Abstract: A method and apparatus provided for the automatic production of discrete cuffed sleeve blanks from distinct initial sleeve blanks and a continuous roll of knit cuffing material. The initial sleeve blanks are place end-to-end, a gap is introduced between them, and they are passed in a first direction with a first edge thereof parallel to the first direction. The continuous length of cuffing material is folded over to provide a double thickness having a first edge which is parallel to the sleeve blank first edge, the cuffing material and sleeve blank first edges are overlapped, moved together, and sewn to each other with an "over-edger" automatic sewing machine. The cuffing material is stretched just prior to being fed to the sewing machine, and is stretched again after sewing and severed from the rest of the roll. A driven roller includes non-rotatable washers having projecting portions engaging a blade of the cutting mechanism.

Abstract: A portable herbicide applicator and method of destroying plants utilizing the same are provided that allow herbicide application in a safe, simple, and effective manner. The applicator includes a container having a closed end and an open end with a wiper positioned within the container. A fibrous exterior portion of an applicator structure is connected to a handle and is insertable into and withdrawable from the container, the wiping structure wiping excess liquid off of the fibrous covering when moved relative thereto. A cap is mounted by a strap to the container for closing the container open end while the herbicide applicator is being used, and a hook may be provided on the cap for hooking an opening on the handle and latching the applicator structure in place when it is positioned within the container. A strap on the container facilitates carrying with the open end facing upwardly.

Abstract: Elastic loops of predetermined length are formed utilizing an annular channel of fixed circumference, and having an interior overfeed opening. The length of elastic band fed to the channel is determined by a separate, readily adjustable mechanism, independent of the channel circumference. Air jets assist a feed roller in feeding the elastic, and air jets blow the formed elastic loop out of the channel after formation of it, and severing of it from the supply of elastic. Feed dogs move the formed loop ends out along an arm into contact with an automatic sewing machine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for acting upon cloth in a particular manner, most particularly for automatically forming a shirt sleeve from a sleeve blank. The blank is conveyed by a conveyor in a first direction and a hem is automatically formed along a first edge thereof. The hem is ironed, and then the hemmed sleeve blank is automatically picked up off the conveyor and folded about an axis substantially transverse to the first direction. The folded hemmed blank is dropped on a second conveyor which conveys the blank in a second direction substantially transverse to the first direction. A seam is automatically formed along a second edge of the blank as it is being conveyed by the second conveyor, to form a shirt sleeve. A roller moving at a speed different than the speed of the second conveyor preferably engages the blank as it is being conveyed by the second conveyor and effects movement of it so that the seam along the second edge includes at least a portion which is arcuate.

Abstract: A cutting assembly allows efficient automatic cutting of synthetic thread, and also allows manual cutting thereof. A guide block has a bottom surface past which cloth is adapted to move in a direction A, and a narrow channel is formed in the block substantially parallel to the direction A. A vacuum cut-thread removal passageway is formed in the block at the channel leading end and in operative communication with the channel, the passageway being elongated in a dimension intersecting the channel. A notch is formed in the block adjacent, but spaced from, the channel leading end and vacuum passageway. A wire of electrically conductive material is mounted so that it extends through the notch and channel and cuts thread moved into contact with it. An integral block having particular passageways formed therein provides a venturi arrangement adjacent the vacuum passageway to provide the vacuum source.

Abstract: A liquid applicator roller apparatus evenly applies liquids to plants even when moving over uneven terrain. A sponge extends into engagement with the peripheral surface of the horizontally mounted applicator roller for depositing a film of liquid on the roller surface just before it contacts plants. Liquid is supplied to the sponge, and a metering device controls the flow of liquid to the sponge to ensure that the elevated end of the sponge is fed with liquid when one end is higher than the other. The metering apparatus includes a housing having a central bore parallel to the roller, and liquid connectors at opposite ends of the bore having sealing surfaces which cooperate with a metal ball that rolls within the bore. A supply line extends into the housing from the top, to supply liquid to the bore.

Abstract: A simple and effective cloth pickup device including first and second jaws pivotally mounted for movement from a clamping position to an open position. When the jaws are moved into contact with a piece of cloth they are pivoted to clamp the cloth between them, with needles extending from the first jaw piercing the cloth. An overcenter spring holds the jaws in both their first and second positions. When it is desired to release the cloth held by the jaws a plunger is depressed, engaging the jaws and pivoting them to their open position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for acting upon cloth in a particular manner, most particularly for automatically forming a shirt sleeve from a sleeve blank. The blank is conveyed by a conveyor in a first direction and a hem is automatically formed along a first edge thereof. The hem is ironed, and then the hemmed sleeve blank is automatically picked up off the conveyor and folded about an axis substantially transverse to the first direction. The folded hemmed blank is dropped on a second conveyor which conveys the blank in a second direction substantially transverse to the first direction. A seam is automatically formed along a second edge of the blank as it is being conveyed by the second conveyor, to form a shirt sleeve. A roller moving at a speed different than the speed of the second conveyor preferably engages the blank as it is being conveyed by the second conveyor and effects movement of it so that the seam along the second edge includes at least a portion which is arcuate.

Abstract: A hot wire cutter assembly is associated with an automatic sewing machine and includes a guide block with a ramp mounted at the rear of the sewing machine. An electric resistance wire is mounted in a cut out formed in the guide block, in operative association with the ramp. The guide block and wire are positioned with respect to each other and the sewing machine so that a piece of fabric being stitched passes over the ramp, and the synthetic thread providing the stitching is automatically cut and a nub thereof is fused so that the ultimately remaining nub is of small size.

