Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the determination of moisture content of a sample carried on a conveyor belt. Microwave signals at a number of discrete frequencies within a range are transmitted through the sample and the phase shift of the received signals is averaged and combined with measurement of attenuation or mass per unit area to provide a measure of moisture content of the sample. The invention is applicable to measurement of moisture content of crushed coking and steaming coals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a material strength measuring apparatus for specimens having a curved surface or an irregular surface with high accuracy.

Abstract: A method for detecting a photoacoustic signal includes the steps of modulating the intensity of light obtained from a light source at a predetermined modulation frequency, exciting a specimen by directing the intensity-modulated light onto the specimen, thereby generating a photoacoustic effect in the specimen, detecting the photoacoustic effect generated in the specimen and producing a detection signal indicative of the detected photoacoustic effect, and extracting information about the surface and interior of the specimen from the detection signal, wherein the intensity-modulated light is emitted from an aperture of a near-field optical scanning microscope used in directing the intensity-modulated light onto the specimen while a distance between the aperture of the near-field optical scanning microscope and the surface of the specimen is maintained constant irrespective of the photoacoustic effect generated in the specimen.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for accurately and economically measuring fluid flow within a closed conduit system. The apparatus includes a means for extracting a proportional amount of the fluid flow, a flowmeter reduced in size from the main conduit system for measuring the flow of the extracted proportional amount of fluid, and a means for returning the extracted portion of fluid to the fluid flow. The fluid flow is extracted and returned without disrupting the fluid flow. A means for promoting the extraction of the proportional amount of fluid flow is provided within said conduit between the means for extracting and returning the fluid flow.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for continuous measurement of liquid flow velocity, where there are positioned risers between respective line light sources and where between the risers there is positioned at least one CCD image sensor. The risers are joined together at one end thereof and are connected with the surroundings via a valve. At the other end, the risers are connected with a liquid stream supply line via three-way valves. The three-way valves are joined together via a return outlet with the return line for the liquid stream.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for measuring the quantity of a liquid, such as crude oil, transferred to or from a storage tank with all measurements being taken through an opening near the bottom of the tank. A water detecting probe is extendable through the opening a selected distance below the opening in order to detect the presence of water at a selected level below the opening and generate a detection signal. A sampling device is connectable to the opening for taking samples of the liquid transferred to or from the tank. A pressure sensor is connected to the opening for generating a pressure signal indicative of the pressure of the liquid in the tank. A computer is provided for using the pressure signal to generate a level signal indicative of the level of the liquid in the tank.

Abstract: A float rod and float body are fastened together by means of a two-point attachment in which a substantially straight remote end of the float rod is inserted into a rod receiving passage simultaneously with a grasping point on the float rod being received by a snap-in retainer on a portion of the float rod separated from the remote end by a bend in the float rod. Fastening of the parts is thus achieved in a single linear motion for ease of assembly. The snap-in retainer preferably is comprised of a fork whereby the float body is retained on the float rod against forces in any direction after being assembled. The float body can be filled with an appropriate filling material to provide the desired buoyancy in the liquid to be measured. An embodiment particularly adapted to fuel level measurement in vehicle fuel tanks is described.

Abstract: A torque converter has an end cover or input shell which is stamped from a sheet metal plate and has a stiffening fluid portion and an outer flow formed annular rim. The impeller, turbine and stator are assembled along with a torque converter clutch after which the rim portion of the end cover is welded to the impeller. The impeller and the cover have a flange or radially extending portion that is selectively trimmed to control the dynamic balance of the assembly. The turbine member is cast with the outer core and blade portions integral and an inner core member is welded thereto. This is completed prior to assembly within the torque converter.

