Abstract: A movement device including a rigid inner supporting rod-like member of a closed circuit configuration and a flexible, closed sleeve slidably mounted on the rod-like support member. In one application of the invention, a drawer or the like can be moved relative to a case or the like by securing the drawer to the sleeve and securing the case to the sleeve at points on opposite sides of a point at which the rod-like support member changes direction. In another application, the device is used as a tilting mechanism for chairs by securing the chair body to the sleeve and securing the chair base to the sleeve at points opposite a point at which the rod-like member changes direction. The chair base can be eliminated by setting the rigid rod-like member directly on the floor. The device also provides a rotatable base for a stool.

Abstract: A linkage mechanism is interposed between a pedal and a movable actuating member, and movement of the pedal in one direction is resisted by the extension of a resilient helical spring. The linkage and spring are arranged so that movement of the pedal in such one direction is resisted by a substantially constant force throughout the travel of such pedal in such one direction.

Abstract: A throttle control linkage adapted for connection to the governor mechanism of an engine preferably comprises a slotted quadrant slidably mounted on a pin attached to a support member. The quadrant is held in a selected position on the support member by a frictional device comprising at least one elastomeric member compressed against a side of the quadrant by spring means, preferably in the form of a pair of back-to-back Belleville washers.

Abstract: There is disclosed a multiple output belt driving geared transmission wherein control of the speed and power delivered to the belt means and subsequent prime user is provided.

Abstract: In an automotive power transmission system wherein the engine output shaft is connected to the input shaft of the speed change gear unit through a fluid torque converter, an intermediate shaft, chain wheels and a chain drive, in that order, with a direct drive clutch and an overdrive unit being provided between the engine power shaft and the intermediate shaft or the chain wheels, drive may be transmitted directly to the speed change gear unit during high speed operation in a manner which bypasses the fluid torque converter with or without overdrive.

Abstract: A machine for sharpening saws having alternating precutting teeth and post-cutting teeth of lesser height which reciprocates a grinding wheel to grind first the leading edge of a pre-cutting tooth to a fixed depth, the grinding wheel is then raised to grind the back edge of an adjacent post-cutting tooth and is next lowered to the same depth for grinding the leading edge of the post-cutting tooth and the grinding wheel is finally raised again thereby cutting a lesser amount of the back face of the adjacent pre-cutting tooth. The machine has a first cam actuating mechanism for imparting a fixed length stroke to the grinding wheel and a second cam mechanism coupled to the first mechanism for varying the stroke with adjustments being provided for both mechanisms.

Abstract: A setting apparatus for circular saws is described in which an elongated channel iron base is employed to carry both the setting device and the cooperating means. The channel iron base is of sufficient length to accomodate an open-end slidable box, said box supporting a fixed saw holding arbor; said slidable box being movable on said elongated channel iron base, and also longitudinally adjustable to position the peripheral edge of a circle saw of any size in proper relation to the edge of the anvil. The anvil is located at the right end of channel iron base and said slidable box being releasably lockable to the channel iron base at any point desired.The right end of the elongated channel iron base is provided with two angle iron plates, welded or bolted in place, and positioned with sufficient width to accept a stress-proof metal bar arm equipped with a one-fourth inch tool bit as the striking element. The metal bar arm and the metal angle plates are bored to receive a bolt pivotally supporting said bar arm.

Abstract: A feed device for machines which act on saw teeth, to sharpen the teeth, position the teeth, add hard metal plates to the teeth or the like, which accommodate wide pitch distances between saw teeth and variations in pitch distances between the teeth of the saw. The feed device includes a first reciprocal feed pawl which advances the saw a preset distance on each stroke and a second reciprocal feed pawl which additionally advances the saw to accommodate wide pitch distances between saw teeth and variations in saw tooth pitch patterns.

Abstract: A hand manipulable device for removing bottle stoppers comprising upper and lower bifurcated jaws engageable about the neck of a bottle between the shoulder and mouth of the bottle for engagement of the upper jaw below the overhanging stopper head whereby a spreading of the jaws effects an upward withdrawal of the stopper. A retaining arm is fixed to the upper jaw and extends generally centrally thereover in outwardly spaced relation thereto for engagement over the head of the stopper in a manner so as to retain the stopper subsequent to release thereof from the bottle.

