Abstract: A line protector for communications circuits comprises a gas tube having external contact surfaces for connections to communication lines and to ground. A conductive member is proximate to the contact surfaces that are associated with the communication lines. A dielectric substance interposed between the conductive member and the last-mentioned contact surfaces melts upon overheating of the protector resulting from the excessive line current. The conductive member, due to its resiliency, engages the subjacent contact surface or surfaces thereby resulting in a direct short circuit between the protected line and ground. A shield over at least part of the gas tube in the region of the conductive member prevents potting compound or foreign matter from obstructing the function of the conductive member.

Abstract: A medical body implant element that is intended to experience rolling or sliding pressure during its function in the human body comprises microparticles of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene which are fused together into a matrix. A quantity of graphitic carbon fibers of short, random lengths is disposed in intersticies of the matrix. The resultant composite is wear-resistant and substantially isotropic.

Abstract: The embodiment of the invention disclosed herein is directed to an electronic musical instrument of the keyboard type wherein the audio frequency signal information is derived from a multi-frequency generator formed by an electronic oscillator and a plurality of divider circuits, and wherein programmable divider circuits are associated with the various keys of the keyboard to generate associated tone signal information. The programmable divider circuits are formed on a large scale integrated circuit chip and enable alteration of the numerical divisor so that different tone signals can be obtained from the same electronic circuitry thereby enabling the same type of LSI chip to be used for many different circuit configurations. The LSI chip also provides a scanning circuit that scans an X-Y matrix switching arrangement to determine which one of a plurality of key switches is closed.

Abstract: A closure plug is disclosed which is especially adapted for use in retaining insulation inside the cavities of refrigerators and like appliances. The plug includes a number of petal-like flaps which are conically arrayed and originally point relatively outwardly. When an insulation nozzle is pushed against the petal flaps, the flaps are forced inwardly, and splay apart to permit nozzle insertion through the plug. After the nozzle is withdrawn, the petal flaps return to form an inverted cone pointing relatively inwardly. Beveled petal flap sides provide planar inter-petal contact and structural conical strength to resist the outward flow of insulation. The plug is fastened to a cavity-defining wall by a base having a polygonal cross-sectional shape substantially coextensive with a polygonal wall aperture, and a head of polygonal cross-sectional shape at least congruent with the wall aperture but angularly offset with respect to and depending from the base to engage the wall and retain the plug on the wall.

Abstract: An automatic control system for use with a vehicular liquid sprayer of the type which pumps the liquid to be sprayed at a desired pressure to a plurality of nozzles which dispense the liquid at a predetermined desired density relative to the area being sprayed, with the density being a function of a plurality of liquid spraying parameters which may vary from one spraying application to another or from time to time during a given spraying application. A pressure transducer senses the pressure of the liquid supplied to the nozzles and develops a corresponding electrical liquid pressure signal. A ground speed sensor measures the speed of the vehicular sprayer and develops a corresponding electrical ground speed signal. Programming means are coupled to the ground speed sensor for selectively modifying the ground speed signal to obtain a modified ground speed signal having a characteristic which corresponds to the values of at least two of the liquid spraying parameters required to obtain the desired density.

Abstract: The present application discloses a method and apparatus for receiving a flow of can ends automatically separating from said flow a stack having a predetermined number of can ends. The disclosure further includes apparatus for conveying the counted stack of ends to a bagging station wherein bagging can be effected either manually or automatically. In addition, the present disclosure relates to novel automatic bagging apparatus, as well as apparatus for receiving and storing the packaged ends from the bagging station.

Abstract: There is disclosed a security hinge construction comprising a pair of hinge leafs adapted for attachment to a door or a door frame, or the like. Each leaf includes at least one knuckle which is disposed adjacent to and is moveable relative to the knuckle on the other of said leaves. An electrical circuit component such as a switch, is carried by one of the knuckles, with operating means being carried by the other of said knuckles, and with an actuator member disposed therebetween. Upon movement of the hinge leaves the operating means will move relative to the circuit component and the actuator means to activate said switch, as an indication of a change in the relative orientation of said hinge leaves.

Abstract: A moisture tester for grain and like materials is disclosed. The tester includes a walled test chamber including spaced apart electrodes which form an electrical coaxial capacitor, the electrodes being located so that the dielectric constant of the capacitor is modified in accordance with the dielectric constant of a test material sample introduced into the test chamber. To limit the volume, and to configure and pack the volume of test material introduced into the tester in a predetermined way, a funnel arrangement is provided at the tester top. A lower portion of the funnel directs inflowing grain over an axially aligned, centrally located finger which forms one of the electrodes. A pour spout is provided for pouring test sample material from the test chamber after test completion.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the amount or depth of silage or similar material retained in a silo or like structure is disclosed. A number of sensors are vertically arrayed in and on a silo wall, and each sensor senses the presence or absence of silage in its immediate vicinity. An electrical circuit includes a visual display device such as a liquid crystal display for indicating the amount of material in the silo.

Abstract: An articulated thrust bearing is disclosed. Two oppositely disposed bearing races are permitted to rotate relative to one another in a relatively frictionless manner by bearing elements disposed therebetween. Against one of these races, a rocker ring pivots to provide an articulating motion to an associated clutch fork-engaging carrier plate. Several embodiments of the rocker ring-second race fulcrum are described.

