Abstract: A check valve having dual seats and dual poppets which act in a series arrangement as a double valve. One seat poppet combination employs an o-ring type seal and the second seat poppet arrangement employs a metal-to-metal sealing surface. Each seat poppet arrangement performs in typical check valve fashion. The mechanics of operation of the dual valve series arrangement is such that the soft seal valve always opens and closes under essentially zero flow conditions preventing extrusion or errosion of the soft seal and preserving the zero leakage sealing surface.

Abstract: A zero leakage valve, employing a radially squeezed elastomeric o-ring seal. In opening and closing, the o-ring is transferred from the valve element to a following retainer sleeve. The transfer is facilitated by relieving the squeeze on the o-ring coincidental with valve movement from closed to open positions. One embodiment is a dual element check valve employing the radial seal in conjunction with a conventional poppet and seat combination. The two valve elements act in a series arrangement.

Abstract: In a non-drip valve for a fluid flow line having a vacuum unit comprising supply chamber, a discharge chamber and a vacuum chamber connected to the discharge chamber to withdraw fluid therefrom when the forward flow is arrested, an improved control valve controlling the flow of fluid from a source to the supply chamber comprising a ball element operable between alternate positions, one of which admits fluid from the source of supply to the supply chamber and blocks the flow of fluid from the supply chamber to a return line, and the other of which blocks flow of fluids from the supply source to the supply chamber and simultaneously affords flow of fluid from the supply chamber to the return line, the position of said ball element being controlled by the armature of a solenoid.

Abstract: A method for rapidly clamping a repair clamp tightly around a pipe which contemplates a number of steps including the steps of taking up slack in the clamp and then applying the necessary clamping force for tightening the clamp on the pipe.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an insert for flexible wall hose used in vacuum applications, particularly hydraulic vacuum environments, consisting of a tubular body of nonmetallic elastomeric material adapted to be closely received within the bore of the hose, the insert body being supported against internal collapse by a plurality of metal rings embedded within the insert body material. The rings are axially spaced with respect to the body length whereby the insert body may be readily severed intermediate adjacent rings, and the end regions of the inserts are defined by the elastomeric body material. A plurality of insert bodies are inserted within the hose to be internally supported, and the insert body construction permits the inserts to be readily located within all lengths of hose complete support of the hose in hydraulic vacuum applications and produces minimal flow resistance and turbulence.

Abstract: A flexible plastic tube, comprises, an extruded inner tube or tubular portion and an extruded outer tube or tubular portion of a thermoplastic material overlying the inner tubular portion and spaced radially outwardly therefrom and including a reinforcing strip of substantially U-shape configuration wound around the inner portion and bonded to the inner and outer tubular portions. The reinforcing strip has radially extending sidewalls in the form of fins which define a first cavity therebetween and, in addition, successive turns of the reinforcing strip define a second cavity therebetween which is located between the outer and inner walls. The sidewalls advantageously have radially outwardly tapered cross-sectional shapes.

Abstract: A weaving machine comprising a dobby and a Jacquard machine as the control members, wherein the dobby is controlled from a single pattern card in the Jacquard machine. Harness cords connect the Jacquard hooks to the heddles and to a movably supported member in the dobby. The coordinated movements of the Jacquard hooks will effect a simultaneous movement of the movably supported member in the dobby so that operations of the Jacquard machine in response to the information on the pattern card will simultaneously effect an operation of the dobby.

Abstract: A dobby with a mechanical reading device for a control card having perforated and nonperforated portions therein according to a pattern. The reading needle of the reading device of the pattern card has yielding elements for the purpose of reducing the impact force of the reading needle onto the pattern card.

Abstract: In order to evacuate a receptacle using a pumping arrangement composed of a backing pump connected to the receptacle and a fine or high vacuum pump connected to the receptacle via a cold trap, the receptacle is initially evacuated only by operation of the backing pump, the time taken to achieve a predetermined initial pressure reduction in the receptacle only by the action of the backing pump is measured, then, on the basis of the magnitude of such pressure reduction and the measured time period, the subsequent time period which would be required, if the effect of condensable gases in the receptacle were ignored, to reach a predetermined second pressure, lower than the first pressure, in the operating range of the fine or high vacuum pump is calculated, and the receptacle is then evacuated by operation of the fine or high vacuum pump at the expiration of the subsequent time period.

