Abstract: A mechanism which periodically releases a quantity of material stored in a container at predetermined intervals of time. The container is partially open and hollow, and is mounted pivotally on a first axle. The mechanism includes a counter-weight for the container. The counter-weight is sufficient to maintain the container in an upright position when empty but insufficient to maintain the container in the upright position when full. The mechanism further includes a catcher having first and second plates disposed perpendicularly or obiquely to one another. The first plate includes a closed notch near the center and an open notch at one edge of the first plate. The catcher is pivotally mounted on a second axle which passes through the closed notch. The mechanism further includes a stop member which extends from one side of the container. The stop member is disposed in the open notch of the catcher prior to release, and holds the container in an upright position until released.

Abstract: A steering system for use in a towing vehicle-trailer combination, wherein all trailer axles are load bearing and fixed. The rearmost axle on the trailer has fixed wheel mountings, and serves as a pivot for turning the trailer when it moves in either a forward or reverse direction. The axle or axles located forward of the rearmost axle of the trailer and aft of the trailer king pin has or have directional wheels that automatically track and follow in concentric pattern the path of the rear wheels of the towing vehicle. The motive force for steering the directional wheels emanates from a sensor nested in the V-slot of the firth wheel of the towing vehicle. The steering system is designed to be installed as a retrofit to existing trailers, or as optional equipment for trailers not yet manufactured. Abling and disabling the system is automatic. Abling takes place when the fifth wheel is moved into position to couple the king pin under the trailer.

Abstract: A method for testing electronic automotive components. Apparatus required is an electrical device which includes a pair of probes, a source of direct current, and a bifunctional current detector. The current detector includes a buzzer and an incandescent lamp. The positive terminal is connected to the current detector, and the negative terminal to one of the probes. The current detector is connected to the other probe. The probes are then placed in contact with the component being tested, and an observation is made as to whether or not a current is detected by the current detector. The detection or failure to detect a current provides a signal indicative of the condition of the component tested.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for counting articles. The apparatus comprises a sensor which is adapted to generate a signal characteristic of a tag attached to each article; and means for counting the number of signals, thereby providing a numerical count of the number of articles. The invention is especially adapted to counting articles of cloth such as garments or bedlinens which are routinely and repeatedly laundered or dry-cleaned at the same cleaning establishment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a window insulator and a frame therefor. The window insulator and frame comprise (a) one or more panels of an insulating material; (b) guides for the panels, including channels in which the panels are free to move; and (c) pressure-contact means for holding the guides in the casing of an existing window. One or more of the panels may consist of a thick layer of expanded polystyrene disposed between two films or sheetings of a substantially transparent (poly)methyl methacrylate resin, the polystyrene layer partially cut away to provide transparency for the window.

Abstract: The present invention provides a safe, dependable, and simple device for splitting the shells of oysters and clams. The device comprises a support, and shell-splitting means pivotally connected to the support.This invention also provides a method for splitting the shells of oysters and clams. The method comprises the steps of (a) providing a device which includes a support and shell-splitting means pivotally connected to the support; (b) depositing an oyster or clam on the support in the path of the shell-splitting means; and (c) moving the shell-splitting means pivotally toward the support, thereby contacting and splitting the shell of the oyster or clam.

Abstract: A waterbike characterized by front-end steering and horizontal stabilizing floatation members, these features providing increased maneuverability at high speeds and stability at low speeds or in a stationary position.