Abstract: A carrier basket which is intended to be secured on a vehicle roof comprises two longitudinal profile members between which extend a number of rods which form a load-carrying surface in the carrier basket. In order to eliminate the need for loose small parts on assembly and dismantling of the carrier basket, the rods are releasably connected to the profile members by snap catch connections. The snap catch connections are formed by locking heel disposed at the ends of the rods, the heel extending, in a rest position, outside the cross-section of the rod and being, against the action of spring force, depressable inside the cross-section. The rod extends through an opening in one wall of the profile member and has the locking heel inside the opening, and one end in abutment against the inside of the opposing wall of the profile member.

Abstract: A hand truck holder apparatus (40) for releasably securing a hand truck (20) to a vehicle bumper (32) includes a bracket member (48) having a mounting plate (50) and a pair of flanges (52, 54) positioned on opposed sides of the mounting plate (50). Mounting means are coupled to the bracket member (48) for mounting the same to the vehicle and a support member (44) transversely mounted to the pair of flanges (52, 54) supports the hand truck (20) thereon. Moreover, a substantially resilient securing strap (46) is mounted to and transversely spans the bracket member (48), thereby securing the hand truck (20) to the bracket member (48). In another aspect, the mounting means include a plurality of sets of apertures (80) extending therethrough for releasably mounting the bracket member (48) to a plurality of vertical mounting positions relative to the bumper (32).

Abstract: A vacuum fill system for deaerating flowable materials includes a hollow, cylindrical container connected to a plurality of valves, slide gate valves and a vacuum pump for creating a vacuum when filled with flowable materials that causes the flowable materials to deaerate and subsequently compact when atmospheric pressure is restored.

Abstract: A sealing device for the fuel supply port of a fuel tank for use in vehicles includes a nozzle seal made of a rubber-like elastic material. The nozzle seal is provided in an annular groove formed in an inner peripheral surface of a fuel supply port guide in such a manner as to be movable in a radial direction. The inner peripheral portion of the nozzle seal can make contact with a fuel supply nozzle with an interference provided therebetween. A seal is provided on an outer peripheral or side surface of the nozzle seal to seal a gap in said annular groove. A reinforcing ring is provided on an outer peripheral portion of the nozzle seal. The reinforcing ring has axial and radial portions. The radial portion of the reinforcing ring is located adjacent to the fuel supply port guide on a side of the annular groove adjacent to the tank.

Abstract: A process comprising fueling a tank, collecting emitted vapors, and recovering condensed vapors. In the process, gasoline is discharged into a fill opening or filler pipe of a tank through a fuel outlet conduit of a nozzle. Gasoline vapors emitted during fueling are collected with a vapor return conduit of the nozzle and conveyed through a vapor return hose. A portion of the gasoline vapors in the vapor hose are condensed and removed from the vapor hose with a condensate pickup tube extending from the nozzle.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a chilled confection food or the like from a small extrudable package into a food serving container. The apparatus includes a horizontal table for supporting the extrudable package, a pusher, and a food container support table. The horizontal table and the pusher are so constructed that they press the extrudable package with their relative approaching movements along a vertical direction and extrude the chilled confection food from the extrudable package into the food container which is set on the food serving container support table.

Abstract: A piston filler apparatus as disclosed in which the filler pistons and associated reciprocal valves are disposed below the product containing bowl so that they can be withdrawn into the bowl to effect easy in-place cleaning. A method of in-place cleaning is also disclosed, as well an an alternate method of operation.

Abstract: A harness for securing a neck strap of a neck-worn article remote from the neck of the wearer is disclosed. The harness includes a padded band adapted for placement of the neck strap of the neck-worn article therethrough. The padded band includes a buckle for opening and closure thereof, and is adapted to be oriented adjacent to the back of the wearer such that the weight of the neck-worn article is borne and/or dispersed by the padded band. An elongate strap is attached to the padded band and includes a fastener for attaching the harness to the clothing of the wearer to secure the padded band while it bears the weight of the neck-worn article.

Abstract: A combination tire cover and article carrier wherein the combination includes a tire cover for receipt over a vehicle spare tire, wheel and the like and a carrier attached to the front of the tire cover for holding various types of articles. The article carrier is used for transporting and storing various items therein. The tire cover is contoured to fit over a top portion of the spare tire. An upper strap is attached to the upper front of the carrier and is looped over the top of an item stored therein and over the top of the tire cover and around an upper tire mounting bracket. The upper strap is than returned to a buckle attached to the front of the carrier where an end of the upper strap is tightened thereon. A lower strap is attached to the front of the carrier and is looped underneath the carrier and under the bottom of the spare tire where the lower strap is looped around a lower tire mounting bracket.

Abstract: A rack is provided within an outer case. A pinion to be in mesh with the rack is provided on an inner case. A torsion coiled spring for providing the energizing force to put the inner case out of the outer case is provided between the pinion and the inner case. The energizing force of the torsion coiled spring firmly holds the inner and outer cases horizontally and vertically.

Abstract: Introducing a measured amount of a liquid into receptacles in a microtiter plate includes locating receptacles in register with the liquid supply. The liquid supply includes pistons and cylinders operated by a stepper motor for adjustable measured and controllable incremental delivery of amounts of liquid simultaneously to the receptacles. A liquid source is located below the support for the receptacles and the receptacles are transversely moveable on a conveyor away from a filling station so that the liquid can be obtained from the liquid source. Pneumatic means moves both the cylinders and the pistons in the liquid supply upwardly and downwardly relative to the receptacles and the liquid source. The stepper motor moves the pistons upwardly and downwardly relative to the receptacles and liquid source.

