Abstract: An apparatus for collecting flat or semiflat materials while simultaneously retrieving bottles and cans includes a ground engageable rotating drum (50) with a plurality of fingers (80) extending radially from the drum. A spring finger assembly (100) cooperates with the drum (50) to retrieve articles from the ground. The spring finger assembly includes an upper and lower unit (104, 102) each including a plurality of spring fingers (128) mounted on a rotary shaft assembly (116, 118, 122) driven in conjunction with the rotation of the drum. The rotary shaft assembly and the spring fingers attached thereto rotate with respect to fixed stripper plates (140). A camming device (122, 130, 132) acts to rotate and extend the fingers beyond the stripper plates when the fingers move adjacent to the drum fingers and to rotate and withdraw the spring fingers behind the stripper plates upon further rotation such that the material engaged by the spring fingers is stripped therefrom.

Abstract: An anchor stand supports a vehicle above a floor surface and connects to an anchor pot device installed in a floor. The anchor stand includes an anchor bolt and nut to longitudinally draw the bolt and securely attach the stand to the anchor pot. An adjustable clamp is mounted on an uppermost portion of the stand for selectively attaching the anchor stand to a vehicle frame. Various frame straightening tools are then used to correct damage or misalignment of body and frame members.

Abstract: A patient lifting table includes upper and lower platforms with a connecting scissors linkage mechanism providing straight upward and downward movement of the upper platform. The scissors linkage mechanism has first and second link arms pivotally connected at intermediate portions and which form an X when extended. The lower end of one of the link members has a bell crank arm extending therefrom and situated on the underside of the lower platform. An extensible and retractible ram is also mounted generally below the lower platform and is pivotally connected to the bell crank arm whereby operation of the ram causes the link members to swing relative to each other and cause the upper platform to raise and lower. All of the ram and bell crank assembly is mounted below the generally planar, obstruction free upper surface of the lower platform for ease of cleaning, thereby making the lifting table particularly suited for hospital and veterinary operations.

Abstract: A stereoscopic remote viewing system includes a pair of spaced apart cameras mounted on a platform which is movable along a semicircular support track for azimuth aiming of the cameras. The track is pivotable about a diametric axis for elevation aiming of the cameras. The cameras are connected through selection switches to a head worn video display unit having a pair of cathode ray tubes (CRT's) mounted therein. Lenses and mirrors are positioned to project the images reproduced by the CRT's indirectly into the eyes of a viewer. A digital computer is connected through the selection switches and is employed for the storage and retrieval of texts and graphic information related to the operations viewed with the system.

Abstract: A wheel lift device for raising and supporting a wheeled vehicle such as an automobile, by engagement with a vehicle wheel thereof includes a lower support frame, casters, a carriage for engagement with the vehicle wheel, support struts connecting the carriage to the support frame and maintaining the carriage substantially parallel to a floor, and a mechanism for raising and lowering the carriage with respect to the support frame. The support frame and carriage engage the wheel by approaching the wheel along its path of roll, i.e. from a front or rear end of the vehicle. During this engagement, portions of the wheel lift device extend parallel to and on opposite sides of the wheel to lift the wheel and vehicle from a position where the vehicle is standing on a floor. A vehicle supported by the subject wheel lift devices in engagement with each wheel is readily adjusted for wheel alignment.

Abstract: A printing press, especially of the offset newspaper printing type, includes an anti-wrinkle roller to function in cooperation with a web of paper being printed by the press. The roller has a pair of sections which are each independently adjustable eccentrically with respect to a common central axis. The roller is mounted transverse to the web. The eccentrically adjustable sections of the roller are manipulative to compensate for uneven tension across the width of the web so as to provide uniform tension and thereby reduce wrinkles produced by uneven tension in the web. Manual adjustment knobs or remotely controlled motors may be alternatively utilized to selectively adjust the eccentricity of the roller sections relative to one another and to the central axis thereof.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser for flush-mounting in a wall includes a faceplate with front and back surfaces and inlet and outlet openings. A liquid reservoir is attached to and extends rearwardly from the faceplate back surface. A fill spout communicates with the reservoir through the inlet opening and a plunger-type pump communicates with the reservoir through the outlet opening. The fill spout and the pump extend forwardly from the faceplate front surface. The faceplate is adapted for attachment to the wall with the reservoir positioned substantially within the wall.

Abstract: A multiple sensor inclination measuring system includes a plurality of single and dual axis inclination sensors, each sensor including a bridge circuit for generating a signal or pair of signals, each signal having a voltage which is proportional to the degree of inclination of the sensor, and an analog-to-digital converter to convert the signal to a digital word having a binary value representative of the tilt of the sensor. Each sensor is connected to a support unit which includes a microprocessor, memory, and data communication capabilities. Each support unit may include a look-up table which calibrates the unit specifically to the sensor used.

