Abstract: A loader particularly adapted for a cylindrical helical path feed ammunition magazine, the loader being able to accept cartridges as provided by the cartridge manufacturer in trays, whole trays at a time. The loader is made up of two hinged arms, with a platform on one of the arms to accept the tray of cartridges. After the tray is removed, the cartridges remain in the same array as they were in when in the tray, and then the arms are closed to create a dense mass of the large number of cartridges. The loader is then positioned vertically, a magazine inserted, and the cartridges quickly loaded into the magazine by turning a crank.

Abstract: A trawl door is disclosed including a V-shaped member having two louvers and a three point tow cable attachment system. One louver is located on each side of the central longitudinal axis and includes a slat extending into an obtuse included angle of the V-shaped member. The tow cable attachment system includes one link attached proximate outside leading edge corners of the V-shaped member and a second link extends from a point on the central longitudinal axis proximate the trailing edge of the V-shaped member and attaches at a plurality of locations along the length of the first link. The attachment locations defining different tow cable attachment points.

Abstract: This lure is designed to hold chemical light emitting sticks for use particularly at night by fishermen, or even in murky water whether it be fresh or salt. Primarily, it consists of a transparent body with hooks and line attached, and an elongated opening is provided in the body that frictionally receives a light stick that may be removed easily by a simple tool, such as a scewdriver.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fishing lure/hook receptacle operable to receive a lure member therein attached to a fishing line or a leader member. The fishing lure/hook receptacle can be directly attached to the fishing line on the end of a fishing rod and reel assembly to provide a compact enclosure to prevent the same from becoming entangled with trees, underbrush, etc. The fishing lure/hook receptacle includes a main receptacle member or tubular shape having a receptacle cover member releasably connected thereto. The receptacle cover member is provided with a conical body member of dome shape having a slot section extended from a central portion down one complete side thereof. The slot section is adapted to receive a fishing line or leader member therewithin and to clamp against the same when in the enclosed sealed condition mounted on the main receptacle member.

Abstract: A shark diverting apparatus is set forth wherein a self-propelled torpedo-like device is arranged with a self-contained power source including a signal generator for generating a signal for attracting sharks. A flotation collar is fixedly secured about a central diameter of the torpedo-like body and includes a self-inflating canister and a manually operable stem for inflating the collar to a larger size. An included value slowly releases air pressure from within the collar during the travel of the device wherein subsequent to a timer circuit activation, a signal generator is activated for attracting sharks while simultaneously air pressure is released from the flotation collar to draw sharks away from and below an individual.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved fishing tackle depth planer and release mechanism. Only a strong pull from the fishing rod will cause the mechanism to release, whereas a relatively light tug from the tackle end of the line will trigger the release. The mechanism not only trips the planer out of its diving orientation, but also allows the planer to slide down the fishing line to the lure once a fish has struck. This feature permits the fisherman to use the planer a great distance away from the lure on the fishing line. The release mechanism comprises a plug, a corresponding sleeve and surrounding ring assembly, and holes in each through which the fishing line is threaded. The planer has a hemispherical weight rivetted through it to provide balance without a keeling effect.

Abstract: An eyeletless fishing hook providing for secure attachment of fishing line, by means of a integral configuration of a fishing hook and sinker, eliminating the necessity of tying to an eyelet. The fishing device retains the ability of separate components to be adaptable to fishing needs, by varying the construction of the size, shape, and type of both the sinker and the hook.

Abstract: A rodent trap, particularly for mice, comprises a substantially closed container which includes a fixed stationary ramp surface extending from a position adjacent the lid of the container downwardly from one side of the container toward an opposed side at which it ends at a position adjacent to but spaced from the side surface. An upper portion of the ramp surface is roughened to give good grip to the rodent while a lower portion of the ramp is smooth to prevent or inhibit the rodent from turning or reversing once it has reached the lower end of the ramp surface. Bait is applied to the lower end of the ramp surface and to the inner surface of the side wall adjacent the end of the ramp surface. The depth of the container is sufficient so that it can receive the ramp while underneath the ramp is a quantity of water the depth of which is sufficient to drown the mouse. An opening in the lid adjacent the upper end of the ramp is of sufficient small size to prevent the entry of unintended larger rodents.

