Abstract: A hedge trimmer aid including a reference indicator similar to a bubble level wherein an included air bubble is replaced by a small sphere of lower density than a surrounding fluid provides a true horizontal reference, an adjustable pointer with magnifier which is manually set to a particular angular disposition substantially equivalent to the desired angle of the finished trim, and a frame which couples the pointer and the horizontal reference indicators and furthermore affixes the hedge trimmer aid to the static housing portion of a hedge trimmer in clear view of an operator. In use, the angular disposition desired for the hedge is selected and set by rotating the adjustable pointer to a fixed marking disposed upon the surface of a hemispherical bubble level. The hedge trimmer is then manually rotated about a horizontally disposed axis until the colored sphere within the level and a magnifying sight disposed upon the adjustable pointer are in alignment.

Abstract: An inclinometer which is compatible for use with night vision equipment on aircraft and other vehicles. The inclinometer includes a white zirconia sphere movable within a damping liquid of a liquid capsule.

Abstract: A process for drying a paper web and a drying section of a paper making machine. The drying section includes at least one drying group comprised of a plurality of drying cylinders, each at least partially wrapped by a web to be dried. The drying cylinders having peripheral surfaces heated for drying the web moving therepast. The peripheral surfaces of the drying cylinders in the drying groups are rotated at the velocity of the web along the web path. At least one of the drying cylinders in at least one drying group is driven to rotate at a speed that is different than the speed of the web moving past the at least one cylinder. The at least one cylinder may be selectively driven to rotate faster or slower than the speed of the web moving therepast, which applies more heat to the paper web. The invention is adaptable for a single tier drying section and/or for a double tier drying sections or for other drying section arrangements.

Abstract: A grain drying apparatus of a type including, a pair of spaced apart air pervious walls for confining a column of grain to be dried. A plenum chamber is formed on one side of the innermost of the air pervious walls. A blower or the like is provided for causing heated air from said plenum chamber to pass through the spaced air pervious walls and therefore through said column of grain to be dried. A grain diverting plate is disposed between and spaced from the spaced air pervious walls. A first portion of the plate which is closest to the innermost air pervious wall is higher than a second portion of said plate which is closest to the outermost air pervious wall. This creates a void under the angled plate. The angle of the plate is steep enough to allow grain to flow against it on the bottom side, therefore grain will completely flow into and fill the void. The grain next to the outside skin of the dryer is restricted into a funnel with the outlet being smaller than the inlet.

Abstract: A shoe construction for cushioning the foot includes a dual density sole having a cavity in the upper surface thereof. The cavity includes an overlapping peripheral edge which engages and interlocks with the biased edge of a nippled insert mounted therein. A midsole having a forefoot cushion overlays the dual density sole and insert combination. An optional cushioning insole and shock-absorbing heel cup increase the comfort of the sole construction.

Abstract: A shoe having a closure system is disclosed. The shoe has an upper and a sole attached to the upper. A first strap member is attached to the medial side of the shoe at two longitudinal locations. A second strap member is attached to the lateral side of the shoe at two longitudinal locations. A first adjusting member is slidably coupled to both the first and second strap members. The first adjusting member is slidable along the first and second strap members towards the front of the foot to tighten the upper about the forefoot of the foot. A second strap member is slidably coupled to both the first and second strap members. The second adjusting member is slidable along the first and second strap members toward the rear of the foot to tighten the upper about the ankle and heel of the foot.

Abstract: An apparatus for practicing a method of determining the effective putter loft of a golf putter as swung by a particular golfer in which the putter has a curved face unit placed on the hitting surface and the putter is then swung by such particular golfer against a hitting cylinder. The location of impact between the curved face and hitting cylinder provides data from which the effective loft can be determined.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for reducing the concentration of solvent vapor in the drum of a drycleaning machine upon completion of a cleaning and drying operation, during which articles are cleaned in the drycleaning machine, the drycleaning machine being of the type having a drum, and a solvent recovery system communicating with the drum for recovering solvent from solvent-laden air circulated through the solvent recovery system and the drum during a drying and solvent recovery cycle, the apparatus and method including an arrangement for circulating solvent-laden air from the drum through the solvent recovery system during the drying and recovery cycle, and closing communication between the drum and the solvent recovery system during a post-recovery cycle, subsequent to the drying and recovery cycle, and then circulating solvent-laden air from the drum through an adsorption unit during the post-recovery cycle to reduce the concentration of solvent vapor in the drum to an acceptable level prior to accessing the dru

