Abstract: A modular dome structure constructed by using uniform Y joints which have branches forming angles of 120.degree., 120.degree. and 108.degree.. The Y joints are interconnected by uniform length members to form pentagonal and hexagonal structures. These modular structures are interconnected to form a modular dome structure which may have a pentagonal apex structure or a hexagonal apex structure.All members are made to harden after inflation due to vulcanization and curing process, so that permanent resistance to stress and strain will be provided in its final form. Due to inflatability of members, the logistic involved in actual construction will be kept minimum, and the freight cost for material transportation will be saved significantly.

Abstract: A retail store arrangement having perimeter walls and a floor and ceiling, has the perimeter walls enclosing at least two sides of the store area and joined by a cross wall to enclose a selling area. Wall mounted display cases are disposed along at least one of the perimeter walls with the perimeter walls terminating in end display units. Freestanding display cases are disposed in spaced relationship with respect to the perimeter walls and, in some embodiments, further freestanding display islands are provided in the selling area. The store is characterized by a unique combination of reflective surfaces on the ceiling and on at least part of the wall surfaces and vertical surfaces of the various display units and a combination of two basic colors which are utilized on some of the vertical surfaces to provide a "first" color and on some of the vertical surfaces and the floor surface to provide a "second" color.

Abstract: A modular garage structure is disclosed which provides an easily transportable, tamper proof housing for vehicles. Two housing enclosures are telescopically movable along a track to permit the garage to be longitudinally opened and closed.

Abstract: A three-dimensional multiple-building construction system for a plurality of three-dimensional, multiple-room housing units is described characterized in that it comprises a three-order hierarchy of frame members, the first order frame members including a superstructure framework channelling substantially the complete load of the system to the ground, the second order frame members including at least one intermediate box-like framework defining a three-dimensional open grid of beams and columns, and the third order frame members including further beams and columns attached to the beams and columns of the intermediate block-like framework as components of the housing units, such that the load of the housing units attached to the third order frame members are transmitted from the latter members to the second order frame members, from the latter to the first order frame members, and from the latter to the ground.

Abstract: An auxiliary insulated roof system for mobile homes, metal buildings and the like includes a generally continuous panel structure of insulation material, a plurality of insulated support blocks for supporting the panel structure in clearance relation above the building roof surface and a plurality of fastening brackets for securing the panel structure to the building sidewalls. The insulated support blocks may include a base plate having a stud extended from one side for penetrating the panel structure and a block of insulation material secured to the opposite side thereof. The insulation blocks may be connected to elongated straps at spaced-apart positions therealong with opposite ends of the straps secured to the building sidewalls for partially securing the panel structure in place. A trim strip covers the fastening brackets and opening between the panel structure and roof surface.

Abstract: A burial vault is provided, the component parts of which are preferably made of molded plastic resinous material, such as polyethylene, and which comprises a composite base including as components parts thereof, (1) a generally flat, rectangular-shaped supporting platform; (2) an inner upright wall structure including a generally rectangular-shaped frame mounted on the said supporting platform member and having an open top and having a lower end portion which is mechanically fastened and hermetically sealed to the supporting platform and having upstanding side walls and end walls which are provided on their outer surfaces with laterally spaced generally vertically extending parallel reinforcing ribs; and (3) a generally flat rectangular-shaped top closure plate or lid member which is arranged over and closes the open top of the frame member of the inner upright wall structure and is hermetically sealed thereto.

Abstract: A thermal and optical multi-mode window is disclosed in which a window panel can be converted from thermally insulating but optically diffuse to optically clear but thermally semi-insulating, or at least much less insulating. The window panel is made of a transparent plastic material such as Lucite acrylic and is constructed of a plurality of sheet-like layers with air cells interspersed therebetween. When the cells are empty, the panel is highly insulating but is not optically clear like ordinary window glass. However, when the cells are filled with a clear liquid which has the same index of refraction as that of the acrylic material, all of the interior surfaces of the acrylic material disappear from view and the panel is then as optically clear as ordinary window glass, but not as thermally insulating, as when the cells contain air.

