Abstract: A storage chamber means is shown having a chute for communicating between the outside and the storage area wherein the chute is designed to cooperate with an entrance aperture in a wall to permit articles to be fed into the storage chamber through the chute, yet the chute substantially seals the entrance to the chamber against removal of articles from the chamber once they have been delivered into the storage area through the aperture. The chute is also designed to be collapsed into a compact panel and hinged into out of the way position for covering the entrance aperture and locked in place from the inside of the chamber to close the aperture against unauthorized opening whereby to provide a secure storage facility having a maximum of storage space in this mode of use which space is unencumbered with a chute structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for heat treating elongate articles including a furnace arranged above a quenching liquid reservoir and guide elements for guiding heated elongate articles from the furnace into the quenching liquid. In a preferred embodiment, the furnace utilizes a plurality of elongate tubes which receive detachably held elongate articles. Upon release, the elongate articles fall while oriented vertically by the guide elements into the quenching liquid. Warping or bending of the elongate articles is thereby prevented during the transfer from the furnace to the quenching liquid.

Abstract: An agricultural silo comprising a plurality of vertically spaced apart silage discharge orifices includes a twin passageway chute overlying the orifices. The chute includes a first passageway permitting unobstructed operator access and a separate silage discharge passageway which confines the silage during the unloading operation. A dormer door provided in the silo top may be opened to discharge silage therethrough. When opened the door vents the silo and, when closed, the door prevents material from entering the climbing and discharge chute during silo filling and prevents updrafts in the chute during unloading.

Abstract: The door of a trash compactor has an auxiliary door located to permit trash to be entered through it into the throat of the compactor. The auxiliary door, when closed, includes a throat portion which converts into a chute when the auxiliary door is opened.

Abstract: An arrangement for sorting of refuse or laundry into various kinds of goods, comprising a transportation system in which the refuse or laundry is transported in conveyance shafts from a number of depositing places to a common collecting place with separate containers for the various kinds of goods to be collected. Each depositing place comprises a number of storage spaces, one for each kind of goods to be collected and access to these storage spaces is gained through chute doors. The storage spaces are opening in a substantially vertical dumping shaft and each discharge opening is provided with a hatch which can be kept in closed position by means of a locking mechanism. As long as the hatch is closed each storage space will collect the refuse or laundry put into the space through the opening covered by the chute door.

Abstract: A residential trash disposal apparatus for conducting waste material from a kitchen area within a building and depositing the same in a receptacle exteriorly of the building. The container is provided with a cover member having a tubular sleeve projecting upwardly therefrom and which is telescopically and slidably received over the vertical discharge leg of a chute which is connected by means of a curved bend to a horizontal inlet leg of a chute which passes through the building wall and communicates with the kitchen area. By raising the cover member vertically until the upper rim of the sleeve binds against the curved juncture region between the vertical and horizontal legs, the cover member becomes frictionally locked in its raised position so that sufficient clearance is afforded for withdrawal of the container for emptying and replacement purposes.

Abstract: A system for locking the doors of a trash chute located within a multi-story structure. A beam of radiant energy extends the length of the chute to a receiver, and upon interruption of the beam by blockage of the chute, the receiver transmits a signal to a detector which in turn energizes locking means to lock all entries to the trash chute until the blockage has been removed. Fire-sensing means and a source of water to flood the chute are also utilized should the blockage catch fire before being removed.

Abstract: A dumping chute is provided with a gate for blocking the outlet from the chute to a shaftway designed to convey dumped goods, such as laundry. The gate is pivotally mounted on a horizontal axis at its upper end so as normally to close the outlet, and to swing into the shaftway to open the outlet when pushed by a bag of dumped goods; the gate being provided at its lower end with a device to lock it in the closed position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a rescue apparatus for enabling persons to escape safely from burning buildings, for instance, comprises a flexible tubular device which is elastic only in the transverse and circumferential direction to slow that rate of descent of a body falling through the tubular device, various means being provided for fixing the open upper end of the tubular device to the elevated point whence the body or persons is to be rescued through the lower open end of the device at a point therebelow.

Abstract: An inverted discharge chute, positioned in the interior of a silo opposite the unloading openings thereof, comprises an upright series of oppositely-disposed side wall panels each hinged to a side of the unloading opening of the silo and normally projecting inwardly thereof. An upright series of retainer panels removably connects the opposed side wall panels to form the inner end of the inverted chute, the side wall panels being swingable outwardly to cover the adjacent opening portion when the retainer panel is removed.

Abstract: A material diverter for a tower silo for carrying material to the base of the silo independent of the silo chute. The diverter has an upright downspout attached to the outside of the chute and a housing located within the chute for receiving material moving through the silo doorway and directing the material into the downspout. The housing is pivotally connected to a carriage operable to move on upright tracks secured to the chute. The housing can be aligned with one of a plurality of structures used to connect the downspout to the chute so that the material at various elevations can be discharged through the housing into the downspout.