Abstract: An automatic shoe clearance adjusting device in a shoe drum brake of the type including a first strut member, a second strut member telescopically projecting from the first strut member, an adjusting nut rotatably mounted on the first strut member and engaging in screw threaded engagement with the second strut member, a member for rotating the adjusting nut in one direction, and a structure for controlling the rotation of the adjusting nut in the opposite direction. The rotation control structure is associated with a heat responsive element such that when the temperature in the brake exceeds a predetermined level, the adjustment of shoe clearance will not be effected.

Abstract: An electromechanical coded actuator, upon receipt of the proper combination f electrical pulses, will unlock and cause angular displacement of an output shaft. The device comprises a rotatable notched flange integral with the output shaft, the former being keyed to the housing by a series of flat blades axially movable against a bias. A first solenoid sequentially positions a rotatable index arm over each blade, whereupon a second solenoid actuates the index arm to displace and lock selected blades in a manner to align a notch in each blade with the flange. The latter is then free to be rotated via a clutch-type coupling with the first solenoid. Additional actuation of the rotary solenoid releases the clutch allowing the flange and shaft to be returned to its original position by a spring bias, and also releases the displaced blades to lock the flange. An electrical switch actuated by the index arm defines the zero position.

Abstract: A vehicle power transmission for tractors and the like having a fluid operated speed-change mechanism which comprises a plurality of rotatably mounted speed-change gears arranged on a lay shaft and a plurality of fluid actuated clutches associated with the respective speed-change gears for selectively connecting each of the gears to the lay shaft. A brake is provided which selectively brakes the lay shaft at the non-operation state of the fluid operated speed-change mechanism. The brake prevents unexpected transmission of power through the speed-change mechanism at the non-operation state of the mechanism, thereby preventing problems such as an unexpected start of the vehicle.

Abstract: A freewheel to be used for the motive power transmission mechanism of vehicles, such as bicycles and motorcycles, and other machines, includes ratchet mechanism provided at one lateral side of a sprocket wheel.

Abstract: A hollow piston assembly for brakes or clutches comprises a first member having an annular plate portion, an inner cylindrical hub and a flange formed on the outer end of the plate portion. A second member defines an annular cavity therein and has an annular flange press-fit into a first recess defined at the juncture of the plate portion and the cylindrical hub of the first member and a radial flange press-fit into a second recess formed at juncture of the plate portion and the flange of the first member. The piston assembly may be reciprocally mounted in the housing of a brake package to selectively compress a plurality of interleaved friction discs upon pressurization of an annular actuating chamber, defined between the first member and the housing.

Abstract: A coupling device such as a clutch comprises a driving member and a driven member operatively connected by a plurality of flat, generally annular and stacked springs. Each spring has a radially extending slit and is therefore C-shaped, with one end portion connected to the drive member. End portions of adjacent springs are circumferentially staggered, with frictional damping forces, in addition to the spring damping forces, thereby created between next adjacent springs upon relative movement between the driving and driven members. Adjacent springs may be adapted to expand and contract, respectively.

Abstract: An improved roller mount comprising a short stub axle, having a surface configuration such that contact with the inner bore wall is limited to line contact perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bore. Such contact permits relative motion about the line thereby minimizing tilt and subsequent binding of the inner bearing cone against the rotating elements of the bearing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a switch for wire mills and refined iron mills for selecting one of two or more continuing tubular guides for rolled material arriving successively in one guide. A guide tube is used which may be oriented at the inlet orifices of the continuing guides, and which is connected to the arrival guide, whereby the guide tube may be set, while a rolled material strand is being forwarded to one of the continuing guides, for one of the other continuing guides.

Abstract: A coin testing apparatus for identifying non-circular coins of a particular denomination. The apparatus includes an array of coin presence sensors. Two reference sensors are located along a line perpendicular to the coin track equidistant above and below a line parallel to the track and approximately half the coin's mean diameter above the track. Two secondary sensors are located along the line parallel to the track so that when a coin of the said denomination first occludes one or other of the reference sensors it occludes one but not both of the secondary sensors. Other sensors are provided to indicate that the coin is non-circular.

