Abstract: An orbital threaded fastener assembly includes an orbital nut or bolt and a split thread ring. Each of the nut or bolt and the thread ring has formed thereon a series of alternating, coaxial, circumferential grooves and teeth sized to mateably engage each other. These grooves and teeth can be formed on either the internal surface of the nut and the external surface of the ring or the external surface of the bolt and the internal surface of the ring. In use, the diameter of the ring is resiliently expanded or contracted to permit it to be disposed at a desired axial position along the nut or bolt to engage each other, thereby preventing relative axial movement of the parts while accomodating relative rotational movement thereof. The surface of the ring opposite that carrying the grooves and teeth is threaded to permit threaded coupling to an associated threaded component.

Abstract: A pharmacy carousel comprising an open cylindrical frame having a plurality of independently rotatable discs, a tray on each disc on which bulk containers of medication may be stored, and a lockout assembly which prevents a tray from rotating while it is in use. In a preferred embodiment, the pharmacy carousel further comprises a motor assembly which permits each tray to rotate independently of the other trays.

Abstract: The food slicing apparatus comprises a tube through which the vegetables pass. Extending through the tube are four sets of blades all at the same acute angle to the path of the vegetables. The blades in the first and second sets lie in parallel planes and the blades in the third and fourth sets also lie in parallel planes which are perpendicular to the planes containing the first and second sets. The angles of the blades in the first and second sets are of opposite polarity and the angles of the blades in the third and fourth sets are of opposite polarity. The leading portion of one blade and the trailing portion of the adjacent blade overlap.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a system for brewing and dispensing high quality beverages at remote locations comprising a high volume urn, a high volume transfer system, an insulated mobile canister, a dispensing system having a compressor, tank and hose assembly, and a dispensing tap. Coffee, or other brewed beverage, is brewed in the high volume urn. Once a complete batch of coffee has been brewed, the entire batch is transferred via gravity to a clean and empty mobile canister. Once full, the mobile canister can be moved to a remote dispensing location or stored for future use. When the mobile canister is moved to the dispensing location it is connected to the dispensing system which uses an air compressor to pressurize the beverage within mobile canister. The dispensing system also connects the canister to the dispensing tap, via a short, removable dispensing hose.

Abstract: An automatic bird feeder comprised of a storage container for feed, a hole or opening in the storage container for adding feed to the storage container, a feeder positioned above the storage container, a feed tube connecting the storage container with the feeder, the feed tube having a slot therein through which feed may enter the feed tube from the storage container, a drive unit, an augur or telescoping shaft located within the feed tube, wherein the augur or telescoping shaft conveys feed from the storage container to the feeder when the drive unit is activated, and an electronic sensor device in the feeder to detect the level of feed present in the feeder.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a multi-ply square bottom bag having a front wall, a back wall, a pair of gusseted side walls, each of which join to said front and back walls. There is also formed a gusseted square bottom panel having spaced but substantially parallel gusset edges and said bottom is joined to the front, back and side walls. The bag is produced by providing a web of inner ply material and a web of outer ply material, adhesively joining said webs into a composite and forming said bag from said joined webs. The improvement relates to forming a first flap in the inner web by cutting the web so as to form a plurality of free edges and a hinge line for said flap. The hinge line is connected to the free edges so that the free edges and hinge line define the flap. Thereafter joining the inner and outer webs to form the composite web.

Abstract: Potatoes are conveyed one at a time along a predetermined path ending at a cutter that cuts the potatoes into helical strips. A series of four rings surrounds the path. Each ring has a plurality of nozzles that produce jets of water intersecting at a point in the path. At the outlet of the series of four rings is an orienter through which the potatoes pass. The rings and the orienter align and guide the potatoes as they move along the path and through the cutter.

Abstract: A multi-ply square bottom bag having a front wall, a back wall, a pair of gusseted side walls, each joining a front and a back panel, and a folded and gusseted bottom panel defining a pair of interior spaced gusset edges extending between the front and back panels with the edges being substantially parallel to each other and the bottom panel joining the front, back and side panels. The multi-ply bag has an inner ply and an outer ply. The inner ply defines a first flap adapted to be positioned to engage said bottom panel and overlie at least a first portion of said gusset edges.

Abstract: A flavored potato slice contains even distribution of flavoring, including even distribution of flavoring particles on the surface of the slice. Such potato slice is produced by a process in which the particles are suspended in a marinade in which the raw potato slices are immersed.

Abstract: The system comprises a tank containing water and potatoes entrained therein. A food pump transports the mixture through a relatively long accelerator conduit of tapering cross-section. Some of the water from the output of this conduit is bypassed in accordance with the setting of a valve. A second conduit also has a tapering cross-section to align the potatoes. A water-operated turbine carries a disc-like cutter which is arranged in close proximity to the output of the second conduit. The cutter cuts the potato into helical lengths. Slitter blades on the cutter further cut the potato into helical strips. The turbine has a rotor which, in turn, carries a flywheel portion, the two parts being integral. Bearings press-fit on the rotor are journalled onto upstream and downstream stators in the turbine. Lubricating water is delivered to the bearing surfaces between the rotor and the stators.

Abstract: A multi-hulled boat has at least three hulls, with the outside hulls extending forward beyond the central or inside hull or hulls. The hulls are tapered with a cross-sectional configuration that increases in side front to rear, thus forming a channel or tunnel between adjacent hulls which decreases in cross-sectional size front to rear. Air entering the tunnels is compressed, thus imparting a lifting force to the hulls lifting the hulls partially out of the water to decrease the hydraulic drag on the hulls. The hulls have identical cross-sectional areas at identical transverse planar sections thereof. The bottom of each hull is flat and inclined at an angle with the horizontal. The hull bottoms join the hull sides at a chamfer which increases in size front to rear. Shutters or flaps may be used to partially or fully close off the tunnels between the hulls to control airflow or to trap water-borne material to be collected and recycled.

Abstract: The system comprises a tank containing water and potatoes entrained therein. A food pump transports the mixture through a relatively long accelerator conduit of tapering cross section. Some of the water from the output of this conduit is bypassed in accordance with the setting of a valve. A second conduit also has a tapering cross-section to align the potatoes. A water-operated turbine carries a disc-like cutter which is arranged in close proximity to the output of the second conduit. The cutter cuts the potato into helical lengths. Slitter blades on the cutter further cut the potato into helical strips. The turbine has a rotor which, in turn, carries a flywheel portion, the two parts being integral. Bearings press-fit on the rotor are journalled onto upstream and downstream stators in the turbine. Lubricating water is delivered to the bearing surfaces between the rotor and the stators.