Abstract: A heavy duty apparatus and method are disclosed for holding or locking a ladder or other object in place, say, to a vehicle, such as a van and its rack and/or a rack mounted on a camper top of a pickup truck. The apparatus has a fixed portion and a movable portion which can engage the rings of a ladder and/or a one or more piece of large sheet material in place.

Abstract: An actuator (100) for actuating an onboard device (200) on a sailboat (300), comprises: a piston (2) slidably mounted within a cylinder (1) and movable between a first operating position, in which the piston is at a first end portion (3a) of the cylinder (1), and a second operating position, in which the piston is at a second end portion (3b) of the cylinder (1); hydraulic means (101, 15) for supplying a pressurised working fluid at the first end portion (3a) of the cylinder (1), this fluid being adapted to cause the piston (2) to move from the first operating position to the second operating position; pneumatic means for supplying (102, 11) a pressurised gas at the second end portion (3b) of the cylinder, this gas being adapted to cause the piston (2) to move from the second operating position to the first operating position.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a heddle (1), more specifically a lifting heddle as part of a leno selvedge device, the heddle comprising a head portion and a base portion with a closed or an open eyelet for mounting to a heddle frame or to a heddle ridge bar (13), the head portion and/or base portion (2, 3) being adapted to be secured stationarily to the heddle frame or the heddle ridge bar (13), with the head portion (2) and/or the base portion (3) being adapted to be interlockingly and non-slidably fixed to the heddle frame or to the heddle ridge bar (13) by means of a detent system (11, 12, 13a).

Abstract: A compact inverted-F antenna having a radiator arm formed from portions disposed in two parallel spaced apart planes and connected together electrically to form a folded meander-line topology. The planes may be defined by the surfaces of a dielectric substrate and the radiator arm may be formed from upper and lower conductive traces printed on either side of the dielectric substrate and interconnected serially through filled via holes. The antenna includes a ground plane parallel to and spaced apart from the radiator arm. The ground plane may be a grid conductive wall formed from filled via holes through the dielectric substrate.

Abstract: A device for injecting additive fluids into a stream of a primary fluid as it passes through a common central bore is characterized by a series of specially formed layers each having a particular fluid flow pattern formed therein. The layers are registered one above the other and sandwiched together to form an integral unit in which there are separate fluid flow channels for each of a desired number of additive fluids. Each channel has an inlet for receiving fluid from an associated pressurized source and a plurality of outlets terminating in angularly spaced relationship around an interior perimeter surface of the common bore. A selection mechanism provides for choosing a desired additive fluid for injection into the primary fluid in a manner coordinated with the flow of the primary fluid through the common bore.

Abstract: An ice/beverage dispenser is characterized by an ice/beverage dispensing machine having an integral ice making capacity. An icemaker of the dispenser and the ice and beverage dispensing portion share an evaporator that that is utilized both for chilling beverage water for dispensing and for making ice. The evaporator is efficiently utilized in that one side of it is used for making ice and both sides of it are used for chilling water. The present invention uses a processor based control circuit that operates the refrigeration system between ice-making and water chilling modes in such manner as to ensure that cold beverages will always be served. The ice/beverage dispenser also includes a system for quickly combining and separating the ice making and beverage dispensing water supply, water drain and electrical functions.

Abstract: An ice/beverage dispenser is characterized by an ice/beverage dispensing machine having an integral ice making capacity. An icemaker of the dispenser and the ice and beverage dispensing portion share an evaporator that that is utilized both for chilling beverage water for dispensing and for making ice. The evaporator is efficiently utilized in that one side of it is used for making ice and both sides of it are used for chilling water. The present invention uses a processor based control circuit that operates the refrigeration system between ice-making and water chilling modes in such manner as to ensure that cold beverages will always be served. The ice/beverage dispenser also includes a system for quickly combining and separating the ice making and beverage dispensing water supply, water drain and electrical functions.

