Abstract: A process of treating a plurality of wells involved in an enhanced oil recovery process so that oil and/or gas can be displaced from a reservoir in a more uniform manner comprising treating the formation surrounding and in the immediate vicinity of each well involved in the process with a solution that sets with time to form a plug in the more permeable zones of the reservoir surrounding each well.

Abstract: Hydrogen sulfide, sometimes referred to as "rotten egg" gas occurs commonly in nature, particularly about oil and gas wells in drilling, completing and working over of wells and is dangerously toxic to workmen and devastatingly corrosive to bore hole casings and drilling equipment. It also contaminates natural gas produced by some wells.Here it has been found that a water soluble zinc ammonium carbonate complex provides nearly quantitative removal of hydrogen sulfide by intimately contacting the carrier thereof with substantially stoichiometric qualities of said complex in aqueous solution.

Abstract: Combustion air injection well completion comprising an outer casing having a reduced diameter lower portion and a small diameter liner casing which is run inside the outer casing and screwed into the upper end of the small diameter portion of the outer casing. The resulting completion provides an annular conduit through which cooling or divertent fluid may be injected into formations while combustion air is simultaneously pumped through the inner casing and into formations through perforations in the small diameter portion of the outer casing.

Abstract: A process for producing petroleum from subterranean formations is disclosed wherein production from the formation is obtained by driving a fluid from an injection well to a production well. The process involves injecting via the injection well into the formation an aqueous solution of tannin as a sacrificial agent to inhibit the deposition of surfactant and/or polymer on the reservoir matrix. The process may best be carried out by injecting the tannin into the formation through the injection well ahead of or mixed with either a polymer, a surfactant solution and/or a micellar dispersion. This mixture would then be followed by a drive fluid such as water to push the chemicals to the production well.

Abstract: An improved means for making up and breaking out sections of drill pipe is disclosed herein. The make-up and breakout system is adapted for drill rigs having powered rotaries and powered carriages for moving the rotary up and down the mast. A wrench is mounted to the carriage for gripping the first section of the pipe. Slips are mounted at the work table for gripping the second section of pipe to support the string of pipe and prevent its rotation. The wrench is powered independently of the rotary, and the wrench and rotary can also rotate a certain amount with respect to each other while the wrench is gripping the first section of pipe. The independent power of rotation allows the wrench to breakout the first section from the second section. It also allows the rotary to breakout the first section from the rotary while the wrench restrains the first section from rotation.

Abstract: A penetrator/nozzle arrangement, particularly for enabling fighting of fires in aircraft and other difficult access target units, in which the penetrator/nozzle arrangement has a telescopic nozzle formed by a spray nozzle tube section telescopically slidable on a concentric feed tube, with a cylindrical cutter mounted for sliding movement about the nozzle and toward a target unit. A cartridge is fired to drive the cutter toward the forward spray end of the nozzle, thereby cutting the effective skin of a target and enabling the nozzle to be moved therethrough with its forward spray discharge end extending into the target interior zone for passage of fluid, powder or other desired agent through the nozzle into the target interior.

Abstract: The device includes (i) a supporting frame for connection to a draft source, this frame having a plurality of laterally positioned rigid supporting sections each hinged to its laterally adjacent section; (ii) a plurality of working sections corresponding to the respective supporting sections, the working sections each comprising (a) tandemly positioned transverse harrow bars secured together for independent vertical and pivotal motion with respect to each other, and (b) downwardly disposed harrow teeth secured to the harrow bars; and (iii) connectors flexibly securing the working sections to their corresponding supporting sections so that when in harrowing position a working section underlies its supporting section. At least one of the outboard supporting sections together with its working section can be rotated as a unit around a longitudinal axis between prone and upstanding positions.

Abstract: Mounting structure provides for coupling a bulldozer blade to a crawler tractor which has four track assemblies each of which may oscillate vertically independently of the others and pairs of which may oscillate laterally relative to the tractor body and which is therefore not adaptable to the coupling of bulldozer push arms to the track frames at each side of the tractor in the conventional manner. A pair of push arms with universal joints at each end extend between pairs of the track assemblies to couple the blade to suspension frame members. A mounting member, pivotable vertically by a centrally located lift cylinder, connects to the blade at another universal joint. To resist side loads, which can be severe owing to the close spacing of the push arms, stabilizing links extend diagonally from the mounting member to the ends of the blade and the links may be fluid cylinders to facilitate tipping and tilting of the blade.

