Abstract: A combination weighing apparatus and method are provided particularly adapted for utilization with difficult to handle product. A series of in-line transfer conveyors form product feed lanes with individual volumetric cups designed to receive and hold a product charge. A scale and weighing hopper is associated with each transfer conveyor. The transfer conveyors are each advanced in stepped fashion so as to deliver a product charge from one volumetric cup at any single time to the associated weighing hopper. A washer unit cleans residue and the product buildup from the cups after delivery of the product charge. Once the product charge is delivered to the weighing hopper, the weight of the charge is registered by a control unit. The control unit scans various combinations of scales, calculates the total weight of product in the combination and selects the first combination that falls within an acceptable range above the target weight.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for triggering a flash lamp without the use of a conventional high voltage trigger pulse. In accordance with the invention, gas molecules in the flash lamp are ionized by the application of radiant energy to lower the impedance of the flash lamp. An energy discharge device (e.g., a capacitor) is thus able to discharge abruptly through the flash lamp causing the lamp to flash.

Abstract: A casting process is disclosed including the steps of fabricating a multi-piece pattern from cellular plastic material, assembling the pieces to form a pattern, coating the pattern with a magnesium silicate ceramic coating and imbedding the pattern in dry, loose sand within a box or flask. The box includes a plurality of perforated side walls and a sprue is connected to the pattern.

Abstract: A battery operated torque wrench having a digital display to give a numerical representation of torque applied to a rotational workpiece, such as a socket head bolt. Applied torque is sensed by variable resistors responsive to mechanical strain in a flexure element in the head of the wrench. The variable resistors are connected in a bridge circuit which yields an electrical analog signal when the bridge is unbalanced due to mechanical strain in the variable resistors. The electrical analog signal is tracked and converted into a digital equivalent by a servo-type feedback circuit. Each iteration of the feedback circuit generates a counting pulse which is registered on a set of binary coded decimal (BCD) counters connected in cascade. The outputs of the BCD counters are displayed on light emitting diode displays on the wrench handle. Overrange, underrange, and low power indicator means and power strobing means are also disclosed.

Abstract: A frost proof sillcock having an outer section with a fluid chamber therein and a discharge opening, a round tubular body connected to the external section and communicating with the chamber, and a seat end section of substantially the same diameter as the tubular body connected integrally with the body to form a substantially even external surface between the body and the section. The seat end section contains a valve seat and a plurality of thread segments, and a stem extends through the chamber in the external section and through the body, and contains a valve element on the inner end thereof for seating on the seat. A hand wheel for rotating the stem to seat and unseat the valve element is secured to the outer end of the stem.

Abstract: An annular, rigid reinforcement ring embedded in a body of molded elastomeric material forms a valve seat for a butterfly valve. The seat has a pair of diametrically aligned shaft openings for the valve disc supporting and actuating shaft. These holes extend through the elastomeric material and the reinforcement ring and, during molding of the elastomeric material, are occupied by removable cores which center the reinforcement ring about the cores between the end faces of the mold and position it concentrically between the inner and outer circumferential walls of the mold cavity. To prevent the reinforcement ring from rotating about the cores and to center it positively between the end faces of the mold, a pair of support extensions are provided aligned axially of the ring. One support extension protrudes from each edge or end face of the reinforcement ring. The pair of support extensions maintains proper alignment of the reinforcement ring with the end faces of the mold.

Abstract: A valve seat for a butterfly valve having an annular, rigid reinforcement ring embedded in a body of molded elastomeric material. The seat has a pair of diametrically aligned shaft openings for the valve disc supporting and actuating shaft. These holes extend through the elastomeric material and the reinforcement ring and, during molding of the elastomeric material, are occupied by removable cores which center the reinforcement ring about the cores between the end faces of the mold and position it concentrically between the inner and outer circumferential walls of the mold cavity. To prevent the reinforcement ring from rotating about the cores and to center it positively between the end faces of the mold, a pair of aligned pins are provided, one in each of the mold end faces, which clamp the reinforcement ring between them. These pins are located circumferentially along the reinforcement ring approximately halfway between the cores.