Abstract: Randomly oriented screws are deposited onto two horizontally spaced endless belts and are advanced toward a track located adjacent the ends of the upper runs of the belts. As the screws are advanced, the belts are vibrated vertically to shake the screws to properly oriented positions in which the screws hang by their necks from the belts with their shanks located between the belts. Vibration of the belts is effected by means of lugs formed on the inner sides of the belts and operable to flex the belts upwardly and downwardly as the lugs pass across pulleys which support and guide the belts. Also disclosed is a clearing wheel for flinging any improperly oriented fasteners from the track, the clearing wheel being constructed from a series of face-to-face discs made of comparatively soft urethane or the like.

Abstract: Apparatus for conveying bottles is disclosed, the apparatus comprising a rotationally mobile arrangement of parts for frictionally gripping the opposite sides of each of a plurality of bottles advanced thereto in succession and rotatably advancing such bottles in a downstream direction, a linearly mobile arrangement of parts for frictionally gripping the opposite sides of bottles advanced thereto in succession by the rotationally mobile arrangement of parts and linearly advancing such bottles further downstream to, for example, bottle-processing equipment; and an arrangement of bottle ejecting and bottle directing parts interposed between the rotationally mobile arrangement of parts and the linearly mobile arrangement of parts for successively ejecting bottles from the former and directing them toward the latter.The foregoing abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: An item accumulator and conveyor for accumulating a row of items and then conveying it off to one side for collection and stacking of the row. A first conveyor brings the items to two other conveyors, or to one conveyor having two sections. One of the two sections supports the items at one elevation and accumulates them in a row, and conveyor supports then permit the first section to lower and thereby transfer the items to the second section at a lower level, and the second section then moves the items off to one side. The two conveyor sections include movable support members and they may be at a declining angle so that the items can move under the force of gravity.

Abstract: A closed loop conveyor for viscid material is provided with a plurality of spaced, planar conveying flights within a material conveying conduit. The flights are mounted on an endless transporting chain and are moved from one or more charge stations where material is loaded into the conduit to one or more gravity discharge stations where the material falls out of the conveyor. At the discharge station the planar conveying flights are scraped clean by a rotatable assembly. The assembly preferably comprises a circular plate mounted for rotation in a generally vertical plane adjacent to the conveying path and about a substantially horizontal axis. A number of scraper blades are mounted on the circular plate substantially uniformly, peripherally spaced from one another and extend away from one side of the plate in a generally horizontal direction toward a conveying path defined by movement of the flights.

Abstract: A sensing device for sensing individual articles such as newspapers, magazines and the like in a stream of such articles flowing along a predetermined work path. The device and method utilize a rotatably mounted polygonal sensing member having an outer peripheral surface comprised of a plurality of distinct alternating sides and corners. The sensing member is disposed at a sensing station and mounted so that the leading edge of each consecutive article in the stream engages consecutive corner and side areas of the sensing member thereby causing incremental rotation thereof. An activating vane is disposed in operative engagement with the sensing member so that during such incremental rotation, the vane is moved between non-activating and activating positions.

Abstract: A bundle of Margach ingots being self-skidded on platform ingots having legs at each end that provide for insertion of a lift fork between the legs and below the main body of the ingots, said body intermediate its end being weakened at some point for easy breaking into two half ingots, said ends being provided with notches or other means to feed each half ingot on a chain feeder into a molten bath. The bundles must be tied with wire (rather than conventional straps) to fit tightly into the notches on first applying same to avoid later slippage into the notch at a critical time.

