Abstract: A void cap having a stepped configuration converging to a discharge end enhances blending action by disrupting the sliding action of the materials as they pass along the void cap. Sloped angles at each of the stepped configurations facilitate discharge of material. The void cap is particularly adapted for attachment to one or both ends of steel or fiberboard drum containers thereby changing the total volume of such containers to facilitate addition of materials and/or blending of materials.

Abstract: A programmable device for controlling the amount of heat supplied to a building by a circulating medium by enabling a circuit to a heater such as an oil or gas burner, or a steam valve to open and close during predetermined times and in response to the temperature of the outside air and the temperature of the medium. The predetermined times can occur during a multi-day cycle such as a week. As the outside air temperature rises and falls, the circuit will be opened or closed depending on whether the device is at a predetermined time and whether that temperature falls above or below a predetermined value and depending on the temperature of the circulating medium. Additionally, the device can be set so that when the outside air temperature falls below a predetermined level the circuit is closed to add heat to the building without regard to where in the program cycle the device is.

Abstract: A heat retaining device comprising a plurality of heat retaining elements which can be positioned on the burner of a hot water heater. While the burner is ignited they collect and store heat from the burner which ordinarily might be wasted. After the burner is de-energized the heat that they release keeps the water in the hot water heater warm so that the intervals between energization of the burner are increased and fuel is saved thereby.

Abstract: A vibration device which provides a soothing pleasurable sensation in response to the audio output from an electronic device such as a record player, tape player, television set or radio. The device includes a housing which supports a speaker. The speaker vibrates in response to a signal received from the audio output of the electronic device. The speaker is contained within a housing which vibrates in response to the vibrations of the speaker while muffling the sounds that it creates. A listener can place his hand on the housing and sense the vibrations. The device can be used in conjunction with an audible signal or without the audible signal.

Abstract: A radio telephone system comprising a base station and a plurality of portable units. The base station transmits information to portable units on a first frequency and the portable units transmit information to the base station on a second frequency. Each of the frequencies is divided into a number of communications channels by time division multiplexing. In one aspect the portable units include means for detecting the calling signal assigned to a particular portable unit which calling signal is sent by the base station and to cooperate with a switch to apply signals to a gate which then energizes an alarm at the particular portable unit to indicate to a person at the portable unit that the base station is calling. In another aspect the system includes a scanner and a channel seizing means which are both coupled to the receiver of the system and to each other.

Abstract: A device which can be used to transport ski boots, poles and skis over both snow and clear terrain. It comprises an elongated member which supports wheels, a member for sliding over snow, means for supporting ski boots and means for supporting poles and skis. The device is collapsible so that its size when not being used to carry skis is substantially less than when it is in its full extended configuration.

Abstract: A programmable device for controlling the amount of heat supplied to a building by opening and closing a circuit to a heat source such as an oil or gas burner or a steam valve during predetermined times and in response to the temperature of the outside air. The predetermined times can occur during a multiday cycle, such as a week. As the outside air temperature rises and falls, the circuit will be closed later or sooner, respectively. Additionally, the device can be set so that when the outside air temperature falls below a predetermined level the circuit is closed to add heat to the building notwithstanding where in the programmed cycle the device is. Conversely, the device can be set so that when the outside air temperature reaches a predetermined maximum, the circuit is opened to halt the addition of heat to the building notwithstanding wherein the programmed cycle the device is.

Abstract: A docking station for rotating a container to mix the materials therein. The docking station includes fluid actuated cylinders which are operative to retain the container thereon during rotation. The cylinders are actuated by a mechanism which is energized when the container is received on the docking station. Additionally, means supporting containers with round sides so that they can be rotated by the docking station is disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and a system are disclosed for storing and transporting material as well as conducting required batch processing operations on the material within a container having exterior fittings designed for use in conjunction with a quick connect-disconnect docking station. A member of the docking station is capable of interlocking with containers of different size and shapes in a positive self-positioning manner. Blending, mixing, chemical reaction, and reconstituting of liquid and/or solid material in each container or inverting of a container itself can then be accomplished without having to transfer the material to additional process equipment. In addition to the significant materials handling advantages obtained, the apparatus and system virtually eliminate pollution and contamination problems for batch processing operations.

Abstract: A void cap having a stepped configuration converging to a discharge end enhances blending action by disrupting the sliding action of the materials as they pass along the void cap. Sloped angles at each of the stepped configurations facilitate discharge of material. The void cap is particularly adapted for attachment to one or both ends of steel or fiberboard drum containers thereby changing the total volume of such containers to facilitate addition of materials and/or blending of materials.

Abstract: A hollow mixing bar having at least one blade pivoted at one end by attachment to the mixing bar such that it is designed to rest against the mixing bar until the mixing bar is rotated. As the mixing bar is rotated the unattached end of each blade moves away from the plane of the mixing bar thereby contributing to the blending or decompaction action of the mixing bar. The blade can also protect apertures in the mixing bar used for introduction of fluid materials through the mixing bar and the outlet apertures. The design of the mixing bar is especially advantageous in that it minimizes the initial torque necessary to blend or decompact solids and is readily removable for cleaning. In the preferred embodiment the mixing bar provides a wide range of blending action ranging from gentle vibration to violent agitation.

Abstract: Apparatus and a system are disclosed for storing and transporting material as well as conducting required batch processing operations on the material within a container having exterior fittings designed for use in conjunction with a quick connect-disconnect docking station. A member of the docking station interlocks with containers of different size in a positive self-positioning manner. Blending, mixing, chemical reaction, and reconstituting of liquid and/or solid material in the container or inverting of the container itself can then be accomplished without having to transfer the material to additional process equipment. In addition to the significant materials handling advantages obtained, the apparatus and system virtually eliminate pollution and contamination problems for batch processing operations.

Abstract: Apparatus and a system are disclosed for storing and transporting material as well as conducting required batch processing operations on the material within a container having exterior fittings designed for use in conjunction with a quick connect-disconnect docking station. A member of the docking station interlocks with containers of different size in a positive self-positioning manner. Blending, mixing, chemical reaction, and reconstituting of liquid and/or solid material in the container or inverting of the container itself can then be accomplished without having to transfer the material to additional process equipment. In addition to the significant materials handling advantages obtained, the apparatus and system virtually eliminate pollution and contamination problems for batch processing operations.

Abstract: A novel structural panel comprising a frame and two sets of overlapping or intersecting arch members within the interior of the frame is disclosed. The middle portions of the first set of arch members are securely fastened to the middle portion of a first base member of the rectangular frame, while the middle portions of the second set of arch members are securely fastened to the middle portion of the opposing base side of the frame. The ends of the arch members are securely fastened to the interior surface of the frame. Alternatively, a plurality of separate side-by-side single-set panels may be utilized, one having only arch members opening downwardly and the next having arch members only opening upwardly.

Abstract: A boiler tube extractor comprising an elongated member which can be coupled to and extend forwardly of the tube sheet of a boiler. An actuable pulling means can be coupled between the end of the elongated member remote from the tube sheet and the tube which is to be extracted. When the means is actuated, the boiler tube is extracted.