Abstract: A two-speed pneumatically powered rotary nut runner having an auxiliary motor, and a main motor axially offset from the auxiliary motor and being drivingly connected thereto by a reduction gear cage. An output spindle is provided for engagement with a drive shank for setting of a threaded fastener, and an intermediate spindle, drivingly connected to the auxiliary motor, is coupled to the output spindle by planetary gears. A torque signal assembly is operatively associated with the main motor and is operative upon reverse rotation of the main motor to generate a pneumatic signal indicative of such reverse rotation. Reverse rotation of the main motor is caused by the auxiliary motor when it has exerted predetermined final torque upon the threaded fastener. The fact that the main motor is axially offset from the auxiliary motor, allows the rotor of the main motor to be of smaller diameter.

Abstract: A connector assembly for use in attaching a lanyard pull wire to the trigger of a powder-actuated tool which is mounted on a pole for overhead use. A tubular member, preferably a spring, receives a wire loop through its bore. The member slips onto the tool trigger, and the lanyard is connected to the wire loop. The connector assembly is thus easily removable and does not require extra tool modification to use.

Abstract: A marine riser system for use in deep water drilling operations from a floating vessel is disclosed. The riser system permits detachment of the lower end of the riser from the wellhead enabling the riser to be set aside to a position which is clear of the wellhead. Support means adjacent the wellhead can be used to support and position the riser when it is set aside. Tensioners, support mechanisms and guidance means are provided to move the riser back and forth between the wellhead and support means. In this manner, casing and tools having diameters larger than that of the riser can be inserted into the wellhead without returning the riser to the surface. Drilling operations with large diameter drill bits can also be conducted with the riser in the set aside position.

Abstract: An acoustic communication system is disclosed as a secondary means for command control of underwater operations from a surface unit. The system includes a diving acoustic command control unit for use in the event of prime propagation path occlusion. Self-check verification as well as data read-out upon interrogation is provided from the surface unit to an underwater receiver-transponder. The latter will also respond to acoustic command signals from the diving unit. An early warning blowout detector employs sensors at the wellhead to detect seismic waves, mud pressure wave fronts and mud flow rates resulting from an emerging blowout and in response thereto, transmits an alert signal.

Abstract: A logging-while-drilling apparatus having an asymmetrically efficient drive train for connecting a motor to a signal-generating rotary valve. The drive train includes a transmission which efficiently transmits torque from its input to its output but prevents the transmission of torque from its output to its input whereby the motor is effectively isolated from hydraulic torques produced by the valve.

Abstract: Apparatus for weight measurement comprising a wire mounted for tensioning by a weight to be measured, means for resonating the wire, means for measuring the frequency of resonation, at least one programmable read only memory (PROM) fed from the means for measuring the frequency of resonation and programmed to provide output signals indicative of the weight applied to the wire, and digital display means fed from said PROM.

Abstract: A vehicle drive system for driving the front and/or the rear wheels of a vehicle wherein the power is transmitted from the rear axle to the front axle by cross-axis gearing mounted on the rear input pinion shaft which meshes with the driven cross-axis gearing connected to a forwardly extending propeller shaft.

Abstract: A kit including an axle to be substituted for a fixed flanged axle from which kit axle the flange is omitted and which includes an outward axle extension providing spaced bearings on which a kit wheel hub is rotatably supported, the inner end of the hub providing an annular flange which performs the same function as the replaced fixed axle flange by accepting the bolts normally used for supporting the adjacent brake drum and wheel of the vehicle. Both inner and outer ends of the substitute axle are splined, the inner end fitting into the splined differential socket provided therefor in the differential, the outer end fitting into a conventional wheel clutching mechanism mounted on the outer end of the axle housing hub, the mechanism being operable manually to optionally lock the substitute axle to the wheel hub and wheel or to disengage the substitute axle to permit the hub and wheel to turn freely thereon.

