Abstract: A lifting and stabilizing system is mounted on a household appliance and includes a lifting system to lift that appliance above a supporting surface, such as a floor so that access to that supporting surface beneath the appliance is provided. The stabilizing system includes a plurality of weighted door-like elements mounted on the appliance to slide from one position to a second position to lower the center of gravity of the weighted appliance. In one embodiment, the center of gravity of the weighted appliance is lowered beneath the supporting system whereby any forces tending to tip the elevated appliance are combined with the weight of the lifted appliance to form a force moment about the lifting elements that is directed to return the appliance to the proper, untipped position.

Abstract: A circuit for controlling power to a load from an AC voltage supply is disclosed. The circuit permits power input to begin at any point either the positive, negative or both halfwaves of an AC waveform and compensates for variations in the AC voltage supply to provide the same power level to the load.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for controlling the temperature of a heated wire, such as on a wire sealer for plastic film. Temperature control is based upon measurements of changes in the resistance of the wire as it is heated, through bridge circuit and microprocessor techniques.

Abstract: A circuit is described for controlling voltage input to a pair of resistances. A main transformer and variable auto transformer are wired in cascade between the voltage supply and the resistances. The resistances are wired in series to the output of the variable auto transformer, with the null point between the resistances being connected to the variable tap of the auto transformer.

Abstract: A method of extruding plastic film is provided which employs a die comprising a die body having an inlet therein for receiving a plastic melt under pressure and having an annulus in the die in flow communication with the inlet and having a discharge orifice for extruding the plastic melt therefrom in tubular form. A heat conductive band is provided and supported by the die body and such band has a circumferential heat conductivity which is better than its radial heat conductivity; and, a heater is employed for heating the band with the band assuring heat is transmitted so that practically all points of an annular portion of the die body located immediately adjacent the band are substantially at the same temperature.

Abstract: A cascade drive system is disclosed for use in processes that deal with continuous lengths of material such as film, wire, paper, fabric, etc. The system includes a plurality of stages holding fixed speed ratios to each other; and uses hydraulic components arranged in a series flow circuit, in such a way that the line speed may be synchronously increased or decreased and individual ratios between adjacent stages may be changed.

Abstract: A die for extruding plastic film is provided wherein such die comprises a die body having an inlet therein for receiving a plastic melt under pressure and having an annulus in the die in flow communication with the inlet and having a discharge orifice for extruding the plastic melt therefrom in tubular form. A heat conductive band is provided and supported by the die body and such band has a circumferential heat conductivity which is better than its radial heat conductivity; and, a heater is employed for heating the band with the band assuring heat is transmitted so that practically all points of an annular portion of the die body located immediately adjacent the band are substantially at the same temperature.