Abstract: Heat exchanger plates for stacked flat plate heat exchangers include tapered collars for alignment of one plate relative to another in the stack. The tapered collar extends from the major surface portion of the plate and is tapered so as to have a constricted free end. The collar of one plate receive a collar of a neighboring plates as the plates of the stack are internested one in another. The collars are wedgingly engaged one in another to provide accurate alignment of the heat exchanger plates.

Abstract: A system is provided for making frozen comestibles, and the like, having an over-run. The system comprises a swept surface heat exchanger which includes a manifolded cylinder in which is disposed a tube having a dasher. Refrigeration means are connected to the manifolded cylinder and the tube is provided with an inlet and an outlet. The system further comprises an air/mix or over-run control system which includes a positive displacement pump having a variable drive, an inlet for a mix, and an outlet. A magnetic flow meter receives mix from the pump outlet and provides a signal proportional to the flow of mix therethrough. An air mass flow control is connected between the mix conduit and a source of pressured air. A control circuit, such as a programmable computer, receives signals from the flow meter and controls both the variable drive on the pump and the pressured air through the air mass flow control.

Abstract: Disclosed is a carton stop assembly for use in a machine which performs operations on a carton blank, and which includes a rotatable hub carrying a plurality of spaced radial mandrels, and insertion mechanism for telescopically inserting a carton blank over one of the mandrels. The carton stop assembly includes a track parallel to the one mandrel, having plurality of detents spaced therealong. An axially-reciprocable shaft has a first end overlying the one mandrel, and a second end overlying the track. The shaft carries track-engaging members at its second end, which enclose the detents on the track thereby stopping the shaft at a plurality of detent positions. A carton-engaging bracket is carried on the first end of the shaft and is arranged to overlie the one mandrel. As the shaft is reciprocated to a number of detent positions, the carton-engaging bracket is also placed at a number of positions along the mandrel.

Abstract: A transfer system for use in machinery having stations for forming, filling and sealing cartons. The transfer system includes a turret having a hub and a number of spaced radial mandrels received by carton blanks, for use in forming the carton. A main conveyor conveys formed cartons to filling and sealing stations of the machinery. The transfer system includes a transfer conveyor, disposed between the turret and the main conveyor, which receives formed cartons one at a time, from the turret and holds at least one of the formed cartons in alignment with the main conveyor. The transfer system also includes mechanisms for stripping cartons, one at a time, from the mandrels and for transferring a plurality of cartons simultaneously to the main conveyor. A method of transferring cartons from an indexing turret to an indexing main conveyor using an indexing transfer conveyor, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A valve control unit for use in a valve control system of the type wherein a plurality of valves each mounting a valve control unit are controlled by a remote controller and only a single electrical cable runs from the controller. Each control unit is adapted to transmit data as to the position of its valve and to receive data as to the desired position of its valve. The valve control unit comprises electronic circuit means for communicating with the controller, and first and second sensors. The first sensor provides a signal to the circuit means when the valve is in a first predetermined position. The second sensor provides a signal to the circuit means when the valve is in a second predetermined position. The electronic circuit means is adapted to report to the controller the condition of each of the sensors.

Abstract: A double-block and vent valve having an improved actuator mechanism to allow one part of a composite valve member to be lifted separately from another. The actuator mechanism overlies the valve housing and is connected to the two valve member parts via coaxial rod and tube members. Hold-down cams normally block the upward movement of the tube member to positively lock the upper valve member part against its seat when it is desired to lift only the lower valve member part. A pair of pivotal cams are spring-biased to this blocking position where they bear against lug means carried by the tube member. A small, horizontal, fluid-actuated cylinder pivots the hold-down cams to a non-interfering position whenever it is desired to lift only the upper valve member part or to lift the composite valve member.

Abstract: A valve has an upper region connectable to a first piping system, a lower region connectable to a second piping system and an intermediate passageway therebetween which is opened and closed by a valve member which is reciprocated by an overhead actuator. The valve member has first and second members which are slidable relative to one another. In the closed position, the first and second valve members seal with spaced apart seats and define therebetween an intermediate chamber including the surface of the interior passageway between the seals. A lower valve member extending exterior of the lower region has cleaning solution inlet and outlet passageways which communicate with the intermediate chamber whereby the surfaces of the intermediate chamber may be cleaned and whereby any leakage around either of the seals is drained externally.

Abstract: A switching station for pipes has a panel equipped with projecting pipe ends designed for connection to the ends of other pipes by a clamp having a pair of members pivotally connected to each other about an axis of pivotal connection and designed and shaped to be pivotted relative to one another to clamp about the connected pipe ends. A clamp is provided corresponding to a projecting pipe end and mounted on the side of said panel on which said pipe end projects with the clamp arcuate members being pivotallymounted on the panel to pivot about the axis of pivotal projection relative to the panel. The pivotal mounting of the clamp members is located and dimensioned so that the clamp members may be swung into position to clamp about the corresponding pipe end and a pipe end to be connected thereto.