Abstract: A cluster for a material handling conveyor in which a plurality of rollers are mounted on a body member at an acute angle to a driven shaft, with bushing pressed into and recessed from each end of each roller to provide a consistent frictional force between the rollers and the member under various conditions of moisture.

Abstract: A modulated conveyor shuttling system for transfering a pallet therealong. It has a series of pedestals aligned along a predetermined path, a carrier supported on each of the pedestals with a plurality of bearings to movingly support the pallet, and locomotion apparatus incorporating air bladders to effect sequential lifting, tilting, and lowering of adjacent carriers on adjacent modules to steppingly move the pallet along such path.

Abstract: The reentry port where an escalator handrail passes out of view at the exit newel of the escalator is provided with an elastomeric reentry guard in the form of a collar surrounding the handrail. The collar has an elastomeric bumper part which is accessible from the exterior of the assembly, and which is mounted on a holder assembly which is contained inside of the escalator skirt housing. The holder and bumper are mounted for limited lateral movement concurrently with the handrail, and such movement is controlled by rollers mounted on the holder assembly, which rollers contact the sides of the handrail. The result is that lateral movements of the handrail as it moves past the reentry guard cause like lateral movements of the housing assembly and bumper. The handrail thus will not rub on the bumper, thereby providing a safer and longer lasting reentry guard.

Abstract: A conveyor for conveying a board into a zone wherein it is desirable to register the board in a longitudinal sense. A mechanism for conveying the board comprises two endless conveying elements spaced transversely, each mounting an endless series of pads. The board fits between two pads behind it and two pads ahead of it. A mechanism for registering the board comprises two elements spaced tranversely and arranged to be normally removed from and selectively insertable into the path of the board. In different arrangements, the elements are vertically insertable from above such path and pivotally biased, vertically insertable from below and longitudinally biased, or rotatably insertable from below and rotatably biased.

Abstract: A device for lining up parts having different shapes of upper and lower surfaces thereof and which are transported from a part feeder to a further transporting device located beneath the part feeder, includes running path conveyor with one end arranged adjacent to the part feeder, and a lining-up conveyor for transporting the parts from the running path conveyor to the further transporting device which is positioned lower than the running path conveyor. The lining-up conveyor includes two spaced rotatable rollers located, respectively, in vicinity of the another end of the running path conveyor and the further transporting device, a belt wound between the two spaced rotatable rollers and forming thereby a slop surface. The slop surface has thereon a member for catching protrudent parts formed on one of the upper and lower surfaces of the parts to thereby retain the parts on the slope surfaces. A drive is provided for driving the belt in a direction opposite to a descending direction of the belt.

Abstract: A metering assembly for use in conjunction with an accumulating conveyor to separate parts, one at a time, from a row of abutting parts or from a flow of parts to create spacing on a continuation of the conveyor to enhance further operations or to discharge parts directly from the conveyor. A pivoting metering block receives a single part from the accumulating conveyor and advances it forward while retaining the next succeeding part, assuring single part spacing or discharge.

Abstract: An apparatus (20) is provided for transferring articles (40--40) from a pickup position to a pickoff position and then to a dropoff position. The apparatus includes a pair of pickup arms (60--60) which are spaced apart to engage lugs (42--42) oppositely extending from an article to be transferred. As the transfer arms are caused to be moved rotatably, the article is transferred to the pickoff position whereat the lugs are adjacent to stepped end portions (88--88) of a pair of pickoff arms (80--80). Further movement of the transfer arms causes the article to engage surfaces (92--92) of the stepped free ends of the pickoff arms and to be supported by engagement of the lugs with surfaces (94--94) of the stepped end portions of the pickoff arms. Afterwards, the pickoff arms are turned to allow the article to descend until, at a predetermined position, the lugs of the article become engaged with a conveyor (100) and become disengaged from the pickoff arms.

