Abstract: Apparatus for use in an automated garment making process detects whether a garment portion on a continuously moving conveyor is right side up by use of a photodetector. If the garment portion is not right side up, the photodetector signals a control unit which causes a flipper assembly to flip the garment portion over as it is discharged from the conveyor. The garment portion retains its original position relative to other garment portions on the conveyor and the conveyor does not stop.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming graphite into packing rings utilizes a press to compress the graphite within a movable die. The graphite is supplied to the press by the combination of a turntable-type feeder and a tubular feeder which places increments of the graphite in dies carried by the turntable. The punch has a retractable pin which cooperates with a lower core pin to maintain the interior diameter of the rings as they are formed. The press and turntable are connected for synchronous operation.

Abstract: A bar screen cleaner utilizes a reciprocal carriage mounted downstream of a vertical bar screen to move a cleaning rake vertically to clean accumulation from the screen. The cleaning rake is pivotally mounted to the carriage such that the rake is positively urged into engagement with the bar screen as the carriage reaches its lowermost position. The rake is latched in a screen engaging position during the upstroke of the carriage and is released as the carriage reaches its uppermost position.

Abstract: A roller gin capable of producing lint substantially free of linter fibers utilizes a wall construction to prevent the seed from contacting the ginning roll, a ginning slot in the wall through which an airflow draws the fibers. A ginning roll adjacent the slot on the opposite side of the wall grasps the fibers along a nip point formed between the roll and wall proximal the slot and urges the fibers along a path on one side of the wall while the seeds are urged along a divergent path on the other side of the wall.

Abstract: A tubular structural system utilizes a plurality of graduated tubes, each having a plurality of apertures formed therein for receiving smaller tubes in a selectively locking configuration such that the tubes may be interlocked to form a structural framework.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system utilizes four hydraulic motors arranged in mechanically coupled pairs with one motor from each pair always series hydraulically connected to one motor from the other pair. The other motors are selectively coupled parallel with each other or in series with the series connected motors. The combination of mechanical and hydraulic coupling provides an efficient drive system designed specifically for, but not limited to, the motor grader apparatus. The improved drive system herein disclosed provides both high speed-low power and low speed-high power operational modes and is capable of continuous operation in either mode. The improved drive system also provides superior control characteristics due to the hydraulic motor series lockup arrangement. The combination of mechanical and hydraulic coupling provides high power with good control or high speed with little heating of the hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: Discharge of fluid and debris onto a roadway from between the closure member and the rear of a truck body is eliminated by the use of a collection trough mounted beneath the rear of the truck body and a pivotally mounted slide member which can be selectively positioned to cover the trough while functioning as an asphalt slide or to act as a retaining wall to deflect and retain water and debris within the trough.

Abstract: An incinerator system utilizes recovered heat from the incineration of wood waste left by harvesting of forests to dry green wood products. An automatic feeder loads waste wood into a furnace which discharges combustion gases through a stack wherein a spiral air flow is induced to separate a portion of the gas carrying cinders and sparks from the axial movement of the remainder of gas. The cinder laden hot gases pass through a precipitation chamber where the cinders are recovered and returned to the furnace. The de-cindered gas is then admitted to a kiln via a modulating damper to dry wood.

Abstract: A blade quality monitor for use with cutter reels having specifically identifiable blades utilize a sensor to detect the position of a physical anomaly on the reel. Additional sensors sense the force at the interface between the cutter reel, the material wrapped thereon and the associated pressure roller. The position of the physical anomaly is correlated with the sensed force to determine the magnitude thereof at each blade which is indicative of the condition of the blade with respect to sharpness or intactness.

Abstract: A switch operating mechanism for a multi-position switch utilizes a stored energy member to store input energy applied to the mechanism and then release the stored energy to move an associated switch responsive to a predetermined input to the mechanism. A gradual application of force results in a rapid discharge of energy to move the switch.

Abstract: A disk-like insulating cover for attachment to the top of opened metal beverage cans, providing selectable closure and retention of carbonation. A single drinking spout in the cover allows egress of beverage when aligned with the can opening; rotation of the cover to a misaligned position prevents spillage.

Abstract: Apparatus for making snow using pressurized water and air wherein a housing is implanted into the earth at a selected location on a ski slope and connected to underground lines for supplying water and air thereto. An elongated extendable bichamberal spray head is slidingly mounted within the housing such that the introduction of pressurized air to the outer chamber of bichamberal spray head via the housing causes the spray head to rise to a predetermined elevation. Introduction of water to inner chamber of the spray head generates snow when the pressurized water is discharged to the atmosphere through the pressurized air. The spray head is stored within the housing when not in use to eliminate any hazard to skiers and the labor required to utilize a portable snowgun.

Abstract: A vertical shaft kiln utilized in calcining limestone defines a series of processing zones including an upper preheating zone, a first calcining zone, a second calcining zone having a length twice that of the first calcining zone and a material cooling zone, Burners inject burnt gases intermediate the two calcining zones. Major heat transfer to the limestone is accomplished in the first calcining zone by directing a major portion of the burnt gases in counter-current to the material flow therethrough. Minor heat transfer is accomplished in the second calcining zone by directing a minor portion of the burnt gases therethrough in co-current relation with the material. Combustion air is provided through ducts in the material cooling zones and mixed with the minor portion of burnt gases externally of the shaft prior to injection into the burners.

Abstract: A bin transport system for a fiber baling apparatus utilizes a plurality of portable upwardly opening bins which have openable bottoms. The bins are transported from a plurality of fiber filling stations to a single compression staton by a four-part transport means utilizing a dual carriage cross shuttle which moves the portable bins to and from positions adjacent the filling stations and the compression station. A pair of dedicated bin transporters are utilized to transport the bins such that one transporter delivers full bins from the filling stations to a position adjacent the compression station while the other transporter delivers empty bins from the compression station to a position adjacent each filling station.

Abstract: A fish detector for use with a rod and reel detects the movement of the line by deflection of a flexible member which engages the line near the reel and holds it outwardly from the rod. The flexible member is more flexible than the rod tip and may be coated with visibility enhancing material such as plastic.

Abstract: A conveyor system for use in a lost foam casting system connects a plurality of stations where operations necessary to the process are carried out. The system utilizes an interconnected train of open frame gondolas supported on a set of elevated parallel horizontal rails forming a closed loop. The gondolas each support a flask wherein molds are placed and sand molds are compacted, with the flasks being removable from the gondolas as necessary for the particular operation. A programmable controller senses the status of the system and provides signals to operate the conveyor and associated components.