Abstract: Apparatus removably mounted on a standard model agricultural tractor of a type used principally for pulling various implements and for hauling, and to which agricultural implements cannot usually be advantageously mounted at the front of the tractor, the apparatus including a second steering device at and facing the rear and at a side of the tractor which is linked to the tractor's regular steering device. A seat for the driver may be pivoted 180.degree. to one side for constituting a driver's seat when controlling the second steering device or two seats facing in opposite directions may be provided. A second set of pedals, such as a clutch, accelerator, and brake project from the deck of the attachment in the vicinity of the second steering device and are mechanically linked to the regular control pedals.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating and transmitting seismic signals for the purpose of seismic exploration are disclosed. The signals are force pulses shaped to have a spectrum constrained to the range of frequencies which are necessary for penetration to desired depths within the earth and for resolution of the geological reflection surfaces therein. These pulses are provided in a non-repetitive or aperiodic train, constructed to produce a transmitted energy spectrum whose mean energy extends smoothly at a substantially constant level over the spectrum frequency range, notwithstanding that the repetition frequency of the pulses may be swept over a frequency band much narrower than the spectrum range. The transmitted spectrum can exhibit an auto-correlation function having a major lobe which is predominant over any side lobes, corresponding to a desired level of resolution of the geological reflection surfaces.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cabinet for audio reproduction speakers of the type which have a movable speaker cone mounted within a fixed speaker frame. The cabinet includes a plurality of external cabinet members juxtaposed to form a substantially rectangular cabinet having a rectangular void therein together with front and rear openings. Each of the external cabinet members is formed from a thin and acoustically stiff material for moving in a vibratile mode when energized. End sections of adjacent ones of the external cabinet members define therebetween isolation slots for permitting the independent vibratile mode of each of the external cabinet members. Nodal couplers span the isolation slots for transmitting vibratile energy between adjacent external cabinet members.

Abstract: A spark arrestor aspirating muffler for an internal combustion engine which comprises an outer body or housing having an exhaust gas inlet in one end and a gas outlet in the opposite end. Located immediately upstream of the outlet is a venturi and air is drawn into the throat of the venturi through an air inlet tube connected to a pre-cleaner for the engine. A baffle plate containing a series of louvered openings is positioned upstream of the venturi and the exhaust gases entering the gas inlet conduit are swirled outwardly as they pass through the louvered openings and are discharged through the venturi. The solid particles in the swirling exhaust gas are thrown outwardly and move along the inner surface of a tubular member which is secured to the downstream side of the baffle and are collected in a collection chamber.

Abstract: A stablizing device to be connected on the outer sides of the side pieces of a ladder has a lower leg pivoted on a lower part of the side piece and pivoted at its upper end to an upper leg part which has a locking member for releasable locking on the side piece. By adjustment of the upper leg part, the leg parts can be braced against the ground or against a vertical wall surface. This device leaves the rungs of the ladder unobstructed and the upper leg part may be freely slidingly connected on the side piece so that the knees can readily be adjusted independently to allow the ladder to be stabilized on uneven ground. There is disclosed an arrangement in which a lever on the upper leg part engages a toothed rack on the side piece and lifts the ladder bodily upwards a small distance as the lever is pressed inward to the side of the ladder.

Abstract: A lubricator for an automatic riveter positions an absorbent pad containing a liquid lubricant in the path of the riveter's drill bit when the bit is being moved laterally. The absorbent pad is resiliently held to ensure contact between the pad and the drill bit. When drilling only, the pad is mounted at an angle to a cylinder and is driven back and forth by the cylinder to contact the drill bit and transfer lubricant.

Abstract: A solid state timing circuit exhibiting very high reliability under adverse environmental operational conditions such as are encountered in automatic truck lubrication systems. The circuit utilizes an electrochemical timing device operating in plate and deplate modes to achieve a periodic actuation of an inductive load. Two transistor stages are operatively associated with the electrochemical timing device and an R-C timing network is used to control one of these transistor stages.

Abstract: The various air motors of a rock drilling rig are supplied with oil through oil lines which are furnished with predetermined metered oil flows from positive displacement pumps that are operated in synchronism with each other by an air operated oscillator. There is a normally closed shut-off valve in each oil line. The respective shut-off valve is opened when the respective air line is pressurized. When a shut-off valve is closed, the respective metered oil flow escapes through a pressure relief valve.

Abstract: Apparatus including auxiliary hall call registration means and selection means which cooperate with an elevator control system operating a plurality of cars in a predetermined manner in response to primary hall calls and car calls registered for a plurality of landings to select a car signified as closest to a landing for which an auxiliary hall call is registered and to cause the control system to operate the selected car in a manner in which it travels to and stops at the landing for which the auxiliary hall call is registered.

