Abstract: A rack unloader apparatus (10) is used for unloading bars (150) having a plurality of pepperoni sticks (160) from a drying rack (140). The apparatus (10) includes a rail (23) operatively connected to a support frame (20). A motor (62) is operatively connected to a sliding mechanism (30) mounted on the rail (23) for moving the sliding mechanism between first and second positions. A pickup arm (40) has the sliding mechanism (30) operatively connected thereto proximate its first end (40a). A pickup arm assembly (103) is operatively connected to the second end (40b) of the pickup arm (40). A lifting mechanism (51) is carried by the sliding mechanism (30). The lifting mechanism (41) is operatively connected to the pickup arm (40) to move the second end of the pickup arm vertically, wherein the pickup assembly (103) is indexed to the rack (140) and lifts the pickup arm assembly (103) and removes the bar (150) from the rack (140).

Abstract: An ankle support (10) includes a first portion which is a boot-like member (11) A preconfigured figure 8 member comprising a first strap (40) and a second strap (50) is positioned around the boot-like member. An outer member (30) is secured to the boot-like member and forms a cover to hold the preconfigured figure 8 member in place to prevent misalignment of the straps (40 and 50).

Abstract: A method of making crunchy bacon bits from raw bellies. The raw bellies are sized and mixed with water and curing ingredients to form a product mixture. The product mixture is placed in a vessel with agitation. Then, the mixture is heated to above 120° F. wherein protein within the product mixture is substantially denatured. The product mixture is then cooked under a vacuum until the product mixture attains a product moisture content of 5% or less and a water activity level of 0.30 or less.

Abstract: A full-body, fall-arrest harness includes a shoulder strap having opposite distal ends and an intermediate portion disposed there between, and a back strap having opposite distal ends and an intermediate portion disposed there between. A rear suspension assembly is interconnected between the intermediate portion of the shoulder strap and the intermediate portion of the back strap. A seat strap has opposite distal ends connected to respective ends of the shoulder strap, and an intermediate portion disposed there between. Left and right leg straps connected to the intermediate portion of the seat strap. The shoulder strap stretches more readily than any other strap on the harness, and the rear suspension assembly is configured to tighten the shoulder strap relative to the back strap in the event of a fall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bait station comprising a base, a reservoir, a cover, and a latch. The base may be used in two different orientations and includes a first section and a second section. The first section has climbing assisting members and a cavity with a reservoir receiving area, and the second section has side climbing assisting members. The climbing assisting members and side climbing assisting members of the base provide a textured surface that enables insects to crawl into and out of the bait station more easily. The reservoir contains poisonous bait and may be placed in two different positions within the reservoir receiving area to accommodate the two different orientations in which the base may be used. The reservoir includes tapered sides with climbing assisting members. The climbing assisting members provide a textured surface that enables insects to crawl into and out of the reservoir more easily.

Abstract: A 6×4 utility vehicle utilizes a middle axle (21) which is suspended to the frame of the vehicle by means of a suspension assembly (22). The suspension assembly (22) allows the vehicle (10) to have a better ride quality, ride predictability, increased traction and better maneuverability.

Abstract: A sliding rail anchor assembly (22) includes a pair of anchor subassemblies (23) that latch together to slidably engage the crown (29) of a “rail” (30). Each anchor subassembly (23) includes a hook engaging portion (34) and a rail engaging portion (36). The hook engaging portion carries an inboard “post” (46) and forms a hook engaging aperture (44) and an inboard post receiving aperture (40). When the anchor subassemblies (23) are properly aligned and laterally moved together so that the hook engaging portions (34) abut, each inboard post (46) is received by the post receiving aperture (40) in the other anchor subassembly (23). Each anchor subassembly (23) also includes a latch (54) which engages the “head” (60) of the opposing inboard post (46) extending through the post receiving aperture (40). When a safety hook (24) engages hook receiving apertures (44) the latches (54) are held in their fully latched positions.