Abstract: A tamper resistant fastener comprising a screw having a shank portion on which a left-handed threaded surface is disposed and a head portion of a circular contour, the upper surface of which is provided with a circular bore at a location which is eccentrically disposed with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shank portion of the screw. A retainer member having a step bore that is so sized as to receive the screw such that the head portion of the screw is below the outer edge of the smaller diametered portion of the step bore.

Abstract: A machine tool having an indexable turret in which the turret has a plurality of stations for supporting tools and with the tools in the stations being presented individually to workpiece operating position in a respective indexed position of the turret during a work cycle. At least two of the stations of the turret are provided with identical tools, forming a group, and on each work cycle one of the pair of stations is bypassed thereby providing a reserve tool which can be made effective without interrupting the work cycle of the machine. Advantageously, most of the tools carried by the turret are provided in groups so that substantially a complete set of reserve tools is provided. Each tool can be used for a certain number of work cycles, or the machine can be provided with adaptive, or tool sensing, controls which sense the dulling or breaking of a tool, or workpieces taken from the machine can be periodically guaged to determine when a particular tool has worn down to the allowable limit.

Abstract: The invention relates to the positional adjustment of a cutting tool in a machine tool for the purpose of ensuring that the cutting tool is exactly in its correct position prior to starting machining operations. The machine tool is of the kind having a cutting tool support displaceable relative to the bed along two axes which are perpendicular to each other. The apparatus provided for the above purpose in accordance with the invention includes an optical projector producing in a stationary plane a picture of the tip of the cutting tool, including its cutting edge. When the tool support is displaced along either axis, the position of the picture on the plane changes accordingly. A stationary linear array of photosensitive diodes is arranged parallel to one of the axes of displacement of the tool support so that individual diodes will be covered or uncovered by the picture when it travels across the plane upon displacement of the tool support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improvement in a peeling machine having a hollow shaft carrying a cutterhead, the improvement being characterized in that the machine includes a clamping device for feeding and removing a workpiece, the clamping device clamps each end of the workpiece, and moves through the hollow shaft and is adapted to move the workpiece axially of the cutter-head, the clamping device maintains the workpiece in a clamped position during a complete peelingoperation.

Abstract: A self-centering steady rest for supporting the free end of a cylindrical workpiece held in a chuck in a machine tool coaxially with the chuck axis. A first support including a pair of supporting rollers positioned on one side of the axis of the chuck and a second support including a second pair of supporting rollers positioned on the opposite side of the axis of the chuck from the first support. The opposing pairs of rollers are supported an equal distance from the axis of the chuck. Actuating means is connected to the first and second supports for simultaneously and equally moving the first and second supports and rollers towards the axis of the chuck for engaging and supporting the free end of the workpiece coaxially with the chuck axis. Preferably the first and second supports move in tracks in a base adapted to be slidably and movably secured to the ways of the machine tool for positioning the first and second supports adjacent the free end of the workpiece.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting a body of rigid plastics foam material, such as polyurethane or poly-isocyanurate, comprises a bed for supporting the body and two sets of parallel cutting elements adapted to oscillate longitudinally out of phase with each other. The cutting elements may consist of helically twisted ribbons of electrical resistance alloy, twisted in such a way that the handedness of the twist varies at regular intervals along each element. The elements are heated to a temperature below the fusion temperature of the plastics material, and are passed through the body to sever it into a number of slabs.

Abstract: Combustible materials, including plastic sheets, plates, and blocks, also leather and all varieties of wood, may be cut along predetermined lines by engaging same with a heated reciprocating wire at temperatures which vaporizes the material rather than melting same. The machine providesa reciprocating wire which is heated by electrical resistance. A system of air quenching of the wire above and below the cutting zone is employed in order to attain incandescent temperatures at the point of cutting.

Abstract: Presented is a precision power saw assembly which includes a saw table manufactured to exceedingly close tolerances and on which a circular saw blade and its driving apparatus is suspended. The saw blade is mounted for horizontal translation from one end of the saw table to the other together with its driving motor. A stop plate adjustable to close tolerances is mounted on the top of the saw table and provides an abutment against which the edge of a workpiece may abut. Additionally, a multiplicity of fluid operated clamps are provided to clamp the workpiece in proper position and retain it in such position during the entire cutting operation.