Abstract: A diffuser to diffuse the air blast of a hair dryer may be embodied as a removable accessory for existing hair dryers or an integral feature in a hair dryer. A tubular member includes a first end to receive the output of the hair dryer, and a diffuser plate is pivotally secured in the opposed, second end of the tubular member. The diffuser plate is rotatable from a fully open position in which the entire output of the dryer blower is delivered from the second end, to a fully closed position in which the second end is blocked by the diffuser plate. The diffuser plate includes a plurality of holes in a spaced array, permitting a fraction of the dryer output to be delivered from the second end of the tubular member at a reduced velocity. The tubular member includes a plurality of vent holes disposed upstream of the diffuser plate to exhaust a substantial portion of the air flow when the diffuser plate is closed to the attenuating position.

Abstract: Vehicles (12) having implements (14) are typically used to perform repetitive functions in work cycles. Advantageously, such vehicles (12) include control systems (10) for maintaining a control lever (26) in a predetermined position until an associated work cycle function is completed. The subject control (10) includes a rocker bar (46) connected to the control lever (26) and a solenoid (50) having an actuator rod (52) disposed adjacent the rocker bar (46). The control (10) energizes the solenoid (50) to hold the control lever (26) in the predetermined position in response to a position of the implement (14), a position of the control lever (26), and a desired kickout position.

Abstract: An assembly for coupling a maneuvering member to a working implement generally consisting of a first coupling component mountable on the working tool, a second coupling component mountable on the maneuvering member and cooperative with the first coupling component for selectively coupling the coupling components together, the first coupling component having an annular undercut portion providing an outwardly facing, beveled gripping surface, the second coupling component having a fixed gripping member and a moveable gripping member displaced relative to the fixed gripping member along a line of travel, the gripping members having arcuate undercut portions providing inwardly facing, beveled gripping surfaces engageable with the outwardly facing, beveled gripping surface of the second coupling component, means for selectively displacing the moveable gripping member relative to the fixed gripping member along the line of travel into a fully coupled condition of the coupling components and a fully uncoupled condit

Abstract: The present invention teaches an inflatable body representative of at least the upper portion of a human form including a plastic inflatable exoskeleton with an inner side and an outer side molded to represent a torso, a head and appendages. Additionally, inserting members are located on either the inside or the outside of the plastic exoskeleton and are capable of receiving elongated inserts. These elongated inserts may be flexible wire, wooden dowels, plastic rods or any other suitable material. The invention also includes a device to inflate the exoskeleton. The inflation device can assume several different embodiments in which either a sealed exoskeleton is inflated, or an exoskeleton with an open release valve is continuously inflated.

Abstract: An electric sign advertising element with at least one light source and a cover hood, which is at least partially light transmissive and envelops the light source(s) and which has an at least partially light transmissive outer segment, which is bent off toward the rear and which is bordered by a reflector segment, whose inside reflects light at least partially, extends from its rear end to the front, is bent off outwardly and which reflects light coming through the outer segment, wherein the reflector segment protrudes toward the front beyond the outer segment by at least one-third its height, at least by about 1".

Abstract: An assembly to determine the state of conditions comprising a sign having a lower portion, an essentially triangular upper portion, a hole through the center of the triangular portion, and writing on one side of the sign with a first word and writing on another side of the sign with a second word; a suction cup having an inboard segment and an outboard segment, the inboard segment being generally hemispheric in configuration with a periphery adapted to contact a recipient surface and when pressed thereagainst to be held by suction thereto, the outboard segment having a cylindrical exterior cross-section with a central cylindrical recess; and a wire eyelet having an interior portion and an exterior portion, the interior portion being generally linear in extent with a prong at its inboard end positionable within the recess of the suction cup, the exterior portion of the eyelet being formed in a generally circular loop extended within the hole on the sign and positioned in a vertical plane, whereby the sign may

Abstract: A tensioned fabric sign having a peripheral frame and a sheet of indicia bearing fabric stretched thereon. The margins of the fabric are retained in longitudinal frame recesses by tension clips having teeth in ratcheting engagement with closely spaced grooves formed within the frame recess. The clips are configured with a fabric grasping recess along the extent of the clip innermost of the recess and with teeth along the extent of the clip outermost of the recess. Tension in the fabric tightens the grasp of the clip on the fabric margin and urges the clip teeth into engagement with the frame recess grooves. An intermediate frame member having a pair of recesses for retaining the margins of two sheets of sign fabric is also disclosed.

