Abstract: An electronically controlled ingredient dispensing system in hot or cold vending machines uses a voltage ramp generator and a volume controller for correlating a quantity of dispensed ingredients with the voltage ramp output. Circuit elements are provided to latch-in circuits corresponding to each ingredient after a coin triggered relay switch and beverage selection switches are actuated. A voltage comparator circuit functions to compare a timing circuit voltage of increasing magnitude with a manually variable reference voltage (indicative of ingredient quantity) and activates an ingredient dispensing mechanism when the compared voltage reaches a preselected value and deactivates the dispensing mechanism when the voltage reaches a preselected higher value. Further circuit elements are provided to increase the quantity of dispensed ingredients upon activation of an extra ingredient selection switch.

Abstract: The method of filament winding on a corrugated form to thereby form a cylindrical corrugated part includes the steps ofCausing relative motion between said form and a glass fiber applicator,Wrapping a glass fiber band with a resin coating thereon on said form in a spiral pattern without bridging over said corrugations in said form,Permitting said glass fiber to harden on said form thereby forming said corrugated part, andRemoving said hardened part from said form after a predetermined period of time.The apparatus has a collapsible corrugated form arranged with its axis of rotation substantially horizontal. An applicator is supported for reciprocating fore and aft movement with respect to preselected surface(s) of the form. Proper orientation of the applicator with respect to the form permits a band of resin coated glass fiber strands to be spirally wrapped on the corrugated form without bridging over the corrugations.

Abstract: A plurality of interconnected pipes are installed in a fireplace to utilize the heat generated therein for the purpose of heating a room. The pipes are arranged in upper and lower sections that provides a pair of closed paths in which air is circulated by a fan. Cast iron slugs are spaced within the pipes in order to transfer heat to the circulating air and to increase the air turbulence. Outlet conduits receive heated air from the upper and lower sections and distribute it in the area that is to be heated.

Abstract: A portable device which assists in the unrolling of large cylindrical hay bales on the ground. A pair of arms are pivoted between rigid straps which extend from the opposite ends of a cross bar. Rotatable spikes for penetrating opposite ends of the bale are mounted on the arms. Locking pins secure the arms in rigid perpendicular extension from the cross bar with the spikes embedded in the opposite ends of the bale. A flexible chain couples the cross bar with a towing vehicle which is driven forwardly to unroll the bale. The arms are foldable after removal of the locking pins to lie generally parallel to the cross bar for carrying and storage of the device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for packaging thermoplastic fluid material is the subject of the present invention. The thermoplastic material is mixed at an elevated temperature and emptied in predetermined batch quantities into a holding area. A gate in the bottom of the holding area is operable to empty the batch of material in a very short time span. A plurality of heating elements are disposed beneath the outlet of the holding means and are maintained at a temperature high enough to cause parting of the fluid material as it passes over the heating elements. Thus the batch of material from the holding area will be divided into a plurality of individual masses as the material passes over the heating elements. By utilizing a number of heating elements equal to one less than the number of containers to be filled, and by spacing the heating elements equi-distances apart, the individual masses of material will be equal in size and the number of individual masses will equal the number of containers.

Abstract: An improved portable scaffold is the subject of the present invention. A base framework is provided with horizontally telescoping feet to accommodate free movement of the scaffold while still affording maximum stability during use. A telescoping tongue member likewise facilitates transportation but during use of the lifting device may be moved to an out of the way position substantially underlying the plane of the framework. Foldable upright standards are coupled with the framework at each end and mount platform supporting means for movement therealong. A platform member which substantially spans the distance between the upright standards is coupled with the platform supporting means at each end by a hangar bracket which accommodates 90.degree. pivotal movement between the supporting means and the platform. Each bracket also extends away from the supporting means a distance at least equal to the width of one upright standard so as to accommodate folding of the standards one on top of the other.

Abstract: For retarding oxidation of hotmix asphalt, an inert gas injection system for a storage bin equipped with a self-sealing intake door and pressure equalizing valves. Inert gas is periodically introduced into the bin by electrically timed control.

Abstract: A conveyor carries a plurality of frozen confection molds evenly spaced within rows. The molds incorporate a plurality of uniform spiral grooves to form spiral fins on the frozen confections. Ingredients are inserted into the molds and frozen with sticks embedded therein. An extractor arm is positioned above the row of frozen product and lowered to cause clamps to grip the sticks. When the extractor arm is raised, a cam pivots the clamps about a vertical axis to permit the fins to follow the spiral contour of the mold grooves as the frozen confections are withdrawn from the molds. The frozen confections are subsequently released from the clamp elements by a trip bar which simultaneously opens the jaws of the clamps.

Abstract: A chain of the type that is used in a reciprocating chain drive. The majority of the chain is constructed of conventional links that mesh with and are driven by rotating sprockets. A specially constructed link is included in the chain to disengage from the sprockets if the reversal controls of the chain drive mechanism malfunction. The special disengaging link is provided with an inclined plate which cams against the sprocket teeth to divert the chain off to the side of the sprocket if the disengaging link reaches the sprocket due to a control malfunction.

Abstract: A non-metallic housing is provided with an inlet adapted to be coupled with the discharge valve stem of an aerosol type lather container. The inlet communicates with a heating chamber within the housing formed by two concentric aluminum tubes contained within a sleeve formed on the inside of the housing. The tubes are heated by a heat storing electric resistance heating element located within the inner tube. Blade conductors are embedded in and extend from the outside wall of the housing for connection with a conventional wall electric outlet. The blades are connected with the heating element through a circuit which includes a timing switch which limits the time interval during which the heating element is energized.