Abstract: There is described a device which develops an attractive and toxic action for combatting insects, consisting of a substrate of fibers and/or fibrils containing, either in an adsorbed or dispersed form, a pheromone, and which is partially coated with a layer impermeable to the phermone, the layer carrying, adhering to its external surface, an insecticide or a substrate impregnated with an insecticide.

Abstract: Easily assembled and disassembled topiary forms for defining the three-dimensional body-shape of a predetermined object. The topiary forms are readily assembled or disassembled for easy transport or mailing.

Abstract: The seeds are coated by means of a polyester the melting temperature of which is low.The process consists in treating the seeds by means of a solution of the polyester in an organic solvent or by means of the polyester in the liquid or molten state.

Abstract: The invention relates to a completely mechanized method for raising and harvesting chicory and similar crops raised in sprouting trays. Thereby roots held in supply are fixed in rows in or at roots containers, formed by stitching pins, stick on combs or rows of cups, said roots containers with roots being positioned into or on sprouting trays for raising of chicory heads of similar crops. After raising the containers are taken out of the sprouting trays and are conveyed to a harvesting station, where the raised chicory heads or similar crops are separated from the roots.

Abstract: A trough which spirals in several turns in a plane about a vertical central axis has an arrangement of rails superimposed on it so the rails radiate from the vertical central axis and divide the trough into cells. Potted plants are placed in the cells, initially near the center, with spacing between them along the spiral. As the plants grow, either the trough or the arrangement of rails, or both, is turned about the central axis, so that the rails, engaging the pots, propel the potted plants outwards along the spiral, thus giving the plants more room. The plants can be watered by introducing water into the trough.

Abstract: The invention concerns a window specially designed for emergency use. The window comprises a fixed outer frame (1) and a sash (2) mounted for normal horizontal pivoting movement between open and closed positions about axis Y--Y. Two arms (3) extend in the respective side rebates between the frame (1) and sash (2), and opposed horizontal pivots (6) are secured to the sash (2) and the arms (3) for such normal pivoting movement of the sash (2). Each arm (3) is connected to the top (1a) of the frame (1) by a hinge (4) and each arm is acted on by a respective telescopic gas spring (5) confined within the rebate but acting on the associated arm (3) to urge it outwardly of the frame (1). For normal opening and closing movement of the sash (2) for which a casement fastener (7) is fitted, the arms (3) are retained secured to the frame (1) by a catch arrangement that is operable manually by a control handle (8) separate to the fastener (7).

Abstract: A dual-purpose door system includes a door to be snugly received within an aperture of a vehicle body. The door has the lower end pivotally connected to a slide unit which is mounted upon the body and movable in an outward/inward direction and a sideward direction together with the door for thereby opening and closing the door in an ordinary mode of the system, and the upper end detachably received and guided by a guide unit mounted upon the body. The system further includes an extension board pivotally supported at its one end to the top end of the door and outwardly swingable about the one end subsequent to an outward pivotal movement of the door so as to provide an extended stepping board or path for the passengers in an emergency mode of the system. There is provided a buffer for absorbing objectionable pulses or shock loads which may be impressed upon the door and the board when they are opened in accordance with the latter mode.