Abstract: A collapsible, self-erecting display stand has a back panel, a front display panel, a side support panel, and a biasing member. From its collapsed configuration, the biasing member urges the back panel and side support panel to a position supporting a free-standing display stand and, simultaneously, the front display panel is projected outwardly to achieve a three-dimensional effect.

Abstract: A barrier member adapted for easy mounting on and dismounting from a pair of conical pylon road members comprises an elongated barrier body, usually of thin sheet metal, providing a vertical barrier surface with a pylon-engaging member at each end. Each pylon-engaging member has an aperture of such diameter that it can be mounted on the pylon upper end with the end protruding through the aperture so that the barrier member is retained against transverse movement and is maintained at a predetermined distance above the road surface. Preferably the pylon-engaging member is formed from round cross section rod to provide wedging tangential retaining contact between itself and the softer plastics material of the pylon outer wall upon pressing the member downward on the pylon. The barrier body has a wider portion extending vertically and a narrower portion extending at an angle to the wider portion to increase the transverse rigidity, the pylon-engaging members being attached at their junction.

Abstract: A break open firearm having an automatic safety system that can be easily converted to a manual safety, combined with a safety barrel selector mechanism that can also be locked in the fire position to always fire a preselected barrel first.

Abstract: A passive safety mechanism is shown installed in a semi-automatic pistol. The passive safety mechanism includes a cylindrical body rotatably mounted within the slide assembly which may be rotated between an engaged position and a disengaged position using a key inserted into a keyway in the exposed axial end of the cylindrical body. In the engaged position, a portion of the body blocks the hammer assembly from contacting the firing pin, and a circumferential surface depresses the ejector and magazine depressor lever and firing pin safety lever. Rotation of the cylindrical body within the slide assembly is prevented or resisted through friction and spring tension created by a spring-biased pin carried in a transverse bore in the cylindrical body and riding within a channel in the slide assembly.

Abstract: A nipple for a muzzle-loading firearm includes a generally cylindrical main body with a forward end of smaller diameter projecting forwardly and a rearward end of smaller diameter projecting rearwardly from the main body. An ignition bore extends completely through the nipple along the longitudinal axis thereof. The rearward end includes a tapered exterior surface with a forward tapered portion and a rearward tapered portion having different slopes. An annular groove is formed in the forward tapered portion slightly forward of the rearward tapered portion, and the rearward tapered portion preferably has a steeper slope than the forward tapered portion. Each tapered surface of the rearward end tapers to a smaller diameter from the main body rearwardly.

Abstract: A gun sight assembly including a body to be held against a surface of a gun, a sight carried by the body, an anchoring part received within a dovetail groove in the gun, and a threaded fastener extending through an opening in the body and threadedly connected to the anchoring part and operable to pull the anchoring part toward the body in a manner tightening the anchoring part against converging side walls of the dovetail groove and tightening the body against the surface of the gun.

Abstract: A grid plate for seeding surfaces, having cells open at the top comprised of cell walls, each of the cells having openings at the bottom which enable root growth into earth below the grid plate, the cell walls between adjacent cells forming nodal points, wall connections at right angles to the cell walls at the bottom of at least some nodal points each having a range limited to the region of a respective nodal point.

Abstract: Improved turf units for assembling a natural turf playing surface in a stadium or the like. Natural turf units are provided which are transportable between first and second locations, the second location being for the growth and maintenance of the turf unit; the first location being a location for the performance of the desired activity. A fence section hingeably connected to the growing pan of the turf unit provides for maintenance of the top level of the plant growing medium at a significant height above the top of the side walls of the growing pan. A turf unit in accordance with the invention is used to assemble such a playing surface without removable parts. Also, the outer periphery of the fence extends outwardly beyond the outer periphery of the side walls of the growing pans such that, when the turf units are assembled adjacent each other to create the playing surface, large areas exist beneath the playing surface to provide adequate space for drainage of the field.