Abstract: The invention comprises a roller having circumferentially extending slits through which extend blades having an outerwardly facing cutting surface. The blades are detachably mounted from a retractable bar whereby the cutting surface extends beyond the roller or is retracted below the outer surface of the roller. A pivoted protective cover assembly fits adjacent to the slitted rollers and retracts the blades when the cover is lifted away from the slitted roller. Means are provided to position the slitted roller laterally with respect to the film to be slitted.

Abstract: A mat cutting device having a cutter carriage with tracks to guide the carriage in two right-angularly related directions with stops on the tracks to limit the movement of the carriage and removable attachments for the stops primary to change the limits that the stops would otherwise provide without moving the stops.

Abstract: Musical sounds are synthesized by means of frequency modulation with the carrier and modulating frequencies being in the audio range and the modulating index being related to a function to control the bandwidth and evolution in time of the partial frequencies of synthesized sound.

Abstract: Twelve flip-flops each corresponding to one of the twelve keys within an octave are provided. Each is set by depression of one corresponding key in the accompaniment manual or simultaneous depression of more than one key in the manual for playing the melody. All flip-flops are reset upon depression of a subsequent key. The q output of each flip-flop is connected to a corresponding input of reduction circuits which reduce all possible combinations of the input signals to 32 five bit words signifying 31 chords and an O signal. The 32 words are applied to tone control means which also receives signals from a bass program selector. The tone control means produces rhythmically the codes of the appropriate bass tones.

Abstract: An automatic rhythm performing apparatus comprises a rhythm pattern generator for generating stressed beat pattern pulses representative of stressed beats of a rhythm to be generated and relaxed beat pattern pulses representative of relaxed beats of the rhythm, a tone generator, a rhythm gate coupled to the tone generator and a mute gate coupled to the rhythm gate. The rhythm gate is operative to impart a decayed envelope to a tone signal from the tone generator in reponse to each of the stressed beat pattern pulses and the mute gate is operative to suppress a portion of a decayed output signal from the rhythm gate in response to each of the relaxed beat pattern pulses. The automatic rhythm performing apparatus can be used for an automatic chord performance of a keyboard type electronic musical instrument.

Abstract: An automatic guitar tuner for a standard six string electric guitar which includes a pick-up, a master crystal oscillator, and a tone generator for each string of the guitar. The pick-up feeds a frequency comparator for each string of the guitar and each frequency comparator is fed by a separate tone generator. A light emitting diode is positioned under each of the strings of the guitar and is connected between the frequency comparator and a source of electricity, either battery or transformer. When the frequency of the individual tone generator and the frequency of the string match, the frequency comparator will complete a circuit through the light emitting diode so that the light emitting diode indicates that the individual string is properly tuned. When the string is out of tune it is adjusted in the normal fashion until the light emitting diode associated therewith is energized.

Abstract: This invention provides an electronic musical instrument capable of producing plural musical tones simultaneously and also capable of controlling the pitch, tone color and volume of the musical tones in response to a player's finger touch on a key.Transducers capable of electrically detecting the finger touch, i.e. factors including pressure and speed of depression and displacement of the key, are provided for respective keys. Analog outputs of these transducers are sampled and multiplexed in time sharing by each of channels of the number equal to a maximum number of musical tones to be produced simultaneously, and each of the multiplexed signals is held in a corresponding one of condensers provided in the respective channels. The pitch, tone color and volume are controlled in accordance with the magnitudes of voltages held in these condensers. Suitable discharging circuits are connected to these holding condensers.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for use in electronically creating music or special sound effects through the generation and modification of audio frequency, electrical, tone sequence signals. The apparatus is characterized by its ability to generate random, as well as cyclically patterned, tone sequences; by the degree of control provided over both basic parameters of generation and a number of available special modifying effects; and by the reliability of the apparatus and the relative economy with which it may be maufactured. The preferred form of apparatus employs functional stages or modules largely implemented with solid state components. Among the novel functional modules utilized in the apparatus is an improved type of low pass, electronic R-C ladder filter employing diodes and fixed value capacitances, rather than transistors or/and variable value capacitances.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument, in the nature of an organ, employs a plurality of endless magnetic tape players, each continuously playing an endless magnetic tape stored therein, each endless tape having recorded thereon a continuous tone, and a keyboard arranged such that depression of a key causes the output of a selected tape player to be played through a speaker system continuously for as long as the key is depressed.A method of recording a continuous tone on a magnetic tape is also disclosed, in which a short loop of a master tape carrying the desired tone is fed sequentially across two transducer heads and the output of the heads is selectively fed toa tape player in the record mode so as to avoid recording the splice on the master tape.