Abstract: A power operated can opener includes a feed wheel that is driven by a shaft carried on a pivotal yoke, with the shaft being driven by an electric motor through reduction gearing. A pawl is pivoted to a rock plate which is in turn pivoted to a spring loaded lever mounted on the can opener frame. The pawl is operated by a pair of push buttons and associated linkage which energizes the motor as the pawl is pivoted against the feed wheel shaft. Orbiting pins carried outboard of the shaft axis are engaged by the pawl to effect movement of the feed wheel toward or away from the can cutting element between a can shearing position and a can release position.A roller carried on the rock plate is moved against the shaft to lock the feed wheel in can shearing position. The spring loaded lever provides a cushioning means which increases the thrust of the feed wheel and thus improves the efficiency of the initial piercing of the can end.

Abstract: A fork lift for carrying large hay bales in combination with a feed rack comprising barred panels through which animals are able to feed on the bales. The lift is coupled to the three point hitch of a tractor and backed against the feed rack to position the rack around the bale and to insert the forks of the lift beneath the bale. The lift includes notched arms which lift the feed rack above the ground when the lift is raised for transport of the bale. Lowering of the lift deposits the bale on the ground within the feed rack and automatically uncouples the lift from the rack.

Abstract: A mute for a stringed instrument is provided by the present invention. A mounting plate is pivotally coupled with the framework of the instrument and in turn carries the muting element. The muting element is movable under a force exerted by a player of the instrument to apply a muting pressure to the bridge to mute the tone of the instrument. An arm rigid with the framework underlies the mounting plate and carries a camming plate. A pressure plate is pivotally coupled with the mounting plate and is engageable with the camming plate when moved in one direction to move the muting element away from the bridge and preclude any muting pressure from being applied to the bridge. Movement of the pressure plate in the opposite direction places the muting element in position for application of force to the bridge. A plurality of wedge members are engageable with the strings at a point behind the bridge to stretch the strings during muting of the instrument to compensate for the flatting effect of the muting element.

Abstract: A collar particularly adapted for animals and characterized by an improved reflective surface is provided. An elongated, flexible strip of clear extruded plastic has a pocket which extends through a convex arc of at least ninety degrees. A strip of light-reflective material is sealed in the pocket so as to present a convex light-reflective surface. By sealing the reflective material within the transparent pocket, it is not possible for the animal to wear away the light-reflective surface and dirt and other foreign materials cannot diminish its light-reflective ability. In one embodiment the flexible strip is sealed at both ends and a buckle is secured while complemental eyelets are provided for presenting means to secure the collar around the animal. In another embodiment, an elongated slot is provided along the length of the collar and is adapted to receive a conventional collar thereby permitting the reflective collar to be slipped on and off and worn only when needed.

Abstract: An electrically powered can opener includes a can cutting element carried on a mounting plate which is pivoted to the can opener frame. An operating lever is connected to the mounting plate for limited pivotal movement beyond which the plate and lever pivot unitarily on the frame. A notched area on the hand lever becomes engaged against a catch member on the frame to retain the lever in place when it is brought into position to shear a can lid. The lever is held against a plunger switch which maintains the motor in its energized condition during shearing of the can lid. After the completion of the shearing when the operating thrust is no longer present, biasing forces acting on the lever disengage it from the catch member and release the plunger for automatic shut off of the motor.

Abstract: A post removing device attaches to the handle of a post driving implement. The device includes a flat bar which is pivotally connected to the implement handle. A flange plate is bent at an angle on the outer end of the bar to engage one edge of the fence post. Vertically spaced arms mounted on the bar have edges that engage the opposite side of the fence post. The post is tightly gripped between the flange plate and arms with the implement handles resting on the ground. The device raises the post from the ground as the implement is tilted on the base of its handles.

Abstract: Apparatus for venting a tarpaulin type covering which extends over an open top hopper car is provided by the present invention. An elongated member is adapted to be pivotally mounted near the top of the hopper bed and beneath the tarpaulin-like covering. The member is normally disposed in a parallel relationship with the overlying covering so as not to interfere with the latter and is movable into a venting position perpendicular to the covering whereby the latter is pulled away from the hopper bed. Lever means is coupled with the member and extends therefrom for effecting the pivotal movement of the member. An over center handle is coupled with the lever and serves to positively lock the member in its normal position. When the handle is moved to effect pivotal movement of the member, it may be placed in position to lock the member in its venting position.

Abstract: A sliding gate for controlling the outlet flow through an opening formed in the wall of an irrigation pipe. A sealing boot and connected carrier are positioned within the pipe with a pair of resilient walls projecting outwardly from the carrier through the pipe opening. A slide member which overlies the opening is provided with a cavity in which a pair of abutments are located. Shoulders formed on the resilient walls are engaged against the abutments in a snap fit to connect the gate components together for movement in unison.

Abstract: A sign for displaying messages includes a pair of dark backing boards supported within a frame. Thin flexible discs magnetically adhere to the boards to form words, letters, and other selected patterns thereon. The outer surfaces of the discs reflect light and/or are different in color than the backing boards in order to illustrate the displayed message.

Abstract: A snow plow implement for quick connection to a vehicle. The moldboard of the implement is mounted for yieldable but limited pivotal movement on the forward end of a rigid push frame which includes a pair of rearwardly extending arms. Pivotal jaws and associated fork plates are mounted on the rearward end of each arm. A frame assembly mounted on the front end of the vehicle includes a pair of axially aligned hitch pins. As the vehicle is driven toward the implement, the hitch pins engagingly pivot the jaws to closed positions wherein they cooperate with the associated fork plates to firmly retain the hitch pins and thereby couple the implement to the vehicle. Spring loaded locking pins act automatically to lock the jaws in their closed positions. The coupled implement is raised and lowered about the pivot axis of the hitch pins by a power cylinder which is folded up within a protective arm member when not in use.