Abstract: A needle sharp conical point can be quickly honed by methods and apparatus that employ reciprocating or rotating abrasive surfaces that may be revolved in a circle around the point being sharpened. A reciprocating surface may be used to hone non-conical points. The size and shape of the points may be adjusted by changing the location at which the moving abrasive surface intersects the axis of the point. Examples of hand held, portable, self energizing apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: A machine tool includes a stand having a tool mount so that a driven tool can be mounted on the stand and a work-table for supporting a work-table to be machined by the driven tool. A pair of articulated arms connect the work-piece to the stand and each articulated arm is connected at one end of the stand so as to be pivotal with respect to the stand about a first pivot axis, and is connected to the work-table so as to be pivotal with respect to the work-table about a second pivot axis. In addition, each articulated arm comprise at lease two arm segments, the (or each) pair of adjacent arm segment being interconnected so as to be pivotal with respect to one another about a further pivot axis, the first, the second, and the (or each) said further pivot axes being parallel to one another.

Abstract: A vertically adjustable support frame (10) with chain clamps (12) supports a mold (14) containing an ingot (16) in alignment with a ram cylinder (18). Rolls (34) receive the ingot and transfer it to rolling rolls (38). A belt grinder (46) traverses the length of the rotating ingot to grind the circumference.

Abstract: A cover for use with a motor and handle extending from the motor comprising, a soft, resilient, fairly rigid, thermoplastic elastomeric material of one-piece construction. The cover has a first body portion having a sidewall and a dome extending from the sidewall defining a cavity to receive the motor, with the dome being spaced from the motor to define a chamber between said dome and motor which serves as a muffler to reduce noise. The cover has a hollow second body portion extending from the first body portion and having a bore to receive the handle.

Abstract: A viewing structure comprising a plurality of parallel arched frames, pivotally mounted at their ends on the ground, each frame having a front portion, a top portion and a rear portion. The front portion is generally arcuate, with straight top and rear portions joined by a further arcuate portion. The top portion inclines upward and rearward and support pillars are mounted on each top portion, spaced apart along the top portion. Seating members are mounted on the pillars and flooring members are provided between the pillars. The spaces between arches can be filled by fabric panels. The clear space beneath the structure can be used for food concessions, washrooms and other uses.

Abstract: The motion simulation system of the present invention is basically comprised of three coordinated components or sub-systems. The first sub-system consists of mechanical structure in the form of seats, rods, bearings and hydraulic cylinders employed to mechanically convey eight directions of motion to a participant occupying one of the seats. The second sub-system is found in a hydraulic circuit used to convert electrical signals from a digital controller into hydraulic motion signals for the mechanical system. Finally, the last component of the motion simulator is the electrical circuitry which incorporates a projector for projecting a moving image on the screen coupled with appropriate analog and digital circuitry in order to produce a series of motion signals used to individually move the seats in directions which would correspond to the motion taking plate in the point-of-view film being displayed on the screen.

Abstract: A plurality of panels of strawboard are erected in a closed figure, preferably a square, on a foundation and their base edges mechanically secured to the foundation. The side edges of the panels are butted together and joined, for instance using tape and adhesive on both faces. A wall cap of novel construction is mounted to the upper edges, and a hip roof, preferably of pyramidal figure and made of corresponding cut panels of like strawboard are fitted in place. The foot of each roof panel fits in the wall cap, and its upper edge typically forms a definition line of the roof hip. The roof panels are similarly united using a tape and adhesive joint. Other types of roofs may be provided but are not presently preferred. In instances where strawboard is available in lesser thicknesses, multiple thicknesses of such thinner material, may be laminated to provide panels which are 4, 6 or more inches in thickness.

Abstract: A kick-molding and drainage system for below grade "floating" platform structures wherein a trench is dug in the ground between vertically extending walls and a concrete floating floor spaced therefrom to form a seepage channel. A plastic or rubber molding strip having a flat vertically disposed body provided with a straight lower edge and a shaped crown along its upper edge. The crown has a flat lower wall and a roof. The rear face of the body is provided with a plurality of vertical ribs that extend outwardly. When installed, the kick-molding is located in the trench so that the flat lower wall of the crown abuts the floor slab, the roof of the crown hides the gravel channel and encloses the same from sight while at the same time, the ribs keep the molding spaced from the wall, thus permitting condensation to seep into the trench by way of the channel and allowing the trench to aerate.