Abstract: Wire metal lath is shaped to the generally semicircular configuration associated with a length of log used in a log wall structure. Several layers of cement-plaster are applied to the metal lath to waterproof it, and to lend texture and color to it. The effect of the layered and colored cement-plaster is to render the appearance of an actual log with its bark in place. A simulated log wall siding is made up of multiple lengths of such cement-plaster coated, simulated logs.

Abstract: A structural building element in the form of a panel, block or related configuration having a continuous phase of cementitious material which includes an interconnected matrix having a first density and a plurality of zones dispersed within the matrix, wherein the zones have a second density lower than the first density. Reinforcement members may be embedded within portions of the interconnected matrix to impart additional strength to the element.

Abstract: Freshly-formed hard-foam plastic slabs which are preferably susceptible to maximum shrinkage are used as a base for insulating masonry structures. Each slab is grooved and has raised portions (lands) between adjacent grooves. Fastening elements (pins) are dispersed over the grooved surface to secure a reinforcing web to the slab and maintain it at a substantially uniform distance therefrom. To insulate a masonry structure, such as a wall, the face of the wall is covered with such slabs, which are secured to the wall. The exposed surface of the slabs is then plastered with a material which permits the passage of water vapor therethrough. The applied coating of plaster fills the grooves on the slab surface and is thick enough to cover the reinforcing web. A suitable finish coat of plaster or paint is optionally placed over the initial reinforced plaster coating.

Abstract: A floor system for a trailer or the like comprising a plurality of elongate sheet metal floor panels extending side-by-side lengthwise of the trailer on beams extending transversely of the trailer. Each of the metal floor panels comprises upper and lower panel members, the upper member being in the form of a shallow inverted channel, comprising a relatively wide web member, a pair of relatively narrow flanges extending down from the web member at opposite sides of the web member, and a pair of fastening lips extending laterally outwardly from the flanges at the lower edges of the flanges and bearing on the beams of the trailer. The elongate metal floor panels are mounted on the beams one alongside another with the fastening lips at adjacent sides of adjacent floor panels defining, in conjunction with the opposing flanges extending up from the fastening lips, upwardly opening generally rectangular recesses extending longitudinally of the trailer between adjacent floor panels.

Abstract: An array of overlapped, interlocking horizontal siding panels secured to a wall by parallel vertical stringers having vertically spaced resilient clips for holding the top margins of the panels, wherein the panel top margins and stringer clips cooperatively provide a double locking arrangement such that as a panel is mounted on the stringers, it is moved into a first position in which its top margin engages clips of the stringers and then is moved upwardly into a second position in which it simultaneously further engages the clips and interlocks with the next lower panel in the array. To this end, the top margin of each panel has a locking projection above the conventional lip provided for interlocking with the bottom margin of the adjacent higher panel, and each clip has two vertically spaced locking surfaces for successively engaging this locking projection as the panel top margin is pushed upwardly under the clip.

Abstract: A weather and fire-resistant roofing or siding article, such as a shingle or panel, having a high thermal insulation value is cut from insulating board comprising fiber, binder and about 50 to 90% by weight expanded perlite. The article has adjacent butt and nailing sections, the butt section being substantially uniformly the maximum thickness of the article and having a water- and weather-resistant coating composition on the outer surface to be exposed to the weather, and the nailing section having a non-tapered outer surface and an inner surface tapered from the maximum thickness at the junction of the two sections to a minimum thickness at the edge of the article. The outer surface of the butt section may be machined or pressed or embossed to provide a decorative surface simulating a wood shake, and coated with a sun- and moisture-proof coating such as asphalt and roofing granules.