Abstract: An attachment for pianos to allow a paraplegic to operate pedals of a piano with his forearms while playing the piano normally. It employs a pivotal arm securable to a keyboard or other convenient location on the piano and includes an operator bar extending along a length of the piano keyboard at approximately the level of the keyboard. The pivotal arm is connected to a push rod while extending downward into the region of the pedals. Attachment means for the rod to operate the sustain pedal is provided.

Abstract: A resonating end-pin holder for cellos and other string instruments, the holder serving not only to stabilize the instrument with respect to the ground but also to enhance the playing qualities thereof. The holder is constituted by a back plate raised from the ground by feet, above which is a top plate having a socket adapted to receive the end-pin. The top plate, which is spaced from the back plate, is coupled thereto by a sound post that provides an acoustic coupling therebetween. The vibrations of the instrument are transmitted through an end-pin to the plates and radiated thereby but they are isolated from the ground whereby the holder functions as a sympathetic sound board to reinforce the sounds produced by the instrument and to improve its playing qualities.

Abstract: A snare assembly for use with a snare drum has a series of generally parallel snare wires extending between terminal plates secured at opposite ends of an elongate mounting frame. The snare strands are secured in a bowed configuration, projecting upwardly from the mounting frame beyond the terminal plates, the snare wires being pretensioned. Thus when the snare assembly is pressed against the lower drum head by the conventional strainer mechanism neither the mounting frame, the terminal plates, nor those parts of the snare strands directly attached to the terminal plates, come into contact with the drum head. Thus the snare strands by virtue of their bowed configuration are at all times resiliently pressed against the drum head and provide great sensitivity and response to the vibrations of the drum head providing a high degree of definition and tonal quality even at very large volumes.

Abstract: An electronic metronome capable of providing subdivisions and cross rhythms in an audibly distinct manner. The metronome is comprised of solid state circitry including a linear potentiometer in a compensating network to yield an intended non-linear metronome characteristic, and can be readily contained in a small pocket size package including a battery source and loudspeaker.

Abstract: A bolt usable for fastening connecting rods wherein an intermediate threaded portion is formed in the bolt shank between the bolt head and the fastening thread portion, which intermediate thread is reverse to and has a greater pitch than that of the fastening thread. A method of manufacturing the bolt is disclosed which comprises steps of cold heading the bolt head and rolling screw thread for fastening the big end portion of the connecting rod, further rolling the intermediate screw thread having reversed screw thread with respect to the fastening thread between the bolt head and the fastening thread and reducing the diameter of the intermediate thread through a finishing die.

Abstract: A wheel nut has a tapered end adapted to seat in the conical depression in a wheel surrounding a stud hole and sides formed with polygonal wrench flats. The flats at the nut end opposite to the taper are depressed or recessed with respect to the remaining flat surface and are connected to the unrecessed sections by a slight shoulder. A stainless steel sheath covers the recessed sections of the flat so that the free edge of the sheath abuts the shoulder. The sheath forms a domed cover surrounding the end of the nut opposite to the conical end to form an enclosure for the end of a wheel stud extending beyond the nut. In an alternative embodiment the sheath edge is bent radially outwardly and then rebent inwardly to form a flange which abuts the wheel surface surrounding a stud depression.

Abstract: An apparatus for trimming and profiling the edges of a metal plate comprises a table supporting the plate and at least one milling cutter unit guided laterally and parallel to a respective plate edge by at least two straight guide tracks for the milling cutter units. The guide tracks extend at right angles to each other and parallel to the plane of the plate. The milling cutter unit includes a milling cutter rotatable about an axis which is perpendicular to this plane.