Abstract: The invention provides a tree delimbing apparatus suitable for mounting on a vehicle. A frame bears a plurality of delimbing arms which are pivotally mounted and spring loaded on the frame. They extend outwardly from the frame so as to engage the branches of felled trees. The trees are suitably oriented parallel on the ground and then the vehicle bearing the delimbing apparatus passes over the felled trees, the frame moving along the tree trunks and the spring loaded delimbing arms accommodating themselves to varying diameters of tree trunk as the frame passes over the trunks. The delimbing arms are rigidly supported in the direction of motion and thus strip off the tree branches as the frame moves along the trunks.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in tree felling for causing a tree to tip under the influence of a force acting on the cutting surfaces of a saw notch in the tree trunk. The tipping force is produced by means of an inflatable cushion which is inserted in a flattened state into the saw notch and connected to the combustion chamber of the cylinder of the power saw motor to be inflated with compressed gas from said combustion chamber.

Abstract: A product feed apparatus for transferring a plurality of products such as cookies from a single holder to a corresponding plurality of transversely spaced apart conveyor lines. The apparatus includes a shuttle guide extending across the conveyor lines and including a gate opening normally covered by a gate. The product holder carries a stack of the products and terminates in a feed opening at one extremity of the gate opening. A shuttle is supported on the shuttle guide for movement past the feed opening to a discharge position. The shuttle includes a number of product openings which come into successive alignment with the feed opening on movement of the shuttle toward its discharge position so that on location of the shuttle in its discharge position the products are located in the product openings in overlying relation to the gate. The products are then transferred to the conveyor lines on opening of the gate.

Abstract: The flail device comprises a rotatable drum, a series of circumferentially spaced channels extending lengthwise of the drum, support means in each channels, a rod received in each support means, and flexible flails attached to each support means at longitudinally spaced intervals thereon; each flail consists of a length of chain links and the rod in each support means passes through the end link of the flails which are extendible under centrifugal force when the drum is rotating.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting reeds for single reed musical instruments. The apparatus comprises a support member having a pair of guide strips adjustably secured thereto for receiving and aligning a reed with the said support member center line, said support member having a plurality of slots formed in a lip at one end thereof for receiving a sharp cutting instrument for cutting the reed tip.The method comprises seating a reed to be adjusted having a thin tapered tip on said support member and forming at least one cut in said tip parallel to the reed longitudinal axis without removal of tip material whereby adjacent portions of the tip are free to independently vibrate.

Abstract: A protective sleeve for protecting the handle of a percussion head tool such as a sledge hammer, axe or the like. A protective oversized rigid sleeve, e.g., of a metal, is positioned around the tool handle in a location adjacent to that head. The annular cavity defined between the oversized rigid sleeve and the handle is filled with a resilient energy absorbing material, e.g., with a rubber.

Abstract: A golf bag is constructed to be compact and light in weight and to hold a full set of fourteen clubs. The bag comprises a plurality of compartments provided by a honeycomb-shaped framework of a cloth-like material. The bag also comprises a spike insertable into the ground to hold the bag in an upright position.

Abstract: An apparatus for enclosing a camera body and camera lens is disclosed. In the illustrated and preferred embodiment, the structure incorporates a generally rectangular case for a camera body. The case is sized to enclose a typical 35 millimeter single lens reflex (SLR) camera body, although it can be sized for other camera types. The camera case incorporates a protruding bayonet-connected or threaded fitting for joinder to a tubular case. The tubular case, having a length to match the length of the lens system for the camera; it may also separately enclose the camera lens. Consequently, the present invention enables a camera case to enclose a camera body and separately or jointly enclose a camera lens where the camera lens has any practical length.

Abstract: A track assembly for a vehicle has a plurality of grousered track shoes and a cleaning member extending between at least two of the shoes. The member moves relative to the track shoes as the track assembly deflects and avoids the packing of dirt and material between the grousers of the track shoes.

Abstract: An improved belt construction for a radial or semi-radial tire comprising a reinforcing belt layer including helically formed filaments is disclosed. Between main belt layers is interposed an intermediate reinforcing layer composed of a reinforcing element formed of helically formed filaments each having a tensile breaking strength of at least 140 kg/mm.sup.2 and elongation at tensile breaking strength of at least 1.2 times the smallest elongation at tensile breaking strength of the cords of the main belt layers. The intermediate reinforcing layer as a whole is extensible and compressible.