Abstract: A portable liquid applicator device is provided with a simple and effective valve assembly associated with a hollow handle designed to hold a liquid herbicide that can be applied by the device. A head portion of the device including a sponge or a like liquid applicator material is mounted on the opposite side of a plug valve element as a liquid-containing hollow handle portion. The plug is rubber and has a slit extending through it. A rubber cap on the end of the handle opposite the head portion can be flexed to apply an air pressure to liquid within the hollow handle. This forces the plug to flex and allows liquid to flow through the slit. The sponge is held by the head portion so that it assumes a generally figure 8 configuration in end view, a portion being disposed within the head and a portion extending out from the head. A cover may be slipped on the portion extending out of the head.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided primarily for the application of liquid contact herbicides to plants. A liquid applicator roller is mounted for rotation about a generally horizontal axis and in operative communication with a reservoir of liquid herbicide. The applicator roller is mounted above ground and in position for the peripheral surface thereof to be brought into contact with plants. The applicator roller is moved in the direction generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the roller, and powered rotation thereof is effected so that it rotates into contact with plants and continuously transfers liquid from the surface thereof onto the plants, the surface being continuously replenished with liquid from the reservoir. The housing mounting the roller is readily adaptable to mount a hand pushed or pulled unit, or to be mounted on a tractor tool bar. A drive wheel can communicate with a raised surface portion of the liquid applicator roller for effecting rotation thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring liquid onto the surface of a roller for ultimate transfer onto plants, and a method of constructing a storage tank component of the apparatus. A sponge is disposed in a housing adjacent a roller so that the sponge extends outwardly from the housing into contact with the roller periphery. Liquid is dripped onto the sponge, and excess liquid drains through openings in the bottom of the housing into the storage tank. The storage tank is formed by two plastic pipes bent at a middle portion with an opening between them at the apex of the bend of the top pipe. The top pipe is cut-off to provide an open top complimentary to the sponge housing bottom. Liquid from the tank is recirculated back to the pipe dripping liquid onto the sponge.

Abstract: A liquid applicator device and a method of utilization thereof to effect plant destruction. A first distinct container containing herbicide, with a rotary valve extending from one end thereof, is mounted on a second elongated container with the metering valve between the first and second containers. An elongated roller having a fibrous cover for receiving herbicide from the container and for ultimately transferring the herbicide to a plant is insertable into the second container, and has a handle extending from one end thereof outwardly of the second container. The opposite end of the roller is operatively connected to an actuator for the valve between the containers so that relative rotational movement between the roller and the containers results in metering of a predetermined amount of herbicide from the first container to the second container.

Abstract: A liquid applicator device and a method of utilization thereof primarily for applying herbicide to plants. An elongated container has a closed first end and an opening in the second end through which a roller with fibrous covering is insertable and withdrawable. The roller has a handle extending from one end thereof and a closure structure is operatively associated with the handle for closing the opening in the container second end when the roller is within the container. The roller is mounted for coaxial rotation within the container, and a plurality of blades are mounted within the container around the internal periphery thereof, the blades interconnected by rings and also rotatable with respect to the container.

Abstract: A rotary engine, especially a rotary diesel engine, utilizing a pair of substantially identical cooperating rotor assemblies associated with a pair of spaced, parallel stationary intake-exhaust gas ports. Each rotor assembly includes a hub portion immediately surrounding a stationary shaft, a plurality of arms extending radially outwardly from the hub portion, a radially extending cylinder formed in each of the arms, a radially extending passageway leading from the stationary shaft to each cylinder, and a radially reciprocal piston disposed in each cylinder. The stationary shafts are so spaced and the rotor assembly so mounted that upon rotation of the rotor assemblies each piston associated with each rotor assembly will engage the hub of the other assembly upon completion of the compression stroke of the piston, and then will engage an arm of the other assembly to impart a rotational force to the arm upon radial movement of the piston during a power stroke, the rotor assemblies rotating in opposite.

Abstract: A metal-working hand tool for folding over sheet metal flanges is provided that effect folding over without harming the flange surface. The tool includes a body adapted to rotate about a first axis, a structure for attaching the body to a power source for rotating the body about the first axis, a guide component extending outwardly from one end of the body along the first axis, a plurality of hardened metal rollers, and a shaft associated with each roller for mounting each roller for free rotation about a second axis fixed with respect to the body so that the rollers will impact upon and roll with respect to a sheet metal flange.

Abstract: A thread-cutting assembly for use with a sewing machine that always presents a sharp cutting edge for thread cutting. The assembly includes a circular cutting disk having a circumferential cutting edge, and a guard plate for preventing access to the majority of the circumferential cutting edge of the disk but exposing a portion of the disk circumferential cutting edge. The disk is mounted to the guard plate so that the disk rotates with respect to the guard means about an axis when thread to be cut by the disk is brought into engagement with the exposed portion of the disk so that a new cutting surface is exposed, and the guard plate is operatively mounted to a sewing machine. The guard plate also sharpens the cutting edge of the disk upon rotation of the disk with respect to the guard plate, the guard plate being formed of metal having a greater temper than the metal of the disk.

Abstract: A golf practice device that is simple to construct, utilize, and maintain includes a plurality of indicators for indicating various component factors of a golf swing on a golf practice ball. The indicators indicate the distance of a shot, the "push or pull" of the shot, and whether or not there is a hook or slice.