Abstract: A dispenser for viscous, extrudable materials uses a sprocket-driven push chain that is drawn from a chain magazine responsive to actuation of a user trigger. The sprocket for the chain is driven by a toothed wheel, which is driven by a first, ratcheting drive pawl, which is actuated by the trigger. A second ratcheting locking pawl prevents the toothed wheel and hence the chain sprocket from rotating backward when the trigger is released. A single “button” or actuator can be actuated by one hand of a user while the user's other hand grasps a chain retractor to pull an extended chain back to a starting position whereat the dispenser can be reloaded.

Abstract: A dispenser for viscous, extrudable materials uses a sprocket-driven push chain that is drawn from a chain magazine responsive to actuation of a user trigger. The sprocket for the chain is driven by a toothed wheel, which is driven by a first, ratcheting drive pawl, which is actuated by the trigger. A second ratcheting locking pawl prevents the toothed wheel and hence the chain sprocket from rotating backward when the trigger is released. A single “button” or actuator can be actuated by one hand of a user while the user's other hand grasps a chain retractor to pull an extended chain back to a starting position whereat the dispenser can be reloaded.

Abstract: A dispenser for viscous, extrudable materials uses a sprocket-driven push chain that is drawn from a chain magazine responsive to actuation of a user trigger. The sprocket for the chain is driven by a toothed wheel, which is driven by a first, ratcheting drive pawl, which is actuated by the trigger. A second ratcheting locking pawl prevents the toothed wheel and hence the chain sprocket from rotating backward when the trigger is released. A single “button” or actuator can be actuated by one hand of a user while the user's other hand grasps a chain retractor to pull an extended chain back to a starting position whereat the dispenser can be reloaded.

Abstract: Fixed amounts of granular and granulated seasonings are dispensed from a rotatable disc that lies flat or horizontal and which includes a through-hole or void. The void is gravity-filled with granulated seasonings from a hole in the bottom of a hopper. A screen below the disc is formed to have open, through-holes and a solid land. The void in the disc fills with granules when the void is beneath a hole in the hopper but over a solid land thus preventing granules to spill through the disc. Rotation of the disc moves the void away from the land, allowing granules in the void to fall through holes in the screen. A gasket provides a seal between the disc and the hopper. The disc is rotated back and forth around its axis by vertical movement of an actuator about the horizontal hinge.

Abstract: A hybrid food heating device (100) includes a first conveyor toaster, which toasts one side of a food product, and a second conveyor toaster device, which toasts two sides of a food product. The second conveyor toaster device uses a rib attached to the inside surface of a continuously rotating belt to keep the belt from running sideways on the runners.

Abstract: A gravity-fed, manually-operable dispenser for sugar, creamer and other particles and granules is comprised of a particulate reservoir affixed to a dispensing base by engagement tabs and slots. The tabs and slots allow the dispenser to be easily disassembled for maintenance and cleaning. The base encloses a substantially cylindrical rotating measuring/dispensing vane that has several hollow apertures into which particulates flow from the reservoir. The vane rides on a smooth, flat surface that seals or closes off the apertures. An opening in the flat surface of the dispensing base allows particulates in a full aperture to fall through and out of the base. A soft gasket over surfaces of the vane that would otherwise make direct contact with the base portion prevent the vane from becoming lodged in place by crystalline material.

Abstract: Bezels or escutcheons for a temperature-controlled food holding cabinet are removable and field replaceable by the use of interlocking tabs and detents that hold the escutcheon in place and align the escutcheon to electrical connectors. A tab formed on either the escutcheon or chassis of the cabinet, engages a corresponding detent formed on either the cabinet chassis or the escutcheon. Two tabs and detents are preferably used. One tab engages a corresponding detent with an interference fit.

Abstract: Fixed amounts of granular and granulated seasonings are dispensed from a rotatable disc that lies flat or horizontal and which includes a through-hole or void. The void is gravity-filled with granulated seasonings from a hole in the bottom of a hopper. A screen below the disc is formed to have open, through-holes and a solid land. The void in the disc fills with granules when the void is beneath a hole in the hopper but over a solid land thus preventing granules to spill through the disc. Rotation of the disc moves the void away from the land, allowing granules in the void to fall through holes in the screen. A gasket provides a seal between the disc and the hopper. The disc is rotated back and forth around its axis by vertical movement of an actuator about the horizontal hinge.

Abstract: A ground lug for receiving an electrical wire from multiple directions to be secured within the ground lug, comprising a collar forming a receptacle for receiving an electrical wire, said collar including a first aperture for receiving a screw in an upper surface of the collar, and second and third apertures on first and second side surfaces, respectively, of the collar for receiving electrical wires within the receptacle, a threaded screw located within the first aperture for securing a wire within the receptacle when the threaded screw is tightened, and a tab extending from a lower surface of the collar, the tab including a forth aperture for receiving a screw to mount the ground lug to an electrical device.

Abstract: A gravity-fed, manually-operable dispenser for sugar, creamer and other particles and granules is comprised of a particulate reservoir affixed to a dispensing base by engagement tabs and slots. The tabs and slots allow the dispenser to be easily disassembled for maintenance and cleaning. The base encloses a substantially cylindrical rotating measuring/dispensing vane that has several hollow apertures into which particulates flow from the reservoir. The vane rides on a smooth, flat surface that seals or closes off the apertures. An opening in the flat surface of the dispensing base allows particulates in a full aperture to fall through and out of the base. A soft gasket over surfaces of the vane that would otherwise make direct contact with the base portion prevent the vane from becoming lodged in place by crystalline material.