Abstract: In a reciprocating floor conveyor, elongated inflatable seal members (44, 44') are positioned to seal the gaps (60) between adjacent floor members (16, 16'). A base portion (52, 52') of each seal member (44, 44') is received within a base channel (46, 46') which is formed in a side portion (18) of a floor member (16). Side portion (18) includes a second channel (50, 50') in which a sealing portion (54, 54') of the sealing member (44, 44') is situated. The second side (20, 20') of each floor member (16, 16') includes a third channel (58, 58') which extends longitudinally of the floor member (16, 16') and confronts the sealing portion (54, 54') of the adjacent floor member (16, 16'). When the inflatable portion (54, 54') of the seal member (44, 44') is inflated, it extends into and contacts the inner surface of the third channel (58, 58'). When the sealing portion (54, 54') is deflated, it folds onto itself (FIGS. 11 and 13) and moves away from sealing engagement with the inner surface of channel (58, 58').

Abstract: A vibratory drive system for a vibratory conveyor apparatus is operable to selectively vary the conveying speed of the conveyor apparatus between zero, or stand-still, up to a maximum speed while the drive system is operating imparting a vibratory conveying force to the conveyor apparatus. The vibratory drive system is also operable to change direction of the conveyor apparatus between forward and reverse conveying directions also while the drive system is operating imparting a vibratory conveying force to the conveyor apparatus. In addition, the vibratory system can be adapted to provide either a linear drive force to the conveyor apparatus, or an elliptical drive force to the conveyor apparatus.

Abstract: An endless conveyor for moving material from a first position to a second position comprises a guide which includes a first and second track spaced apart a predetermined distance for defining a path of travel. A plurality of substantially flat surface transport carriers are positioned in a side-by-side relationship. Each substantially flat surface transport carrier includes a first end disposed adjacent to a first track and a second end disposed adjacent to a second track. A drive member engages and pushes each individual substantially flat surface transport carrier and imparts movement thereto along the path of travel defined by the guide.

Abstract: A cooking utensil for use on both gas, electric and induction stoves is provided composed of a container liner of stainless steel with a comparatively low wall thickness, a comparatively thick bottom plate of aluminum or a metal of similarly good heat-conducting properties and a bottom disc that is at least partially composed of magnetizable material disposed on the outside of the bottom plate. The bottom plate disposed on the outside bottom of the container and possibly the bottom disc disposed on the outside of the bottom plate can be attached by a commonly known hammer-press technique at an increased temperature preferably with an intermediate foil of aluminum or a material of similarly good heat-conducting properties. Particularly favorable results for cookware in terms of expansion reaction and corrosion have been achieved utilizing a bottom disc of a nickel alloy having the following composition: Ni: 50-100%; Cr: up to 6%; Mo: up to 6%; Cu: up to 14%; Mn: up to 6%; Si: up to 1.5%; C: up to 0.

Abstract: A packaging system for an item of hardware comprising a bottom member of transparent molded plastic having a generally rectangular ridge defined thereon, a cover member having a hollow interior and top wall and side walls having a bottom flange adapted to fit over and be secured to the ridge on the bottom member, the cover member being of transparent molded plastic, a support member adapted to fit on the bottom member within the defined ridge, the support member having means defined therein for receiving an item of hardware, a securing member adapted to be fitted to the support member to secure the item of hardware therebetween, the support member and the securing member having a combined dimension in the direction of the distance between the top wall of the cover member and the bottom member which is substantially the same as the distance between the top wall of the cover member and the bottom member.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a support for anastomosing or connecting living organs in a living body which comprises a material selected from the group consisting of monosaccharide, oligosaccharide, polysaccharide, a mixture thereof, and polyvinyl pyrrolidone.The support provided according to the present invention has high safety and adaptability to the living body and is quickly dissolved away in body fluid in the living body, so that it can serve as an excellent support for a living tissue or organ in an anastomosing or connecting operation in a living body. This support assures secure anastomosis or connection and facilitates the surgical operations therefore.

Abstract: An improved dispenser which has an internal storage shelf disposed above a well and opposite a sloping grid. The dispenser has a generally "V" shape appearance in side elevation and has an opening and matching lid. Also, the dispenser may have a vertical carrying handle.

Abstract: Container systems employing a diluent container having an extractor that is helically threaded and is used to engage a resilient undercut vial stopper of an additive container.

Abstract: A kit contains a plurality of mounting strips that are releasably attached to a backing element and which can be permanently fixed to a container of a container/cap combination, and a plurality of cap attaching elements which are releasably attached to the backing element and which can be permanently fixed to a cap of the container/cap combination. The mounting strips and the cap attaching elements all have releasably fastening elements, such as hook-and-loop fasteners, which cooperate to releasably attach a cap mounted cap attaching element to a container mounted mounting strip when the cap is removed from a container covering position whereby the cap will be kept in a convenient location during use of the container.

