Abstract: A screw clamping apparatus includes a shank and a drive member for exerting a driving force on a shank to screw the same into a bore to exert a clamping force on an article. The shank is provided to shear once a predetermined turning torque from the drive member, and hence clamping force, is achieved and the plane of shear can be accurately determined relative to the surface of the article on which the bore is formed and into which the shank is screwed. This is an advantage over the conventional clamping screw, which is provided to shear at one fixed weakened location and, when sheared, can leave an undesirable protrusion.

Abstract: A variable displacement bent axis hydraulic unit includes a control mechanism having a control housing with a displacement feedback sleeve and spool connected by a spring. A computer controls a proportional solenoid fluid valve that is in operative fluid engagement with the end of the spool opposite its spring connection with the displacement feedback sleeve. The displacement feedback sleeve is urged by the spring into engagement with a cam member on the yoke of the bent axis unit.

Abstract: A mouse or rodent trap includes a housing having an elongated rotatable paddle member therein. A trigger assembly engages the paddle member and releases the paddle member for rotation when the trigger assembly is engaged by a mouse or rodent entering the housing. The trigger assembly is formed completely of plastic, and is snapped together during assembly. An anti-backspin mechanism permits the rotatable paddle member to rotate in one direction but prevents rotation in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A material cutting device for cutting material using blade-cut dies includes a base plate adapted to support a blade-cut die thereon and a carriage movably mounted on the base plate. A press roller is rotatably mounted on the carriage, the press roller having a center longitudinal axis and being positioned above the base plate generally parallel therewith. A track device such as a rack is mounted on the base plate, and a track follower devicesuch as a rack-engaging gear is mounted on the carriage which is operative to engage said track device thereby guiding movement of the carriage on the base plate. A drive device is mounted on one of the base plate and the carriage, the drive device operative to move the carriage along the track device. A die cover is operative to cover a blade-cut die supported on said the plate.

Abstract: A conveyor for moving an extruded strand of sausage from an extruding machine for coagulating the outer surface of said strand of sausage has a frame, a continuous conveyor on the frame sloping downwardly from a point of beginning to a discharge station, and thence back to the point of beginning, a brine fluid circuit disposed on the frame above the conveyor with a plurality of discharge nozzles thereon to spray brine on a strand of sausage moving with the conveyor, the conveyor being comprised of a plurality of link elements pivotally secured together, each link element having a generally flat supporting surface, the supporting surface having a plurality of protruding support elements thereon with liquid channels therebetween so that the strand of sausage can have a lower surface supported by a plurality of laterally extending elements whereupon brine fluid in the channels can contact the lower surface of the strand of sausage above the channels.

Abstract: A rotor for a bagging machine comprising an elongated, cylindrical body having a horizontally disposed rotational axis. A plurality of sockets are provided on the cylindrical body in a spaced-apart relationship with respect to each other. A rotor tooth is selectively removably received by each of the sockets.

Abstract: Estrogen-nucleoside, estrogen-guanine and estrogen-mercapturate adducts are potential biomarkers for determining susceptibility of animals to a number of estrogen related cancers. These adducts may be used as biomarkers for determining risk of estrogen-induced cancers. A linker chemistry has been devised to couple these adducts to protein for production of immunogens, required for production of specific monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: A method of measuring dynamic air pressure on a ground surface beneath a lawn mower system which is comprised of a rotatable horizontal blade with a deck unit having a closed top with side walls and an open bottom involves placing the mower on an elevated horizontal platform located in spaced relation to the deck. The blade is then rotated at a speed at which the blade normally would cut grass. Measurements are then made of the air pressure at a plurality of locations adjacent the platform to determine if the air pressure at such locations is such that a blade of grass at each location would be lifted or depressed with respect to the platform. The apparatus for performing the aforesaid method has a horizontal platform with a plurality of apertures therein. The platform is adapted to support a lawn mower deck with a rotatable horizontal blade mounted therein.

Abstract: An antenna for a hand held RF transceiver terminals includes an antenna element which is encapsulated by material which does not detrimentally effect its antenna performance, but which closely conforms the antenna to the general shape of the terminal without having the antenna extend directly from the terminal.

Abstract: The intermodal rail truck and coupling system for the coupling of two intermodal containers, two conventional rail cars, or an intermodal container and a conventional rail comprising a rail truck frame having a central longitudinal axis and wheel supports for rotatable securement of conventional rail wheels for use on conventional rails. Two conventional rail car coupler means are positioned at opposite ends of said frame along said longitudinal axis, and are vertically adjustable to a height equal to conventional rail car couplers which defines the load line of conventional rail cars, and are lowerable below that load line when not used. Two fifth-wheel pancake members are also positioned at opposite ends of said frame along said longitudinal axis and have means for receipt and pivotable securement of fifth-wheel kingpins of intermodal containers.

Abstract: A reinforced masonry wall structure comprising a horizontally disposed footing having a first layer of mortar on the upper surface thereof with a first plurality of courses of masonry blocks placed one upon the other with the lowermost course being positioned on the first layer of concrete. The masonry blocks in the first plurality of courses are in intimate contact with each other since mortar is not placed therebetween. A second layer of mortar is placed on the upper portion of the uppermost course of the first plurality of courses and a second plurality of courses of masonry blocks are placed one upon the other with the lowermost course being positioned on the second layer of mortar. The masonry blocks in the second plurality of courses are also in intimate contact with each other inasmuch as mortar is not positioned therebetween. First and second layers of plaster-like material are applied to opposite sides of the masonry blocks.

Abstract: A method and means for power mounting and dismounting a materials handling apparatus on a tractor. The apparatus comprises a first U-shaped frame which is adapted to be connected adjacent the rearward end thereof to the tractor rearwardly of the forward end thereof. The forward end of the U-shaped frame is adapted to be secured to the tractor adjacent the forward end thereof. A second U-shaped frame is pivotally secured adjacent its rearward end to the first frame and has a third frame pivotally secured to the forward end thereof. In one embodiment, a dozer blade is pivotally secured about a horizontal axis to the third frame. Power cylinders are provided for: (1) raising and lowering the dozer blade; (2) angling the dozer blade in two directions; and (3) raising one end of the dozer blade with respect to the other end.

Abstract: A steam iron having a forward-pointing spray nozzle for dampening laundry being ironed provides for a substantially greater spray area to be covered by including a water-supply channel passing from a pump through the pump piston-rod to the spray nozzle which is secured to the piston rod. Manipulation of an operating button causes the spray nozzle to move up and down with the piston rod while spraying is taking place, as well as causing a valve port to be opened, closed, and scraped out simultaneously.