Abstract: A rectangular building block with surface indentations corresponding to a geometrical arrangement of rhombic dodecahedral elements. The indentations are designed to interlock closely with those of the adjoining blocks in order to provide a mortarless bond.

Abstract: A steel brace for reinforcing an offset truss intermediate its heel joint and its ridge board. The steel brace has one end thereof nailed into the ceiling joist on one side and has its other end nailed into the roof rafter on the other side. The brace is provided with a deep rib extending longitudinally from one end to a position beyond the center of the brace and a laterally spaced apart deep rib extending longitudinally from the other end to a position beyond the center of the brace in the opposite direction. One of the deep ribs being convexly formed in said steel brace and the other spaced apart deep rib being concavely formed therein. The ribbed steel brace is thus provided with oppositely disposed flat surfaces at the ends thereof to abut the oppositely disposed ceiling joist and roof rafter for nailing thereto.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a simple and inexpensive, but effective method for constructing straight walls at a building site without use of nails or other fastening means. Appropriately flanged metal I-beam studs are erected with the flanges in the direction of the wall, and expanded polyurethane foam is applied, such as by spraying, to a desired thickness between the I-beam flanges, thereby acting as a fastener and providing insulating properties. A fiberglass-cementitious mixture is then applied to provide a very hard, smooth, waterproof and durable surface of very high fire rating. The invention is equally applicable to interior walls, exterior walls, and roof panels.

Abstract: A method of construction in which a plurality of vertical columns are cast on a base, the columns being arranged at the vertices of contiguous, congruent, equilateral triangles. A roof slab is then cast on the base, the roof slab having apertures through which the columns pass. Reinforcing mats give rise to a plurality of reinforced zones arranged in a pattern which reproduces the pattern of apertures are cast into the slab. The pattern of zones is displaced 60.degree. with respect to the pattern of apertures. Subsequently the slab is raised, preferably by flotation, until it is clear of the columns, and then turned through 60.degree. so that the reinforced zones lie above the columns. Thereafter, the roof slab is lowered onto the columns.

Abstract: Method for insulating of roofs by which insulating slabs of mineral wool with fibres bonded at their intersections are placed on top of the water-impermeable membrane on the roof. The insulating slabs on their surface facing the water-impermeable membrane are provided with a vapor-impermeable foil.

Abstract: A form-fill-seal packaging method and apparatus in which a web of flexible packaging material is pulled from a supply and fed over a device for forming it into tubing, product to be packaged is provided in the tubing, and the tubing is sealed to form packages, and in which the web is pulled forward from the supply as one operation and the tubing is drawn forward and thereby taken up as an accompanying but separate operation with the take-up such that the web is pulled over the forming device under tension.

Abstract: A method for selectively adjusting the duration of vacuum application to various stations of an insertion machine which ultimately inserts insertion material into an envelope.

Abstract: A heat sealing device in a packaging apparatus utilizing a plastic film for continuously seal an overlapped axial portion of the plastic film. The device comprises a pair of heating rollers which are rotatably and oppositely placed to hold the overlapped portion of the film between them. Each of the heating rollers has a heating surface in its outer periphery which is pressed against the film and a coaxial and annular sealed chamber which is formed inside the heating surface and contains working liquid as a heat medium. A heat source is provided to be opposite at least to a portion of the sealed chamber to heat the working liquid. The working liquid generates vaporized gas upon heating by the heat source, and the pressure and the temperature in the sealed chamber are maintained at a predetermined degree so that the vaporized gas is condensed substantially at the temperature for fusing the film.

Abstract: A heat sealing device in a packaging apparatus utilizing a plastic film for continuously seal both ends of a plurality of cylindrical bags made from the plastic film. The device comprises a pair of heat sealing members provided separatably and oppositely against each end portion of each cylindrical bag which is to be sealed transversely across the film. Each heat sealing member has a heat sealing surface which is to be pressed against the film and at least a pair of sealed chambers inside the heat sealing surface containing working liquid as a heat medium. A heat source is provided to heat at least a portion of the sealed chamber so that the working liquid generates vaporized gas by the heat. The sealed chamber is controlled to be kept at a pressure and a temperature so that the vaporized gas is condensed substantially at a temperature under which the film is sealed.

