Abstract: An improved coupler assembly for pans in a longwall mining conveyor system for handling coal or the like is provided. The assembly includes a dog-bone coupler having notched ends. A first end of the coupler is received and secured in place by a stop in a first recess formed in one conveyor pan. A cooperating second recess in the mating pan receives the opposite or second end of the coupler. A T-shaped retainer includes a crosspiece which is pivotally received in upper and lower retention holes formed in the second recess to engage the second end. The retainer rotates such that the leg of the T that projects outwardly therefrom is received in a slot that includes opposed resilient inserts for holding the leg and, thus, the retainer, securely in place.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing an adhesive tab ready for placement on the an edge of a substantially flat article, such as a folded mailer or the like. Adhesive tabs are disposed on a roll formed of a reverse-wound backing strip housed in the base of the apparatus. A manually operable feeder assembly advances the backing strip past an L-shaped stripper secured in the base. In addition to guiding the strip, the stripper assists the foremost tab in partially separating from the backing. The combined action of the advancing strip and the stripper serve to remove the tab from the backing and place the tab over a receiving slot. The article is then inserted into the receiving slot, thereby pressing and sealing the tab onto the edge. Adjustment means allow the advancing motion provided by the feeder to be altered based on the size of tab or spacing between the tabs on the strip. The receiving slot is also fitted with an adjustable applicator for assisting in pressing the tab onto the article edges.

Abstract: An extractor is provided for cleaning carpet or a like surface or material. The extractor includes a housing, a handle, a cleaning liquid delivery system and a cleaning liquid recovery system. The cleaning liquid delivery system includes a cleaning liquid supply tank, first and second aligned agitators preferably in the form of brushes and a gravity feed or pump for delivering cleaning liquid from the supply tank for cleaning. The cleaning liquid recovery system includes a recovery nozzle, a vacuum generator and a dirty cleaning liquid recovery tank. The extractor is further characterized by a manifold for receiving cleaning liquid from the pump and directing the cleaning liquid into a nip defined between the first and second agitators. A drive assembly counterrotates the agitators so that relative rotation of the agitators in the nip is generally away from the manifold and toward the carpet to be cleaned.

Abstract: An improved method of gas metal arc welding (GMAW) utilizing relatively low current levels. The method includes providing a variable current to form and detach a droplet from a consumable wire electrode. During the welding process, the current is sufficient to produce a droplet at the end of a consumable electrode wire, but not to independently detach the droplet. After the droplet reaches a desired diameter, the current is lowered to induce an oscillation in the droplet. At a selected oscillation of the droplet, the current is increased. The combination of the momentum created by the oscillation of the droplet and the electromagnetic force caused by the increased current serves to detach the droplet from the electrode wire.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling brakes on a trailer being towed by a towing vehicle. The system includes an accelerometer for sensing inclination and a rate of deceleration of the towing vehicle and providing inclination and rate of deceleration control signals indicative thereof. A controller is provided that is responsive to the inclination and rate of deceleration control signals received from the accelerometer. The controller is operatively connected to an amplifier and these functions together to send a proportionate brake amperage output signal to control the brakes on the trailer.

Abstract: A portable holder for lids of cooking vessels includes upstanding supports on a base with intermediate retainers. At least one face of the lid contacts the support. Spaces between the support and retainer are spanned by the lower edge of the lid. A lid of minimum thickness can fit in the space. The upper edge of the support is V-shaped and the upper edge of the retainer is semi-circular. The supports and retainers are removable for cleaning and storage.