Abstract: A basketball apparatus including a support structure for mounting a goal in a racquetball/handball court. The support structure includes a frame assembly with a wall subframe for engaging a wall of the court and an extension subframe pivotally connected to the wall subframe and having the goal mounted thereon. The extension subframe and the goal are movable between lowered, play positions and raised, storage position by a hoist mechanism.

Abstract: An envelope comprising a body and a hanger. The body includes front and back panels forming a pocket therebetween and a seal flap. The hanger includes front and back panels which are extensions of the body panels, a doorknob opening and a door handle opening with spaced-apart receivers interconnected by a tear line.

Abstract: A stearoyl lactylate salt composition and method of production thereof wherein the composition has improved handling and storage characteristics. The lactylate salt is thermally mixed with from about 2% to about 30% (by weight) of hydrogenated stearin which has from about 50% to 100% (by weight of fatty acid) C.sup.18 fatty acid and an iodine value of less than 7.

Abstract: An order filling apparatus includes an elongated belt conveyor having a bin-on switch and a bin-off switch at opposite ends thereof. A plurality of item dispensers are positioned along the conveyor, and each dispenser is loaded with a single type of item. An order filling control computer has a bus cable extending along the conveyor, and each dispenser has a dispenser control board connected to the bus. Each control board includes an address decoder and circuitry for relaying command signals from the controller to the dispenser and for generating status signals indicating the operational status of the dispenser. A conveyor travel encoder provides a position signal indicative of conveyor travel. The controller stores orders to be filled with items. An order filling method includes a conveying item receptacle bins past the dispensers to receive items therefrom. As each bin engages the bin-on switch, an order is activated and associated with the bin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the acid gravity in an inorganic acid-organic fluid system permits constant monitoring of the acid gravity thus allowing the acid strength to be maintained at an optimum level. Particularly in a system such as an alkylation reactor, where product quality is dependent upon acid strength, the acid gravity measuring method and apparatus assures high product quality. A collecting vessel receives the inorganic acid-organic fluid mixture and the acid gravitates from the organic fluid in a disengaging chamber. The acid then enters an acid-analyzing section which includes acid gravity measuring means for determining the specific gravity of the separated acid. By continuously draining the fluid from the disengaging chamber and the acid-analyzing section, fresh fluid can be continuously introduced and the acid gravity continuously analyzed.

Abstract: A ceiling assembly includes a plurality of elongate, side-by-side gripping members which easily fit onto and conceal the otherwise exposed lower portions of overhead floor joists, as in a basement. Appropriately sized elongate panels fit between the floor joists and have edges supported by the gripping members, thereby forming a smooth, finished appearing ceiling which is quickly and easily installed at low cost by a home resident. Extender members may be used to drop the gripping members a short distance below the joints to accommodate cross braces and plumbing lines.

Abstract: The administration internally to humans of 1-(B-hydroxethyl)-2-methyl-5-nitroimidazole, (metronidazole) in a dosage range for adult humans of about 31-2,500 mgs per twenty-four hour period, is an effective therapeutic treatment for certain viral infections causing diverse symptoms, both acute and chronic. Corresponding dosage proportional to body weight appears effective in other mammals also.

Abstract: A fluid operating device including a cylinder assembly with a cylinder bore and a pair of pistons slidably disposed therein. A plurality of electromagnets are mounted on each piston in opposed relation and extend the pistons by magnetic repulsion when energized. Inlet and outlet valves are provided in the cylinder and include permanent magnet valve members which open and close the valves upon energization and de-energization of the electromagnets.

Abstract: A livestock scale has a weighing platform supported by a support apparatus and is vertically movable relative thereto. A weighing mechanism is provided and indicates the weight of a load received on the platform. Primary and secondary scale arms are pivotally connected to the support apparatus and the weighing platform by hanging links. A connecting link connects the primary scale arm to the secondary scale arm along a medial segment of the secondary scale arm. A weight indicator is held by the support apparatus and is connected to the primary scale arm for indicating a weight in predetermined proportion to the weight of the load on the platform. Horizontal movement of the weighing platform is restrained by a pair of lateral sway bars and a longitudinal sway link, while vertical deflection of the weighing platform during weighing is not inhibited thereby. The sway link forms a parallelogram configuration with the primary scale arm and the primary hanging link and associated support apparatus.

Abstract: A cultivating tool assembly for attachment to the tool bar of a cultivator frame utilizes an upright bracket for connection to the tool bar and an arm member pivotally connected to the mounting bracket and extending substantially horizontally therebehind. A coil spring biasing arrangement is also pivotally connected to the mounting bracket and extends in parallel relation to the arm member, connecting to a cradle forming a leverage arm extending upwardly from an outer end of the arm member. A tool shank having an elongate, generally horizontally extending upper end is affixed to the arm member and curves outwardly and downwardly in a semi-circular arrangement, culminating at a tool tip. The biasing arrangement is adjustable to vary the amount of force applied by the coil spring between the mounting bracket and cradle to control the running depth of the tool and to set the trip pressure.