Abstract: The cable puller employs a conically tapered capstan and self-contained motor both carried on a readily collapsible and portable frame. The puller is adapted for placing inside of a manhole where the capstan is aligned with the duct through which the cable is to be pulled. Several such cable pullers may be operated in concert to pull a theoretically endless fiber optic cable at a controlled speed and without exceeding the tensile strength of the cable. Tension on the cable effects the frictional gripping force between the capstan and the cable looped there around and this gripping force controls the extent to which the cable is permitted to climb up and slip down the conical incline of the capstan to a point where equilibrium is reached. A radio-controlled sensor is provided at each pulling station to signal cable stoppage faults and to respond to faults signaled by other pulling stations by shut down of all stations until the fault is corrected.

Abstract: A lubricating device and method in which a lubricant shot is generated by a supply of lubricant and air, the later being activated before, during and following the dispersing of the lubricant shot. The air supply travels two paths; on leads to a piston chamber and causes a piston assembly to move which, in turn, effects lubricant dispersing; the remaining air path permits air to exit the nozzle device to mix with a direct lubricant to a desired area of lubrication.

Abstract: An expansible baby gate having a main lazy-tong barrier formed of intersecting and pivotally connected first and second main slats which form V-shaped openings between the slats along the top edge portion of the barrier. A supplementary upper barrier, including a plurality of shorter auxiliary slats pivotally connected to each other and to the main slats for occluding the V-shaped openings in the top edge portion of the main barrier.

Abstract: A wheel flange and rail lubricating apparatus with adjustable features to accurately lubricate the frictional contact area between a locomotive wheel flange and rail during normal locomotive operations. A system controller, a lubricant distribution system and one or more nozzle assemblies are provided. The controller allows the user to define a lubrication cycle which can be optimized on an individual basis with flexibility to control the lubrication cycle in accordance with the distance traveled by the locomotive, speed variations, time, curves, etc. The lubrication interval is set to deliver a precise amount of lubricant and can be adjusted to take into account the viscosity of the lubricant as well as the ambient temperature. A curve sensor repetitively initiates a lubrication cycle each time the locomotive enters a curve. A wheel position sensor delays and prevents discharge of the lubricant until the nozzle and the point to be lubricated are properly aligned.

Abstract: An automatic lubricator for chain conveyors with a pivoting arm having a roller contacting the chain and moving between the chain side links to place lubricating nozzles along the chain center line. A magnetic proximity sensor on the pivoting arm activates the fluid pump when the nozzles are in position to deliver lubricating fluid to the chain pins. Improved metering pump apparatus diverts fluid from the metering pump to a fluid return line immediately at the end of a lubrication cycle. The metering pump chamber is then primed for the next cycle. Drippage from the lubrication nozzles is eliminated.

Abstract: Lubricating apparatus for lubricating a non-linearly traveling fitting on a conveyor. A lubricating coupler is mounted on a pivotally movable platform so that the coupler can move angularly with respect to the pivot axis. Slidable rod means on the platform enable the coupler to move substantially radially with respect to the pivot axis, so that the coupler can move over an area encompassing the expected range of travel of the non-linearly moving fitting. Locating means enable the coupler to align with the fitting. The coupler is maintained engaged with the fitting for a dwell time sufficient to adequately supply lubricant thereto. Cooperating longitudinal surfaces in the coupler body and a movable tip form simultaneous bearing and sealing surfaces for the coupler.

Abstract: A culture medium and method for the isolation and culture of plant protoplasts is disclosed which includes in it a quantity of neutral mammalian blood serum. An addition of 1 to 25% serum to protoplast media results in a greater yield of viable protoplast cells, helps to protect the protoplasts in culture, and makes it possible to obtain and maintain corn protoplasts, a heretofore difficult task.