Abstract: A package for a roll of light-sensitive strip material is disclosed and includes end covers and a leader which are opaque and moistureproof. A rim or peripheral lip on each end cover overlies an edge of the leader and is adhered thereto, but no adhesive is used between the end covers and the ends of the roll so that the edges of the strip material do not pick up adhesive. The assembled roll and its package may be roomlight loaded into exposure apparatus such as a camera, magazine, cassette, etc. with a portion of the leader extending from the roll. After the exposure apparatus has been sealed to light, the remainder of the leader may be stripped from the roll, tearing the end cover rims away from the rest of the end covers so that successive convolutions of strip material may be unwound from the roll.

Abstract: A double ply, multi-cell cushioning insert for use in the packaging of heavy objects such as books.

Abstract: Sensors associated with a pair of weighing devices of a weight sorting system are operative through a logic circuit to effect release of loads from conveyor carriers. Lockout and reset actions produced internally of the logic circuit distinguish between sequential signals produced by the sensors and a single signal produced by one of the sensors during any monitoring cycle, to effect release of the loads between upper and lower weight limits, respectively, established by said weighing devices.

Abstract: A roller screen, expecially for screening pellets to be sintered, having several rotable transverse rollers in succession at a distance from each other, and control means for adjusting distance between at least the last rollers greater than the distances between the other rollers.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for lifting, handling, transporting and unrolling large round hay bales. Preferably said apparatus is employed on the bed of a pickup or truck and includes a frame mounted on the pickup bed with a beam pivotally mounted thereon and with arms slidably mounted on the beam. The arms have bale penetrating members rotatably mounted or fixed thereon. First power actuated means operably pivot said beam in an arc about the rear end of the pickup toward and away from the ground. Second power actuated means slide the arms and penetrating members along said beam toward each other in such fashion as to squeeze a bale sufficiently to allow the first power means to lift the bale from the ground, and away from each other to release the bale. The bale penetrating members are rotatably or fixedly mounted on the arms to allow a bale to be unrolled to facilitate feeding the hay of the bale to animals.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein improved pallet locating and clamping mechanisms for use in conjunction with the work transfer device in a transfer machine. The pallet locating and clamping means comprise a plurality of inverted V-blocks accurately positioned in the work stations of the machine which are adapted to cooperate with complementary V-grooves provided in the undersides of the pallets for automatically positioning and supporting such pallets precisely in the work stations perparatory to machining or other work operations to be performed on workpieces carried by the pallets. The clamping means for the pallets preferably are mechanically actuated and correlated with the pallet transfer device to clamp the pallets securely on the locating and supporting V-blocks.

Abstract: Transport and assembly apparatus for a screw-tightening device having a carrier ring seatable on a pressure-vessel cover for loosening and tightening fastening screws thereon includes a lift truck having an elevating platform whereon a carrier ring is mountable, means for pivoting the carrier ring about a horizontal axis, and means for vertically adjusting the carrier ring with the elevating platform.

Abstract: Method and device for loading cylindrical articles in a processing apparatus including a rotatable starwheel with pockets defined therein which carry the cylindrical articles and a plurality of mandrels aligned with the pockets for rotation with the starwheel such that the cylindrical articles may be axially transferred from the pocket onto the mandrel for processing, the device primarily comprising a plurality of conduit outlets which may be intermittantly connected through valve means to a compressed gas source to produce a jet of compressed gas at predetermined positions in the rotation of the starwheel pocket and onto the mandrel, and more preferably further including a vacuum passage through the mandrels which may be selectively connected to a vacuum source to work in synchronous with the compressed gas jet to provide both an internal vacuum and an external gas jet urging the cylindrical article onto the mandrel.

Abstract: A remote access manipulator for performing operations on equipment located in areas where human access is limited. The manipulator comprises a slave carriage located in the equipment on which the operation is to be performed, such as a nuclear steam generator, for carrying tools and inspection devices for performing operations on the equipment together with a master carriage located in a scale model of the equipment and electrically connected to the slave carriage for controlling the movement of the slave carriage. The slave carriage comprises a five link mechanism with the links rotatably connected and is capable of advancing across a surface of the equipment to position the devices which it carries. The manipulator further comprises a slave manipulator arm used to move the slave carriage into and out of the equipment on which the operation is to be performed in conjunction with a master manipulator arm located in the scale model for controlling the movement of the slave manipulator arm.