Abstract: The retractable hook assembly, preferably for an article of luggage, includes a rigid shaft received within a cylindrical member, the shaft being movable between extended and retracted positions. A washer with a projecting stud is fixed to the inner end of the shaft. A slot in the cylindrical member receives the stud to, in one rotational orientation, hold the shaft and its hook extended, and when released from the slot, to cam the shaft into a second rotational orientation as the shaft is driven by a spring into the cylindrical member, thereby to provide a self aligning and self retracting hook assembly.

Abstract: A camera case comprising two mating shells. A swivelable mounting device on the first shell allows a camera to be mounted to that shell for taking photographs. In their mated relationship, the shells fully enclose the camera. The shells are connected by a flexible or hinged strap, or by the swivelable camera mounting device itself, whereby the second shell can be rotated so as to serve as a stable base supporting the first shell, with the camera mounted to it for taking photographs, on any convenient generally horizontal surface.

Abstract: A carrier for packaged integrated circuit chips with an impact resistant carrying strip which has a plurality of equidistantly spaced square apertures and is contained in plastic shipping tubes. Ceramic Pin Grid Array (CPGA) Modules are carried on the strip with the module's pins protected in pin cavities or aperatures in the carrying strip. Bumpers prevent adjacent modules from chipping each other. A specially designed shipping tube encloses the carrying strip for additional handling protection. The strip also serves to facilitate automated assembly. Anti-static or static sensitive materials may be used for either the tube or the strip or for both.

Abstract: A cover tape for sealing chips in chip-holding parts of a carrier tape having said parts provided discontinuously and longitudinally of said carrier tape, which cover tape comprises a base tape, an adhesive layer formed on one surface of said base tape and a non-adhesive coat formed on said adhesive layer along the longitudinal direction of said base tape so that said non-adhesive coat has a width broader than that of the chips and narrower than that of said adhesive layer. When the cover tape is used in combination with the carrier tape, the chip-holding parts are sealed by the cover tape having the non-adhesive coat and in consequence the chips held in the chip-holding parts do not come in contact with the adhesive layer although they might come in contact with the non-adhesive coat. Accordingly, the chips are not stained by the adhesive in the adhesive layer.

Abstract: A case arranged such that a cover having a pocket and a casing portion having stoppers are pivotally secured to each other in the manner of a door, in which the stopper is formed such that a portion coming into contact with spokes of the cassette has a bent or curved portion extending substantially along the direction of winding and tightening the hub. The curved or bent portion is provided with an inclined upper end surface for decreasing the projecting height in the direction of its projecting end. Accordingly, when the cover is closed with respect to the casing portion after the magnetic tape cassette is placed in the pocket, the spoke is engaged with the inclined upper end surface of the stopper, so that the spoke is guided along the inclined upper end surface in the direction of winding and tightening the magnetic tape, thereby allowing the hub to rotate and effecting the winding and tightening of the tape.

Abstract: A protective cover is disclosed for covering material contained on spools, such as solder. The cover includes a plurality of tabs which are contained in a cavity to receive the spool. Each of the protective tabs has a horizontal slot engage a flange of the spool to retain the cover about the spool when the spool is placed in the cavity within the cover. One embodiment of the invention includes an elongated slot in one side of the cover to permit material stored on the spool to be withdrawn without removing the spool from the protective cover.

Abstract: A Christmas light organizer provides a frame for the handling and storage of a string of Christmas lights. A generally rectangular, planar frame includes two opposing sides having a series of tooth-like projections extending outwardly from the frame which are longitudinally bevelled, having an inner gap between projections at their base which is less than a least thickness of the electric cord and an outer gap at their ends which is greater than the greatest thickness of the electric cord, thereby allowing a Christmas light cord to be inserted and guided between the converging faces of adjacent projections until the cord is securely gripped therebetween. The other two, non-toothed, sides may have one or more sets of divergent, slanted notches intruding from the inner side of the frame and formed so as to hold, at the plug, an end of the electric cord. A handle may extend outwardly from one of the non-toothed sides. Cross braces may be added across the inside of the frame for both strength and safety.

