Abstract: A bulk vending apparatus for dispensing a user-determined amount of product includes a rack unit having a plurality of support structures capable of extending out from the rack unit, a plurality of dispensing units each containing a product for dispensing and arranged on the support structures and including restraining means to restrain all but a first support structure of the plurality of support structures when a first support structure is extended from the rack unit.

Abstract: A bulk vending apparatus for dispensing a user-determined amount of product stored in bulk includes a storage portion for storing loose product and a removable dispensing barrel located within the bottom of the storage portion. The dispensing barrel includes an inlet positioned adjacent a first end of the barrel and an outlet positioned adjacent a second end of the barrel opposite the first end. The first end of the barrel is removably fastened to the storage portion. The apparatus also includes an auger located within the dispensing barrel having a major diameter and a first end removably fastened to the first end of the dispensing barrel, and a brush member positioned adjacent the auger for brushing excess product away from the major diameter.

Abstract: An immersible, floatable aquarium heater is provided, with universal mounting bracket which will accommodate both the old and new types of aquarium construction. The heater includes a sealing cap incorporating integrally the control knob spindle and the power line for the heater. The arrangement provides a triple seal to protect the vital heater controls from high humidity in the aquarium environment, with the seal preventing leakage in case of accidental submersion of the entire heater. The control knob of the heater includes a tamper-proof feature to avoid adjustments beyond a 10.degree. range, unless actually required.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a modular aquarium apparatus generally comprising a watertight housing which suspends a glass thermometer safely therein. The housing includes a ballast chamber carrying a weight of predetermined characteristics sufficient to provide the housing with sufficient negative bouyancy such that the housing, without more, will float at the top of an aquarium with the lower portions of the housing submerged. With the addition of a special sinking sub-assembly carrying additional ballast the aforementioned thermometer housing may be converted into a sinkable housing for measuring temperatures at the bottom of the aquarium. Alternatively, the housing may be provided with a special cap and hanger arrangement for converting the housing into a hanging thermometer assembly adapted to be suspended from the upper wall portions of an aquarium tank.

Abstract: An aquarium thermometer is provided which may be selectively, horizontally positioned at a plurality of depths along a wall of an aquarium tank for comparing the temperatures at different levels to ascertain and to monitor temperature gradients in the tank. The thermometer assembly of the invention includes a water tight house having spaced ferrous components or magnets adjacent the opposite ends of the thermometer scale. A separate positioning handle, having similarly spaced, registerable magnets at its opposite ends, is adapted to cooperate with the thermometer housing on the wall, to cause the thermometer inside the tank to move correspondingly with the handle. The positioning handle and the thermometer housing may mount pairs of oppositely polarized magnets.

Abstract: A directional flow circulator is provided for aquariums for distributing heated water from the heater throughout the aquarium tank. The circulator is positioned concentrically with a heater and serves to collect and distribute heated water through a directional flow spout to the far reaches of the tank to avoid concentrated hot and cold spots in the aquarium tank. The circulator is configured to accommodate any length standard heater, and includes means to fix the circulator on the tank wall at the proper height for the length of the heater used.