Abstract: Methods for cleaning a die face for an extruder include: positioning an articulating tool adjacent the die face while the die face is installed on the extruder, the die face defining a plurality of die orifices; triggering operation of the articulating tool and thereby articulating an end effector coupled to the articulating tool; and contacting the end effector against one or more surfaces of the die face and thereby removing fouling from the die plate. Methods may include: pausing production of a polymer pellet product from the extruder when at least one of the pressure at the die or a polymer pellet product properties indicates fouling at the die; removing a polymer residue from one or more orifices in the die with an articulating tool equipped with an end effector while the die is mounted on the extruder; and resuming production of the polymer pellet product.

Abstract: Methods may include dispensing an additive from a secondary feeder to a primary feeder: dispensing the additive from the primary feeder to a mixing device: obtaining a primary measurement: obtaining a secondary measurement from the secondary feeder that feeds the primary feeder: comparing the primary measurement and the secondary measurement; and continuing (i-a) dispensing the additive from the primary feeder to the mixing device or (i-b) dispensing the additive from the secondary feeder to the primary feeder: or (ii) when the difference between the primary measurement and the secondary measurement is greater than the selected threshold, halting (ii-a) dispensing the additive from the primary feeder to the mixing device or (ii-b) dispensing the additive from the secondary feeder to the primary feeder, and further recalibrating at least one of the primary feeder or the secondary feeder.

Abstract: Lift communications systems, wall-mounted controls, and methods of using and configuring the same are disclosed. A lift communications system includes one or more lifts, each one of the one or more lifts is movable within a space. The lift communications system further includes a wall-mounted control coupled to a wall of the space. The wall-mounted control is configured to communicatively couple to the one or more lifts via a wireless connection. When the wall-mounted control is communicatively coupled to a lift of the one or more lifts, the wall-mounted control is configured to direct operation of the lift and receive data from the lift.

Abstract: Lift communications systems, wall-mounted controls, and methods of using and configuring the same are disclosed. A lift communications system includes one or more lifts, each one of the one or more lifts is movable within a space. The lift communications system further includes a wall-mounted control coupled to a wall of the space. The wall-mounted control is configured to communicatively couple to the one or more lifts via a wireless connection. When the wall-mounted control is communicatively coupled to a lift of the one or more lifts, the wall-mounted control is configured to direct operation of the lift and receive data from the lift.

Abstract: A hand tool for forming a slot between the outer cylindrical surface of a manhole frame, and the concrete in which the frame is embedded. The tool has a tool body with a bottom surface that engages the soft concrete in which the frame is embedded, and a concave lip for slidably engaging the outer surface of the manhole frame or any other circular or cylindrical object.

Abstract: A steamer having a base, a water reservoir, a heater for heating the same and a vented cover. The steamer includes a plurality of different cooking surfaces so that a variety of different foods can be steamed at the same time and may include a reversible cooking liquor collector tray for either collecting condensate and liquors during cooking or returning all condensate to the water reservoir. The liquors collected by the tray may be delivered to a reservoir or cup which can be removed from the steamer to make sauces or the like.

Abstract: A weighing system for making up two discrete quantities of solid product, each having a preferred product weight, from a plurality of product holding chambers, without refilling such product holding chambers. Each weighing scale is efficiently used in every machine cycle. Source product is divided into a plurality of smaller quantities which are a fraction of the target weight. Each of the fractional weight quantities becomes part of a set for which all possible double discharge fractional weight combinations are determined. The first combination capable of providing two acceptable discharges of the target weight, or the preferred weight closest to the target weight, is selected. Thus, two packages are efficiently delivered for each scale cycle. Efficiency of scale usage is assured by ordered selection of the holding chambers from which the discharges are made.

Abstract: The invention is a portable orthopaedic splint system comprising a durable tear resistant outer bag containing a linear segment of an orthopaedic splint material impregnated with an unreacted hardening agent, and an inner bag containing a liquid for reacting with said hardening agent to produce a hard stiff splint. The inner bag is capable of being ruptured by manual pressure upon the outer bag and is in juxtaposition with the splint material so that when the outer bag is manually squeezed to rupture the inner bag, the liquid from the inner bag will be released, mixed with said material, and react with the hardening agent therein to form a hard stiff splint which can be used to protect and immobilize the injured member to which it is applied.

Abstract: A steam cooking utensil is disclosed which includes a base; a boiling water reservoir and a condensate trough defined by the base; and a heater disposed centrally to the boiling water reservoir, mounted in the base, and coupled to a thermostat also mounted in the base. The condensate trough is disposed in annular relationship to the boiling water reservoir. A food tray defining a imperforate central surface and an array of peripheral aperatures is supported such that the imperforate surface is vertically aligned with the boiling water reservoir and the array of peripheral apertures is vertically aligned with the condensate trough. A cover having a bottom opening defined by a rim is positioned over the food tray, condensate trough and boiling water reservoir, such that the rim cooperates with an outer peripheral lip of the condensate trough to form a seal. The disclosed steam cooking utensil operates to cook food quickly, cleanly and efficiently.

Abstract: An automatic drip coffeemaker includes a removable, top mounted reservoir which delivers water in accurately controlled quantities to a small water tank. From the tank, the water flows through a tube to a heater well in which it is heated to boiling, thereby causing it to overflow the well. The hot water then flows a short distance to a spout located above a basket and spreader assembly through which it passes prior to entering a carafe which is heated by a warming plate. A control circuit serves to control the brewing and heating cycle. The water heating system also finds application for other purposes such as heating liquids for tea or soup.