Abstract: An articulating vehicle (10) includes a front axle (21) operatively connected to a front frame (40) and a rear axle (21) is operatively connected to the rear frame (30). A torsional joint (50) has an inner shaft member (51) operatively connected one of the frames and an outer hollow member (52) operatively connected to the other of the frames. An elastomeric material (53) is positioned between the inner member (51) and outer member (52). The elastic material (53) connects the inner and outer members, whereby the frames may rotate relative to each other along the longitudinal axis as the elastomeric member (53) is compressed and resiliently resists rotation between the frames (30 and 40). A torsional energy absorption suspension is provided for one of the wheels. The suspension includes a torsional joint (50), a single A-frame member (94). A lever arm (95) may also be utilized to vary the preload on the torsional joint (50).

Abstract: At least one corrugated sheet is formed into a corrugated carton has a top panel, a bottom panel, opposite side walls, and opposite end walls. Intermittently spaced slits are formed through the corrugated sheet along fold lines defined between the top panel and the side walls and between the top panel and the end walls. Discrete openings are provided in the top panel to receive individual cans.

Abstract: An anchorage kit 100 includes components which may be assembled in various ways to provide anchorages 101-107 suitable for connection in series between a safety line and any of various structural members. The kit 100 includes opposing brackets 120, 140 which are interconnected by bolts 170 extending therebetween, and which may be supplemented by one or more braces 160 secured to the intermediate portion of one or more of the bolts 170.

Abstract: The invention includes a first dispenser for providing a first dilute concentrate of a use solution in a bottle. This bottle is then used in a portable delivery/dilution device which provides for a second level of concentration of the use solution. The bottles in which the solution is placed has both a vertical and horizontal lockout. The horizontal lockout is useful in making certain the right bottles are utilized with each dispenser and the vertical lockouts are useful in guiding the bottle upwards as the first concentration of liquid is placed in the bottle. The portable delivery/dilution system is easily portable, easily filled with water which can be easily poured from a system after use. The battery is rechargeable and can be used in most any application where spraying is desired. First and second timers activate first and second indicators to notify the user sufficient use solution has been dispensed.

Abstract: A first end of a metal strip is separated into first and second tabs which are connected in series between first and second members. At least one line of interruptions extends along an intermediate portion of the strip from a point of separation between the tabs and a point proximate a second, opposite end of the strip. The second end of the strip is coiled inside the intermediate portion of the strip, so that tensile force applied to either of the members is absorbed both by tearing of the metal strip and uncoiling of the metal strip.

Abstract: A speed responsive coupling device for locking a first member with respect to a second against relative rotation in at least one direction, which device comprises a ratchet wheel carried by said first member which is engageable by a pawl carried by the second member, and in which the pawl is arranged as a mechanical toggle switch which is biased to flip between a “free” condition in which such relative rotation is permitted and a “lock” condition in which the pawl engages the ratchet wheel to disallow such relative rotation, said pawl being linked to a rocker which is so shaped and disposed that when the pawl is in the free condition, such relative rotation causes the rocker to rock and that when the speed of such relative rotation exceeds a threshold value, the strength of the rocking motion imparted causes the rocker to flip the pawl to the lock condition.

Abstract: A badge emits light to signal that the person wearing the badge has clean hands. The light is discontinued after a period of time to indicate that the person should proceed to wash his/her hands. The badge may emit light in a distinct manner (or generate sound) during a time period in which the person is supposed to be washing his/her hands. This distinct signal would be generated in response to user input, which should be entered only when the person wearing the button is beginning to wash his/her hands.

Abstract: A bacon board dispenser (10) deposits predetermined quantities of sliced bacon in a shingled condition on bacon boards. The dispenser (10) includes a frame having a support side (12) and an operating side (11). The output conveyor (172), bacon board dispenser mechanism (193), and feeding mechanism (146) are cantilevered from the support side of the frame to provide for an open operating side for ease of bacon board loading, cleaning and maintenance. The dispenser (10) includes a multi-positioned bacon board magazine (43). The dispenser mechanism utilizes two sets of vacuum cups (210, 211) to provide for an easy changeover between different size boards.

Abstract: A first roof mounting assembly includes first and second brackets which are disposed on top of a roof and fastened to adjacent beams which support the roof. First and second brackets are mounted to respective brackets and interconnected together with an anchorage. A second roof mounting assembly includes first and second brackets having base members and intermediate members. The base members are connected to the roof beams, and the intermediate members are interconnected by a cross-member which supports the anchorage. In a preferred application, the anchorage accommodates passage of a slotted coupling device movably mounted on the safety line, and the safety line may be secured to the anchorage without obtaining access to either end of the line.