Abstract: A rotary apparatus for purging empty bottles with nitrogen gas includes a rotor from which arms of flexible material radiate. Each arm carries a gas supply lead. The arrangement is that advancing bottles engages the heads and thereby drive the rotor. Valve means is provided whereby each head in turn is placed in communication with a purging gas supply when it reaches a first position and the communication is ended when the head reaches the second position. During its course of travel from the first position to the second position, the head communicates with a respective bottle and the bottle is thereby purged.

Abstract: The device is suited for refilling a container (2) with a more or less viscous material. The device exhibits a supporting structure (3), to which a supply container (6) is fastened and a temporary storage device (8) extending away from the supply container (6). A nozzle (12) is arranged on the end of the temporary storage device turned away from the supply container (6). The device further exhibits an outlet valve (23) on the end of the nozzle (12) turned away from the supply container (6) and encompasses a closing valve (22) arranged in the temporary storage device (8). The valves mentioned (22, 23) are opened and/or closed by a mechanical coupling by the pressing of a container to be filled (2) on a first plunger (15).

Abstract: A closed granular chemical handling system comprising a dispensing valve and a receiving valve. The dispensing valve and the receiving valve are automatically opened when the valves are coupled together, and are automatically closed when the valves are uncoupled from one another. The valves are configured so that the receiving valve always is the first to open and the last to close. The valves are driven together by a camming structure having a neutral portion that acts as a delay between the opening and closing of both valves so as to allow granular material to flow from between the valves through the receiving valve.

Abstract: A hygienic liquid dispensing system includes a cap to close the opening of an inverted liquid container enclosing drinking water or other potable liquid. The cap has a lid portion to overlie and sealingly close the opening and an annular skirt portion extending axially away from the lid to surround a portion of the container neck. The lid portion is provided with an axially inwardly extending recess including an outer sleeve and an inner plug portion integrally formed with a frangible connection therebetween. A feed tube is dimensioned for forcible insertion into the recess for breaking the frangible connection and separating the plug portion from the sleeve to permit the discharge of liquid from the container. A mounting apparatus is also provided to fit on the upper portion of a water cooler cabinet and defines an annular ring for supporting the shoulder of an inverted bottle or container thereon.

Abstract: A hygienic cap to close the opening of an inverted liquid container is provided for a liquid dispensing system for drinking water or other potable fluid. The cap has a lid portion to overlie and sealingly close the container opening and an annular skirt portion extending axially away from the lid to surround a portion of the container neck. The lid portion is provided with an axially inwardly extending recess including an outer sleeve and an inner plug portion integrally formed with a frangible connection therebetween. A feed tube is dimensioned for forcible insertion into the recess for breaking the frangible connection and separating the plug portion from the sleeve to permit the discharge of liquid from the container through the tube. When the tube is withdrawn from the recess, the plug portion is drawn into the sleeve to close the recess and reseal the container.

Abstract: An open top container attachable to the back of the hand, the container having upwardly directed side walls with adjacent walls having flanges slanting inwardly from the side walls toward the open top.

Abstract: In order to automatically carry out the emptying and rinsing of non-recoverable bottles or flasks (78) made from a perforatable material such as polyethylene and e.g. containing a low activity solution (88), an apparatus is proposed making it possible to pass the inverted bottles under a double-walled needle (44). The needle (44), operated by a jack, perforates the bottom (82) of the flask (78). Compressed air is then injected into the bottle above the solution (88) through the annular passage formed between the walls of the needle (44), so as to discharge the solution through the central passage of the needle. The flask is then rinsed by injecting pressurized water in place of the compressed air. Finally, the rinsing water is discharged by a further compressed air injection. The emptied and rinsed flasks are then passed to a station, where they are directly discharged into a storage drum.

Abstract: This invention discloses a shower curtain rod attachment which prevents water from spraying or splashing out of a shower enclosure while showering. The shower curtain rod attachment supports the leading edge of the shower curtain such that the shower curtain is parallel to the front surface of the shower enclosure. The arm of the shower curtain rod attachment attaches to the front of the shower enclosure with a hook, a clip, a suction cup, or other suitable device when the shower is in use. After showering, the arm is detached from the shower enclosure wall and allowed to rotate downward. The shower curtain can then be slid along the curtain rod to open the shower enclosure. A slit in the tube of the shower curtain rod attachment allows the device to be installed over an existing curtain rod without the need of removing the curtain rod. No tools or special skills are needed.

Abstract: An assembly intended for use on underground storage tanks provides ready access to a fill pipe from ground level. At the same time the assembly serves as a spill containment means for accidental spillage and a secondary containment means for the fill pipe. The assembly of the invention comprises a secondary containment chamber having a sidewall with means for attaching to the storage tank. An anchor ring which is attached to an upper open end of the containment chamber acts as a permanent ground base for the assembly. A bridging surface cover within the anchor ring has a removable lid positioned in its interior portion to gain access to the chamber's interior for a filling operation. The assembly also comprises a fill pipe for delivering liquid to the storage tank. The fill pipe is positioned within the secondary containment chamber with a discharging end extending through the chamber's bottom and a receiving end terminating within the chamber but near the bridging surface cover.