Abstract: An apparatus is described that has been created to maintain a constant level of saturation of water near the foundation of houses, buildings, or the like. The maintenance of such a level of moisture is essential to the structural integrity of foundations especially in those geographic locations where the level of soil moisture varies significantly from season to season. Soil, when it absorbs water, expands. This soil can exert tremendous pressure on the foundation of a house. To prevent cracking of foundations, and thus, to prevent the need for costly repairs, the apparatus described herein provides sufficient moisture to the soil surrounding the foundation of a house such that additional moisture (i.e. rain) does not cause the soil to expand dramatically.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the mounting of windows in a frame, particularly to the mounting of windows of a vehicle, e.g. an automobile, in the body frame work. The invention provides a window ready to be mounted comprising, along its edges, a first profiled bead of adhesive material, already cured and having the general cross section of an U-profile. This first bead is elastic but not plastically deformable. The first bead comprises in its interior a second bead of plastically deformable not yet cured adhesive material consisting of a substance chemically compatible to the material of the first bead. The second bead, serving as the real adhesive material, is protected from environmental influences e.g. by covering it by a protection foil which is removed just prior to mounting the window.

Abstract: An improved fastening system for use with partitioning systems of the type wherein repositionable walls are fastened together to define office spaces, and the like. Hook and loop fastening materials are employed "in shear" to provide a strong holding force but are contained within a shear trap channel to provide for ease of release when required. In its basic form, the fastening system comprises a first U-shaped member adapted to fit over and attach to an edge of a wall partition to be joined to another partitioning component and having parallel outer faces each having one of the portions of the fastening system thereon; and, a second U-shaped member adapted to be carried by the other partitioning component and having parallel inner faces on the sides of the U each having the other of the portions of the fastening system thereon.

Abstract: The attachment and reinforcement member for molded construction forms, as embodied herein, has a central portion of expanded webbed steel in which the ends are bent to accommodate covering strips of solid galvanized steel. The invention is embedded in a molded construction form during the form's manufacture. The strips of the solid galvanized steel extend to the outer surfaces of the form and provide attachment surfaces whereas the central portion of expanded steel web reinforces the form. The result is a molded construction form that is stronger, and one that further provides easily locatable embedded attachment surfaces for bracing means during the curing of the concrete and for finishing materials. The molded construction form has a number of galvanized steel strips, preferably ten with five on each outer surface, located at the standard building twelve inch centers, to provide surfaces for attaching any type of wall covering such as sheetrock, siding, paneling, lath for stucco, or brick veneer.

Abstract: A flooring system which enables floors of enhanced sound insulation to be produced with minimal raising of floor level above that for a simple floor comprises inverted channel section floor supports mounted longitudinally on joists and having outwardly directed flanges. Sound isolating material is interposed between the floor supports and the joists, panel members are laid between the floor support flanges, and floor decking extends over the panel members and is secured to the floor supports. Where the floor supports, which may be of a standard width, are substantially wider than the joists, locating clips may be interposed between the supports of the joists. The system is advantageously used in conjunction with a resiliently supported ceiling.

Abstract: For a sports or athletic floor having an upper playing surface on a subfloor over a solid base such as a cement slab or the like, the subfloor is supported only by a series of individual resilient shock-absorbing members uniformly located between the subfloor and the solid base to provide the requisite air space under the subfloor and to provide shock-absorbing and levelling of the sports floor.

