Abstract: A conveyor belt connector, adapted to connect first and second ends of an elongate flexible belt having a top and a bottom and operated substantially constantly under tension, includes a plurality of hooks, disposed at the first end of the belt, and a plurality of slots, disposed at the second end of the belt, configured to longitudinally pivotally attach to the plurality of hooks and connect the belt in a continuous loop.

Abstract: A controller for a volumetric pocket filler having a plurality of pneumatically powered components, includes a pneumatically powered actuator, having a motion path, and a plurality of pneumatic switches, disposed along the motion path of the actuator. The pneumatic switches are configured for contact with the actuator, to control air flow to the plurality of pneumatically powered components of the volumetric pocket filler.

Abstract: A controller for a volumetric pocket filler having a plurality of pneumatically powered components, includes a pneumatically powered actuator, having a motion path, and a plurality of pneumatic switches, disposed along the motion path of the actuator. The pneumatic switches are configured for contact with the actuator, to control air flow to the plurality of pneumatically powered components of the volumetric pocket filler.

Abstract: A system and method for dividing a single stream of long, cooked noodles into a plurality of product streams. The system includes an inlet conduit for receiving the stream of cooked noodles, a rough portioner for dividing the stream of noodles into discrete portions, and a diverter mechanism which selectively directs the discrete portions into one of two outlet streams. Additional diverter mechanisms may be disposed in the outlet streams to further divide and redirect the noodles into any number of final outlet streams. The final outlet streams are directed toward container filling machines which precisely measure the noodles and place them into containers. A computerized logic controller can accommodate the failure of any one or more container filling machines by stopping flow to any combination of final outlet conduits while maintaining uninterrupted operation of the remainder of the system.

Abstract: A system and method for dividing a single stream of long, cooked noodles into a plurality of product streams. The system includes an inlet conduit for receiving the stream of cooked noodles, a rough portioner for dividing the stream of noodles into discrete portions, and a diverter mechanism which selectively directs the discrete portions into one of two outlet streams. Additional diverter mechanisms may be disposed in the outlet streams to further divide and redirect the noodles into any number of final outlet streams. The final outlet streams are directed toward container filling machines which precisely measure the noodles and place them into containers. A computerized logic controller can accommodate the failure of any one or more container filling machines by stopping flow to any combination of final outlet conduits while maintaining uninterrupted operation of the remainder of the system.

Abstract: The amount of electrical power delivered to a dialysate heater in the dialysis machine is maximized without substantially exceeding a predetermined maximum allowed power consumption for the dialysis machine. The instantaneous power consumed by the machine is measured and compared to the maximum allowed power consumption. The excess of power beyond the instantaneous power consumed up to the maximum allowed power consumption is then made available to the heater. The worst case power consumption limitations of the dialysis machine components do not adversely affect the heat available from the heater. The rate at which dialysis treatments may progress may increase or the time required for dialysis treatments may decrease.

Abstract: An apparatus for repairing a deformed, yieldable body of a motor vehicle. The apparatus includes a frame on which a raised platform is secured. To restrain the vehicle during the application of a restoring force, various appliances are attached at any location about the outer boundary of the platform and coupled to the motor vehicle. The appliances are adapted to be attachable to and releasable from the motor vehicle without requiring its movement. To apply the force necessary to restore the deformed, yieldable body of a motor vehicle, the apparatus includes pull-towers supported on and movable along a track provided by the frame. Each pull-tower includes a compact power head which can be moved vertically up or down the pull-tower. Activating the power head produces the force used in restoring the deformed, yieldable body of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for repairing a deformed, yieldable body of a motor vehicle. The apparatus includes a frame on which a raised platform is secured. To restrain the vehicle during the application of a restoring force, various appliances are attached at any location about the outer boundary of the platform and coupled to the motor vehicle. The appliances are adapted to be attachable to and releasable from the motor vehicle without requiring its movement. To apply the force necessary to restore the deformed, yieldable body of a motor vehicle, the apparatus includes pull-towers supported on and movable along a track provided by the frame. Each pull-tower includes a compact power head which can be moved vertically up or down the pull-tower. Activating the power head produces the force used in restoring the deformed, yieldable body of the motor vehicle.