Abstract: A container comprises a substantially dimensionally stable outer wall and an easily deformable inner pouch which gradually contracts upon discharge of the contents of the container. As a result, pressure compensation is provided in the increasing space between the outer wall and the inner pouch. The outer wall and the inner pouch have, therebetween, a layer of a pressure compensating material that expands when acted upon by an agent. The expanding layer comprises, in an exemplary embodiment, citric acid and sodium bicarbonate foam acting against the inner pouch. The foamed pressure-compensating layer supports the inner pouch so that no vacuum is generated in the pouch.

Abstract: A modular diluent changeover manifold for beverage dispensers provides quick and convenient changeover of supply of two different beverage liquid diluents to post-mix beverage dispensing valves. The diluent changeover manifold is mounted within a beverage dispenser behind a beverage valve mounting panel. The modular changeover manifold and valve assembly, when assembled, consists of a pair of diluent tubes and a plurality of changeover valves. Each changeover valve has an outlet fluidly connected to an associated one of the beverage dispensing valves and each tube supplies a different diluent, such as plain water and carbonated water, to one of two inlets to each changeover valve. The changeover valves are individually manually manipulateable to deliver to their associated beverage valves either the diluent from the first tube or the diluent from the second tube.

Abstract: A paint spray booth sludge recovery system, apparatus and method is provided for water washed paint spray booths. The spray booths are used with a tank or pit which can accommodate flotation for removal of spent paint. Preferably, the tank has a drop box section, a chemical treatment section, a weir box section and a booth recirculation pump section. A series of weirs are used to separate the spent paint and send a concentration thereof from the weir box to a separator or centrifuge. The water level in the system is controlled by sensing the weir box water level to keep the water crests over the weirs at the desired levels. Scavenging and agitation are provided in the tank to keep it entirely clean for prolonged periods without any accumulation, even during downtime.

Abstract: An ice dispensing chute mechanism is characterized by an ice chute adapted for attachment at an upper ice inlet end to an ice retaining bin at an ice outlet from the bin. An actuating arm is pivotally mounted on the ice chute and has a lower end for being contacted and moved by a receptacle into which ice is to be dispensed from a lower ice discharge end of the chute and an upper end for contacting and moving a linkage mechanism upon rotation of the actuating arm by the receptacle. The linkage mechanism is pivotally mounted on the ice chute and is coupled to an ice gate that is linearly moved by the linkage mechanism between open and closed positions that establish and interrupt communication between the upper inlet to the chute and the ice outlet opening from the bin.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser to provide a plurality of different flavors with accurate mixing control comprises a housing (40, 42, 44) containing a diluent valve (46A, 46B) and at least two concentrate valves (48A, B, C, D), each valve having its own inlet (12) and outlet (14), characterized in that all the outlets (14) lead to a single dispense nozzle (50A, B, C), a flow rate sensor (16) is provided for each valve, the flow rate sensors (16) being connected to a controller (54), and a setting mechanism (52A, B, C, D, E, F) is provided to open and close each valve, the controller (54) operating the setting mechanisms whereby one concentrate valve and the diluent valve may be opened to dispense a particular beverage and, in response to the sensed flow rates through those opened valves, controlling the degree of opening of those valves to achieve a predetermined diluent to concentrate ratio for the beverage mixture in the dispense nozzle (50A, B, C).

Abstract: A beverage cooling system for an ice and beverage dispenser is characterized by a cold plate for mounting a carbonator tank. The cold plate is provided with carbonator tank supports for mounting the carbonator tank in intimate heat exchange contact with the cold plate, with the carbonator tank being mounted sufficiently far away from heat exchange surfaces of the cold plate that it does not interfere with ice contacting the heat exchange surfaces. The arrangement is such that there is substantially no diminution of a surface area of the cold plate that is available to receive ice. At the same time, the carbonator is effectively cooled through direct heat exchange contact with the cold plate.

Abstract: A system for delivering a selected one of two diluents to beverage dispensing valves is characterized by a manifold having a plurality of pairs of first and second diluent outlet orifices. One diluent is delivered to all of the first outlet orifices and the other diluent is delivered to all of the second outlet orifices. Hoses coupled at one end to diluent inlets to associated ones of the dispensing valves each have a connector at their opposite end which is adapted to be selectively and releasably connected with either the first or second orifice of an associated pair of orifices in accordance with whichever diluent is to be delivered by the hose to its associated dispensing valve. Stop plugs are releasably inserted into and close the non-selected orifices to prevent escape of diluent from those orifices. A retainer releasably retains the connectors and stop plugs in the orifices.