Abstract: A hydraulic impact device has a hammer member carrying a piston which is reciprocally disposed in a cylinder chamber to form an expansible chamber. When the expansible chamber is pressurized, the hammer is retracted against an air spring or other energy storage device by the high pressure. A sleeve valve is reciprocally disposed in the cylinder chamber between the piston and the energy storage device and is held against the piston by an imbalanced fluid pressure as the hammer is retracted against the spring. When the piston and sleeve valve have been retracted to a predetermined position, high pressure fluid is ported between the sleeve valve and piston to hydraulically separate the two members.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus including a member mounted on a frame and biased for movement in one direction, a hydraulic cylinder-piston assembly connected between the frame and the member and including a piston and a cylinder which houses the piston and includes opposed ends, together with a first fluid line extending from the one of the cylinder ends toward which the piston moves incident to movement of the member in the one direction, a second fluid line extending from the other of the cylinder ends, a control valve operatively connected to a source of pressure fluid and to the first and second fluid lines and including selectively operable means for supplying and draining fluid from the cylinder, a first safety valve in the first fluid line and first hydraulic means operatively connected to the first valve member for displacing the first valve member from a flow permitting position and second hydraulic means operatively connected to the second valve member for displacing the second valve member from a

Abstract: In a piston machine of the type having a housing, a reciprocable piston in the housing and provided with an axial end portion and a piston-reciprocating element having a glide surface located opposite and movable with reference to the end portion for effecting the reciprocation of the piston, the invention provides for a glide shoe which is articulately connected to the end portion of the piston and which has a glide face in gliding contact with the glide surface of the piston-reciprocating element. The glide face has a recess which communicates via a passage with a source of pressure fluid, a sealing rim of substantially constant width surrounding the recess, and a plurality of face portions which are located outwardly of the sealing rim and configurated so that hydrodynamic pressure fields develop between the face portions and the respectively juxtaposed surface portions of the glide surface.

Abstract: In a pump or motor assembly having telescoped slidably relatively rotative surfaces whereby one of the members supports the other member for relative rotation and one of the members has passage means for hydraulic pressure fluid. Hydraulic bearing means between the surfaces in communication with the pressure fluid passage have distribution of hydraulic pressure fluid to the bearing means controlled by valve means to improve efficiency of the hydraulic bearing means to counteract off-center forces. In a preferred arrangement the bearing means comprise circumferentially spaced pockets in one of the relatively rotative surfaces, and the valve means control distribution of hydraulic pressure fluid to the pockets by modulating lowered pressure in any of the pockets.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to rotary hydraulic machines of the kind comprising, in a casing, a rotatably-mounted shaft and a plurality of cylinder-piston units mounted radially in star around the shaft and co-operating with eccentric means so arranged as to impart a relative movement to each of said units in turn, conjointly with the rotation of the shaft, and also with fluid-circulation means so arranged that each of the cylinder-piston units are supplied with fluid in turn. The eccentric means may comprise an eccentric bearing surface provided on said shaft and co-operating with the cylinder-piston units supplied with fluid through conduits formed in the shaft, under the control of a distribution ring engaged on the eccentric surface. The cylinders of the units are oscillatably mounted, and controlled retention means prevent any driving action on the distribution ring by the eccentric surface.

Abstract: A hydraulic disc brake actuator is disclosed. The actuator uses a first hydraulic motor for actuating a service brake, and a spring-applied, hydraulically released motor for emergency or handbrake applications. If the braking system malfunctions or is disengaged from its source of hydraulic pressure, the spring motor may be used to apply the brake by merely venting its associated hydraulic motor. The spring brake may be released by energizing a second hydraulic motor, or by using a mechanical restraction device to compress the spring motor. The spring-applied brake may be used as a parking brake or as an emergency brake.

Abstract: An auxiliary speed control system for a vehical having an engine, a multiple ratio transmission and an operator's foot pedal for varying the engine speed. To obtain a vehicle speed which is different from any of those normally provided by the multiple ratio transmission, a device is moved into proximity to the operator's foot pedal. The device is contacted by the foot pedal when the foot pedal is depressed. When the speed of the vehicle reaches a predetermined maximum, the device acts on the foot pedal to prevent the operator from exceeding the selected speed.

Abstract: This specification describes an improved method for making a container that has a square bag construction at its lower end and an upper end constructed as a folding box. The method produces such a container with a flexible handle that is permanently attached to the container in contrast with the prior art where economical construction requires that the user attach a separate handle to the container. With this invention, changes in the reinforcing of the upper panels of the container and a novel sequence in the manufacturing steps make the provision of a permanently attached handle both economical and practical. The product has novel features of construction that make it possible to manufacture the product on automatic machines which make conventional shopping bags and with limited alterations in the standard shopping bag machines.