Abstract: An automatic loader and unloader for an elevator includes a stationary frame, a main carriage movable in either direction relative to the stationary frame, and a coupler carriage movable in either direction relative to the main carriage. The main carriage is slidably disposed on the stationary frame by a bearing arrangement which provides a cantilever support for the main carriage when the main carriage is extended. The main carriage and the coupler carriage are extended and retracted by two pair of cables. One pair of cables effects movement of the main carriage and coupler carriage in one direction, and the other pair of cables effects movement of the main carriage and coupler carriage in the other direction.

Abstract: This invention provides a housing containing a rotatable coal bucket that is sealed at its ends in the housing with a reciprocal plunger that is sealed in the bucket at one end and has an opposite cone-shaped end that wedges up against a closed end of the bucket, and a method for feeding dry, variable size coal from an ambient atmosphere at low pressure into a high temperature, high pressure reactor between the seals for producing fuel gas substantially without losing any high pressure gas from the reactor or excessively wearing the seals.

Abstract: A warp beam transport and elevating carriage for twin warp beams is disclosed having a longitudinally extending shaft capable of rotation about its longitudinal axis, a plurality of gripper arms fixed to the shaft and extending downwardly to securely support twin warp beams at each end, and twin warp beams mouned for transport and elevation without danger of displacement of dislodgement.

Abstract: A container comprises a rectangular top, bottom and sides. The sides each have two ends which are normally vertical. There is a hinge generally adjacent the bottom and one side permitting the one side to pivot outwardly. There is an angle section with an outwardly directed flange near each end of the one side and channel sections with inwardly directed flanges on the ends of the two other sides adjacent ends of the one side. The angle sections are engageable with the channel sections to constrain outward movement of the one side about the hinge. A latch constrains inward movement of the one side when the latch is engaged. A mechanism can deflect the outwardly directed flanges to permit the one side to pivot outwardly about the hinge for loading and unloading the container.

Abstract: A capacitor closure disc unit comprises a metallic plate and a layer of rubber-elastic insulating material injection-molded around its periphery. The plate is dish shaped and includes a flat flange. The recessed central part of the plate forms a centering area which, through the help of centering projections, aids in centering the plate in a mold cavity. The outer surface of the recessed portion can be very slightly concave so that contact thereof with a planar mold section forms a circular edge seal during the injection-molding step.

Abstract: An easy open ecology end consisting of a removable section defined in an end panel and a tab for severing the removable section is disclosed herein. The removable section or disc is defined by a weakened score line and the tab has an opening edge aligned with at least a part of the inner edge of the score line with the opening edge having primary contact means for producing initial rupture of the score line. The tab is attached to the end using a unique method which will produce internal stresses in the metal of the tab so that the tab is constantly urged toward the surface of the end. The tab also has an opening therein aligned with the removable section and is designed to be locked into the opening created by severing the weakened line.

Abstract: When the improved tab is lifted by its lifting end, its opening end ruptures a scored line defining a panel, and this opens the container. The tab is retained to the container by a flap extending from the opening end toward the lifting end and including an affixing portion which is riveted to the container. After the container has been opened, the lifting end of the tab is depressed toward the end of the container. In prior art tabs, flexing of the flap occurred at a first bending region adjacent the affixing portion during both the lifting and depressing motions. In contrast, in the present invention the flap is shaped to provide a second bending region adjacent the opening end, in addition to the first bending region adjacent the affixing portion. When the lifting end is lifted, the improved tab flexes in the first bending region, and when the lifting end is depressed, the improved tab flexes in the second bending region. In this manner the flexing is shared between the first and the second bending regions.