Abstract: In a combine used for harvesting and threshing crop material from a field and equipped with a system for ejecting stones and other foreign objects from an infeed housing through a trapdoor there is provided an improved seal for the stone trapdoor and the opposing sidewalls of the infeed housing.

Abstract: An asparagus harvester capable of producing a harvested product with quality comparable to that which is manually picked so as to be readily acceptable to processors. The harvester employs a recirculatory flexible saw cutter with a powered blade cleaner at the downstream end of the cut-off pass of the cutter. It cuts the stalks for transfer to an elevator conveyor by a front blower, the elevated stalks being elevated and then dropped to hopper means past a controlled blower nozzle serving as a debris separator, the hopper means being periodically elevated and having a conveyorized bottom for power discharge of the harvested asparagus.

Abstract: A roll forming crop baling machine to produce more even bale density, which forms the bale by use of rigid rollers. The set of rollers, one stationary set and another shifting set, are used to form and compress the bale during a major portion of its growth. Each shifting roller gradually moves outward from an initial position near the core of the forming bale which is radially inward from the stationary rollers, to a final position forming a continuous outer boundary with the stationary rollers.

Abstract: A haymaking machine for tedding and windrowing, includes a frame, at least one raking wheel drivably mounted on the frame for rotation about a center axis, a cam centered about the center axis forming an endless loop within a predetermined axial range therearound, and rigid with the frame, and a plurality of tool-carrying arms operatively connected to the raking wheel, which may be switched between a tedding position, in which the arms project radially outwards, and a windrowing position, in which the arms extend in a direction substantially tangential of a circle inscribed in the raking wheel.

Abstract: A machine for producing chenille yarn has a winding member on which turns of effect yarn are formed. A rotating disc-shaped cutter can be moved into an operative position to cut the turns on the winding member into individual lengths of effect yarn for forming conventional chenille yarn. The cutter can also be moved to a non-operative position remote from the winding member whereby the turns of effect yarn are uncut and the chenille yarn then produced is of the boucle type. The cutter may be moved between its operative and inoperative positions during operation of the machine so that the yarn produced has alternate chenille portions and boucle portions.

Abstract: Outdoor overhead supported transmission and distribution electrical and communication covered conductor and cable, whether the exterior cover is metal or plastic, is shiny and visible when newly installed in public view. These products may not become significantly dull until after many years of outdoor weathering. Many utilities have had to bury their transmission and distribution lines or building service drops because the public protested seeing them. This invention is for conductors which are inconspicuous and blend into the environment where they are to be used and the public would object if they were conspicuous. The exterior surface of the covers of these linear bodies are dulled or intermittently dulled so that they are not conspicuous and objectionable to the public. Non-specular jacketed light wave conductors are included. Several methods are claimed for these non-specularly dulled or camouflaged products. Cost and service life benefits are indicated for the plastic covered products.

Abstract: According to this invention, a spinning rotor is increased in speed until it reaches a predetermined higher speed beyond a lower speed region and then decreased in speed until it falls within the lower speed region, in which a yarn ending is effected. Thereafter, the speed of the spinning rotor is increased to a normal spinning speed beyond the predetermined higher speed. During rotation of the spinning rotor at the predetermined higher speed, sufficient subatmospheric pressure is produced in the spinning rotor to stretch out the yarn end thereby to prevent the yarn end from being snarled. Also, during this higher speed rotation of the spinning rotor, sufficient fibers in the spinning rotor can be collected in a maximum diameter portion in the spinning rotor to be connected with the snarl-free yarn end in a favorable condition.

