Abstract: Quality and portion concerns in providing food products are minimized in an apparatus that includes a steamer (10) with an upwardly opening steam head (16). A load cell (42) is mounted to a cabinet (12) of the steamer (10) and includes a post (52) mounting a baffle (68) which in turn surrounds the steamer head (16). A product platter/food support (70) is placed on the baffle (68) so that the latter directs steam to food material on the product platter/food support (70) as it is being weighed. Consequently, the desired hot temperature of the food may be maintained while an accurately sized portion, by weight, is provided.

Abstract: A sleeve is slidable axially through a limited range along the shank of a threaded fastener. A resiliently yieldable retainer is capable of both moving with and moving along the thread of the shank and captivates the sleeve against slipping axially off of the shank while effecting required relative positioning of the sleeve and the shank even if the sleeve is short in comparison to the length of the shank.

Abstract: A sleeve is slidable axially through a limited range along the shank of a threaded fastener. A resiliently yieldable retainer grips an unthreaded portion of the fastener shank and coacts with the adjacent end of the thread to captivate the sleeve against slipping axially off of the fastener.

Abstract: A sealing fastener includes an insert made of metal such as steel and a cap made of a non-ferrous and non-corrosive material such as aluminum. The cap is formed around and is captivated on the upper end portion of the insert by an impact extrusion process. The insert is formed with a head-retaining portion, a flange and a threaded shank. During impact extrusion, the cap is molded over the head-retaining portion and the top of the flange, around the peripheral edge of the flange and under the marginal portion of the underside of the flange. The upper side of the flange is formed with angularly spaced grooves and the outer edge of the flange is formed with scallops to help prevent the cap from turning relative to the insert when the fastener is tightened.

Abstract: A pre-assembled fastener and washer which facilitates application of paint to surfaces that would otherwise be exposed. Two annular protrusions formed on the unthreaded shank adjacent the head serve to retain the washer and fastener in an assembled condition with the washer spaced from the fastener head. Once the assembly has been painted and dried, the washer can be moved to its fully assembled position adjacent the fastener head. A method of forming a painted assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fastener with a modified thread form discourages a nut from becoming irremovably frozen on the shank of a bolt. A first normal thread extends from a base reference surface to a height on the fastener shank to permit full thread engagement by a nut. Axially outwardly along the shank from that point, there is provided a second thread of reduced crest diameter but still of sufficient size to engage the threads on the nut. This reduction in thread diameter provides additional clearance to permit the nut to be backed off in spite of marred threads or paint or rust buildups.