Abstract: A pinch valve for selectably controlling flow of fluid through one of two resiliently deformable tubes used e.g., for transporting water in a steam iron. The valve comprises a body member defining a compression surface supporting each one of the tubes. A selector lever is pivotally mounted on the body for selectably moving an integral cam abutment between individual tube shut-off positions. A rocker element supported on the tubes is captively held in the body member intermediate the selector lever and the compression surface for rocking movement between tube pinching positions. The cam abutment continually presses on the rocker causing the rocker to bear upon each one of the tubes on the compression surface. As the selector lever is pivoted, the cam abutment engageably slides along the rocker to rock the rocker between its tube pinching positions. The tubes are thus isolated from sliding contact with the cam abutment by the interposed rocker thereby preventing frictional wear of the tubes.

Abstract: A control system for effecting operation of a machine in accordance with a preselected program of instructions. The control system includes a microprocessor which is coupled to a programmable read only memory device to instruct the microprocessor for effecting various functions in accordance with a preselected memory. Externally originating data is coupled to the microprocessor through peripheral devices which communicate with the microprocessor in accordance with instructions from the memory device which are generated by the data received from the peripheral devices.

Abstract: A combination bacon slicing, segregating and weighing machine is provided. The slicing machine has a slicing blade and controls for determining the rate of feed of the bacon belly towards the slicing blade and, consequently, the slice thickness. Receiving and conveying structure is associated with the weighing machine and receives the sliced product coming from the slicing machine. Control apparatus is designed for interruption of the operation of the feeding mechanism by appropriate controls when the slices are at a weight less than the prescribed draft weight. The apparatus then provides for weighing and registering the weight of the accumulated light weight group of sliced product and for counting the number of slices in the lighter group.

Abstract: A paint spray control system for controlling a paint spray apparatus including a paint spray station having at least one spray gun and a conveyor for transporting objects of diverse styles is disclosed. The control system includes input means for depositing different sets of data words into a memory, some of the data words being in a first set representative of a predetermined position of an object of predetermined style and others being in a second set representative of the style of a specific object transported by the conveyor. The control system further includes means for supplying an increment signal representative of the position of an object transported by the conveyor relative to the spray station, and comparison means for comparing the increment signal and a specific one of the data words in the second set with the position and style information contained in data words in the first set.

Abstract: A liquid level gauge having at least one transparent wall and a base wall on the exterior of a vessel. The gauge is secured to and communicates with the interior of the vessel by an eyelet connecting adjacent ports in the gauge and the vessel.

Abstract: An electric steam-spray iron having a pump and a bi-stable valve in a single housing for drawing water from a reservoir and delivering it to either a spray nozzle or a steam generating chamber which communicates with steam ports in the sole plate. The valve's stable state is changed by rocking movement of the pump's piston.