Abstract: A sampling apparatus is characterized by a sampler and a sample collection station. The sampler is stationary and periodically delivers discrete product samples to a stationary inlet to the sample collection station. The sample collection station includes a deck having a plurality of passages in linearly aligned spaced relationship, a plurality of sample collection containers, and inlets to the sample collection containers that are in communication with associated ones of the deck passages. The deck is linearly indexed in both directions of movement along the linear alignment of the deck passages to place selected ones of the deck passages into communication with the stationary inlet, so that product samples delivered by the sampler to the sample collection station are directed into selected ones of the sample collection containers.

Abstract: The present invention is a display rack for goods and is primarily a wire formed structure that also employs channel rod as well as formed plastic top and bottom cap structures. In the preferred embodiment there exists a central rectangular frame structure having a base and extending upward there from to a top end portion. Each of the four sides of the central structure includes a rotating wall or door wherein each door includes a front retail side surface for retaining goods thereon and an opposite blocking paneled surface. The doors can be locked into either the retail or blocked position. Four carousels are also secured to and form an integral part of each of the four corners of the central frame. The carousels each have columns for retaining goods and one flat blocking panel column, all positioned vertically and symmetrically around each carousel perimeter. Each carousel can be locked into a gods blocking position or be unlocked and free to rotate.

Abstract: An improved film coater which utilizes one or more coater or applicators to transfer coating to the outer surfaces of at least one more rolls, which in turn transfers the coating from the roll surface to one or more sides of the web for coating paper is disclosed. The coater or applicator includes a smoothing doctor on the web and downstream of the one or more rolls, and may also utilize humidity from one of steam showers or a humidity enclosure to assist smoothing. The web may run in any direction, but preferably runs upwardly from the roll toward the doctor to reduce “film split” droplets effect. The present invention also reduces the fiber rise and arrange peel pattern on the coated web, resulting in a smooth uniform coated paper.

Abstract: A sampler for obtaining wine samples from a wine holding tank is characterized by a manually operable sampler and a connecting device for coupling the sampler to an opening to the tank. The connecting device has open and closed states and the sampler is coupled to the connecting device while it is closed, after which the connecting device is opened to establish a path between the sampler and tank opening. A probe of the sampler, having a forward sample receiving inlet that may be opened and closed, is then manually extended, while its inlet is closed, through the connecting device and tank opening into and through lees deposited as a sediment layer in the region of the tank opening, until the probe inlet is positioned beyond the sediment layer and in wine that is relatively free of sediment. The probe inlet is then opened for flow of a sample of wine from the tank into the inlet and through and out of the probe to a collection container.

Abstract: A fluid flow control valve is provided with means for detecting and quantifying valve seat leakage when the valve is in its closed position. Any fluid leaking past the seat flows through an orifice of known, fixed dimensions present downstream of the seat when the valve is in its closed position. Pressure transducers measure a first pressure immediately upstream of the seat, a second pressure between the seat and the orifice, and a third pressure immediately downstream of the orifice. The second and third pressures are used to calculate flow through the orifice, and the calculated flow is used with the first and second pressures to determine the size of a leak path across the seat.

Abstract: An electronic control for the operation of a beverage dispenser of the refrigerated ice bank type is shown. The control provides for reliable determinations of when ice production is needed and when it is not needed. A microprocessor receives information from an ice bank probe and from a temperature probe located within the ice bank. Data collected by the microprocessor from both the ice bank probe and the temperature probe is used to determine if the ice bank is either insufficient in size and should be increased or is of sufficient size such that the compressor can be turned off. A carbonator level probe is also shown and connected to the microprocessor. The microprocessor is programmed whereby the carbonator probes are sampled in a manner to accurately determine the level of water in the carbonator and therefore the need for turning on or turning off any water pump connected thereto.