Abstract: A system for automatically forming flaskless sand molds, and preparing them for metal pouring. Cope and drag flasks are alternately filled with chemically bonded sand on an indexing turntable, and the sand is allowed to cure or set up while still on the turntable. The copes and drags are then automatically removed from their respective flasks and placed on a conveyor belt by a rollover draw machine. The above is accomplished automatically, with little or no supervision required.

Abstract: An arrangement for casting foundry pieces comprising a source of liquid metal under low pressure in the form of a pressurized furnace, a column of metal or any other arrangement feeding a metal-distributing chamber connected to the mold cavities by gates, the distribution chamber being vertical and parallel to the faces of the pieces being cast, the gates running horizontally from the chamber to the mold cavities and transmitting the pressure of the metal in the chamber to the castings during solidification after filling of the mold cavities.

Abstract: In a continuous molten metal casting apparatus of the wheel-band type, wherein an elongated endless metal band partially closes a groove inscribed about the periphery of the rotatable casting wheel, an apparatus to apply and maintain a fixed, determinable tension to the elongated, endless band. The tension apparatus of the present invention permits the use of greatly elongated casting bands, maintaining a tension thereon, even during electrical power or air pressure supply failure, to thus provide improved band life. The tension wheel is rotatably mounted upon a carriage which slides on a pair of bellows-enclosed shafts, the carriage riding on a plurality of ball bushings. A dual-action air cylinder, attached at one end to the carriage and the other to the tension mechanism frame, operatively tensions the band through the wheel and carriage assembly.

Abstract: A method of operating a heat storage-heat exchange system in a more efficient manner is described. The method comprises the steps of passing a heating fluid through a bed of heat storage medium to heat and create a hotter portion of the medium, passing a fluid to be heated through the medium counter-current to the heating fluid to create a cooler portion of the medium, and passing a fluid from within the system through an intermediate portion of the heat storage medium between the hotter and cooler portions to steepen the temperature gradient between the hotter portion and the cooler portion.

Abstract: Apparatus for the in situ inspection of tubes which are submerged in a liquid such as the primary coolant of a nuclear reactor, wherein a sensor is withdrawn from a tube by a cable, including means for removing the liquid from and drying the cable and returning the liquid to the tubes thus preventing the spread of deleterious liquids to otherwise benign environments and the fouling of the drive mechanism used to control cable movements.

Abstract: In a temperature control system for container vehicles, a refrigerant circuit has the customary compressor, condenser, expansion valve and evaporator. The compressor and condenser are together in one module while the expansion valve and evaporator are together in another module. The compressor is hydraulically driven. Heat for temperature control purposes can be obtained from the energy of the hydraulic fluid by means of a restrictor in the hydraulic fluid circuit.

Abstract: An air transfer system for conveying air from the heater-air conditioner of a vehicle to the interior of an accessory such as a camper, trailer, and the like attached to the vehicle. The air transfer system includes a main conduit that is attached at one end to the air spreader of the heater-air conditioner of the vehicle to receive conditioned air therefrom. In one embodiment, the main conduit is positioned under or over the front seat of the vehicle and the other end of it passed through a hole in the back window of the vehicle and mounted to an adaptor positioned adjacent a hole in the front window of the camper. In two of the embodiments, the ends of the main conduit have collars that are slideably receivable within adaptors mounted to the air spreader and the window of either the vehicle of the camper. A third embodiment has a collar mounted around the main conduit adjacent its second end.

Abstract: The invention relates to a slurry-cooled helmet and to a head-cooling system. The helmet includes a hollow shell within which is positioned a plurality of tubes connected between an inlet and a discharge manifold. The manifolds are respectively connected to inlet and outlet means in the helmet shell.