Abstract: In an abnormality monitoring apparatus of the present invention, a plurality of detectors (13, 14) are arranged at a plurality of positions in the axial direction of a pipeline (11) to detect respective sound waves (37) propagating from a position (B) of occurrence of abnormality. The aforementioned position is calculated from a sound wave detection time difference between the detectors (13, 14) and position between the detectors (13, 14). The apparatus further includes an abnormal waveform memory unit (28) for storing the waveforms of a plurality of kinds of typical abnormal sound waves generated from abnormality on the pipeline (11). A display device (19) displays, on the same image screen, the abnormal waveform stored in the abnormal waveform memory unit and that of the sound wave detected. It is, therefore, possible for a monitoring personnel to readily identify a kind of abnormality occurred.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the environment of a vessel provides a liquid (18) which may contain particles (20) in a vessel having containment walls (12), where a hollow member (26) such as a thin tube is inserted into the liquid near the containment walls, and the hollow member contains in it a robotic device (34), which can travel within the hollow member and which can emit and receive ultrasonic waves and electromagnetic fields, where both of the ultrasonic waves and electric fields can pass through the hollow member (26) to the containment walls (12), where the device: emits and receives low frequency ultrasonic waves to and from the containment walls (12) and high frequency ultrasonic waves to and from any particles (20), and emits electromagnetic fields to the containment walls (12) or their combination, where absorptions and reflections from the hollow member walls and the containment walls, and any particles present are measured and any current generated in the hollow member walls and the containment wall

Abstract: An acoustic lens system is constructed so that at least one surface of acoustic lenses constituting the acoustic lens system is an aspherical surface, which has such a shape that curvature moderates progressively in separating from the axis of the acoustic lens system, and an acoustic beam stop is provided therein. As a result, aberrations can be favorable corrected even when the angle of view and the numerical aperture are increased and this brings about the acoustic lens system suitable for an objective lens of an acoustic system for securing an image of an object having a two-dimensional size in particular.

Abstract: A low range pressure sensor includes a base plate of brittle material, and a diaphragm plate mounted on the base plate and sealed around a periphery to the base plate. Pressures are introduced to cause the diaphragm to deflect toward the base plate, and the deflection of the diaphragm is sensed through strain gauges to provide an indication of the pressure. The diaphragm is provided with a plurality of individual support posts on a side facing the base plate, so that when the diaphragm is deflected toward the base plate under high overpressures the support posts will support the diaphragm against movement to avoid failure or breakage of the diaphragm. The number of support posts can be varied as desired.

Abstract: In a semiconductor pressure sensor, a dam which prevents a sheathing resin from flowing into a diaphragm portion during the molding of the sheathing resin is disposed on the outer periphery of piezoresistors and the diaphragm portion on the surface of a semiconductor pressure sensor chip. The volume of the base and that of the semiconductor pressure sensor chip are adjusted so that a tensile force exerted upon the semiconductor pressure sensor chip by the base cancels a compressive force exerted upon the semiconductor pressure sensor by the sheathing resin when the temperature of the semiconductor pressure sensor returns to an ordinary room temperature from a high temperature. As a result, strain is not caused in the semiconductor pressure sensor chip, and therefore measurements of pressure with a high degree of accuracy can be performed.

Abstract: A pressure test gauge is described, more particularly for testing the air pressure at the outlet of a spray gun. The pressure test gauge comprises a body having an inlet which may take the form of a replaceable screw-in-unit sealed airtight with the body. The unit encircles the inlet and connects with passages passing through body. The passage is a small bore tube which connects the inlet with a pressure gauge which has a display. Intermediate the inlet unit and gauge is a valve comprising a barrel with an outer screw-thread screwed into the body. Extending axially of the valve is a metering hole. The gauge body may have ribs for facilitate gripping the body and a bracket with screws to secure it to a wall.

Abstract: A pressure sensor unit having a pressure chamber formed in a housing by a plate member having a diaphragm region. The plate is fastened to the housing via an adhesive which is disposed in a joint between an inner housing surface and an intermediate support member which limits the movement of the adhesive in a direction transverse to the pressure direction.

