Abstract: A vending machine containing horizontal pivotable shelves disposed side-by-side are adapted to support articles to be dispensed. A device is disclosed for selectively converting two adjacent shelves so that they function as a single shelf whereby an operator can simultaneously attain dispensing from the two adjacent shelves.

Abstract: A container such as a glass bottle is inspected for out-of-round condition while being rotated and moved in line through a test area. A transmitter transducer directs a signal such as a 40 Khz acoustic wave to the outer surface of the bottle. The signal (such as the acoustic wave) reflected from the outer surface of the bottle is received by a receiver transducer. Changes in the phase difference between the transmitted and received signals are detected while the bottle is rotated. The difference between the maximum and minimum values of the changes in phase difference is compared to a threshold value to determine whether an out-of-round condition is tolerable. The bottle is ejected from the line if the difference signal exceeds the threshold value.

Abstract: A check out lane is defined along one side by a stationary shelf display and a movable shelf display. The movable display is pivotable from a position parallel to a lane to a position blocking the lane and is then reciprocal along the lane in a direction away from the stationary display so that it does not block access to shelves on the stationary display.

Abstract: A chamber is provided with a built-in material dispenser. A confined space such as a conduit associated with the chamber contains a pressurized material, such as fire suppressant, which is released when the chamber is subjected to one or more of the following: heat above a predetermined temperature, an impact force as occasioned by a collision, pressure above a predetermined limit, etc.

Abstract: A sock lining layer corresponding to the shape of a shoe is secured to one side of a foam layer of substantially the same size and shape. A backer layer is secured to the other side of the foam layer. The periphery of said layers are secured together. Slippage control between the sock lining and the foam layer is attained by stitching in the form of a closed loop wholly disposed at the location adapted to support a ball of a foot. The loop stitching has two extensions each extending from one end of the loop to the periphery of said layers at a location between the heel end of the layers and said one end of said loop.

Abstract: A friction driven driverless vehicle includes a frame with support wheels adapted to ride on rails. A drive wheel on the frame is provided for frictional contact with a drive shaft parallel to the rails. A motor driven cam is provided on the frame for controlling the position of the drive wheel relative to the drive shaft. The cam is coupled to the drive wheel by a cam follower and linkage.

Abstract: A steam surface condenser has its tube bundle arranged in a manner so as to have an outer zone of tubes for receiving cold water and surrounding an inner zone of tubes containing warmer water so that most of the condensing of the steam is in the outer zone. A gas cooling section is located in the outer zone adjacent the upper end of the tube bundle. Condensate trays are provided adjacent the cooling section at spaced points along the length of the tube bundle for receiving condensate. Conduits are provided for conveying the condensate from the trays to the exterior of the shell so that such condensate does not contaminate condensate in a hot well.

Abstract: A tiltable, portable, pivotable marine type ladder which is horizontally oriented in its normal position and tiltable to a vertical position by the application of an initial force in the vertical downward direction. The ladder having two parallel struts capable of being secured to a marine structure, such as a floating dock, and having counterweight balances at the top of two support members pivotably connected to the struts. When one exits the ladder, the slight movement of the water activates the ladder such that it reverts to its original horizontal position.

Abstract: A copper alloy for use as a lead material for semiconductor devices, which comprises 0.04-1.0% Ni, 0.01-0.3% Si, and 0.05-15% Zn, all by weight, and the remainder Cu and inevitable impurities. The alloy may contain, in addition to these, a total amount of 0.001-1.0% by weight of one or two or more elements as an accessory ingredient or ingredients selected from the group consisting of 0.001-0.1% by weight each of P and As and 0.01-0.5% by weight each of Ti, Cr, Sn, Mn, and Mg.

Abstract: A driverless vehicle is supported by wheels adapted to ride on a floor whereby the conveyor system does not include rails for supporting the vehicle. Guide rollers are provided on one side of the vehicle for contact with a guide on a floor mounted frame. The frame includes a drive shaft for driving a drive wheel on the vehicle. The drive wheel can oscillate about a generally horizontal axis between a drive position and an accumulation position. The floor supported frame includes pivotally mounted sections so that the vehicle can traverse 90.degree. angles.

Abstract: A disposable thermocouple body is made from a lamination of flat paper plates. Sets of paper plates are of progressively increasing width up to the middle plate which supports a U-shaped thermocouple shield. The body is adapted to be mounted in one end of a lance for immersion into a molten metal bath.

Abstract: A method of causing a sample of pig iron to solidify to a white structure by adding misch metal to the sampling cavity.

Abstract: Organosilicon compounds referred to as silacrown ethers or "silacrowns" are of the general formula: ##STR1## where R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are organic radicals or hydrogen and n is an integer between 4 and 10 inclusive. Silacrown ethers are prepared by reacting polyethylene glycol with substituted silanes under conditions promoting cyclization over polymerization. Silacrown ethers may be employed as phase-transfer catalysts in solution or immobilized on siliceous supports.

Abstract: A copper alloy with high strength and excellent electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, and spring qualities, comprises 0.4-8% nickel, 0.1-3% silicon, 10-35% zinc, concomitant impurities, and the remainder copper, all by weight. It further comprises at least one element as an accessory ingredient or ingredients selected from the group consisting of 0.001-0.1 wt % each of phosphorus and arsenic and 0.01-1 wt % each of titanium, chromium, tin, and magnesium. The accessory ingredient or ingredients combinedly account for 0.001-2% of the total weight of the alloy composition.

Abstract: The sampler includes two refractory body sections with two metal plates extending between and interconnecting the sections into a rigid unit. Said metal plates define two walls of a sampling chamber. Refractory surfaces define the remaining walls of said chamber. A first thermocouple is provided in the chamber for sensing the liquidus temperature as the sample cools and a second thermocouple senses bath temperature.

Abstract: The caliper of single face corrugated paperboard is measured and a caliper signal is generated. A gap signal is generated to represent the gap between a rider roll and an applicator roll. A value is subtracted from the caliper signal or a value is added to the gap signal to represent the desired compression of the paperboard as it passes between the rider roll and the applicator roll. A comparator compares the signals after one of the signals has been modified and generates a difference signal. A motor responsive to the difference signal is provided for adjusting the rider roll so as to maintain the gap at a preselected value with respect to the caliper of the board prior to its compression.

Abstract: First and second tracks of a conveyor system intersect at right angles. A drive shaft is associated with each set of tracks. Driverless vehicles ride on the tracks and are provided with first and second sets of drive wheels. The sets of drive wheels are used alternatively and each set has an operative position and an inoperative position. A device is provided on the vehicle for moving the first set of drive wheels from a drive position to an accumulation position and thereafter moving the second set of wheels from an accumulation position to a drive position.

Abstract: A metallographic structure such as nodularity in castings to be made from molten metal is predicted by causing one part of the sample to rapidly solidify at a first rate and a second part of the sample to solidify at a slower rate. The temperature of at least said one part of the sample is measured during solidification. After solidification of the one part of the sample, the heat conductivity of the sample is used to predict the metallographic structure of the sample.

Abstract: A trailer van is adapted to load compressible materials in sequential steps resulting in a compressed product load. The product is compressed by a bulkhead which in turn is moved by a pair of wheeled trolleys. A separate pair of cables is associated with each trolly for stabilizing the trolleys in a vertical disposition. A chain tensioner sprocket is used in conjunction with each loop arrangement and trolley. A direction reversing control valve and handle are located in the trailer floor adjacent the rear opening.