Abstract: A machine for slitting metal sheet has a bridge-type frame provided with upper and lower beams supported on posts. In the space between the two beams are upper and lower powered arbors and also upper and lower storage arbors which align respectively with the upper and lower powered arbors. Each powered arbor supports and turns several knives which are mounted on hubs along those arbors, and these knives when not needed may be moved, along with their hubs, onto the aligned storage arbors. Each knife is captured in a carriage which moves along one of the beams and contains back-up rollers which bear against the knife to prevent its arbor from deflecting under the spreading force exerted by the metal sheet as it is slit. The hubs have a wide stance, and accordingly the knives on them do not acquire a wobble when the hubs are secured on their respective arbors; yet notwithstanding the wide stance, the knives may be brought quite close together.

Abstract: A machine for leveling sheet metal strip without severing or marring the strip includes two stretcher frames, each having a set of jaws which clamp down on the strip, so that a segment of the strip is isolated between the jaws of the two frames. While the jaws grip the strip with enough compressive force to prevent the strip from slipping in the jaws, and yet not mark it, the frames are forced apart with enough force to stretch the isolated segment beyond its elastic limit for the entire width of the isolated segment, thus leveling the segment. Thereupon the parting force is released, and after the isolated segment has recovered its elastic deformation, the jaws release the strip, and the strip is advanced a distance not exceeding the length of the previously isolated segment. The procedure is then repeated until the entire strip has been leveled. The machine may be utilized in combination with a feeding machine which grips the leveled portion of the strip and advances it a preset distance.

Abstract: A method for harvesting, transporting and storing grain utilizes small readily moved containers or bins in combination with a specially designed trailer mechanism to allow grain to be readily stored, as it is harvested, at the harvest site and then at a more convenient time transported to the place of ultimate use, sale or to centralized storage. The method utilizes a compact bin which may be stored in the field and yet be safe from weather and vermin, which may utilize additional drying mechanisms or which may utilize air drying of the grain. The bin is mounted on two permanent I-beam rails which are designed to mesh with roller trucks on a specially designed pick-up trailer. The pick-up trailer utilizes a frame having rails on which the roller trunks are carried. The trailer has a hydraulic lift mechanism to tilt the trailer to engage the leading edge of the I-beams of the bin to tilt the bin so that it can be self-loaded onto the trailer by backing the trailer underneath the bin.

Abstract: A solar heating system includes an array of solar collectors and a manifold through which the collectors are supplied with water, this water being derived from a storage tank located below the collectors. The water is circulated through the collectors by a pump, and within the collectors the water is heated, but when the pump is not operating, the water drains from the collectors into the tank so it will not freeze and damage the collectors. Each solar collector includes a housing, a collector panel in the housing and containing a cavity through which water is circulated, supply and drain pipes which extend the full height of the housing behind the panel and are connected through ports with opposite ends of the panel cavity, and a light transmitting material over the housing. The supply and drain pipes of some of the collectors are plugged into corresponding supply and drain fittings on the manifold at bushings which fit into aligned ends of the pipes and fittings.