Abstract: A sonic-type fluid flow measuring system wherein reflections or echoes of an ultrasonic acoustic emitter (9) are sensed and typically comprise a number of frequencies representative of a number of discrete velocities of flow in a volume of fluid. As a sample, they simply appear as a voltage plot as a function of time and wherein the time width of a given signal excursion relates to the frequency of a given signal. Thereafter, this time domain signal sample is converted to a frequency domain sample whereby the presence and magnitude of each frequency component, or velocity component, is isolated, this being typically done by what is known as a Fast Fourier Transform. The highest frequency, velocity, signal from each of a rapid succession of samples is then obtained and stored in a memory (38). The highest and lowest of these are then discarded, and the remaining are averaged to obtain more likely representations of velocity.

Abstract: An elongation or tension gauge for adjusting sailboat rigging comprising a measuring stick 12 including registration cutout 18 and indicia 8, attached to a pair of nylon or plastic clips 14U (UPPER) and 14L (LOWER) each comprising jaws 20, a clip shoulder 22, a clip reference edge 24, and a clip arm 26.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for measuring the load measuring rolling element deformity of rolling element bearings as a result of applied loads by providing a load measuring rolling element in a bore of a rolling element bearing, defining a fluid cavity about a central shaft and first and second end seal means. The fluid cavity is in continuous communication with a fluid conduit, the fluid conduit in communication with an external volumetric liquid measuring means. When the rotating bearing is placed under dynamic loading, the rolling element will distort and the applied load is a function of the amount of distortion of the rolling element, i.e., the fluid cavity thus producing a correlated volumetric change of the amount of fluid contained in the fluid cavity. The load measuring apparatus is calibrated to provide the measurement of three-dimensional loading and averaging of loading along the rotating bearing axis.

Abstract: A portable analyzer for obtaining samples from a monitored environment during different time intervals includes a pump energized by a rechargeable battery pack for drawing gas from the environment selectively into plural sample holding bags and an impact filter. The pump is programmed to control the time when the gas is drawn from the environment and for controlling the flow to the sample holders so that different ones of the sample holders are responsive to the materials at the same or different times. The pump may respond to electric pulses, causing pulses of air to be supplied to the sample holding bags. The pump derives pulses having a rate directly proportional to the number of pump cycles. The pump may also operate continuously with sampling of the gases being controlled electronically. Operation of the pump is prevented in response to the battery pack voltage dropping to a level such that the voltage is less than a predetermined value, necessary to provide a predetermined flow rate per pump cycle.

Abstract: An automatic multistage transmission for vehicles has an input shaft and two output shafts parallel to the input shaft and includes two gear stages which are capable of shifting by way of frictional engagement and other gear stages engagable by gear tooth engagement. In pull operation, the first transmission stage is constantly in engagement by means of a rotatably supported gear connectable through a first sliding bushing. The fixed gear of the first transmission stage is coupled through a reversing pinion to a reversing gear rotatably supported on one of the output shafts which can be connected through a second sliding bushing to the output shaft on which it is mounted.

Abstract: A relatively inexpensive means for preventing the transmission of thread drunkenness to a carriage or other element being driven by a lead screw comprising a drive nut formed of a pair of half-nuts arranged to engage the thread of the lead screw. An intermediate member is connected to the half-nuts and to a carriage connector member to permit movement of the intermediate member relative to the connector member only by rotation about a pivot axis perpendicular to the axis of the lead screw and lying in a plane which extends between the half-nuts. The half-nuts are connected to the intermediate member to locate the intermediate member with respect to the half-nuts along the axis of the lead screw and to prevent rotation of the half-nuts about the lead screw axis, whereby uneven advance of the two half-nuts along the axis of the lead screw causes the intermediate member to rotate about the pivot axis to provide uniform motion along the lead screw axis to the connector member.