Abstract: A method of installation, in sealed relationship against at least one vertical wall, a bathing vessel of the type having a sump to contain water therein and a water drain outlet, the bathing vessel including a horizontal rim extending away from the sump and a horizontal rim extending away from the sump and a depending skirt formed around the horizontal rim, positioned relative to a sealing strip assembly, is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved tank structures and the processes and apparatus for their construction. The walls of the prestressed tank are formed by inflating a membrane, applying one or more layers of rigidifying material outwardly of said membrane and then prestressing the walls by circumferentially wrapping prestressing material to minimize the tension in the rigidifying material when subject to loading. In another embodiment, wall forms are placed inwardly of said membrane to aid in the forming of the walls and circumferential prestressing. In the best mode of the invention, the walls are of reinforced plastic, "FIBERGLASS fiber-reinforced plastic", or resin sandwich composite construction. Seismic countermeasures may also be used to protect the structure against earthquakes and other tremors, by the anchoring of the tank walls to the base and permitting the seismic forces to be shared by the seismic anchors.

Abstract: A carton loading machine for use in loading items into a carton of the type which has two load storage compartments which are separated from one another by a divider wall and which has an end wall located opposite the divider wall. The carton loading machine has first and second loading stations arranged in a side-by-side relationship in which a carton is located with its divider wall separating the station. The loading machine has first and second gates mounted above the loading station for movement between a first position in which they are remote from loading station and a second position in which they extend into the first and second loading station respectively, one on either side of a divider wall of a carton to support the divider wall and guide load items into the load storage compartments.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for packaging firewood and kindling material wherein said device includes a rigid support frame for stacking and packaging. The rigid support frame includes a base member, a vertical support member hingedly affixed to said base member, and a truss member detachably affixed to said vertical support member at one end and pivotably affixed to said base member on its opposing end. The firewood is vertically positioned on said frame in a multiplicity of layers, wherein each layer is positioned in substantially normal axial displacement to one another, thus preventing lateral stability during said packaging procedure. A shrink wrap material is provided along with a heating element, e.g., hand held air blower, such that said shrink wrap may be applied to encase said vertically positioned firewood, and its corresponding kindling material. The method and apparatus of the invention thereby provides a transportable package of firewood along with a combustible material, i.e.

Abstract: In the process of packaging letter envelopes and mailing wallets, the packaging batch is counted in the end region of the production machine, and the individual article of the packaging batch corresponding to the specific batch size is at least identified or optionally pushed a certain distance sideways out of the path of movement of the packaging batch in one direction or the other as a counting article. The packaging batch is deposited on a conveyor belt and conveyed away. A stack support keeps the stack approximately vertical on its end face. The stack support is advanced in front of the stack at the conveying speed of the conveyor belt. As soon as the counting article at the end of a stack has arrived at a transfer point which is at a relatively long distance from the production machine, a separating device is introduced into the stack, with the result that the following portion of the packaging batch is temporarily halted.

Abstract: An apparatus for packaging an article by means of heat-shrinkable film comprises, in combination, first support means adapted to support a reel of the said film, a device for sealing the film wrapped around the article to be packaged, an air heating chamber, and second means for placing into and removing from the said chamber the article contained within the said film. The said chamber has a substantially box-shaped configuration and is self-bearing, and with respective walls thereof there are associated the said first support means, the said sealing device and the said second means of placement and removal.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved saddle blanket having compartments attached to the periphery of the rear end of the blanket. The compartments include a center compartment contoured to conform the cantle of the saddle. The skirt of the saddle is slipped between the compartments and the blanket so the center compartment is pushed against the cantle of the saddle. The saddle and compartments are thus stabilized from bouncing and slipping relative to another.

Abstract: A head pole adapted to engage a halter ring at one end and a saddle strap at the other end has a piston with an opening for receiving the halter ring and a sleeve slidable to open and close the opening having a raised shoulder formed on the outer surface of the sleeve to provide a lateral thrust surface to enable an operator to apply a longitudinally directed force to easily move the sleeve.

Abstract: A self-propelled lawnmower employs a hydrostatic transmission and differential to power rear drive wheels which are situated behind a forward mowing deck. The hydrostatic drive has infinitely variable adjustment of speed from reverse, through neutral, to a maximum forward speed. There are independently actuated disc brakes for the drive wheels, with right and left brake levers situated adjacent the operator hand grips. A vertical shaft engine is situated with its center of gravity behind the drive wheel shaft to balance the weight of the mowing deck. The operator can control the speed and direction of the mower without removing his hands from the hand grips. By selecting actuation of the disc brakes, the machine can be effortlessly turned without a reduction in speed. The engine output shaft has pulleys connected by drive belts to the blades and to the hydrostatic drive.