Abstract: For the SZ twisting of cable conductors with a sector-shaped conductor cross section which are not pre-twisted, stationary control guides for the conductors are provided and a twisting device is disposed immediately after the twisting closer with the distance between the engagement point of each control guide at a cable conductor and the first point of engagement with the material to be twisted of the twisting device tensionally gripping the material to be twisted from the outside made smaller than or at most equal to the length of lay of the material to be twisted. In addition, the free distance between the twisting device and the nearest device gripping the material to be twisted in a torsion-proof manner is very much larger than the length by which a longitudinal section of the twisted material is advanced during an interval of constant direction of rotation of the twisting device.

Abstract: The quality of a resin-bonded twisted string comprised of three flattened monofilaments in a side-by-side relationship is improved when the monofilaments are precoated with resin prior to twisting and then twisted in a zone wherein the excess lengths of the two outer monofilaments in the twisted configuration is compensated for during twisting by forwarding the two outer monofilaments at a positively controlled speed and allowing the speed of the middle monofilament to be controlled by being drawn into the twisting zone through a roller slot guide at a speed freely determined relative to the speed of the two other monofilaments entering the twisting zone.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved vapor generator of the kind in which a fuel-air mixture is combusted in a chamber through which water is flowed. The water acts as a coolant for the unit and is vaporized or converted to steam in the chamber in the presence of the flame. The steam formed from the feed water, the steam formed as a product of combustion, and the non-condensibles remaining after combustion issue from the chamber as a hot mixture suitable for a variety of uses, such as process steam, comfort-heating steam, and the like. The improvements include means for dividing the air feed into two parts, and means for forming a well-mixed stoichiometric mixture of fuel and the air of one part, which mixture is ignited and burned in a prechamber surrounded by and cooled by the air of the other part. The second part of the air is fed into the midregion of the soformed flame in the main chamber to lean it out and insure completeness of combustion, reducing production of carbon monoxide to extremely low levels.

Abstract: A combined cycle power plant incorporating a coal gasifier as the energy source. The gases leaving the coal gasifier pass through a liquid couplant heat exchanger before being used to drive a gas turbine. The exhaust gases of the gas turbine are used to generate both high pressure and low pressure steam for driving a steam turbine, before being exhausted to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A counter flow combustor has a generally elongated hollow cylindrical outer casing or shell with a closure means at the upper end defining a head space and a generally elongated smaller hollow annular inner casing or combustion wall mounted therein in spaced relation to the outer casing to form an annular head space extension between the side walls of the outer casing and the inner casing which is continuous with the head space. The inner casing or combustion wall defines a primary combustion zone, and a secondary combustion zone in communication at one end with the primary combustion zone and at the end remote therefrom with the discharge outlet for delivering combustion gases from the combustor. An inlet assembly is mounted in said head space for mixing fuel and air and for delivering the same in proper ratio for combustion in said primary combustion zone and secondary combustion zone.

Abstract: A turbine-type engine which has a blade-type rotor mounted in a housing on a drive shaft, a plurality of cylinders symmetrically spaced about the drive shaft radially thereof, each having a piston connected by rods to a crank throw of the drive shaft, each cylinder having a combustion chamber with fuel injecting and water injecting means for injecting a fine spray of water in the chamber on the alternate cooling stroke of the corresponding compressor after detonation of the fuel to generate usuable steam pressure producing power incident to the dissipation of the internal heat of the engine.

Abstract: A low thrust monopropellant engine having a conventional body and nozzle configuration wherein the monopropellant fuel is fed into the thruster with dual injection tubes via an injector shell with dual spray jets formed therein. The spray jets are positioned generally opposed to each other. A heater-screen pack combination thermally decomposes the fuel after injection into the combustion chamber of the thruster.

Abstract: A turbofan configuration for a gas turbine engine is disclosed. Various construction details which improve engine performance by supercharging working medium gases to the engine core are discussed. Engines configured in accordance with the present invention include an island splitter which is disposed across the fan flow path. The island splitter is spaced apart from the core engine case. A supercharging, compression stage is driven commonly with the fan stage and extends outwardly into proximity with the core case.