Abstract: A heat exchanger assembly of the type having a heat transfer core element which includes a plurality of fins in parallel stacked relationship for defining heat transfer surfaces and a plurality of fluid carrying tubes extending transversely through the fins for defining a fluid circuit, the assembly including at least one tube-to-tube joint, the improvement comprising a solderless connection at the tube-to-tube joint wherein one of the tubes includes an end having an annular, outwardly extending shoulder followed by an inwardly tapered flared portion for receiving the outwardly tapered portion of the other portion and the other of the tubes including an end having an outwardly flared portion for receiving the outwardly tapered portion of the other tube end and an inwardly directed flange clinched over the shoulder of the other tube end to produce a solderless mechanical connection between the two tubes.

Abstract: A process for producing petroleum from subterranean formations is disclosed wherein production from the formation is obtained by driving a fluid from an injection well to a production well. The process involves injecting via the injection well into the formation an aqueous solution of lignosulfonate salt carboxylated with chloroacetic acid as a sacrificial agent to inhibit the deposition of surfactant and/or polymer on the reservoir matrix. The process may best be carried out by injecting the lignosulfonates carboxylated with chloroacetic acid into the formation through the injection well mixed with either a polymer, a surfactant solution and/or a micellar dispersion. This mixture would then be followed by a drive fluid such as water to push the chemicals to the production well.

Abstract: A process for producing petroleum from subterranean formations is disclosed wherein production from the formation is obtained by driving a fluid from an injection well to a production well. The process involves injecting via the injection well into the formation an aqueous solution of sulfomethylated lignosulfonate salt as a sacrificial agent to inhibit the deposition of surfactant and/or polymer on the reservoir matrix. The process may best be carried out by injecting the sulfomethylated lignosulfonates into the formation through the injection well mixed with either a polymer, a surfactant solution and/or a micellar dispersion. This mixture would then be followed by a drive fluid such as water to push the chemicals to the production well.

Abstract: A powder and water mixing system which is operatively mounted onboard an aircraft and uses water scooping to automatically produce onboard mixing of powder and water. This system is particularly adapted to drop a fire retardant powder and water mixture from a flying aircraft and includes a pair of tanks, powder containers fore and aft of the tanks, water scoops projecting from the bottom of the aircraft, a pair of powder injection and powder and water mixing devices connected each to a tank, to a water scoop, and to a group of powder containers, a powder container selection valve interposed between each injection and mixing device and the corresponding group of powder containers, and a control connected to each selection valve and arranged to empty a powder container forward of the tanks concurrently with a powder container aft of the tanks, sequentially with water scooping passes by the aircraft.

Abstract: Immediately rearwardly of the peanut combine pickup head, a plowshare supported by gage wheels delivers fallen loose peanuts to an inclined conveyor having rearwardly moving paddle bars which sweep the loose peanuts rearwardly and upwardly over a rod grate through which small debris is sifted. At the rear of the conveyor and grate, the loose peanuts are delivered into a cross auger having a trough formed by additional grate bars and from this auger trough the loose peanuts and remaining lightweight debris are blown pneumatically into the combine for final cleaning and separation. Heavier debris in the auger trough is forced through a spring loaded trap door at one end of the trough by the action of the auger.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a self propelled drum wheel tractor for use in puddling rice paddies. A pair of drums having a plurality of knife elements disposed thereon serve to bury or puddle the rice stalk, while the field is still flooded.

Abstract: A roller bit for rock drilling comprising a body having at least one stub axle and a geared cutting element rotatably mounted on said stub axle. The stub axle and cutting element have confronting spaced raceways for a plurality of rolling elements. A shoulder is formed adjacent one end of the raceway in the stub axle to axially fix the rolling elements in one direction. A locking ring is mounted in the cutting element having an abutment shoulder confronting the opposite axial end faces of the rolling elements and axially fixing the rolling elements in a direction in the opposite direction. The locking ring has an outer cylindrical peripheral surface engaging in a complementary cavity in the cutting element adjacent the raceway surface therein. The locking ring has a seat for mounting a resilient sealing member engaging the stub axle adjacent the raceway therein connected in the mounted state to the stub axle.

Abstract: An offset type tractor having a driving assembly such as an engine and a transmission case, and a supporting frame therefor are eccentrically disposed at either side with respect to the center line of the tractor body width, while a control wheel and a driver's seat are disposed on the center line of the tractor body width. A control wheel, a supporting post of a turned structure for supporting the control wheel, and an adjusting structure for adjusting the control wheel in the direction close to and away from the driver.

