Abstract: An article dispensing system comprising a plurality of bins disposed in generally parallel spaced relationship and angulated for facilitating storage and discharge of at least one article contained therein. The system includes an x-y-z positioning mechanism adapted for being disposed adjacent the end of the angulated storage bins. The mechanism is adapted for both loading and retrieving individual ones of the articles into and out of the storage bins. By utilizing a gravity feed system, the mechanical complexity of the x-y-z positioning mechanism is greatly reduced as is the overall cost of the system. Each storage bin is constructed with a lip formed on the lower end thereof for retaining stored articles therein, which retaining lip is inexpensive to fabricate and facilitates simplicity in the mechanical loading and retrieving operation.

Abstract: A hand held brush specifically adapted for sweeping and cleaning regions of carpet. The brush is constructed with a handle portion in which is secured a field of bristles in a slanted bristle array. The bristle length tapers downwardly from the frontal edge of the brush to the rear edge and the flexibility varies accordingly. In this manner, the bristles may be swept through an area of carpet to remove both large and small dirt and lint particles by utilizing the varying flexibility of the bristles concomittantly with the tapering length thereacross.

Abstract: This inventive scale consists of a frame (2), a platform (3) parallel and perpendicular to the frame (2), a load lifter (5) and a level mechanism consisting of at least one arm (1). The lever mechanism transmits the load from the platform (3) to the load lifter (5) and is connected to the frame (2), the platform (3) and the load lifter (5) by means of couplings (10, 13, and 15). The lever mechanism, consisting of at least one arm (1), has a flexible connector at each end and one in the middle (7, 8, and 9). The end connectors (7 and 9) are attached to the platform (3) and the load lifter (5) by means of pins (10 and 15), respectively. The middle connector (8) is attached to the frame (2) by means of two swivel couplings (13).

Abstract: A system for the prevention of theft of a motor vehicle comprising a valve system and electronic package for the control thereof. The valve system is connected between the master cylinder and the slave cylinder of the vehicle brake system and is selectively actuatable to cause the brakes of the vehicle to lock when the vehicle's ignition is turned off. The electronic package is connected to the valve system and the ignition system for generating an alarm system for generating an alarm system for selectively actuating the valve system. A keyboard is connected to the electronic package for controlling the operation thereof and means are provided for receiving a multi-digit code in the keyboard to effect actuation and deactuation of the valve system and the release of the vehicle brakes for operation of the vehicle. A series of separate alarm sensors are provided in conjunction with the electronic package for affording added safety and theft deterrence.

Abstract: An anaerobic, pasteurizing conditioning system for treating matter such as whole and ground grain, minerals and other ingredients to increase the rate of their conversion and absorption during digestion and thus the nutritional value thereof. The system comprises a direct fired steam generator adapted for producing an effluent stream comprising steam and non-condensible gases, a vapor homogenizer for producing a substantially water-free treatment fluid from the effluent stream, and the treatment fluid containing insufficient oxygen for aerobic bacterial life. The treatment fluid, comprising steam and oxygen deficient non-condensible gases is discharged into the vessel for counter-current flow relative to grain passing therethrough.

Abstract: A grain treatment system incorporating a steam vessel and centrally disposed, grain diverting steam sparger unit for facilitating the flow of homogeneous plugs of grain therearound. The system incorporates a discharge unit having garner valves and/or flow restrictors for facilitating the anti-coring grain flow through the steam vessel with side and corner draw-off therein and the even percolation of steam upwardly therethrough for iniformly heating and moisturizing the grain. A vapor generator is used for providing a heating medium comprising a mixture of condensible and non-condensible gases introduced into the grain through the centrally disposed steam sparger. In this manner, homogeneous plugs of grain are uniformly passed through and discharged from the grain treatment system permitting controlled heating and moisturizing of grain and substantially eliminating problems of coring, grain clingage, static sludge build-up and associated grain treatment problems prevalent in many prior art systems.

Abstract: A ball pitching system comprising a pneumatically actuated pitching arm and automatic ball feed system. The pneumatic actuation is provided by an automatic pressure sensor valve. Compressed air is provided by a DC compressor affixed to the frame of the pitching apparatus and may be powered by a conventional 12 volt vehicular battery system. In this manner the preselect pitching of baseballs and the like along a predefined trajectory can be provided at remote locations away from conventional power sources by using conventional automotive electrical supply. The system further provides a reliable, inexpensive assemblage require little maintenance and maximum enjoyment of use with baseballs and the like.

