Abstract: An automatic chute closure for covering a chute opening wherein the chute closure includes a frame disposed around a chute opening, a chute door pivotally connected to the frame for movement between an opened and closed position, a door movement mechanism for opening and closing the chute door, a switch mechanism for activating and deactivating the door movement mechanism and a latch mechanism for securing the chute door in a closed position until the switch mechanism is activated to open the chute door. The automatic chute closure allows an operator to conveniently activate a single switch to open and close the chute door and to insure once the chute door is closed it is properly locked.

Abstract: A hopper receives upper and lower articles delivered simultaneously from a mobile transport device having superimposed transport platforms. Disposed within the hopper are independently movable diverters for diverting the articles to proper outlets of the hopper. The diverters comprise rotatable plates able to divert both of the upper and lower articles to either a first outlet or a second outlet, or to divert one of the articles to the first outlet, and the other article to the second outlet.

Abstract: A switching device with a swiveling deflector for delivering goods to be transported from one of at least two delivery channels. The swiveling deflector is positioned at the free end of a leaf spring clamped into a bearing block. The force is introduced into the swiveling deflector, and the surface of the swiveling deflector has a predetermined curvature. The cross section of the swiveling deflector is tapered in the direction counter to the bearing block, and the bearing block has a horn-like shape. The bearing block and the swiveling deflector have respective concave and convex connecting regions in the bearing region of the leaf spring, and wherein the bearing block has a recess that extends along one region of the leaf spring, within which the leaf spring is freely movable during the swiveling movement.

Abstract: A device for guiding a coin arriving in an entry (6) of the device to a selected one of a plurality of exits (12) of the device, comprising a movable guide (14) having a plurality of inlets (16) each leading to a common outlet (18), the guide being movable to position the outlet in register with any selected one of the exits, and the inlets being so arranged that one of them is in a position to admit a coin arriving through the entry irrespective of the position of the guide, whereby the coin is guided from the one inlet via the common outlet to the selected exit.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating selected categories of solid waste (trash) within a home or building and containing outside of the home or building the various recyclable and non-recyclable solid waste which accumulates within the home or building. The apparatus comprises a main chamber having a sloped floor and two or more aligned bins, two wing-shaped chambers, each wing-shaped chamber having a bin, pivoted doors leading into each aligned bin, a swinging gate leading into each bin within the wing-shaped chambers, and mechanism to be actuated by the homeowner/tenant for opening and/or closing each door and gate depending upon the category of recyclable or non-recyclable solid waste being deposited within the apparatus.

Abstract: A device for guiding a coin arriving in an entry (6) of the device to a selected one of a plurality of exits (12) of the device, comprising a movable guide (14) having a plurality of inlets (16) each leading to a common outlet (18), the guide being movable to position the outlet in register with any selected one of the exits, and the inlets being so arranged that one of them is in a position to admit a coin arriving through the entry irrespective of the position of the guide, whereby the coin is guided from the one inlet via the common outlet to the selected exit.

Abstract: A vibratory tube-to-tube transfer system for transferring the contents of an input tube to an output tube is disclosed. The system includes an alignment fixture having an input section for receiving an input tube loaded with ICs and an output section for receiving an empty output tube. A support plate supports the alignment fixture and a directional vibrator is affixed to the support plate for vibrating the alignment fixture and effecting the transfer of the contents of the input tube to the output tube. An equal number of input tubes and output tubes, such as eight of each, are accommodated by the transfer system.

Abstract: A grain distributor (10) comprises a sector-shaped housing (12) with a plurality of hoppers (22) secured to the arcuate end of the housing (12) and a plurality of intake spouts (32) directed to the upper end of the housing (12). A plurality of swinging spouts (42) are provided within the housing (12), each swinging spout corresponding to a single intake spout. Each spout (42) is mounted for independent movement within the housing (12) such that a lower end (50) of each spout may be disposed in registration with a hopper (22) while maintaining an upper end (46) in registry with one of the intake spouts (32). Each spout (42) is driven by a rotatable shaft (64) having a slotted nut (74) journaled thereon which is pivotably connected to the spout (42). The shaft (64) is driven by a reversible motor (70). Microswitches (88) are mounted to rails (82) and positioned adjacent each hopper (22 ) in order to send a signal to a control panel (120) when the spout (42) is in registry with the hopper (22).