Abstract: Noise perceived below a turbofan is reduced by providing a thicker fan flow below the turbofan primary exhaust flow than is present in conventional turbofans having generally circular and concentric fan and exhaust flows. To thicken the fan flow, the exhaust nozzle is offset upward in the fan nozzle, or the exhaust nozzle discharge end is canted to offset the exhaust flow upward, or the exhaust nozzle is flattened to a generally rectangular or an elliptical shape having a major horizontal axis. In any of these cases, the thickness of the fan flow below the primary exhaust flow is increased and less noise is perceived below the turbofan than if circular concentric fan and exhaust flows were produced. In one embodiment a noise-suppressing thickened fan flow is used in combination with a conventional noise-suppressing multilobe or multitube mixing nozzle to further reduce noise perceived below the turbofan.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed which is capable of producing usable energy as a result of the rise and fall of ocean tides. A second reservoir is connected to a natural reservoir such as the ocean by means of a duct system wherein the duct openings in the two reservoirs are established at levels which will constantly be submerged. Upon charging the duct system with water, the siphon principle will urge the flow of water back and forth through the duct system between the two reservoirs as the water in the second reservoir seeks a level of equilibrium with that of the ocean. A turbine is mounted in the duct system and is driven by the substantially continuous flow of water back and forth through the system thereby producing a source of useable energy.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of and device for generating energy from waves in water. The device includes a cylindrical buoyant body which has a regular shape in cross-section and annular tracks on its end faces. Gears adapted to constrain the body for rotation about its axis in one direction only are engaged in axial alignment with the tracks on one side of the center of gravity of the body and movable and rotatable means such as a cam or the like is engaged with the track on the opposite side of the center of gravity of the body to inhibit buoyant upward movement of the body on that side of its center of gravity and encourage rotary movement of the other side of the body relatively to the constraining gears.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumo-hydraulic booster with rapid-traverse feature, particularly for driving punching tools, with a working piston which executes a rapid-traverse positioning stroke, a power stroke and a return stroke, with at least one further piston, and with chambers which adjoin these pistons and which, according to a program can be connected to a source of compressed air, in which arrangement a first chamber is pressurized during the positioning stroke and the power stroke, a second chamber is pressurized only during the power stroke and a third chamber is pressurized only during the return stroke and all chambers are vented at other times.

Abstract: Method and exhaust manifold for damping the pressure oscillations in an exhaust manifold of an internal combustion engine, consisting in throttling the gas flow in the vicinity of the cylinder outlet and then in accelerating the gases flowing in the manifold by providing a uniform flow section in the manifold substantially smaller than that of the cylinder bore.

Abstract: It is possible to extract mechanical energy from lower temperature heat sources than the flames of burning fuel by substituting driving fluids having lower boiling points than water and using an abentropic engine of the type described in my U.S. Pat. No. 4,109,470, both to condense the fluid for recycling and to obtain mechanical energy from the latent heat of the vapor. Thus, valuable energy sources now going to waste such as geothermal heat, solar heat, factory and power house smoke stack heat, and nuclear-waste heat are made to produce electricity via mechanical energy, virtually a reversal of the second law of thermodynamics, by use of an abentropic engine whose operational principle is that the latent heat of vapor is in fact potential energy which can be converted to mechanical energy during its condensation.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for activating a thermostat for an air conditioning or heating system. The apparatus comprises a control circuit and a controllable switch connected to activate and deactivate the thermostat controlling the air conditioning or heating system. A timing circuit provides a first timing period in which the thermostat is deactivated in addition to providing a second timing period to activate the thermostat. The control also includes a circuit for deactivating the thermostat for a period of time in the event the compressor terminates operation for any reason. An optional occupancy sensor increases the time of deactivation of the thermostat during periods of non-use of the area being air conditioned or heated. The foregoing abstract is merely a resume of one general application, is not a complete discussion of all principles of operation or applications, and is not to be construed as a limitation on the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Abstract: In a device for utilizing the heat of a condenser in refrigeration apparatus for heating; including means for monitoring the heat and pressure within fluid conduit means in regrigeration apparatus; and means for incorporating this apparatus within a table structure to provide storage and serving facilities for food and beverages at predetermined temperatures.

