Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for dispensing articles into a manually placed receiving basket and for controlling the dispensing mechanism to more accurately dispense the desired articles. The dispenser 20 includes a main storage area 39 which can take the form of a bulk storage hopper, an accumulator area 36 into which the dispensed articles are transferred during the "gravimetric" dispensing of the articles. The accumulator area 36 may be formed from the same externally formed walls of the primary storage area 39 and hopper 21. An assembly for controllably transferring articles from the primary area 39 to the accumulator area 36 is also provided. This controllable transfer assembly may include a drum 51 having a plurality (or series) of elevated areas 52 about the circumference 53 of the drum 51, a diverter shape 54 located in the primary storage area 39, and an incline slope shape 37 leading down to the drum 51. A drive assembly 159 is provided to rotate the drum 51 when transferring articles.

Abstract: A motivational device has a vertical support for supporting medallions indicating steps or levels of achieving a goal to permit visual identification of accomplishments leading toward a goal, and when such goal is reached. The device is supported on a base and combined with a supported sculptural work of art. The achievement indicating medallions can be inserted from the exterior of the work of art, and include medallions that are opaque and medallions that are light transmitting and of different colors, for indicating achievement of steps toward a goal. A light source is utilized so that as light transmitting medallions are added to replace opaque medallions, light will pass through the medallion and indicate visually the achievements being made toward a specific goal.

Abstract: A scrubber is disclosed including an applicator for applying a cleaning solution, a rotary brush for working such solution on the soiled surface and a pick up section for removing the cleaning solution and suspended soilage from the surface being scrubbed. The scrubber includes a dirty solution chamber and a clean solution chamber. A separator is provided between such chambers to separate the dirty water into a sludge portion which is returned to the dirty water chamber and a clean solution portion which is fed into the second chamber.

Abstract: A scarifying tool is disclosed suitable for use in conjunction with disc floor maintenance machines. The scarifying tool includes a support plate with a plurality of resilient or flexible members attached thereto. The flexible member may be lightweight spring-steel strap material one end of which is secured to a disc plate. A cutter is then mounted on the strap at a point spaced from the disc support.

Abstract: A scrubber is disclosed including an applicator for applying a cleaning solution, a rotary brush for working such solution on the soiled surface and a pick up section for removing the cleaning solution and suspended soilage from the surface being scrubbed. The scrubber includes a dirty solution chamber and a clean solution chamber. A separator is provided between such chambers to separate the dirty water into a sludge portion which is returned to the dirty water chamber and a clean solution portion which is fed into the second chamber.

Abstract: A scrubber is disclosed including an applicator for applying a cleaning solution, a rotary brush for working such solution on the soiled surface and a pick up section for removing the cleaning solution and suspended soilage from the surface being scrubbed. The scrubber includes a dirty solution chamber and a clean solution chamber. A separator is provided between such chambers to separate the dirty water into a sludge portion which is returned to the dirty water chamber and a clean solution portion which is fed into the second chamber.

Abstract: A method for cleaning surfaces such as floors and pavements that includes incorporating a polyelectrolyte in the cleaning solution and a surface scrubbing machine for carrying out the process. As specifically disclosed, the method comprises applying the cleaning solution to the surface together with agitating the solution on the surface to cause formation of flocs, removing the floc containing solution from the surface by, for example, squeegeeing, and returning the recovered solution to a solution tank and, if desired, separating out the flocs. With a scrubbing machine the solution tank is on the machine, and the agitation may be provided by, for example, a rotary brush on the machine, or by applying the cleaning solution to the surface by forcing the solution under pressure through discharge nozzles. Although not necessary for some cleaning operations, in others a detergent or soap compatible with the polyelectrolyte is incorporated in the solution.

Abstract: A detergent composition particularly useful in aqueous solutions for cleaning soiled surfaces. The formulation which may be in either dry or concentrate form, includes alkaline builders, wetting agents, and a flocculant, and may in certain instances, include a floatation agent. As an alkaline builder, sodium tripolyphosphate is normally preferred, while others such as mixtures of sodium tripolyphosphate with sodium sulphate or potassium hydroxide and soda ash may also be successfully utilized. The formulation is preferably applied to the surface as an aqueous solution in relatively heavy or thick layers, with agitation to permit the removed soilage to create flocs, and with the flocculated soilage being floated away from contact with the surface for facilitating removal.