Abstract: In a conveyor apparatus, bagged food products fall from a first inclined belt onto a second horizontal belt. As they fall, the bagged food products engage a bar and flip forwardly onto the second belt. The bar has a friction enhancing covering which aids in pivoting the bagged food product onto the second belt, resulting in a properly collated array of bagged food products.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing money orders at a plurality of retail establishments is provided, including one or more data collector devices connected to a host device. Preferably, each of the money order dispensers include a digital processor for controlling the overall operation thereof, a keyboard for entering transaction data to request the printing of a money order, a display for displaying the transaction data, and a dot matrix printer for printing the requested money order. Each dispenser further includes an electrically-eraseable programmable read only memory (E.sup.2 PROM) for storing a security inhibit printing code, this code being automatically changed to prevent actuation of the printer when the security of the dispenser is compromised.

Abstract: A process for the construction of a bulk container including a glued bottom portion. A blank is suspended in the shape of the desired container and is positioned over a bottom portion. Adhesive or glue is applied to the bottom portion in areas which will contact the blank. The blank is lowered into contact with the blank and fins are formed. The fins are either folded, cut and/or secured to complete the container in one of several ways.

Abstract: To provide for fast access times with very large key fields, an associative memory utilizes a location addressable memory and look up tables to generate from a key an address in memory storing an associated record. The look up tables, stored in a memory, are constructed with the aid of arithmetic data compression methods to create a near perfect hashing of the keys. For encoding into the look up table, keys are divided into a string of symbols. Each symbol is assigned an index value, such that a sum of index values for symbols of a particular key is a unique value that is used as an address to the memory storing the record associated with that key.

Abstract: A battery charger for simultaneously slow charging and thereafter maintaining a charge in a plurality of plate-type batteries includes a first transformer connected through a circuit loop to a first battery wherein the circuit loop includes a rectifier, and a current limiter and visual indicator of the charge level of the battery. A second transformer is connected through another circuit loop to one battery and through a third circuit loop to a second battery. The circuit loop of the first transformer may be connected to a first battery with one of the circuit loops of the second transformer being connected to a second battery connected in series to the first battery thus allowing the two loops to remain isolated from each other and allow for charging of the series connected batteries without removal of the series connection. In a second embodiment of the invention, a switch is connected in the loop to bypass the current limiter to allow a fast charge condition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a flexible bulk container includes a dust collector having a negative pressure chamber connected through a vacuum hose to a fill spout support chamber to which a dirty container is connected in a substantially dust tight relationship. An exhaust blower of the dust collector is connected through a pressure hose to the fill spout support chamber. An alternating valve connected to the two hoses alternately disrupts fluid flow through one hose while allowing fluid flow through the remaining hose to alternately inflate and evacuate the dirty container connected to the fill spout support chamber. The alternate inflating and evacuation of the dirty container is repeated a predetermined number of times to remove the desired amount of particulate material from the dirty container. A third hose is connected to the dust collector for vacuuming the exterior of the dirty container.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying twist ties comprises structure for receiving the open end of the film wrapper of a bakery product; structure for severing the leading end from a length of ribbon to form a twist tie; and structure for twisting the twist tie around the end of the film wrapper, thereby closing same. A naked loaf detector and a hook jam detector are provided. All operations of the apparatus are controlled by a programmable logic controller.

Abstract: A method of aeration of liquids utilizing the injection of gas bubbles. A stream of liquid is injected with a gas, creating gas bubbles. Next, the liquid stream is directed through a restriction whereby the gas bubbles pass more quickly through the restriction and pneumatically accelerate the liquid.

Abstract: A weight lifting machine for performing a wide range of exercises, has a lift bar angularly adjustable for a starting lift position angularly upward or downward of a substantially horizontal position. An actuating bar is connected to the lift bar for movement therewith. First and second pulleys are movably mounted above and below the actuating bar such that the first pulley moves upwardly with the actuating bar and the second pulley moves downwardly with the actuating bar. The first pulley is prevented from moving downwardly when the second pulley is moved downwardly with the actuating bar and the second pulley is likewise prevented from moving upwardly when the first pulley is moved upwardly. A lift cable is threaded through the first and second pulleys such that movement of the lift bar in either direction lengthens the distance between the pulleys, thereby lifting a plate-type weight stack.

Abstract: A vacuum fill system for deaerating and compacting flowable materials within a container for transportation and storage of the materials includes a hollow chamber having an open bottom end for insertion of the chamber into the container. A rubber pad placed under the container seals the chamber for creation of a vacuum in the chamber through a vacuum line connecting the chamber to a vacuum source for deaeration of flowable materials placed within the chamber and the container. A line having a valve therein and vented to the atmosphere is connected to the chamber for returning the chamber to atmospheric pressure substantially instantaneously to compact the deaerated material into a substantially solid mass within the container. Upon completion of compaction the chamber of the vacuum fill system is removed from the interior of the container and the top of the container closed for shipment or storage.

Abstract: A muffler for reducing fluid flow noise in a hydraulic system comprises a cylindrical elastomer insert having multiple reinforced flow ports with different diameter porting, internal air chambers, and cast from an elastomer mixed with hollow glass spheres to form an insert of 40 percent air by volume. The insert is placed within a housing and connected to the hydraulic pipe assembly for receiving fluid under pressure and diverting it through the multiple flow ports of the insert wherein flow sounds, pump surges, and flushing noises of the hydraulic system are muffled by the disruption of the flow through the flow ports, the absorption by the internal air chambers, and the absorption by microspheres created by the hollow glass spheres in the elastomer insert.