Abstract: A parallel robot comprises a base, three set of arm assemblies disposed on the base at a predetermined spacing, and a bracket member which is supported by the arm assemblies and to which an end effector is attached. Each of the arm assemblies comprises a pair of motors mounted on the base to face each other with a predetermined clearance and a pair of arms which are supported by the motors to be swung, respectively. Each of the arms comprises a first arm portion and a second arm portion. The first arm portion and the second arm portion of each arm are connected with each other through a first joint means, and the second arm portion of each arm is connected with the bracket through a second joint means.

Abstract: A motorcycle throttle control for installation in a hand grip throttle control comprises a body designed to be threaded into a motorcycle throttle housing, a plunger within the body, and a cam lever mounted by the body for engaging the plunger to urge it into binding contact with a motorcycle throttle drum to hold a motorcycle throttle in a predetermined position.

Abstract: A drive system for a baler of large cylindrical bales that permits a plurality of transverse driven shafts to be slidably engaged and disengaged for quick and easy assembly and repair of the baler. The transverse driven shafts extend between a pair of spaced apart sidewalls. A gear box for each of the driven shafts is mounted on one of the sidewalls and includes longitudinal drive surfaces. Mating longitudinal drive surfaces are formed on the driven shafts for slidable engagement with and disengagements from the drive surfaces of the associated gear box. A releasable mounting secures the nondriven ends of the shafts at the opposite sidewall.

Abstract: A drive system for providing multiple output speeds in a single direction based upon a reversible input is disclosed. The drive system provides a dual drive path from an input to an output such that each separate drive path is capable of an overall gear ratio different from that of the other drive path. The drive path is selected by the direction of rotation of the input and is configured such that regardless of the drive path selected, the rotation of the output of the drive system will be in a single direction. The drive system utilizes two parallel auxiliary shafts disposed perpendicularly to a single drive shaft and an output shaft disposed parallel to the two auxiliary shafts. Both auxiliary shafts engage the drive shaft such that they are driven by the rotation of the drive shaft in directions opposite each other.

Abstract: A saw blade sharpening apparatus for sharpening an elongated blade having a plurality of aligned cutting teeth. The apparatus includes a grinder mechanism to sharpen the teeth. The grinder includes a body and a rotating grindstone, the grindstone having an axis aligned with the blade. The rotating grindstone continuously circulates in a rotational pattern to move the grindstone across the surface of one of the teeth to grind the entire surface of the tooth. At the same time, the rotating grindstone advances the blade linearly from the tooth being ground to the next tooth in succession.

Abstract: A steel rule die set and method for cutting and scoring sheet material in which the male cutting and scoring die has a steel rule with knife and scoring edges secured firmly in a metal face plate having retaining laser cut openings and a complementary female counter plate having a metal plate with laser cut score lines in juxtaposition to the steel rule score edges.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing of a cemented carbide body for cutting tools, rock drilling tools or wear parts with complicated geometry characterized in that the body is sintered together from simpler pressed but unsintered parts to form a body with desired complex geometry.

Abstract: A wire stripper (10) for stripping an outer insulative jacket from a cable (12) includes a frame (14) which carries a cable clamp (16) for releasably clamping the cable. The frame also carries a slitting mechanism (43) which includes a rotatable blade carrier (46) and a central passage (48) through which the cable passes. The blade carrier includes a pair of blades (60--60) each radially movable within a separate one of a pair of diametrically opposed slots (56--56) so as to circumferentially slit the insulative jacket when the blade carrier is rotated in a first direction. A gripping mechanism (94) is slidably mounted to a pair of rails (100--100) carried by the frame for gripping a portion of the cable downstream of the blade carrier so as to pull the severed portion of the outer insulative jacket from the cable when the gripping mechanism is displaced by a lever (108).