Abstract: Curtain structure for substantially covering the access opening of an open-sided, display-type, refrigerated food cabinet. A first curtain comprises a flexible sheet prestressed to roll up and fixed at its upper edge to the ceiling of the cabinet inboard of the access opening. The first curtain may be unrolled and its bottom edge attached to the floor of the cabinet to substantially block air movement into and out of the cabinet. A second curtain comprises a plurality of side-by-side, elongate strips of flexible transparent sheet material, fixed together at their upper ends and supported on the cabinet at the top of the access opening. The lower ends of the strips are free of each other and terminate slightly above the bottom of the access opening. The second curtain is spaced away from the closed position of the first curtain by an air layer providing a thermal barrier across the access opening when access to the interior of the cabinet is not needed.

Abstract: A refrigerator comprises a primary refrigerating system and a secondary refrigerating system in heat-exchanging contact with each other. The secondary refrigerating system is connected to a reservoir containing a control gas getter which can be heated to vary the amount of free control gas in the secondary refrigerating system and thereby to control the temperature of the secondary refrigerating system. The reservoir includes an initially breakable seal for aiding in assembling the reservoir to the secondary refrigerating system.

Abstract: A rotary freezer for cooling resilient golfball centers to a uniform, substantially rigid state is provided with a dispenser to permit dispensing of rigid centers in one-at-a-time fashion from a large batch of frozen centers in the freezer at a rate indepenent of the residence time. As the freezer drum rotates, paddles on the inner circumference serve to lift randomly-selected centers from the batch to a predetermined height for gravity loading onto an inclined rack forming a part of the dispenser. Centers on the rack are arranged in a rectilinear series leading to an outlet port where a metering assembly controls dispensing of the centers from the drum in one-at-a-time fashion at a rate determined by the operator. A gravity conveyor exterior of the freezer drum transports each dispensed center from the outlet to a work station where the winding process is to be initiated before the center returns to its resilient state.

Abstract: A movable storage assembly for a refrigerator having a freezer compartment and fresh food compartment, the freezer compartment being separated by a partition interconnected by an air duct, with the air duct having an inlet opening in the freezing compartment and an air outlet opening in the fresh food compartment. The movable storage assembly includes a removable storage pan, a shroud for the pan having a bottom wall and two side walls and open at the front and rear. There is a cover for the pan secured to the shroud and the shroud and pan cooperate to provide an air flow path therebetween. An air director pivotally attached to the rear of the shroud is provided and there are controls, including a movable control mechanism assembly, a linkage member cooperating with the air director and the movable control mechanism assembly to move the air director to open and closed positions to regulate the amount of cold air flowing around the storage pan.

Abstract: A sublimation refrigerator employs a thermally insulated outer housing having a pivotable top. A smaller insulated dry ice chamber is adapted to be supported centrally within the container as is a separate insulated freezer compartment having a removable top. A first set of serpentine cooling coils are supported in the interior side walls of the main insulated container and in the side walls of the freezer compartment. One end of each of these coils connects to the dry ice chamber. A bubble type visual flow indicator having a transparent window is supported on the exterior of the main container. The output ends of both the freezer coil and the cooler coil connect to the visual indicator through manually adjustable flow control valves. The output of the visual indicator vents to atmosphere. In normal use the valve at the output of the freezer coil is opened allowing free flow of gas sublimating from the dry ice through the freezer coil so that a very low temperature is attained within the freezer.