Abstract: A balanced lid type system for industrial trash bins includes arrangements for partially opening the lid with little effort and for permitting the lid to swing wide open when it is inverted for dumping, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,994,415 and Re. 29,494. The operative mechanism in the present balanced lid bin system includes rollers which ride on the top edge of the sides of the bin to support the lid in a substantially balanced manner, and a pair of recesses or guideways in the rear sides of the lid which engage matching pins or rollers extending laterally from the bin to guide the lid as it rotates open in the upright or balanced partially opening mode of operation. When the lid swings wide open, as it is inverted when raised by the forks of a lift garbage dump truck, the rollers remain at the end of the tracks in the lid and the lid swings fully open about this axis.

Abstract: An improved shelf configuration for a spiral vending machine is embodied in a novel support apparatus for rotatably supporting the forward or discharge end of a helical coil used to dispense packaged food products or the like from the machine. The support apparatus comprises a first elongated coil support member transversely spaced from and parallel to a second elongated coil support member. The coil support members each define a ramp at one end respectively thereof upwardly inclined between the shelf surface on which the food products to be dispensed rest and an upper planar surface disposed above the shelf surface. The coil support members each terminate at coplanar second ends which are connected together by means of a downwardly inclined ramp. One of the coil support members adjacent the downwardly inclined ramp has a beveled inner edge portion to allow at least some products moved by the coil to be oriented in a transversely tilted position immediately before dispensing.

Abstract: A vertically-mountable dispenser unit for storing and individually dispensing a large number of small boxes. The unit is formed by a frame including a pair of side walls having corresponding-positioned, inwardly-directed ridges thereon that divide the unit into parallel channels for receiving the boxes. Each channel has a discharge opening at the lower end thereof which is terminated by a ledge whereby the boxes are retained in the channels by the ledges and may be laterally withdrawn therefrom. The unit is fabricated of clear thermoplastic material and is created from a flat injection-molded blank that is thermally folded to assume the desired configuration.

Abstract: A row crop planter of the type having a rotating pressurized peripherally apertured seed drum within which are positioned seed distributing structure and a brush for releasing excess seeds from the drum in advance of the distributing structure, which is improved by the provision of air permeable a seed barrier located in the drum to prevent reattachment of seeds to the portion of the drum between the brush and the distributing structure.

Abstract: A fully automatic dispensing apparatus for dispensing predetermined measured of granular materials such as coffee, sugar, spices, and the like. The materials are stored in a sealed container and are dispensed therefrom by means of a unique dispensing and distribution system which ensures that each measure of material dispensed is substantially equal whether the storage container is full or nearly empty.

Abstract: In an aerosol dispensing container of the kind having a collapsible bag separating the propellant from the product to be dispensed, an elongate core member is arranged completely free, loose and unattached within the bag to prevent pockets of product becoming isolated from the dispensing valve when the bag collapses. The core member provides a path, unaffected by bag collapse, for the product to pass to the valve.

Abstract: A convenient squeeze dispenser package for fluids of economical construction featuring a principal body formed of easily molded plastic material configurated into plural compartments and having an exterior contour promoting, enhancing and improving the squeeze dispensement function.

Abstract: A low cost dispenser that will accommodate cereal packages and the like, to allow the packages to be repeatedly sealed so as to prevent spillage and to retain the freshness of the contents, even after the packages have been opened to permit discharge of the contents.

Abstract: A valve for an aerosol container, of the kind which is adapted to pass propellant into the container to pressurize the aerosol product, has a dip tube which is arranged to act as a diffuser. The propellant is thereby caused to enter the product as a large number of small bubbles rather than a much smaller number of larger bubbles. By thus improving the rate of solution of the propellant in the product the propellant charging times can be substantially reduced.

Abstract: A self-sealing cap for squeeze-type containers formed from a moldable material which includes a body portion defining an opening therethrough. One end of the body portion is securable to the squeeze-type container and the other end of the body portion is extended into side walls and end walls which are connected together to form an extension of the opening. The side walls terminate into resilient lip portions which, in turn, terminate into sharp biting edges which are abutting to define a narrow slit. Upon the application of the squeeze pressure to the container, the contents move the lip portions away from one another to form an outlet and upon cessation of squeeze pressure on the container the lip portions return under normal permanent set to close the fit while biting off the contents.

