Abstract: A device for supplying helical wire compression springs in sequence to an output conduit includes a casing defining a spring supply chamber therein for receiving a plurality of helical wire compression springs of a first diameter. A delivery tube is mounted on top of the casing and defines a spring outlet opening of a diameter slightly larger than the first diameter. The delivery tube communicates, through the spring outlet opening, between the chamber and the output conduit. An agitator, including an air inlet communicating with the bottom of the chamber, supplies air under pressure to the chamber such that springs in the chamber are agitated, and pass out of the chamber through the delivery tube and into the output conduit. A shedder piston surrounds the spring outlet opening of the delivery tube, and moves with respect thereto so as to dislodge springs entangled within or blocking the spring outlet opening.

Abstract: An instant hot water dispenser has an upper plastic tank section connected to a lower brass tank section by a safety clamping arrangement which includes outturned tabs on the upper plastic tank section which interfit in notches in the brass lower tank section and a retainer ring located between the plastic tabs and outturned metal flanges on the brass tank section. An O-ring seal between the plastic upper tank and the brass tank provides a fluid seal. Various of the plumbing connections are integrally molded with the plastic top and expansion chamber cover which is separated from the main water tank by a common wall or partition. An aspirator opening in an integrally formed plastic stem in the expansion chamber cover aspirates water from the expansion chamber as incoming cold water passes the aspirator opening.

Abstract: A combustion detection apparatus and method is provided for generating an alarm output when either a first alarm condition or a second alarm condition is present. A first alarm output is generated when a first predetermined concentration of combustion products is continuously present in a region being monitored for a preestablished period of time. A second alarm output is immediately generated when a second predetermined concentration of combustion products is present in the region being monitored. The second predetermined concentration of combustion products represents a relatively greater concentration of combustion products than the first predetermined concentration.

Abstract: A thermally actuatable electrical switch construction having a resilient contact member normally biased into electrical contact with a stationary contact member while a temperature sensitive member of the construction is in a solid condition and normally tending to spring out of contact with the stationary contact member by the natural bias of the resilient contact member when the temperature sensitive member is rendered non-solid by sensing a temperature above a predetermined temperature. The construction carries a guide member operatively associated with the resilient contact member to provide a guide for the resilient contact member that will substantially insure that the resilient contact member will move and be maintained out of contact with the stationary contact member after the temperature sensitive member has been rendered non-solid.

Abstract: A thermally actuatable electrical switch construction having a resilient contact member normally biased into electrical contact with a stationary contact member while a temperature sensitive member of the construction is in a solid condition and normally springing out of contact with the stationary contact member by the natural bias of the resilient contact member when the temperature sensitive member is rendered non-solid by sensing a temperature above a predetermined temperature, a guide member being carried by the construction and being operatively associated with the resilient contact member to provide a guide for the resilient contact member that will substantially insure that the resilient contact member will move and be maintained out of contact with the stationary contact member after the temperature sensitive member has been rendered non-solid.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting vegetation has a rotating disc-like head with a drive connection on one face and a second face having a smooth surface. The head carries internally a spool mounted for independent rotation. A flexible, non-metallic cutting line is coiled about the spool and has a free end extending outwardly from the head into a cutting plane. A button member within the smooth surface activates a locking means allowing the spool to rotate in the head and extend a certain length of cutting line into the cutting plane. Then the spool is secured automatically against rotation to the head.

Abstract: A self-monitoring ion chamber type combustion products detection apparatus operable to generate perceptibly different output signals indicative of, respectively: the apparatus is being tested; the condition of the apparatus is normal; an alarm condition is detected; an apparatus malfunction is detected; and, a low power supply voltage is detected. The impedance of the ion chamber of the apparatus varies as a function of the degree of combustion products in the atmosphere being monitored and this change in impedance produces a variation in the output voltage of the ion chamber which is used by the apparatus to produce an alarm signal. In generating different output signals, the apparatus employs test, alarm, fault and low power supply reference voltages. An oscillator circuit is selectively driven by one or more substantially constant current sources to produce output pulses having predetermined frequencies which are utilized in producing at least some of the perceptibly different output signals.

Abstract: Cartridge heaters are most frequently used for heating metal parts by insertion into bores in such parts. Such heaters are manufactured in various diameters to closely fit within complementary bores to provide heat according to required specifications. My invention makes it possible to use a heater of known sheath diameter in bores of larger diameter, by use of metal sleeve means which have an inside diameter to closely receive the heater and an outside diameter to closely fit within the bore.