Abstract: A hide splitting machine according to the invention has two pivot arms, mounted on modified journals at each end of a rubber roller, that are connected to two ring roller swivel arms attached to each end of the ring roller. The ring roller swivel arms connected to the pivot arms allow constant radial distance movement of the ring roller along the circumference of the rubber roller. Therefore, the ring roller can be retracted or moved away automatically, without possibility of mechanical damage, from the razor sharp band knife and ring jaw insert edge. The automatic retraction of the ring roller a preset distance allows splitting machine operators to easily access the ring jaw insert for safe, quick and efficient manual cleaning of the ring jaw insert edge. The automatic retraction of the ring roller further eliminates physical handling and/or manual removal of the ring roller from the splitting machine during the ring jaw insert edge cleaning process.

Abstract: A ring roller, used in the hide splitting process as a hide transport device, is described that is continuously self cleaning and which provides a constant gap between outer rings of a ring roller. The ring roller is capable of directing pressurized water, or other gaseous and/or liquid fluid from the internal to the external surface of the ring roller. The constant supply of pressurized water, or other gaseous and/or liquid fluid from the internal to the external surface of the ring roller prevents the entry of lime solution, flesh, fat, grease, and other materials that result from the hide splitting process, into the ring roller. Therefore, the ring roller constantly and continuously provides optimum, consistent, high quality performance. Maintenance downtime for the ring roller is minimized. The ring roller, properly operated, will perform to expected design and operational parameters.

Abstract: An apparatus for dyeing leather has an application roller and a backup device defining a gap therebetween. The application roller has recesses, and dye is supplied to it to fill the recesses. Sheet articles, e.g. leather pieces, are fed through the gap. The apparatus is operated so that a uniform coating of dye is continuously spread over one surface of the article by the application roller. The dye can have a low viscosity comparable to that of water.

Abstract: A saw chain for a chain saw with kerf sidewall cutting, free end chisel raker teeth having positive cutting edge rake angles and with bifurcated cutters formed from paired, laterally opposed cutting elements wherein the free end chisel corners of the raker teeth project laterally outwardly beyond the bifurcated cutter forming elements so that the combined cutting width of two mirror image raker teeth is greater than the cutting width of the bifurcated cutters; the height of the bifurcated cutters being generally equal to or less than the height of the raker teeth; the cutting edges of each raker tooth and each bifurcated cutter being disposed rearwardly of the rearmost pivot point of the link which bears it, and the outer surfaces of the shank portions of the raker teeth and the outer surfaces of the bifurcated cutter forming elements being formed to engage the upper edges of the immediately following side links to lock each cutter bearing link against rearing back more than a specified amount.