Abstract: An oil filter wrench with self tightening capabilities for grasping and rotating a cylindrical oil filter can comprising, in combination, a wrench for grasping and rotating a cylindrical object filter can comprising, a strap fabricated of a flexible material having a fixed end and a free end, a ring platform with the fixed end of the strap slidably coupled thereto, an arcuate guide slot formed in the ring platform with a roller slidable therealong, the roller being coupled to the fixed end of the strap to allow limited sliding movement of the roller and the fixed end of the strap with respect to the ring platform, a spring resiliently coupling the roller and the free end of the strap to the ring platform, a flexible cable coupled at one end to the free end of the strap and guide means to control the movement of the cable with respect to the free end of the strap, and a handle coupled the ring platform to effect rotation of the strap with respect to a cylindrical object held by the strap and coupled to the oth

Abstract: Each end of the cross bore in the end of the driver or extension is coined to capture the balls in the cross bore. The combined diameters of the balls are equal to the distance between the opposed flat faces of the driver end. One of the faces has a groove in which the lock tab or key is received. The key is part of the control means which includes annular spring seat captured inside the sleeve mounted on the driver. The compressed spring inside the sleeve biases the seat and key to the left so the key overlies the balls. The spring force acts to rock the tab against the ball to project the other ball from the driver end into locking engagement with a recess in the socket. When the projecting ball is pushed into the cross bore as the socket is being mounted the other ball is pushed out of the bore to raise the tab to be engaged by the socket. This causes the tab and seat to be moved to compress the spring. The tab and the seat can move with and with respect to the sleeve.

Abstract: A pressure stabilizing apparatus is given which is capable of storing and supplying the volume of hydraulic fluid needed for rapid advances as well as accepting displaced hydraulic fluid required for rapid retractions in a barfeed apparatus. This pressure stabilizing apparatus or surge-accumulator device demonstrates the advantage of eliminating excessive force, which could damage the headstock, cause increased vibration and noise, and also prevents loss of contact with the bar end, all of which limit the speed of the spindle, and reduce productivity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing motor laminations from blanks uses a servo-controlled linear transport mechanism for transporting blanks a fixed stroke distance to a notching station wherein the notching station includes a stationary index spindle and movable punch head which adjusts for accommodating blanks of varying diameters. A lamination removal mechanism removes and transfers a notched lamination from the notching station to a lamination carrier by traveling a fixed stroke distance. Different diameter blanks are facilitated by adjusting grippers and the punch head while the stroke distances remain unchanged. The linear transport mechanism and the lamination removal mechanism move independently to transfer blanks and laminations at different times to improve blank throughput.

Abstract: A running saw system includes a carry portion having a plurality of rails, each rail having a plurality of rollers, a carry conveyor which carries the slab from an entrance port on the carry portion to the rails, the carry conveyor being attached to an entrance port of the carry portion, a rule plate attached to one side of the carry portion in parallel to the rails for setting a position of the slab, and a moving hook portion having hooks for supporting a rear edge of the slab and for intermittently moving the slab on the rails by only a predetermined distance; a traverse cut portion including a clamp for clamping a slab carried by the moving hook portion, and a cut saw for traversely cutting a front edge of the slab by only a predetermined width; a discharge conveyor for carrying this cut slab in a carrying direction and being attached near the traversed cut portion; a traverse conveyor which carries the cut slab in a direction traverse to the carrying direction of the discharge conveyor and which is attach

Abstract: An improved acoustic guitar soundboard comprising a composite sheet formed of multiple layers of epoxy impregnated graphite fibers which have been accurately preimpregnated at about 33% resin to 67% fiber, after which they are layed up in laminates of unidirectional fibers with a woven graphite fiber fabric located as both top and bottom surfaces. The fiber orientation is preferably three to four times as many fibers in the longitudinal direction as in the latitudinal direction. The layups also are always equal and opposite in layered sequence so as to eliminate uneven stress. The sheet is cured in a heated platen press at uniform pressure and temperature. The soundboard may also have either standard wood bracing, rib-like bracing or no bracing at all. The waves applied in radial orientation enhance vibration, while orienting the waves into surrounds for individual sound plates tend to create individual resonance reservoirs for specific sound frequencies.