Abstract: A shutter window assembly including an aluminum window frame unit consisting of an outer window frame and a shutter, the shutter consisting of two stiles, a top rail, a bottom rail, and a plurality of horizontal louvers, two pairs of coupling blocks to connect the top and bottom rails to the stiles, two hinge devices connected between the shutter the outer window frame permitting the shutter to be retained within the outer window frame, and a shutter transmission mechanism installed in the aluminum window frame unit and controlled to open and close the shutter, the shutter transmission mechanism including a motor drive installed in the bottom rail of the shutter and having an output shaft disposed in one stile of the shutter, and a plurality of transmission devices disposed inside one stile and connected between the output shaft and the louvers, each transmission device including a gear box coupled to the motor drive, and a transmission rod coupled between the gear box and one louver and driven by the motor d

Abstract: According to the invention, a window (11) having an aperture (40) therein also includes a moveable, secondary window assembly (10) mounted on one side of the window aperture (40), such that the secondary window assembly (10) is moveable from a position closing the window aperture (40) to a position wherein the window aperture (40) is at least partially open. The secondary window assembly (10) includes a frame member (20), a secondary window (26) mounted within the frame member (20), and mounting means (41, 42, 51) for mounting the frame member (20) upon the window 11. The mounting means (41, 42, 51) includes at least one flexible hinge pin (41) affixed to the frame member (20) and positioned through a hinge pin aperture (42) through the window (11).

Abstract: A plug door including a door panel, an elongated crank rod supported by said door panel for pivotable movement relative thereto about a pivot axis, a door locking mechanism mounted on the door panel for pivoting said crank rod about the pivot axis, and the door panel having a channel substantially enclosing the crank rod.

Abstract: An electrically operated drop seal assembly for a pass door in an operable wall. The drop seal assembly includes an actuator which is selectively movable by a motor between a first position and a second position. The assembly also includes a retractable drop seal which is movable between a retracted position spaced from the floor over which the pass door is suspended and a sealed position in sealing engagement with the floor. A coupling of the drop seal assembly converts movement of the actuator from the first position to the second position into movement of the retractable drop seal from the retracted position to the sealed position. The assembly also includes a pass door opening activated retractor for raising the retractable drop seal from the sealed position when the pass door is moved relative to the operable wall from a closed position to an opened position.

Abstract: A window assembly comprises, a first base member and a second base member, both being of general T-shaped configuration, and having a middle portion and two transversely extending arms. The arms have a longitudinal channel and a plurality of longitudinal slots therein. The middle portion of the second base member is slidably insertable in the longitudinal channel of the first base member. A window assembly further comprises first and second window panes being removably inserted in the longitudinal slots formed in the arms of the first and second base members. A plurality of seals are positioned in the slots and serve to sealingly support the first and second window panes in the respective sots. A seal is also positioned between the second base member middle support and the first base member longitudinal channel and is in sealing engagement therewith. A plurality of plastic blocks are positioned between the first and second base members and are in sliding engagement therewith.

Abstract: An automated high-raised parking system is disclosed. The system has a parking construction including a parking rack structure having a plurality of stories of parking racks for parking an automobile as mounted on a pallet, a lift passage for a lift-translator device, the passage being formed besides the parking racks. The lift-translator device includes a lift table and a translator device. An automobile entrance/exit section is provided for allowing entrance and exit of the automobile to and out of the construction. A holding unit is provided at a predetermined height of the entrance/exit section for holding the pallet so as to maintain a horizontal posture of this pallet mounting the automobile. The automobile as mounted on the lift table is vertically moved to a predetermined rack and then translated by the translator device onto this rack. A turntable device is provided at the entrance/exit section.

Abstract: A prefabricated modular closet is disclosed comprising a base, an integral enclosure having sidewalls, a back wall, a front wall with an opening therein, and a ceiling, and furring attached to the exterior surface of the enclosure. An integral floor may be provided and the flooring may comprise a frame having a truss structure for enhanced rigidity. A method for assembling a wall, including an integral prefabricated closet, is disclosed in which the closet is located and secured to a floor, and then wall framing members are thereafter erected using the prefabricated closet as part of the load bearing structure and with wall panel hung directly thereon.

Abstract: A deformable sealing device for a gap between a wall opening of a building wall and a back wall of a vehicle docking at the wall opening has a flap-shaped deformable skirt for receiving loads by the back wall of the vehicle docking at the wall opening. The skirt has an upper transverse portion and two vertical strips that are arranged parallel to vertical sides of the wall opening. A cover is connected between the upper transverse portion and the building wall. The vertical strips have vertically extending outer edges with stiffened edge profiles. First guide members are connected between the stiffened edge profiles and the building wall, whereby the first guide members extend at a slant relative to the vertical. Each first guide member is a first tension spring with windings that are directly adjacent to one another.