Abstract: Apparatus for changing the direction of movement of cylindrical bodies which are moving over a support surface in a first path by forming an opening in the support surface and mounting a diversion gate for reciprocal movement between first and second locations so that, when the diversion gate is at the first location, the cylindrical bodies will continue to move in the first path, but when the diversion gate is at the second location, the cylindrical bodies will be diverted from movement in a second path.

Abstract: A diverter chute assembly for automatically separating the molded part from the runner in the injection molding process. The diverter chute assembly has a deflection plate pivotally mounted within a housing. The deflection plate is responsive to control signals generated in synchronization with the ejection of the product and the runner such that the product is directed to a first collection area and the runner is directed to a second collection area. Chute diverters permit flexibility in the placement of collection bins which gather the parts and runners.

Abstract: Contaminated portions of bulk material are removed from a flow of bulk material with the aid of a flow or drop pipe in a casing that is movable back and forth between a discharge position and a normal flow position. The flow or drop pipe is equipped with baffle plates or bends for sufficiently retarding the free flow of the flowable bulk material to enable a detector and control mechanism to respond to the presence of contaminations and to then move the casing for the discharge of a contaminated portion of bulk material. The movement of the casing of the flow pipe assures that a slide gate or a portion of the casing closes the upper inlet to prevent the further flow of bulk material when the casing is in a discharge position. Due to the retardation of the free flow of the bulk material, it is possible to construct the apparatus with a substantially shorter structural height than was possible heretofore.

Abstract: This coin divertor assembly includes a body providing a coin entry path and two coin exit paths. A gate member is mounted to the body at the end of the coin-entry path for selectively diverting a coin into one of the coin-exit paths. A holder maintains the gate in each of the gate positions in a stable equilibrium condition and an actuator provides an impulse force for moving the gate from one position of stable equilibrium to the other position of stable equilibrium.

Abstract: The machine has an inlet, multiple processing mechanisms for performing multiple feed material processing operations and a discharge mechanism disposed in flow communication with discharge sides of the respective processing mechanisms. The processing mechanisms include a hammermill, a sheller, and a roller mill. The machine also includes apparatus for selecting between which of the mechanisms is to be used. The apparatus comprises first and second diverter structures. The first diverter structure at its infeed side is disposed in communication with the machine inlet and at its discharge side is disposed in communication with an infeed side of the hammermill. The second diverter structure at its infeed side is disposed in communication with the discharge side of the first diverter structure and at its discharge side is disposed in communication with respective infeed sides of the sheller and roller mill.

Abstract: A re-routing apparatus for selectively channelling articles conveyed in at least two side-by-side arranged rows to one of a first and a second article advancing mechanism has an inclined chute arranged for simultaneously receiving articles belonging to different rows; a base plate extending from below the chute for receiving the articles sliding off the chute; and a plurality of parallel, generally vertically oriented, mutually spaced separating walls arranged above the base plate and defining therewith a plurality of side-by-side arranged, alternating first and second channels. Each channel has an upstream end corresponding to the receiving end of the base plate and a downstream end corresponding to the discharge end of the base plate. The first and the second channels are arranged to supply articles to the first and the second article advancing mechanism, respectively.

Abstract: A gate for adjustably splitting a flow of granular material comprises an inlet pipe (1) which discharges onto a pivotal baffle plate (5) in an intermediate piece (2) overlying a circular plate which is formed with openings leading through respective hoppers (3) to respective ones of two or more outlet pipes (4). The baffle plate spreads the flow of material and pivoting of the baffle on a vertical shaft (6) adjusts the discharge of material through the various openings.

Abstract: A package for connectors and an apparatus for dispensing them. The package comprises an elongated tape or pair of tapes and a plurality of an elongated connector containing tubes secured to and extending across the tape or tapes. The apparatus comprises a stand having upper and lower support members, a slide extending downwardly from the lower support member to a perch, and a stepping device for advancing successive tubes along the support members to the slide. Connectors are removed from the tubes descend the slide and are picked up from the perch by a robot and installed in a printed circuit board.

Abstract: An encoder/diverter unit for use with a coin acceptor/rejector of a coin-actuated machine such as a gaming machine. The unit has the encoder portion coupled together with the diverter portion so that the encoder and diverter portions move with each other as a solenoid shifts the unit to divert coins from a first chute to a second chute. The encoder/diverter unit is formed of separable parts, including a basic body and an insert wall removably coupled to the basic body to pass coins of a first size and denomination. By changing the insert, the unit can be modified to pass coins of another size and denomination.