Abstract: An improved cardboard box erecting machine for receiving stacks of folded cardboard boxes, and for opening the boxes and folding and/or securing the bottom flaps thereof.The various steps in erecting the cardboard box are each accomplished at a plurality of individual stations in the automatic erector, thereby allowing maximum throughput by minimizing the operations at any station prior to movement of the box to the next station. The erector includes numerous adjustments, including an adjustment in the longitudinal position of the lateral flap folding mechanism to provide the desired operation thereof regardless of the size of boxes being erected.

Abstract: This invention relates to a carton making machine in which carton blanks having a leading flap attached to a body portion, the line on which the flap is to be folded being at right angles to the direction of movement of the blanks, are fed continuously along a feed path. The leading flap is folded by a hooked finger, which can swing on a fixed pivot, as the blank is fed over a section of the feed path having a convex configuration in the direction of travel.The blanks are fed between cooperating upper and lower bands, but no upper band is provided over the convex section of the feed path so that the leading flap is free to extend in a direction tangential to the curve of the convex section. With such a construction it is possible to feed the blanks in an overlapped formation and still be able to fold the leading flap as a gap will be formed between the underside of the flap and the top surface of the preceding blank, thus allowing the finger to engage the leading edge of the flap.

Abstract: An apparatus for draining whey from cheese curd. The cheese curd to be treated is contained within an open ended box or container and the lower end of the box is enclosed by a support plate while the upper end of the box is enclosed by a perforated lid. The support plate is provided with a plurality of drain holes and is also formed with a series of downwardly extending grooves which extend from the interior of the plate to the peripheral edge. The grooves are generally V-shaped in cross section and have a greater depth than width. During vacuum draining of the cheese curd, the whey is drained through the holes in the support plate as well as along the grooves to thereby provide improved drainage characteristics for the mass of cheese curd.

Abstract: A strapping machine for palletized loads wherein probes are positioned and held against movement at the upper edges of the load. The strap which secures the load to the pallet is snubbed around the probes as the strap is tautened. After the strap has been tautened and clamped, the probes are removed so that the tautened strap engages the upper edges of the load.

Abstract: A refuse compactor arranged for automatically moving the drawer from a compacting position toward an exposed refuse-receiving position. The movement is effected herein by modified operation of the compacting ram structure. More specifically, the automatic movement of the drawer is effected by the operation of the power drive provided for operating the ram normally between compacting and retracted positions.

Abstract: A latch means for the access door of a household trash compactor incorporates a door position sensing switch directly in the latching mechanism thereby to insure that the compactor may be operated only when the door is fully closed and locked. The latch means includes a catch engageable with a bar to secure the door. The sensing switch is operable by the engagement of the catch with the bar to permit operation of the compactor.

Abstract: A press for dry fodder comprising a cylindrical matrix which is provided with a radially extending flange extending at right angles to the rotational axis of said matrix and an annular circumferential stepped portion on said matrix in which rotates at least one press wheel. Axial cutouts connecting said stepped portion to a side of said matrix are provided for pressing and discharging said material.

Abstract: In a press which comprises an upper frame provided at the forward end thereof with a main cylinder, a lower frame opposed to said upper frame across a vertical spacing and a shank frame attached integrally to the ends of said upper and lower frames so as to provide support therefor and which is adapted to produce pressure for required fabrication by hydraulically actuating said main cylinder, an auxiliary cylinder is incorporated parallel to the main cylinder of the upper frame between the main cylinder and the shank frame and the forward end of the piston of said auxiliary cylinder is fastened onto the lower frame by the medium of a tension bar. The hydraulic actuating fluid is delivered to the auxiliary cylinder through a flow path which branches off from the flow path of said hydraulic fluid to the main cylinder, and the direction in which said fluid is delivered to the auxiliary cylinder is opposite that in which the fluid flows to the main cylinder.

Abstract: A rotating container-bearing mechanism includes a follower which travels along an endless groove in a cooperating stationary member. The stationary member includes a radially slidable portion which defines part of the endless groove. The edges of the slidable portion overlap portions of the stationary member and cooperate therewith to form transition zones for smoothly receiving the follower. The slidable portion is actuated by means of an air cylinder and a control responsive to the absence of a container to provide a first path when a container is present and a second path when no container is borne by the follower mechanism.