Abstract: A switchable active termination device internally mounted within a peripheral device and electrically connected to the end of a Small Computer Systems Interface (SCSI) bus cable. Through use of a pair of SCSI active terminator circuit chips, the termination device actively terminates the data lines of the bus cable in a first operating mode in response to a first digital command by providing precise resistive pull-up to a predetermined value on each data line. In a second mode of operation responsive to a second digital command, the termination device disconnects all terminating resistors. Activation of the termination modes is logically driven from an included switch, with visual indication of the presence of an active termination state provided by a light emitting diode.

Abstract: An improved mechanical pipe joint for use in a bell and plain pipe end assembly. The joint includes a gland having a conical cavity for receiving a toothed split ring that coaxially compresses and grips the plain pipe end as the gland is tightened to the bell. The joint is sealed by a compressible gasket positioned between the split ring and the bell. The gland further includes an integrally formed, radially extending shelf for abutting against the split ring and mechanically stopping the gland from being pulled over the split ring during joint assembly.

Abstract: A two-part money order dispenser for printing alphanumeric indicia on preprinted money order forms includes a terminal having a keyboard for operating the dispenser and a card swipe device for reading information from a magnetic card packaged with a bundle of blank preprinted money order forms for automatic entry of the forms-related information into a memory associated with the terminal when loading the forms into the dispenser. A printer having a memory association therewith is connected to the terminal for communicating with the terminal information allowing access to the printer through an encrypted password and communication of information necessary for printing money orders. Bit-mapped graphical and alphanumeric information routinely printed is stored within the printer. Multilevel security codes having definable privileges associated therewith, a program generated security font, and a blank form retraction feature provided security against altered or counterfeit money orders.

Abstract: A battery charger for simultaneously slow charging and thereafter maintaining a charge in a plurality of plate-type batteries includes a first transformer connected through a circuit loop to a first battery wherein the circuit loop includes a rectifier, and a current limiter and visual indicator of the charge level of the battery. A second transformer is connected through another circuit loop to one battery and through a third circuit loop to a second battery. The circuit loop of the first transformer may be connected to a first battery with one of the circuit loops of the second transformer being connected to a second battery connected in series to the first battery thus allowing the two loops to remain isolated from each other and allow for charging of the series connected batteries without removal of the series connection. In a second embodiment of the invention, a switch is connected in the loop to bypass the current limiter to allow a fast charge condition.

Abstract: A two-part money order dispenser for printing alphanumeric indicia on preprinted money order forms includes a terminal having a keyboard for operating the dispenser and a card swipe device for reading information from a magnetic card packaged with a bundle of blank preprinted money order forms for automatic entry of the forms-related information into a memory associated with the terminal when loading the forms into the dispenser. A printer having a memory association therewith is connected to the terminal for communicating with the terminal information allowing access to the printer through an encrypted password and communication of information necessary for printing money orders. Multilevel security codes having definable privileges associated therewith, a program generated security font, and a blank form retraction feature provided security against altered or counterfeit money orders. The configuration of the two-part dispenser further allows efficient utilization of limited or crowded counter space.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating isoanalytes and measuring analytes in fluids includes a two-chambered filtration device having a filter positioned parallel to the majority flow of fluids. The apparatus uses continuous flow filtration to separate one component from other fluid components.An alternative apparatus for separating isoanalytes and measuring analytes in fluids includes a reaction chamber which uses intermittent flow filtration with a piston/valve assembly to separate one component from other fluid components.A method for separating isoanalytes and measuring analytes in fluids comprises the steps of: mixing a fluid sample and a precipitating reagent; directing the mixture to a filtration device; adding a color reagent; directing the filtrate to an analyzer; replacing the fluid sample with a wash solution; and replacing the precipitating reagent with a cleaning solution.

Abstract: A paint brush holder having a threaded opening for receiving a standard threaded extension rod of any desired length. The paint brush holder further includes a unique handle clamp for securely retaining the handle of the paint brush at multiple angles with respect to the received extension rod. By securing the paint brush at the desired angle and attaching the extension rod, a painter is able to access and paint, in a controlled manner, high, hard to reach painting locations such as ceiling corners, edges, moldings and trim.

Abstract: Cosmetic formulations comprising mixtures of a polysiloxane having a viscosity at 25.degree. C. of from about 500 centistokes to about 1500 centistokes, cosmetic grade lanolin oil, lanolin wax, a gelling agent, hydrocarbon-derived polymers such as polybutene or ethylene vinyl acetate, or mixtures thereof, and a dry color mix are disclosed. The dry color mix may comprise an inorganic pigment, mixtures of inorganic pigments or a mixture of inorganic pigments and a pearling agents.

Abstract: Apparatus for lubricating pistons having a pressure metered lubrication reservoir in fluid flow attachment with the piston through a lantern port in the wall of the stuffing box surrounding the piston. A check valve in fluid flow alignment between the stuffing box and the lubrication reservoir prevents the flow of spent hydraulic fluid from the stuffing box into the lubrication reservoir in the event of a seal leak or failure. A safety valve having a higher trigger pressure than the pressure of the lubricant flowing from the reservoir to the stuffing box and being in fluid flow alignment with the stuffing box and lubrication reservoir prevents the escape of lubricant flowing from the reservoir to the stuffing box, but allows the escape of spent hydraulic fluid in the event of a seal leak or failure.