Abstract: An all plastic folding basket can be made in a letter by legal size. This is accomplished by using end panels which are recessed at their free ends so as to mate together when the basket is folded, whereby the free ends of the end panels overlap when the basket is folded.

Abstract: An improved accordion-like file has a plastic cover and envelopes, the plastic cover is integrally formed as a foldable multiple-sectioned cover and folded inward on one end to form a folded piece and a block piece with a foldable mechanism therebetween. By moving the block piece outward and securing to the folded piece with a set of reusable tape thereon, the accordion-like file can be completely extended and contain documents with more space.

Abstract: A packaging container for and packaging method of developer sheets of the type which are superposed with a microcapsule-bearing sheet on which a latent image corresponding to an original has been formed has improved storage characteristics. In such a container, the developer sheets are accommodated in a box which is in an atmosphere of non-oxidative gas or inert gas such as nitrogen gas. The box is wrapped with a plastic film or metal foil. The developer sheets can be stored over a long time without occurrence of yellowing of the developer.

Abstract: A container apparatus for small items such as drug medication. The container is designed for drugs or similar small articles which allows an attendant to dispense the items in accordance with printed or pictorial information provided upon the container or a separate sheet maintained within a pocket of the container.

Abstract: A packaging carton is provided with tear lines which define openings in alignment with a plurality of articles within the packaging carton so that individual articles can be removed from the packaging carton independently. Further, walls are provided between each article for positioning the article so that it is taken out only by opening the individual tear lines and the respective articles are prevented from moving within the carton.

Abstract: A one piece, spherical capsule with a hole through which products can be inserted and removed. The hole could accommodate an insert containing a separate product for vending two products in one container. Products will be sealed inside by a single tape seal with a pull tab. The capsule is designed to be dispensed in a bulk vending machine. Bulk vending machines usually dispense prizes or toys packaged in two piece capsules.

Abstract: An arrangement for depositing valuable documents includes provisions for feeding the documents through an opening via intermediate storage between two mutually coacting belts (13, 14) to another opening leading to a storage space (18) of the arrangement. A command device can be operated to control the function of the arrangement from an external location. The coacting belts (13, 14) are part of an intermediate storage device (131-141-20) which is pivotally mounted in a housing (16), allowing an infeed-and-outfeed opening (15) between the two coacting belts to be positionally adjusted to one of the openings, either in response to a command from the command device (34) or in response to a signal from a sensor (17) adjacent a document transport path in the proximity of the intermediate storage device (131-141-20).

Abstract: The invention provides a method of separating predetermined non-magnetic electrically conductive items from a flow of non-magnetic electrically conductive materials containing such items and other non-magnetic electrically conductive materials comprising the steps of passing the flow of materials adjacent to electromagnetic field generating apparatus; controlling the flux field generated by the apparatus such as to create electrical currents within the predetermined electrically conductive items which react with the generated electromagnetic flux field causing the creation of a directional force upon the predetermined items such as to move only the predetermined electrically conductive items out of and away from the flow of material.

Abstract: For sorting particles of a mixed particulate material in dependence on their coefficients of sliding friction the particles are fed to a revolving endless belt which, from the feed point to the downstream discharge edge, has a length portion having a length which in dependence on the velocity of the revolving belt is so determined that only those particles of the mixed material which have the highest coefficient of sliding friction will be accelerated to the velocity of the belt while moving on the length portion, all particles having a relatively lower coefficient of sliding friction having a lower velocity at the discharge edge so that the particles which have been discharged will fly along different trajectories and are collected by correspondingly disposed devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides a support including a central cylindrical body spaced from an upper base and a lower base, each by a gap to provide manual access to a central axial positioned support axle for ease of transport and manipulation of the organization. The central cylindrical body includes an inner cylindrical body, each body including an axially aligned bore for receiving a rod therewithin. A modification of the invention includes a translucent outer cylindrical body, with an illumination member positioned between adjacent outer bores, wherein inner bores of the inner cylindrical body include a pressure-sensitive micro-switch positioned interiorly of the body adjacent the inner bore, whereupon removal of a rod, such as a pencil or lollipop structure from the inner and outer bores closes a circuit to effect actuation of an audible unit.