Abstract: A feeder house for an agricultural combine is provided with a driving element that can be reciprocated along the main drive shaft of the feeder house to selectively engage a main driven sheave or a second driven sheave in response to its positioning by the operator. The driving element is provided with internal splines for operatively coupling the output of the main driven sheave to the feeder house drive shaft and is also provided with an outwardly extending gear that is used to engage a cooperating tooth assembly on the second driven sheave for reversing the feeder house drive shaft. The main driven sheave is free to rotate on the feeder house main drive shaft when not being engaged by the driving element. Similarly, the second driven sheave is free to rotate on an axle when not being engaged by the gear extending from the driving element.

Abstract: A wheeled attachment for a grass trimmer includes a mounting bar having a wheel at each end, detachably mountable to the grass trimmer to provide easy control and easy support for the grass trimmer. The detachable bar may be securable by a nut and bolt combination either to a housing or protective cover mounted on the grass cutting head immediately above the grass cutting element, or to an adjustable bar component which is detachably securable to the elongated shaft of the grass trimmer. For easy mounting upon the housing of a grass trimmer, the detachable bar includes adjustment slots for the nut and bolt fasteners so that the fasteners may be easily and quickly adjusted to the size of the housing component. For easy mounting upon the elongated shaft of the grass trimmer, the adjustable bar component includes two or more vertically extending bar members which are adjustably attachable to permit forward or rearward adjustment of the wheeled attachment.

Abstract: A cutting bar 2 is connected to the frame 13 by at least one additional connecting element 16. On each side of the additional connecting element 16 is provided a transport element 101, 100, 29 rotating around an axis pointed upwardly. The direction of rotation of the transport elements 101, 100, 29 is such that their movements of rotation diverge toward the front. The front edge 46 of the additional connecting element 16 extends toward the rear and downwardly to the vicinity of the cutting plane 31 of the cutting elements 10 and in the operational zone of the transport elements 101, 100, 29 located on both sides of the additional connecting element 16.

Abstract: A beach combing apparatus is set forth wherein a plurality of spaced runners have secured therebetween an elongate blade member formed with a forwardly positioned beveled planar blade formed with a spaced parallel rear overfolded edge to provide strength and integrity to said blade. A plurality of spaced parallel upstanding brackets integrally formed to said blade to secure an elongate "U" shaped handle is mounted between the brackets at terminal end portions integrally formed to said handle at an obtuse angle thereto whereupon said handle is oriented relative to said blade member at an angle of approximately 30 to 45 degrees in a first position and pivotal parallel to said blade member in a second position to effect the cutting and trimming of various growth to be found growing on a beach surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning aligned, elongate segments of a ring rail of a textile machine relative to vertically movable ring rail supports includes a centering bore and projection, a lateral guide bore and projection and a longitudinal guide bore and projection. The bores are selectively formed on the vertically movable ring rail supports and the ring rail segments and the projections are correspondingly formed on the other of the ring rail supports and the ring rail segments. The lateral guide bore and projection accommodates variations in the lateral extent of the ring rail segment and the longitudinal guide bore and projection accommodates variations in the longitudinal extent of the ring rail segment so that the ring rail segment is maintained at a predetermined position with respect to the spindles serviced by its associated rings while variations in its longitudinal and lateral extents which may occur due to temperature changes or the like are automatically acccommodated.