Abstract: An apparatus designed to capture and direct daylight to a target area in a building or other structure. A housing provides an aperture and passive directing structure which directs daylight entering the apertures towards the target area. The passive directing structure can also direct daylight towards reflecting surfaces in the housing which, in turn, direct the daylight towards the target area.

Abstract: This patent discloses a method and apparatus for activation of services in a concrete floor of an office building from below floor slab distribution systems. Void-forming boxes that are secured to a conventional metal deck sheet and surrounded by the concrete floor slab provide chambers in which in-floor activations are mounted. An insulating block in the void-forming box restores fire resistance, prior to installation of an activation kit, that is lost by displacement of concrete by the void-forming box. An in-floor activation kit may be installed within the void-forming box and connected to a below floor slab distribution system through an activation opening cut in the metal deck sheet. Connection hardware is secured to the metal deck sheet for connection to a conventional below-floor slab service distribution system providing communication from the interior of the void-forming box to the below-floor slab service distribution system.

Abstract: A curtain wall clip for coupling a curtain wall framing structure to the floor structure or load bearing structure of a building is disclosed. The curtain wall clip includes a flat plate portion with two closely spaced oppositely depending ears, each ear having an elongated slot therein. The plate portion of the curtain wall clip is attached to the floor structure. Spacers are inserted into the slots, and the ears and spacers are attached to the curtain wall frame structure by screws. The spacers and screws hold the curtain wall clip is sliding engagement with the frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for wedging a road barrier panel between opposed flanges of an I-beam post includes a spring biased arm retained in a recess hole within the back side of the panel.

Abstract: A bituminous hip and ridge roofing panel having roofing granules on its exposed surface and having folded underlay and overlay sections such that a three dimensional appearance and improved weatherability is achieved upon installation.

Abstract: An anchoring apparatus is provided for securing a beam to a structural member, including a first vertical support having a top end and a bottom end, a second vertical support generally parallel to the first vertical support having a top end and a bottom end, wherein the bottom end of the first vertical support is affixed to the bottom end of the second vertical support. The anchoring apparatus further includes a structural member formed from concrete for engaging the first and the second vertical supports, wherein the bottom ends of the first and the second vertical supports form an engaging portion for insertion into the concrete member before said concrete cures, to anchor said engaging portion to the concrete.

Abstract: A single piece tension tie connection for tyhing a wood, or steel structural frame member to a wood, steel or concrete structural base member. The tension tie consists of an elongated strap member having triangular shaped side members with four seat members integrally connected to the strap and side members so that the four seat members are locked together and act as a unit in withstanding bending forces imposed by large tension forces imposed on the strap. The entire tension tie is a single member requiring no welding or separate washers.

Abstract: A method of installing trim employs a Snap Tack fastener which allows the trim to snap on and off when needed. The Snap Tack includes a ball head screw which snaps into a small plastic receptacle. In a typical application, several ball head screws are screwed into the back side of some floor molding. The molding, with the screws in place, is pressed against a wall where the molding is to be fastened. Enough pressure is applied to have the ball screws leave small indentations in the wall. Holes are drilled at the indentations, and the receptacles are installed in the holes. The molding with its screws can then be snapped into place and later removed when needed.

Abstract: The bagging system disclosed herein utilizes T-shirt type bags which are mounted on the projecting arms of a rack by means of holes through the handle portions of the bags. Between the handles a mounting tab extends upward from the front and back panels of the bag. Near its upper end, each tab includes an aperture which can be placed over a mounting hook on the rack and, below this aperture, is a transverse slit leaving only easily severed portions on each side thereof. An adhesive bond is provided between the adjacent tabs in successive sacks. This bond is provided on the facing portions of the mounting tabs above the bag mouth and below the respective transverse slit. The bond is strong enough to tear the easily severed portions. Accordingly, removal of one bag from the rack causes the front wall of the next bag to be torn from the respective central tab and that next bag is then opened across the arms while remaining attached to the bag behind.