Abstract: A combination portable hoist, crane, and automobile towing mechanism is adaptable into three configurations. As a portable hoist, a vertical mast and hydraulically actuatable boom are mounted on a standard support having support legs oriented in a "V", with the hoise boom positioned between the support legs. As a portable crane, the mast and boom are mounted onto a platform on a modified truck bumper in a manner to pivot 360 degrees about the axis of the vertical mast. The portable crane can therefore load and remove objects to/from the truck bed. As an automobile towing mechanism, the mast and boom are locked in position within the plane of movement of the boom normal to the vehicle rear bumper. A typical automobile bumper and axle attachment towing device is attached to the boom chain. Stabilizer bars orient the bumper and axle attachment towing device parallel to and spaced from the vehicle bumper, so that the tow vehicle may elevate one end of a towed vehicle for towing in a conventional manner.

Abstract: A portable wheeled hoisting frame includes two winches. The hoist disassembles, and the parts fit into a backpack. When assembled the frame has an open rectangular base with corner wheels, two upright members, and a top bar between the upper ends of the two upright members extending across above the open base. The primary winch is mounted on the top bar. There are top bar extensions. The hoist can vertically lift objects under the frame, as when straddling a scuttle hole, with the primary winch. A secondary winch attached to the hoisting frame can exert a sideways or downward force for cantilever lifting. The force of the secondary winch will then balance the weight of the object held by the primary winch. The extension bars allow hoisting in numerous ways. An object may also be supported on the frame base for rolling on supporting surfaces. There are two fixed wheels and two swivel castors on the frame.

Abstract: A plastic blow molded container (10) is disclosed as including a freestanding base structure (20) that is constructed with a plurality of downwardly projecting hollow legs 22, a plurality of curved ribs (34) located between the legs, and a hub 41 from which the legs and ribs extend radially with a construction that provides good stability against tipping as well as the capability of withstanding internal pressure. Each leg (22) has a lower flat foot (24) coplanar with the other feet and the feet have an outer diameter D.sub.f that is at least 0.75 of the diameter D of the cylindrical body portion. Each flat foot (24) also has a junction (28) with an associated outer wall (26) of the foot and this junction has a radius of curvature R.sub.j less than 0.05 of the diameter D of the cylindrical body portion.

Abstract: A pressure resistant bottle-shaped container having a body including panels surrounded by outer sheaths, characterized in that each panel has stress absorbing strips comprising vertexes recessed from the outer surface of the panel toward the interior of the container and bending lines formed in V shape and inverted V shape from the vertexes toward the outer sheaths. Thus, the container does not retain permanent deformation by the deformations resulting from pressure changes at the time of filling high temperature liquid content.

Abstract: A Saturn-shaped container is provided which includes a receptacle forming a lower portion of the container, a lid forming an upper portion of the container, a ring member surrounding the receptacle and supporting the lid, and a seal member positioned between receptacle and lid so as to define a first and second compartment within the container. Advantageously, the lid is transparent and may serve as a magnifying means for viewing contents within the container.

Abstract: A device for use with containers, including an elastomeric member sized to engage the container. The member has a first portion for contact with the container to form a seal and a second portion having a polyparaxylylene coating to form a barrier between the member and the contents of the container.

Abstract: A composite closure with a side seal proportioning lip is disclosed, with the closure including an outer plastic closure cap, and a plastic sealing liner positioned adjacent a top wall portion of the cap. The sealing liner includes a central disc-shaped portion, and an integral relatively thick, annular sealing bead portion. The closure is thus configured to effect a "top/side seal" with an associated container. The construction includes an annular liner-retaining lip having a relatively flexible annular inner edge portion which coacts with the sealing bead portion of the liner to self-adjust and proportion the degree of sealing engagement between the sealing bead portion of the liner and the associated container.

Abstract: Containers used for packaging aseptically batched liquid food products, typically fruit juices, puree and pulp, are stoppered by a plug (1) inserted into the relative mouth or filler neck (6); the plug is shaped and molded such that an annular flash left by the molding process, is positioned away from the area of contact between the plug and the mouth of the container.