Abstract: A spinning unit of an open-end spinning machine is disclosed which comprises a rotor having an inner wall, a bottom portion and an open end opposite to said bottom portion and arranged to rotate about a center axis perpendicular to said bottom portion; and a stationary closing member projecting into a spinning chamber of said rotor to thereby close the open end of said rotor and provided with a fiber supply duct which opens toward the inner wall of the rotor, and a yarn guide hole which opens in an end surface thereof opposite to the bottom portion of the rotor. The fiber supply duct is arranged in the closing member so that an inner wall of the fiber supply duct located on a side of the rotational center of the rotor is extended to be near to the rotational center of the rotor or to be over the rotational center of the rotor. The width of the fiber supply duct is established to be not larger than 90 percent of the diameter of the closing member.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a liquid fuel rocket engine of the type that a liquid fuel is boosted in pressure by way of a booster means.

Abstract: A fastener driving tool for driving remotely located fasteners through preformed openings in a structure. The tool (10) comprises a housing (12) having a pneumatic-hydraulic intensifier (14) mounted thereon and a remotely located second hydraulic cylinder assembly (20) attached to the housing (12) by means of an extension tube (110). Pressurized air is provided to the tool (10) through a cartridge regulator (36) that is controlled by a trigger assembly (41). A pneumatic piston (72), connected to a first hydraulic piston (76) by a piston rod (80), moves from a first position located away from a nose portion (66) to a second position located toward a nose portion (66). The pressurizing valve (56) admits air to the pneumatic piston (72) to cause the first hydraulic piston (76) to move to the second position, thereby pressurizing hydraulic fluid (92) and causing the second hydraulic piston (102) to extend from the second cylinder housing (104).

Abstract: A cryogenic refrigeration apparatus that re-liquifies boiled off cryogenic gases and returns the cooled, re-liquified gases to the cryogenic load. Reciprocation of a driver piston effects simultaneous and corresponding reciprocation of compressor and expander pistons. A magnetic sensor senses the position of the driver piston when at its top dead center position, its bottom dead center position, and a position about half way therebetween. Signals corresponding to the sensed position of the driver piston are sent to a logic control unit that governs the opening and closing of valves throughout the apparatus.

Abstract: A method and system for conditioning the cargo containing space of a vehicle are disclosed wherein refrigerated or heated air is introduced into a supply duct and circulated through the cargo to a return duct. The return duct or ducts are preferably formed by movable reefer pallets or racks, controlled openings in the pallets regulating flow into the return duct to develop a uniform pressure differential between the cargo space and the return duct and achieve more uniform cooling. Heat barrier spacers are arranged on vertical walls to minimize heat passage to the cargo. A method and system are also disclosed for supplying refrigerated gas through a supply duct and returning it through a return duct, a control unit being normally responsive to a master temperature sensor arranged in an inlet, a sub-master temperature sensor being arranged for sensing freezing or chilling conditions and overriding the master temperature sensor.

Abstract: A food compartment (I) and a freezer compartment (II) are both cooled by an evaporator coil mounted in the freezer compartment. An air damper assembly selectively allows cold air to flow from the freezer compartment to the food compartment to maintain a selected temperature in the food compartment. The air damper assembly includes a damper door (101) which is slidably mounted to a housing (110) to provide sufficient motive force to drive the damper door to one of the open and closed positions. The damper door is frictionally retained in the selected one of the opened and closed positions until a like momentary electrical pulse is applied to the other coil to drive the damper door to the other position. Optionally, momentary pulses may be applied intermittently to the same coil to assure that the door remains in the selected opened or closed position.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling a heating or cooling system of the type that includes an evaporator and a thermostatic expansion valve having a thermostatic bulb. The control apparatus comprises a thermoelectric heat pump device responsive to an electrical control signal for controlling transfer of thermal energy to and from the thermostatic bulb, at least one temperature sensing device associated with the heating or cooling system, and an electronic control circuit. The control circuit is responsive to the sensed temperature to provide the electrical control signal to the thermoelectric device for maintaining a desired operating condition of the evaporator. The thermoelectric device acts as a gate or heat pump for controlling flow of thermal energy to and from the thermostatic bulb with a relatively small amount of electrical energy input.