Abstract: A method for both wrapping a floral arrangement and removing the wrapping material from the floral arrangement, comprising a sheet of material having a pull tab and pull indicia thereon, the pull tab sized to be easily graspable, a bonding material disposed on the sheet of material near the pull tab. A floral arrangement is utilized, the floral arrangement being wrapped in the sheet of material, the sheet of material being crimped about a portion of the floral arrangement.

Abstract: A stacking and carrying device for spherical objects such as golf balls wherein a tray member supports the spherical objects in the form of a pyramid and has strap members for carrying the tray. A filling device is also provided which stacks the balls on the tray member in a pyramidal fashion automatically and without any orientation. The filling device and method disclosed afford use in an automated dispensing machine such as for use on a golf practice range.

Abstract: A sheet of material having a closure bonding material disposed thereon and a reinforcing member associated with the sheet of material. The sheet of material is wrapped about a floral grouping to provide a wrapper. The reinforcing member cooperates to provide reinforcing member rigidity to the wrapper for preventing damage during movement when the wrapper is packed in a carton.

Abstract: A machine for making a package of food casing strands, wherein the package has a hexagonal-like cross section, comprising a product holder for initially holding a plurality of the strands in a configuration having a hexagonal-like cross section, wherein the holder has an opening therein for admitting the strands into the holder; means for transporting the strands to the holder and for depositing the strands into the opening; shaker means for shaking the holder at predetermined times to ensure that the plurality of strands settle into the holder in the configuration having a hexagonal-like cross section; means for measuring and cutting a predetermined amount of stretch film, where the stretch film is a closed loop used to encase the package of food casing strands; means for stretching and holding the stretch film into a shape of a polygon having a perimeter which is larger than the perimeter of the holder; means for moving the stretched film into a position proximate the holder; means for pushing all of the st

Abstract: An insert carriage having a manipulating member attached thereto for inserting an enclosure into an envelope is arranged reciprocally in the direction of said envelope. By moving said insert carriage, said manipulating member may be reciprocated between the basic position and the position of the fold line of said envelope which is the inserting position. A carriage motor for driving said insert carriage is provided. A control unit is provided, said control unit comprising a variable amount inputting section adapted to input the variable amount is respect to the inserting position of the manipulating member in conformity with the thickness or quality of paper of said envelope, a memory section adapted to store said variable amount and a CPU section adapted to controllably drive said carriage motor in accordance with the variable amount store in said memory section to adjust the inserting position of said manipulating member.

Abstract: A wicket of bags such that the bags are releasably secured to a header by release lines. Each bag has a front and back side, side edges, a bottom edge and inner and outer surfaces. The outer surface of the back side of a first bag is adjacent to the outer surface of the front side of the next succeeding bag. A sealed pocket is formed on the outer surface of the front side of a bag and is adapted to have an article encapsulated therein.

Abstract: A method and device for laterally joining product wrappings, whereby the connection of two overlapping longitudinal portions of a tubular wrapping defined by a sheet of wrapping material wrapped about the product inside a wrapping seat is at least completed as the wrapped product is unloaded from the wrapping seat by a heated counterpusher.

Abstract: The supporting structure of an automatic packaging machine preferably a continuous-flow horizontal packaging machine, comprises a generally flat, load-bearing frame which extends transverse the direction of advance of the articles being packaged, at least two operative units of the machine being mounted on said frame in a generally bracket-like configuration on opposite sides of the frame itself.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning and attaching a plurality of fitments to a film comprises a means for guiding a plurality of fitments; a means for attaching the fitments to the film; and a means for indexing the fitments, the means for indexing comprising a plurality of projecting fingers thereon, the projecting fingers being spaced apart from each other at respective outer ends of each finger, such that when a first fitment has been attached to the film and advances past the means for indexing, the means for indexing rotates, and a second fitment is advanced into attaching position.

Abstract: A cotton picker moistening system is provided that includes a pump driven by an electric motor to deliver a pressurized flow of moistening fluid. The system also includes a detecting device for generating a sensed parameter signal representative of a characteristic of the fluid delivered by the pump, such as pressure or flow rate, and a signal generator for generating a desired parameter signal representative of the desired characteristic. A control circuit compares the sensed and desired parameter signals and generates a control signal derived from the sensed and desired parameter signals. The control signal is applied to the electric motor, the pump or a regulating device downstream of the pump to control the delivery of moistening fluid. A flush switch is provided to override the control circuit and cause predetermined flow of fluid to be delivered.