Abstract: Apparatus and methods for transferring heat between a heat transfer liquid and a plurality of moving containers of food product. The containers are conveyed by a perforated conveyor at least partially submerged in a pool of the heat transfer liquid and are showered at the same time with the heat transfer liquid. The pool of heat transfer liquid continuously drains and recirculates through either a heater or a chiller. A vibrator unit vibrates the pool of heat transfer liquid, the conveyor and the containers during the heat transfer operation.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for transferring heat between a heat transfer liquid and a plurality of moving containers of food product. The containers are conveyed by a perforated conveyor at least partially submerged in a pool of the heat transfer liquid and are showered at the same time with the heat transfer liquid. The pool of heat transfer liquid continuously drains and recirculates through either a heater or a chiller. A vibrator unit vibrates the pool of heat transfer liquid, the conveyor and the containers during the heat transfer operation.

Abstract: An ambulator which can be mated to a wheeled frame to form a wheelchair is rovided to enable a paraplegic to stand on the ambulator and be separated from the frame for maneuvering in confined spaces. The ambulator has power operated articulated linkage for raising the paraplegic out of and free of the frame to the standing position on the ambulator; the compact base of the ambulator containing a drive mechanism for moving the ambulator in any desired direction through controls conveniently located on an arm rest. When the ambulator is mated with the frame, the linkage is lowered to carry the paraplegic in the sitting position.

Abstract: An integrated ambulator and wheelchair is provided to enable a paraplegic stand on the ambulator and be separated from the wheelchair for maneuvering in confined spaces. The ambulator has power operated articulated linkage for raising the paraplegic out of and free of the wheelchair to the standing position on the ambulator; the compact base of the ambulator containing a drive mechanism for moving the ambulator in any desired direction through controls conveniently located on an arm rest.

Abstract: Control circuitry for producing signals to control motors which propel a ile platform for a standing paraplegic. Logic circuits connect a 3-axis joy stick controller to four permanent magnet DC motors mounted on the platform such that the platform follows in the direction of the displacement of the joy stick. The joy stick outputs are taken as inputs to several differential amplifiers. Each of a plurality of velocity servo amplifiers receives one input signal from the differential amplifier output and another from a tachometer feedback signal derived from each motor. Comparators receive the velocity servo amplifier outputs as well as a triangular wave input. Each comparator comprises a pulse width modulator which generates pulse outputs whose duty cycle is a function of the voltage inputs to each comparator. The comparator outputs then control motor rotation such that the platform moves in the direction of displacement of the joy stick.

Abstract: A drive mechanism is provided particularly suitable for use in ambulators ving a mobile platform that transports a paraplegic in a standing position, the unique drive mechanism enabling the platform to be of a minimum size with a very low center of gravity, and being movable about three axes to provide maximum maneuverability and access to confined spaces.

Abstract: To accomplish the invention, a backing panel is slidably supported on longitudinal rails in turn supported on upright portable frame members. The frame members removably support a header plate and such header plate in turn is arranged to support a wire mesh in suspended relation. Air blown concrete is deposited on the wire mesh against the backing panel to form the wall, the backing panel being movable on its supporting rails progressively as wall sections are formed. The upright portable frame members support a vertical cutter in the form of a continuous power driven wire movable along the front of the newly formed wall to provide a flat, smooth face thereon.

Abstract: A patient weighing system for automatically providing a visual display of stantaneous patient weight includes a bed assembly for receiving the patient which is supported by weight responsive means producing analog signals as a function of instantaneous total weight. The analog signals are converted to commensurate digital signals. A first storage register stores the digital signal representative of the weight of the bed assembly without the patient. A second storage register stores the digital signals representative of the total weight of the bed assembly including the patient. A difference digital signal is developed which is representative of the difference between the digital signals stored in the first and second storage registers, providing a net or remainder digital signal which is a function of patient weight.