Abstract: A bicycle engine provided with a transmission roller on the end of a forwardly extending driving shaft for contacting the front wheel tire is attached to the front of the handle bar via an engine frame attached to the front wheel fork. A clutch provided between the engine and the driving wheel starts the engine by transmitting the rotation of the wheel caused by pedaling and also prevents the transmission of engine rotation when the engine is kept idle.

Abstract: As a clutch between a motor and a vehicle transmission is progressively engaged through the region of slipping engagement, the jolt effect produced is measured and at the same time the jolt effect that would be produced if the clutch were at once grippingly (fully) engaged is predicted. The higher of the respective measured and predicted jolt effects is subtracted from a signal representing maximum permissible jolt, and the resulting difference is used as the input of a three-term (PID) controller, the output of which produces a displacement of an electrically actuatable clutch control member. The controller and control member are so designed that when the controller is shut off, the clutch goes at once into full engagement. The circuit compares motor speed with transmission input speed in order to shut off the controller when these two speeds are equal, thus fully engaging the clutch, and also to shut off at the same time the jolt-measuring and predicting circuits.

Abstract: A fluid film bearing suitable for use with either liquid or gaseous fluid and capable of far greater lift because of the larger usable lifting surface. The larger lifting surface is achieved in that the bearing assumes a square, rectangular, or race track configuration, a configuration which is more easily adapted for use in combinations of multiple bearings for large lift capacity and further may more closely approximate the shape of an object to be lifted or moved. An integral high tensile strength, flexible membrane gives the fluid bearing sufficient strength to withstand internal pressures over elongated, non-circular peripheral portions and also gives the bearing a far greater ability to flex and conform to an uneven or undulated surface thereby enabling the bearing to comply with a surface of far less uniformity without the loss of support than was heretofore possible.

Abstract: A power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering mechanism for a vehicle provided with a beam axle and semi-elliptical springs, the steering mechanism comprising double-acting piston-and-cylinder means having a piston rod opposite ends of which are provided with ball joints whereby the piston rod is connectable with the steerable road wheels of a vehicle, a toothed rack spaced radially of the piston rod and extending away from the piston rod beyond one end thereof, a pinion connectable with the steering control of a vehicle and in meshing engagement with the toothed rack, the pinion being located outside, not between, said ball joints, a connecting member connecting adjacent ends of the piston rod and toothed rack, the connecting member being rigidly connected to the piston rod and being pivotally connected to the toothed rack, and a bifurcation of said connecting member for restraining the toothed rack against pivotal movement about an axis normal to the axis of said pivotal connection.

Abstract: An exhaust silencer comprising a primary exhaust gas expansion chamber, a secondary exhaust gas expansion chamber having a greater volume than said primary expansion chamber, an acoustically tuned length of exhaust pipe leading from the primary expansion chamber to the secondary expansion chamber and representing the only outlet from said primary expansion chamber and the only inlet to the secondary expansion chamber, an outlet pipe leading from the secondary chamber and surrounding said exhaust pipe with clearance between said pipes, and a further pipe surrounding said outlet pipe with clearance between said pipes, the outlet pipe and the said further pipe being perforated along at least part of their lengths.

Abstract: A traction machine of a traction type elevator with a detector operable at occurence of abnormal car traveling. The traction machine includes a painting system to operate at the necessary time to paint the traction surface of a traction sheave of the elevator and at least one of main ropes near the traction sheave with a friction increasing material. It may include a foreign material remover to operate at the necessary time to rub the traction surface of the traction sheave. The painting system and the foreign material remover are driven through the operation of the detector.

Abstract: A torsional vibration damper comprises an internal flange body and an external inertial body each having a plurality of intermeshing damper disks fastened thereto along a margin and defining there between interstitial spaces filled with a highly viscous liquid and sealed off with resilient material.The damper disks of at least one of the flange body and the inertial body have lamins which are offset in a cuplike manner at the fastening margin in accordance the desired spacing.

Abstract: An annular type disc brake assembly having parking brake apply springs which are pre-loaded is arranged for disassembly in such a manner that the load on the parking brake springs must be evenly released in small increments until there is no pre-load on the springs. This is accomplished by providing several of the securing bolts assembling the housing section containing the spring to another housing section of a different, longer length than the remaining securing bolts of this type. The longer bolts are arranged so that they can be moved translationally into position in the one housing section before assembly and have at least a portion of the bolt heads then covered by slotted safety lugs formed as a part of the one housing section. When the disc brake is to be disassembled, the shorter bolts are first removed, leaving only the longer bolts to hold the housing sections together and resist the force of the parking brake apply springs.