Abstract: A multiple missile ejection system (10) by which first and second missiles (14) and (16) are stored in a single launch tube (12). Each missile is ejected by a gas bag. In a particular embodiment, two gas bags are used. The first gas bag (18) is mounted between the first and second missiles (14) and (16) respectively. The second gas bag (20) is mounted between the second missile (16) and an end of the launch tube. When deflated, the first gas bag (18) has a longitudinal aperture (28) through the center thereof which allows for the ejection of the second missile (16) by the second gas bag (20).

Abstract: A firearm muzzle brake having an outer sleeve with holes alignable with corresponding openings in a member telescoped in the sleeve to jointly conduit discharge gases in a direction to oppose the recoil in the firearm. The sleeve is rotatably mounted on the inner member so that it is movable to a position blocking the gases from flowing in the recoil opposing direction. A detent releasably locks the sleeve in either position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a loading system for loading a round into a pivoting chamber of a gun. The system comprises a control device for controlling pivoting of the chamber, a feed device for feeding rounds and constituted by a feed station in alignment with the trunnion axis of the gun, a loading station in alignment with the axis of the chamber when it is in its loading position, and means for causing the round to pivot from the feed station to the loading station, and to load it into the chamber.

Abstract: In a revolver, a sleeve is attached to the outside rear section of the barrel and can be turned to adjust abutment with a forward portion of the cylinder of the revolver.

Abstract: A survivability enhancement system includes first separable fastener structure fixed on the surface of the vehicle or system whose survivability is to be enhanced, and an array of armor tiles. The armor tiles provide a composite supplementary layer of armor that maintains attachment at effective levels even as armor tiles are subjected to large shear forces (for example, upon ballistic impact and shattering of an adjacent tile) and that has effective force dissipation characteristics. Each armor tile has opposed surfaces with second separable fastener structure complementary to the first separable fastener structure secured to one of its surfaces, one of the separable fastener structures having a multiplicity of projecting hooking elements and the cooperating fastener structure having complementary structure that is releasably interengageable with the hooking elements.

Abstract: An implement control system is provided for controllably raising and lowering an implement relative to a work vehicle. The implement is pivotally connected to the work vehicle and movable between maximum raised and lowered positions in response to the extension and retraction of a hydraulic cylinder. The implement control system is operative for controllably connecting the hydraulic cylinder to a hydraulic accumulator as the implement reaches its desired position, thereby slowing movement of the implement in a smooth manner.

Abstract: A brake booster, and more particularly, an improvement of a coiled spring which is disposed within a valve body to return an input shaft to its inoperative position is disclosed. The coiled spring of the invention is generally cylindrical, and is disposed between a retainer secured to a tubular portion of the valve body and a step on the input shaft. The coiled spring includes a seat section which is disposed in abutment against the step on the input shaft and which has an inner diameter chosen to be less than the adjacent coil. Such arrangement enables an arcuate space 20d to be maintained radially between the seat section and its adjacent coil. The arcuate space is utilized as a pressure passage which allows the passage of the atmosphere. If the coiled spring is rapidly compressed upon operation of the booster, the described space is maintained, allowing an unhindered passage of the atmosphere through the space. This improves the response upon operation of the booster.

Abstract: A rodless cylinder for feeding a workpiece has a cylinder having a cylinder tube with a bore defined therein and a piston reciprocally movably disposed in the bore. The cylinder tube has a slit defined therein and extending longitudinally therealong, the slit communicating between the bore and an exterior space. The slit is closed by a first seal member engaging the piston and a second seal member engaging a slide table. The piston has a separator separating the first and second seal members from each other. The cylinder tube has a pair of slanted first surfaces positioned one on each side of the slit. A pair of slide members is disposed on the slide table and have respective second surfaces engaging the first surfaces, respectively, for guiding the slide table when the piston reciprocally moves in the bore and bearing a load applied to the slide table.