Abstract: The embodiment of the invention disclosed herein is directed to a door stop assembly for a bidirectional swinging door to permit opening the door in a first direction during normal use and to permit selective opening of the door in a second direction during an emergency. The stop is employed in an assembly which includes a face or strike plate having an opening for receipt of a strike member, a housing formed on one side thereof, all adapted to be set in a mortise of a door frame. The door stop assembly has a depressible body or stop member which preferably, but not necessarily, is of the free floating type which moves linearly inwardly into the housing and then engages the back wall thereof and rocks about a sloping inclined surface of the body portion so that the stop engaging surface of the stop assembly is displaced from engagement with the door, thereby permitting the door to be opened in the opposite direction of its normal use.

Abstract: Apparatus for administering humidified gas (e.g., oxygen) to a patient includes a plastic connector for connection to an oxygen supply and having an oxygen supply tube therein. A spike portion on the connector or on a diffuser at the lower end of the supply tube is caused to pierce the stopper in an intravenous solution bottle after which the supply tube is pushed to the bottom of the solution bottle. Oxygen from the supply tube is delivered to the bottom of the bottle through small holes at the bottom end of the supply tube or in the diffuser. The humidified oxygen enters a chamber formed by a part of the interior of the connector portion that is not occupied by the supply tube. The humidified gas then leaves the chamber and enters a conduit on the connector that is telescoped with a nasal cannula. The connector has a hole covered by the cannula tubing or by another piece of tubing such that the tubing expands upon excess pressure being in the connector to act as a safety valve.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for compressing refuse, for freezing the compressed refuse, and for storing the frozen, compressed refuse for subsequent pickup by a refuse collector. A clam-shell like device with hold bars thereon is utilized for a backup structure for previously frozen refuse, which previously frozen serves as a backup for the compression of fresh refuse. The frozen refuse is maintained at optimum temperature.

Abstract: The embodiment of the invention disclosed herein is directed to an electronic phonograph selector and memory system which enables the selection of records to be played after the proper amount of credits have been accumulated in a coin accumulating circuit. The system has a movable record carriage for placing a desired one of a plurality of records at a playing location. The record carriage is transported by receiving a drive signal indicating that a new carriage position is required. The code signal information is compared so that when the carriage is at its desired location the search signal is removed. The movable carriage has a position encoder so that binary code signal information corresponding to the various positions of the carriage can be detected and compared to the codes stored in a random access memory circuit.

Abstract: There is disclosed a unique sealing arrangement for a valve of the type which includes a first element defining a valve body having a fluid passage extending therethrough, with a second, flow control element rotatably disposed in said passage for controlling the flow of fluid through said valve by movement between valve open and valve close positions. One of said elements, either the valve body or the flow control member, includes an annular sealing surface, while the other of said elements is provided with an annular seal ring support groove confronting said sealing surface in relative close proximity thereto, and having an annular seal ring member disposed therein.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for precisely measuring the weight of even large amounts of feed stored in bulk feed storage bins. This apparatus includes a number of electrical load cells supported upon a foundation. The weight of the bulk feed bins and any feed contained therein is, in turn, supported upon the load cells by bin support legs. If desired, an interconnecting platform can be provided to support a number of feed bins and their legs upon several cells. In response to weight-induced deformation of a load cell element, electrical signals are transmitted to electrical processing circuitry. This circuitry can provide a display of the weight of feed remaining in the bin, the number of feedings remaining in the bin at a given weight increment of feed, the presence or absence of a minimal amount of feed within the bin, and other data.

Abstract: An on-line closed-vessel circulating filter is especially adapted for filtering edible cooking oils and the like in fast-food establishments and similar installation. The filter apparatus includes a vessel and cover which enclose a filter assembly. The filter assembly is provided with a foraminous member which supports a filter element. To hold the filter element in place and retain filter aid material and filtrate on the filter element, a gravity clamp member presses the filter element against the foraminous member by inner and outer weight rings. The filter assembly can be removed and replaced by a centrally located lift rod.

Abstract: The embodiment of the invention disclosed herein is directed to a method and apparatus for drying grain. A refrigerating system is mounted within the closed-loop air duct structure which extends from an outlet to an inlet of a grain storage bin. The evaporator of the refrigerating system dries warm moisture-laden air as it passes through the closed-loop air duct. The air is then preheated by the compressor of the refrigeration system and finally heated by the condensor thereof. This heated air is then returned to the grain storage bin where it flows through a distributor for uniformly drying grain. An air flow bypass is provided at the inlet of the evaporator to take in outside air and vent off the warm moisture-laden air to atmosphere should the evaporator temperature increase beyond a predetermined point.

Abstract: There is disclosed a silo door system designed to adapt older silo constructions for automated unloading, or to be employed as a general door system, if desired. The system includes a number of apertured panel sections clamped to the silo wall in aligned relationship, with door members for selectively closing said apertures. In addition, there is disclosed a double arm unloader chute positioning apparatus for maintaining alignment of an unloader discharge chute with the apertures in the panel sections.

Abstract: A vise construction is formed by a fixed body which is to be mounted to a support surface. The fixed body has a slide passage formed therein to receive a guide member or chill bar and a threaded passage is also formed therein to receive the clamping screw. A movable body is mounted to the fixed body and the clamping screw passes therethrough and threadedly engages the threaded passage of the fixed body to effect movement of a pair of gripping jaws formed on the respective bodies toward and away from one another. A recess is formed in the movable body in a location diametrically opposed and in alignment with the slide passage of the fixed body. The chill bar has one edge thereof fashioned to be inserted into the recess and locking means are provided to secure the chill bar and the movable body together as a single unit.