Abstract: The worktable and pallet shuttle of a machine tool are driven by a common motor which is mounted on the worktable base. The motor is coupled to the worktable by gears which engage when the worktable is raised to be indexed and disengage when the worktable is lowered. The motor is coupled to the pallet shuttle by gears which engage when the worktable base is moved into the shuttle position and disengage when the worktable base is moved out of the shuttle position.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for classifying or orienting articles having surface areas which differ in the characteristic usually referred to as "smoothness" or "roughness". An air stream is directed against the articles to impinge against one of the surface areas. The apparatus is configured so that if the impinged area is smooth, a laminar flow condition will be established which draws the article towards the air stream. If the impinged area is rough, on the other hand, the article will be blown outwardly from the air stream. One embodiment has particular utility with flat articles having opposed surfaces, one of which is relatively smooth and the other of which is rough (being interrupted by ribs or like discontinuities). The articles are transported leaning against a flat support member so that a random one of the respective opposed surfaces will move across an air stream which is expelled from a hole in the support member.

Abstract: A high speed continuous assembly machine adapted to handle and assemble a variety of regular parts such as tubes, discs, rods and cylinders at rates varying from 120 to 1200 assemblies per minute. The machine utilizes a work transport conveyor of the endless band, straight line type moving in a vertical plane, and one or more satellite stations spaced longitudinally along the transport conveyor. Each satellite station carries both parts and tooling in timed relation to the main conveyor.

Abstract: The moving parts of a tobacco cutting machine and the conveyor or conveyors which transfer tobacco to the cutting machine are driven by a variable speed motor whose speed is regulated in dependency on the volume of tobacco in a duct from which the conveyor or conveyors draw or receive tobacco for transfer into the machine. The height of the pile of tobacco in the duct is monitored by photoelectric cells which transmit signals to a speed regulator for the motor so that the speed of the motor increases and decreases when the height of the pile respectively increases and decreases. The duct receives tobacco from a magazine. Fluctuations of the height of tobacco pile in the duct are due to variations in the rate of tobacco feed from the magazine and/or to changes in size, moisture content and/or temperature of tobacco which is being supplied to the duct.

Abstract: A crop conveyor assembly having regularly spaced flights and discharge means to minimize bruising is disclosed. A crop conveyor having a feed section and a discharge end is equipped with regularly spaced flights wherein said flights have upright, regularly spaced, flexible fingers. Discharge means to minimize crop bruising is located adjacent the discharge end of the conveyor. The discharge means comprises slender, spaced members through which the fingers of the flight pass as the conveyor changes direction at the discharge of said conveyor. Disk members attached to a common axle perform well as the discharge means.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding elongate workpieces intermittently sideways one by one to successively located machining and parts-assembling stations includes a pair of first parallel spaced feed rods supported on a transfer table and extending in a direction in which the workpieces are transferred. Each of the first feed rods has a plurality of workpiece-engaging projections spaced therealong at an interval that corresponds to a distance at which the processing stations are spaced. A second rod extends parallel to the first feed rods and has a plurality of second workpiece-engaging projections spaced therealong at the above-mentioned interval. The first and second rods are coupled together through a lost motion drive, and are axially movable between advanced and retracted positions. Upon engagement of the lost motion drive, the first and second projections jointly provide a plurality of workpiece holders while the first and second rods are being advanced.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for controlling the operation of a radial stacker which is adapted to dispense aggregate material in the form of a stack. The radial stacker includes a conveyor for dispensing the aggregate material which moves horizontally through a plurality of dispensing positions to form a level of the stack, and which moves vertically through a plurality of levels to form the stack. One end of the conveyor is supported at a fixed pivot so that it is capable of traversing a horizontal arc of up to 340.degree.. Preposition switches are provided so that the operator may manually set the vertical and horizontal starting point of a cycle. A horizontal drive moves the conveyor horizontally to each position in a level and is controlled by a first timer. A second timer controls the amount of time that the conveyor spends at each of the positions in a level dispensing material.