Abstract: An interface circuit for a telephone instrument forming part of a character display phone PBX system. The circuit is connected to receive data signals indicative of the condition of the character display and keyboard portions of the instrument, and to store and manage the incoming data and produce a serial RS232 output for communication of the data to a computer or terminal device. The interface enables the use of a computing device to store large amounts of information related to potential calling parties and called parties which may be identified in the display of the telephone instrument and also to associate such information with messages entered into the computer via the keyboard. The overall system thus enables custom answering of a multiplicity of lines of such a character display phone system and use of a single multi-line phone as a messaging center.

Abstract: A roof ventilator closure assembly for mounting under a roof and including a door which slides within a framework to selectively cover and uncover an opening in the framework positioned in registry with the ventilator opening in the roof. The opening in the framework is covered by screen material to prevent the entry of insects and animals through the ventilator when the framework opening is uncovered by the door.

Abstract: An anatomically configured racket grip which includes a rotationally symmetrical gripping surface having a uniform midsection whose length is approximately its cross-sectional dimension, an upper transition region varying the cross-sectional dimension from that of the uniform midsection to that of the racket shaft, and a lower transition region varying the dimension from that of the uniform midsection to a reduced cross-sectional dimension. The hand while grasping the improved grip has improved surface area contact therewith, has the muscles thereof positioned near their resting position for optimal exercise of force and control, and the pressure against the regions of the hand which can cut off circulation to the tissues of the hand is minimized to reduce fatigue resulting from use of the grip.

Abstract: A linear movement tuning key for the peg head of a stringed musical instrument. A key includes a generally cylindrical body portion having a radially extending flange at the upper end, upon which is mounted a guide roller having its axis generally coplanar with the body of an instrument string. The roller is adapted for receiving the string thereacross and rotating therewith for direct orthogonal transfer of string tensioning forces. A tuning piston is mounted within a central axial opening in the cylindrical body portion of the key with the lower inner portion of the axial opening being threaded to receive a screw actuation ram. The lower, outer portion of the key body is also threaded to receive a cylindrical mounting sleeve, the upper edge of bears against the under surface of the peg head to rigidly secure the key body portion within the peg head.

Abstract: A texturing system for brick fabrication comprising a plurality of slapping members mounted to at least one transmission belt for engaging individual edges of bricks within an array of bricks. The bricks are positioned beneath the slapping members while in a deformable state. An array of staggered lifting plates are positioned beneath the bricks for exposing opposite edge portions thereof to the slapping elements. The transmission belt is driven transversely to the movement of the bricks array for imparting the texturing force of the slapping elements to the underlying bricks along upstanding edge portions thereof. A series of three transmission belts are preferably used above a staggered pattern of two plate rows for treating the longitudinal sides of all bricks within an array. In this manner, an improved rough, used brick appearance may be imparted to individual brick elements while disposed in a common fabrication array.

Abstract: Apparatus for selectively diverting articles carried by a conveyor roller system of the type utilizing a field of rollers mounted for rotation upon an underlying drive belt. An angulated transfer roller is rotatably mounted between existing rollers in the field and powered by an aligned drive roller in frictional engagement with the drive belt. The drive roller is mounted and aligned in generally parallel spaced relationship relative to the adjacent rollers of the field. The angular orientation of the transfer, or diverting roller, is provided by a generally "Y" shaped housing. This configuration permits the diverting roller to be angulated and selectively upstand through the notional plane of conveyance of the field of rollers by rotation of the housing. In this position, the angulated transfer roller engages an article passing therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention provides an air-handling unit that can supply air, to a desired space, which is cold, which is cooler than the set point of the thermostat for that space and hence is referred to as cool air, which is warmer than that set point and hence is referred to as warm air, or which is hot. That unit can operate even when very low pressure air is supplied to it; and hence it is connectable to a conventional low pressure cold air duct. That unit may have a heat source incorporated into it, may utilize air from that space which is cooler than that set point and hence can be referred as cool air, and may utilize air from that space which is warmer than that set point and hence can be referred to as warm air. Dampers in that unit control the amount of cold air and cool air that is supplied to that space, and a blower and the heat source in that unit control the amount of warm air and hot air which is supplied to that space.