Abstract: A piston and method of manufacture is disclosed wherein a low friction plastic material D is sprayed upon a molded cylindrical metallic member, having a single intermediate annular groove C, forming a coating having wear surfaces A and B on each side of the groove, and a sealing ring E carried in the annular groove.

Abstract: An ejection device includes an ejection part (17) which is swivelingly fastened to a brewing cylinder (9) displaceably disposed along a parallel driving spindle (6), and a nose (22) disposed on a sidewall (2) of a frame (1). Mounted within and closing a cylindrical bore of the brewing cylinder are first and second pistons. The second piston (8) is, upon a downwardly movement of the brewing cylinder (9) away from the first piston, displaceable to a first or upper end of the brewing cylinder. Ground coffee (40) pressed into a cake is conveyed out of the brewing cylinder (9) during this displacement movement and rests upon a cambered end face (42) of the second piston (8). The ejection part (17) includes two rocking levers (18, 19) which extend at the sides of the brewing cylinder (9) longitudinally thereto and are swivelingly mounted in a lower region of the brewing cylinder (9) about a swivel axis (23). Ends of the rocking levers (18, 19) remote from the swivel axis are connected to an ejection plate (20).

Abstract: A food extruder machine includes a molding barrel having several axial holes spaced in a circumferential direction for passing a major material and a core. A die head has a fine narrow die hole arranged opposite a cone part at an extreme end of the core via an annular clearance. A sub-material supplying device connected to the annular clearance so as to supply a molten sub-material for collecting and binding to a major thread-like material extruded from an axial hole and passing through it.

Abstract: A microwave radiation source is introduced into a fry basket within the fry tank of a deep fat fryer to reduce the cooking time of food products within the fry basket. Microwave energy is generated outside the fry tank and coupled into the fry basket by a microwave tuned transition, waveguide and antenna. Microwave chokes seal the basket top cover and microwave antenna to basket interface to confine the microwave energy to the fry basket. An electrical safety interlock prevents generation of microwave energy unless the fry basket is sealed.

Abstract: A free standing collapsible, portable barbeque (1) adapted to be moved between a closed/folded configuration and an open/assembled configuration and from an open/assembled configuration to a closed/folded configuration thereby assuming the character of a portable suitcase; the barbeque comprising a substantially cubic receptacle (2) supported by legs (5, 6, 7 and 8) pivotally attached to the underside of the receptacle so that they fold inwardly to a plane parallel with the base of the receptacle.A lid (15) is pivotally connected to the receptacle which when open acts as a rear baffle and when closed as a cover for the receptacle.The barbeque has first and second side baffles (11 and 12) which are adapted to move independently of the lid (15) each pivotally connected to the base of the the receptacle and between a sidewall of the receptacle; and a well (37) formed within said receptacle which acts as a cooking waste trap.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for guiding steel bands of a continuously operating press about a longitudinal axis during operation of the press without overstretching one side of the steel bands. First and second bands are guided, via driving drums and return drums, around a pressing ram and a pressing table, respectively. The steel bands are supported, with an adjustable pressing gap, on a plurality of co-rotating steel rods which are guided, with their axes of rotation extending transversely to the direction of travel of the bands, against abutment lugs of the table and the pressing ram. The axis of at least one of the drums is altered in a first direction through an angle .alpha..

Abstract: Apparatus for collecting and storing empty aluminum containers for recycling. The containers are inserted into a chute having a regulating feed mechanism. The cans fall out of this one-by-one into a crushing zone between a reciprocating ram and a stationary platen, and interrupt a sensor beam which initiates the crushing cycle of the ram. After crushing, the cans drop into a container past the outer end of a can stop. The stop is counterbalanced so that empty cans will be retained in the crushing zone for flattening, while partially full containers displace this and fall through. The drive mechanism for the ram is provided by a compound eccentric cam having thrust and retraction faces, and first and second roller followers for engaging these. Preferably, the assembly is mounted in a cabinet for inclusion in a stand of vending machines.