Abstract: A surgical process for removing the third phalanx of a feline, and most commonly a housecat, while reducing bleeding, swelling, pain and tissue deficit. A circumferential incision is formed on the epidermis of the ungual crest and traction is applied to the epidermis in a cranial direction. This exposes the extensor tendon and synovium, which are incised by the laser from a dorsal position aimed in a palmar direction. While applying traction to the third phalanx in a palmar direction, the collateral ligaments are ablated, permitting further disarticulation of the PII-PIII joint. Finally, the flexor tendon and tissue of the pad are incised by the laser from a dorsal position, permitting removal of the third phalanx. The declaw site is then covered with the redundant epithelium preserved in this process.

Abstract: A surgical process for removing the third phalanx of a feline, and most commonly a housecat, while reducing bleeding, swelling, pain and tissue deficit. A circumferential incision is formed on the epidermis of the ungual crest and traction is applied to the epidermis in a cranial direction. This exposes the extensor tendon and synovium, which are incised by the laser from a dorsal position aimed in a palmar direction. While applying traction to the third phalanx in a palmar direction, the collateral ligaments are ablated, permitting further disarticulation of the PII-PIII joint. Finally, the flexor tendon and tissue of the pad are incised by the laser from a dorsal position, permitting removal of the third phalanx. The declaw site is then covered with the redundant epithelium preserved in this process.

Abstract: A label applier (20) for applying labels to box ends includes a horizontal conveyor (36), a label dispenser (44) that adhesively secures a label (22) to an upper side surface of each box end upon conveyance along the conveyor with a flap (22') of the label extending from the box end, an end presser (50) for pressing the label flap against the end surface of the box, and an inclined support (52) that mounts the end presser (50) for upward movement along the direction of conveyance to permit the end presser to ride over the box after the label pressing operation. The end presser (50) preferably includes a slide (54) and also includes a presser member (56) pivotally mounted on the slide. This presser member (56) preferably has a curved foot (62) that provides the engagement as the end presser rides over the box. An adjustable stop (64) controls positioning of the presser member (56) prior to the pressing of the label flap.

Abstract: A capping machine comprises a rotating carriage positioned above a conveyor delivering open neck containers to a work station position, the carriage including circumferentially positioned sockets that receive snap-lock caps in a fixed orientation from a second conveyor. The carriage rotates about an axis transverse to the direction of conveyance of the first conveyor so that the proximate carriage position closest to the first conveyor has a velocity in the same direction as the direction of conveyance of the container. As the tangential position of the cap on the carriage changes as the cap approaches the proximate carriage position, the cap is progressively engaged against the open neck of the container. At the proximate carriage position, the cap is positioned for sealing engagement with the neck of the container.

Abstract: A machine for applying flat-bottomed base cups to round-bottomed plastic bottles. The machine comprises an orbiting conveyor having means for carrying a plurality of bottles and base cups along a predetermined path during which time the base cups are applied to the bottom of the bottles. A bottle loader mechanism is provided for receiving a plurality of bottles directly from a blow-molding machine and transferring the same directly and simultaneously to the conveyor. Means are provided for delivering base cups single file to the conveyor and for removing the bottles from the conveyor after the base cups have been applied.

Abstract: A machine for applying flat-bottomed base cups to round-bottomed plastic bottles. The machine comprises an orbiting conveyor having means for carrying a plurality of bottles and base cups along a predetermined path during which time the base cups are applied to the bottom of the bottles. A bottle loader mechanism is provided for receiving a plurality of bottles directly from a blow-molding machine and transferring the same directly and simultaneously to the conveyor. Means are provided for delivering base cups single file to the conveyor and for removing the bottles from the conveyor after the base cups have been applied.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the pyrolysis of coal or other hydrocarbon bearing materials in which the material is fed into the upper end of a rotating cylinder and is heated in a plurality of stages, the heated material passing from the cylinder into a char pit, and treating the resulting materials to separate them into fuels having different characteristics.One feature of the invention is the addition of CaO or NaHCO.sub.3 to the charged materials and addition of H.sub.2 O in the char pit to facilitate removal of sulfur.Another feature is the scraping and brushing of the inside surfaces of the rotary cylinder to clean the interior of the cylinder during the conduct of the process.

Abstract: A machine for applying flat-bottomed base cups to round-bottomed plastic bottles. The machine comprises an orbiting conveyor having means for carrying a plurality of bottles and base cups along a predetermined path during which time the base cups are applied to the bottom of the bottles. A bottle loader mechanism is provided for receiving a plurality of bottles directly from a blow-molding machine and transferring the same directly and simultaneously to the conveyor. Means are provided for delivering base cups single file to the conveyor and for removing the bottles from the conveyor after the base cups have been applied.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for heating a continuing series of articles, such as canned or bottled potable goods, to substantially room temperature in order to prevent condensation from forming on the containers. The apparatus comprises an elongated housing having an interior housing chamber and open on each longitudinal end. An endless conveyor transports the articles from one open end of the housing and to the other end of the housing along a substantially horizontal plane. An elongated trough is disposed under the conveyor and is partially filled with heating water so that the articles are partially submerged in the water as they are transported through the housing. A recirculation system is also provided for continuously reheating the heating water.

Abstract: Processes for preparing agglomerates containing iron oxide and suitable for charging as a feed material into a blast furnace and apparatus for effectively carrying out these processes. Waste matter from commercial iron and steel operations containing iron oxide and combustible matter is charged as feed into a rotating cylinder where it is ignited by flame from a jet; then an oxygen containing gas is passed under pressure through a wind box upwardly through passages through the walls of the cylinder and upwardly through particles of burning, tumbling particles of feed matter as this matter moves as a stream and comes into agglomerate form. The treated material is discharged in agglomerate form at the end of the rotating cylinder. These agglomerates may be effectively utilized as iron bearing feed material by charging them along with other charge materials into a blast furnace.