Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing pet food items comprising a cap and a body portion is provided. The body portion includes a first cylindrical section connected to a second cylindrical section by a transitional section. When the cap is attached to the first cylindrical section a chamber is formed inside of a combination of the cap, the first cylindrical section, the transitional section, the second cylindrical section, and the end piece, so that the only exit from the chamber is through an opening in the second cylindrical section. A plurality of pet treats or food items may be located inside of the body portion.

Abstract: An articulated pivoting tie-down device for securing a cargo to a vehicle comprises a retainer portion secured to a vehicle, a clevis encircled by the retainer portion, a connector having a hook/cable opening and a strap opening, and a pin interconnecting the clevis and the connector and forming a common pivotal axis therebetween. A modified embodiment comprises a pin connecting a clevis and a retainer portion and forming a common pivotal axis therebetween, a connector, and a link, having a generally elliptical cross-section, which interconnects the clevis and the connector such that the clevis and the connector are generally operably co-planar. The clevis is generally semi-elliptical with its major axis parallel to the common pivotal axis.

Abstract: A parachute deployment actuator incorporating an aneroid with a relatively long strike results in a significant diminution in the degree of precision with which the associated parts have to be made. A spring is provided externally of the aneroid in such relationship as to augment the natural spring force tending to expand the aneroid, such spring operating not only to keep the aneroid off its internal stop at sea level but also to cause the overall system to have a desired spring rate. A variable lever system inter-relates a preprinted scale and associated altitude cam with the aneroid in such relationship that the parachute actuator will release the chute very near a pre-set altitude.

Abstract: A parachute release apparatus having a spring powered release mechanism for coupling to the ripcord of the parachute, with a latch retaining a spring powered piston of the release mechanism against the force of the spring. A spring powered timing mechanism is locked out above a preestablished altitude by an aneroid assembly, but operative thereafter. A manually settable interlock coacts with a catch arm to set the spring of the timing mechanism upon winding, with an arming cable assembly actuating the interlock to a release position upon separation of the parachute wearing aviator from the seat or the aircraft. The timing mechanism includes a timing disc viewable through a window only when the release mechanism has been set and when the timing mechanism has been wound.

Abstract: A fly-fishing reel has a rotatable spool provided with a click gear engaged by a pivoted pawl which can apply resistance to rotation of the spool in opposite directions by independently adjustable spring means. A pair of exteriorly exposed adjustment knobs are each provided with an eccentric pin extending into the reel housing to slide a plate which carries a pretensioned spring engaged with one of the opposite radial sides of the pawl. By rotating the knobs, the slides move linearly to vary the contact point of the springs with the pawl and thereby regulate the moment arm of the force resisting rotation of the pawl and thus the click gear and spool to which is engaged. Since the adjustments are independent, the resistances to rotation of the spool may be varied as to degree and to which direction of rotation they apply. The slides mount the springs in a manner to limit the degree to which the springs may follow movements of the pawls.

Abstract: A breathing valve for the selective entry of a gas to be inhaled and for the exit of exhaled gas, which utilizes a rolling diaphragm and flapper valves for its workings which are quiet and are constructed so as to be unlikely to freeze up or become sticky.

Abstract: A vacuum pump is connected through a vacuum line to the milking apparatus, and a pressure regulator is employed to admit into the line the amount of ambient air necessary to maintain line pressure constant within narrow limits. The pressure regulator comprises a rolling-sleeve air valve to control the admission of ambient air, and which is itself controlled by a bias spring and an opposed diaphragm. One side of the diaphragm is subjected to pressure generally equal to line pressure, whereas the other side is subjected to the pressure of air within a dome. Means are provided to admit into the dome sufficient air to maintain dome pressure constant. Means are also provided to bleed air through the diaphragm, thus maintaining substantially constant the pressure drop thereacross. The air valve is constructed with a deflecting skirt which prevents false sensing of line pressure.

Abstract: A compact aneroid actuated explosive initiator for releasing a parachute upon descent to a predetermined altitude includes a firing pin releasably restrained by a rotatable sear that is urged toward release position. Cocking is achieved by compressing a driving spring without moving the firing pin, but concomitantly releasing a first restraint upon release of the sear. A second restraint upon release of the sear is provided by trigger levers under control of an aneroid barometer whereby the sear can be released and the firing pin driven by the firing spring only after cocking has been accomplished and a selected barometric condition exists.

Abstract: A mechanical self-timing valve is connected between a source of sanitizing solution and a milking machine to sanitize the milking machine between each milking operation. Initiation of the valve cycle is accomplished by pressing a button-type plunger to admit pressurized fluid to a cylinder and drive the piston and valve poppet to a flush position. Return of the poppet and piston to a drain position is resisted by pressurized fluid in the cylinder which is permited to bleed through a long, large diameter helical bleed conduit that winds around the plunger. In flush position, a sanitizing solution is directed through the valve, through a flexible milking line and through the claw and teat cups of the milking machine. In drain position, flow of sanitizing solution is blocked and the disconnected milking machine is gravity drained of remaining sanitizing solution, partly through the disconnected teat cups and partly through a valve drain port.

Abstract: A large vacuum pump is connected through a vacuum line to the cow milking apparatus, and a vacuum regulator is employed to admit into the line the amount of ambient air necessary to maintain the line pressure (and thus the pressure at the milking apparatus) constant within very narrow limits. The vacuum regulator comprises an air valve to control the admission of ambient air, and which is itself controlled by a light bias spring (having a low spring rate) and an opposed diaphragm. One side of the diaphragm is subjected to pressure generally equal to line pressure, whereas the other side of the diaphragm is subjected to pressure of air within a stabilizing and regulating dome. Adjustable means responsive to the pressure differential between the dome and ambient are provided to admit into the dome sufficient air to maintain the dome pressure constant. Furthermore, means are provided to bleed air through the diaphragm, thus maintaining substantially constant the pressure drop thereacross.