Abstract: In a so-called bell less top type shaft furnace charging installation with rotary and angularly adjustable distribution chute (34) and one or more storage hoppers (18) which are offset with regard to the vertical central furnace axis, there are provided adjustable guide plates (44, 46, 146) in order to correct the path of material falling from the storage hopper(s) (18) on the chute (34).

Abstract: An attachment for seed drills whereby a fraction of seed flow can be selectively diverted from an existing flow path to a secondary flow path and in which the diverted percentage of the seed flow can be delivered to a planting depth different from that set at the level of an existing planting shoe. Two levels of seed can be planted simultaneously. A valve mechanism is also provided to selectively guide seed flow either completely through the primary, existing discharge tube and shoe, or to be divided with a selected percentage flowing through the existing discharge tube and the remainder being directed through the secondary or auxiliary tube.

Abstract: Support and discharge apparatus (10) includes a pair of forward legs (20) which are pinned to the forward edge portion of a rectangularly-shaped table (14) and a pair of rear legs (22) pinned to the rear end portion of the table. Legs (20) and (22) are in turn supported by fluid cylinders (24) and (26) which are pivotally connected to the lower end portions of the legs. When cylinders (24) and (26) are retracted, table (14) is supported in horizontal position. Table (14) is tilted forwardly by extending forward cylinders (24) and maintaining rear cylinders (26) retracted. Alternatively, table (14) is tilted rearwardly by extending rear cylinders (26) and maintaining forward cylinders (24) retracted. When rear cylinders (26) are in retracted positions, rear legs (22) are retained against rotation by spaced apart studs (122) which press against the edges of the legs (22).

Abstract: A bifurcated funnel presents small fish in alternating orientation to a canning apparatus. The canning apparatus is moved incrementally forward to receive the oncoming fish by a distance equivalent to the width of that individual fish. A flap is disposed in the funnel and each fish displaces the flap by a distance equivalent to its width. The flap is connected to a ratchet wheel which contains electrical contacts for actuating a plurality of solenoids which determine the position of a stop mechanism for the canning apparatus. The distance of movement of the ratchet wheel is designed in accordance with the size of the apparatus which is to receive the fish. When the ratchet wheel moves its total allotted distance, a set of contacts resets the ratchet wheel and the canning apparatus.

Abstract: A solid fuel distribution system for uniformly distributing fuel throughout a furnace comprising a novel dual-reciprocating spout assembly that is adapted to provide a substantially constant supply of fuel to a plurality of supply chutes. The spout assembly comprises a pair of reciprocating spouts mounted on a horizontal axis and actuated to swing back and forth in opposed fashion so that each supply chute is fed with a relatively constant supply of fuel.

Abstract: An improved grain discharge chute for a hopper type grain wagon is attached to the wagon adjacent the side discharge door. The grain chute pivots between a side discharge position and a bottom discharge position. When in the side discharge position, the grain chute guides the grain from the hopper discharge door outwardly from the side of the wagon. The chute may be pivoted to a second position wherein grain discharged from the side door is diverted downwardly and inwardly beneath the wagon by the chute.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing snow from the surface of a roadway to a disposal site as the roadway vehicle advances and scoops up the snow into a storage chamber. A primary conduit engaging the road surface coupled with a secondary conduit together carry the snow into the storage chamber. The secondary conduit, blower and worm provide means to compensate for variations in vehicle speed and conditions of the snow on the road surface. The snow may be melted at the chamber to economize space and provide easy evacuation of the chamber by a steam generator or flame thrower mounted in the vehicle.

Abstract: A device for transferring article carriers from one carrier tube of a pneumatic transfer system to another carrier tube provided by a hopper movable along a guide. A plurality of gated incoming carrier tubes are positioned above the hopper. When the slide gate of an incoming tube containing a carrier is opened, the carrier is dropped into the hopper positioned below. A plurality of gated outgoing carrier tubes are positioned below the movable hopper for receiving the carrier dropped from the hopper when a hopper gate is opened and the slide gate of the desired outgoing carrier tube is opened.

Abstract: A gravity type box for a farm wagon, in which the box has a single opening and provides either side or center delivery of flowable material from the box. The opening in the box is in a lower portion thereof and is closed by a sliding door. Two chutes are attached to the box adjacent the opening. The chutes are arranged so that grain flowing from the box through the opening is discharged from either one of the chutes. One chute is adapted to discharge flowable material from the box toward a position below the box, and the other chute is adapted to discharge flowable material from the box to a position at the side of the box.