Abstract: A container lid, especially useful in the pharmaceutical testing industry, having a pair of overlapping lid elements which are rotatable with respect to one another. The lid elements have matching apertures which allow the insertion of testing apparatus into the container covered by the lid without the necessity of removing the lid. The rotatable elements may be positioned tightly around the testing apparatus to reduce the possibility of evaporative loss and of contamination of the testing medium.

Abstract: An easy-open container end includes a displaceable panel defined by a score line having curved tails which is in parallel relationship with adjacent means for reinforcing, thereby reducing opening failures, while controlling tearing. A score die and anvil is further provided wherein a four bolt pattern provides greater resistance to distortion and more even mounting stress distribution, resulting in more even score line residuals and reduced opening failures.

Abstract: A picnic cooler or the container comprises an open-topped container body and a removable lid. The lid includes a hinge portion which extends across the lid and divides the lid into first and second lid portions which are hingedly attached. One of the lid portions is removably attached to the container body, and the other lid portion can pivot about the hinge to provide access to the container body.

Abstract: A vented hatch cover for an enclosed vessel having a cover body sized to overlie and cover a hatch opening defined by an upstanding coaming. A pair of air passages are defined by the cover body and a pair of hoods connected thereto. The hoods define air inlet opening and a plenum which communicates with air outlet openings in the interior of the cover body. The air passages permit air flow in sufficient volume to vent the vessel and to empty the vessel by high speed vacuum unloading. A filter is removably retained on the hoods in the air inlet openings. A filter screen on the interior of the cover prevents contamination of the air passages from the inside. A latching arm provides downward pressure on the hatch when in a sealing position and the capability of pivoting the hatch cover together with the latching arm when it is moved. The cover is floatingly engaged in the arm.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bucket having a base and a side wall extending therefrom, and a clip member mounted adjacent the base or the top, or both, and adapted to hook on to a bar such as a roof batten or ladder rung to retain the bucket in position on a sloping surface such as a roof or a ladder so as to be convenient for a person working on that roof or ladder.

Abstract: A swap tank has transverse bars disposed at the standard spacing of ISO containers and end portions extending beyond the transverse bars. Each end portion has associated with it a base frame structure including the transverse bar and a pair of diagonal struts which extend towards each other and are welded together at the tank end. A support member is welded between the interconnected ends of the diagonal struts and a ring welded to the tank bottom below the tank axis. The support member is formed as an integral bent sheet metal part having two lateral triangular wall elements. To compensate for manufacturing tolerances, the support member may be adjusted by varying the bending angle in such a manner that the free edges of the triangular wall elements extend parallel and flush with the outwardly facing surface of the ring and may be welded thereto.

Abstract: Device for the automatic dispensing of packaged products, including a number of vertical plane surfaces arranged together and having a "U" shape cross section for forming a dispensing chamber within which a spiral element is located having turns spaced apart, the product being placed between two adjacent and thus being supported by the spiral which is caused to rotate in order to dispense the product, which is prevented from rotating by at least one of the walls of the dispensing chamber, the spiral consisting of a number of turns between which are placed additional products, thus forming a vertically arranged store.

Abstract: A denesting device for separating trays of joined cups prior to loading of the cup trays onto a conveyer belt of a packaging machine includes a feed bin mounted on a housing for receiving a stack of the nested cup trays. Associated with the bottom of the feed bin are a plurality of elongated helical screws each of which has a variable screw thread formed thereon. The variable screw thread on each of the helical screws has a variable pitch that increases from a first lesser pitch portion which is located adjacent to the feed means to a second greater pitch portion from which the denested cup trays are discharged. The plurality of elongated helical screws are rotatively mounted on the housing in a spaced array about the feed means.

Abstract: A pellet dispenser unit in which a container of pellets can be attached to a motor and rotor assembly while the container is in an upright position. After attachment with the container, the container is inverted and the motor and rotor with the container are placed in a housing member from which the pellets are dispensed. The motor is electrically connected automatically when the motor and rotor assembly is placed in the housing member. In a preferred manner, plastic foam is placed in a housing for the motor and rotor to protect the motor as well as a circuit board from any corrosive fumes. The motor and rotor assembly are placed in a housing which is constructed so as to be easily handled by one hand for ease of attachment to the container when the container is in an upright position and the motor and rotor assembly inverted.