Abstract: A clothes hanger which is particularly adapted to suspend a plurality of articles of apparel. The hanger has a body portion including an elongated bar for suspending a first article of clothing, a pair of downwardly opening elongated slots at each end of the body portion for suspending a second article of clothing, and a pair of sideways opening elongated slots located above the pair of downwardly opening slots for suspending a third article of clothing from the hanger.

Abstract: A holder for a smoking-pipe in the form of a substantially rigid or flexible sheath attachable to a support, the sheath having front and back walls defining a cavity and being sufficiently close to one another and sufficiently taut laterally and transversely that they frictionally pinch-hold a pipe stem in the cavity. An interior wall surface can have a high friction surface area, and the sheath can include tautening means to tauten the walls, to increase the frictional hold of the pipe stem.

Abstract: A novel shoulder strap is provided for holding a musical instrument or the like. The strap comprises an elongated piece of material adapted to be attached to said instrument near each end of the strap, the strap being curved laterally to conform to the user's shoulder.

Abstract: The holder for a writing instrument provides a band adapted to completely encircle the person's hand about the palm area. A portion of the band is formed into a loop to define a writing instrument receptacle adapted to hold a writing instrument. When the band is attached about the palm area and appropriately adjusted, the writing instrument receptacle will hold the instrument with its major axis generally in line with the plane defined by the person's palm, the band and receptacle being sufficiently flexible to permit the instrument to be turned somewhat and comfortably held in the normal writing position between the person's fingers. Preferably the band is elastic and adjustable to fit the palm of different size hands, and the loop is defined by a clip that permits tension in the band to be transmitted to the loop and its size thereby adjusted automatically upon being placed about the person's palm to securely hold a writing instrument.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for driving fasteners, such as nails and staples, which is able to work at positions accessible with difficulty. The apparatus of the present invention is accordingly provided with a firing nose, a jacket surrounding the pneumatic cylinder and a bracket connecting the actuating head to the casing member, which are connected to the remaining parts of the apparatus by removable means, which allow the replacement thereof with corresponding members of different length.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing metal pipe. The edges of a metal plate are bent up slightly, and the thus bent plate is then bent into a U-shape cross-section blank. The U-shape blank is finish-formed into an O-shaped blank with the longitudinal edges opposed to each other in a position for welding by placing one end of the U-shaped blank into at least one two-part die the parts of which are movable toward and away from each other.

Abstract: A container for transport and display of cut flowers or the like. The container includes a cardboard box having a lower divider which divides the lower region of the box into two compartments. A water-tight plastic bag is placed inside the box, lining the inner surface of the box and the sides of the lower divider. An upper divider placed within the plastic bag and attached at opposite ends to opposite side walls of the box further partitions the box into four upright compartments. A lid for covering the box during transport has a pair of openings which coincide with openings in the box to provide a pair of container handles. In use, the lower region of the box is filled with water and cut flowers are placed in the four upright compartments with their stems in the water.

Abstract: A paperboard partition arrangement which may be selectively used to form either four or eight cells within an external package.

Abstract: A receptacle having a self-locking closure is formed by fold assembly of an appropriately scored single piece blank. The receptacle formed from the sheet material blank includes forward, rear and opposed side walls connected to a bottom and providing for an upwardly facing opening. Corner gussets provided for on the blank are foldable in opposed relation along the outside face of the forward and rear walls of the receptacle. The blank further includes a projecting flap and first locking tab on the forward and rear walls with the flap being foldable outwardly and downwardly to hold the opposed gussets in place while the first locking tab is foldable upwardly under the opposed gussets to provide for lasting securement for the receptacle in an open condition. Closure flaps for the receptacle are provided on the opposed side walls and are foldable downwardly over the receptacle opening in overlapping relation.