Abstract: The arrangement indicates pad wear for brake shoes comprising a contact head embedded in the brake shoe and a socket connector adapted to be readily connected with the contact head with an electrical line leading from the socket connector to an indicating arrangement. When the worn brake shoe is to be replaced only the contact head which is embedded in the brake shoe is discarded. The socket connector can be reused after each replacement.

Abstract: A braking system for a railroad car truck having its front and rear wheelsets so connected to permit each wheelset to yaw as the truck proceeds about curved trackage includes a front and rear brake beam and brake shoes attached thereto for engagement with the front and rear wheelsets. Each brake beam is pivotally connected to a front and rear brake lever, respectively, which are in turn pivotally connected to a front and rear swingable arm of the truck. During yawing or horizontal rotational movements of the wheelsets and the swingable arms in which the wheelsets are journaled, the brake beams and truck levers move complementary to each other so that when a braking force is applied to the truck levers, the rotational position of the wheelsets is unaffected by the braking force as the brake shoes engage the wheelsets.

Abstract: A weight transfer rail traction vehicle adapted for travel on alternate sets of rail or road wheels which is characterized by a number of features including: a spring and shock absorber system which cooperate to maintain the springs, while in a rail travel mode, in an active condition despite substantial weight transfer loads being placed thereon; a hydraulic system which enables the differential axles to be optionally spring supported to the frame or in a rigid fixed relationship therewith; a differential axle suspension system wherein the spring supported axle moves in a substantially vertical plane without lateral shifting; a shock absorbing coupler; a coupler mounting arrangement which includes a coupler carriage directly mounted to a lateral frame member of the vehicle which serves as a guideway for directing travel of the coupler carriage and hence the coupler mounted thereto in a horizontal direction and wherein the coupler itself is mounted for vertical movement with respect to the coupler carriage; a

Abstract: A drum brake assembly includes a backing plate which supports a pair of brake shoes and a hydraulic actuator is engageable with the pair of brake shoes to urge the latter into braking engagement with a drum. An adjuster also engages the pair of brake shoes to maintain a running clearance between the drum and the pair of brake shoes. A cable between the backing plate and the adjuster connects with one of the pair of brake shoes in order to actuate the adjuster when the one brake shoe moves relative to the backing plate. The connection between the cable and one brake shoe is provided by a grooved-arcuate tab integrally formed from the one brake shoe.

Abstract: A brake disc connection, especially for rail vehicles, in which the undivided brake ring or the brake ring divided along a radial or axial plane is by a clamping connection which includes a clamping groove and clamping strip clamped therein connected to the hub or wheel. The hub or the wheel as well as the brake ring are each provided with two clamping surfaces defining the clamping groove. These clamping surfaces are in alignment with each other in radial and/or axis parallel direction, and the clamping strip extends into both clamping grooves while being clamped thereinto; at least three pairs of clamping surfaces being provided for each brake ring, so that at least three of the above mentioned connections are provided for each brake ring.

Abstract: A structurally strong heat insulator is depicted in the backing plate and pressure plate regions of an aircraft multiple disc brake assembly. The insulator is constructed from a plurality of perforated metal sheets in order to withstand the large compressive forces experienced during a brake application. The sheets are compiled randomly into an insulating stack which thereby offsets the holes in adjacent sheets. The holes decrease the surface area and the offset increases the heat conduction path, both which reduce the amount of heat cnducted through the stack.

Abstract: Fluid actuated clutches are equipped with friction facings made of impregnated paper which operate in hydraulic fluid. Valves which control the transmission supply an increased amount of lubrication fluid to the friction facings when the clutches are dispositioned to be semi-engaged.

Abstract: A multi-speed transmission hub for a bicycle having a multiple speed-change mechanism and a braking mechanism which acts by back-pedalling, a ring gear for the speed-change mechanism which is provided with first transmitting pawls in mesh with first inner teeth formed at the inner surface of a hub shell and a clutch cone for the speed-change mechanism which is provided with second transmitting pawls in mesh with second inner teeth at the hub shell, and a rotor in mesh with the second inner teeth between the clutch cone and a gear frame of the speed-change mechanism.

Abstract: A multi-speed transmission hub for a bicycle having a multi-speed change mechanism and a braking mechanism for braking action by back-pedaling, in which first transmitting members of pawl shape serve to transmit the driving force from the speed-change mechanism to a hub shell and are urged by a pawl spring in the direction of being disengaged from first inner teeth of the hub shell, while, the transmitting members are adapted to be engaged with the first inner teeth by use of differential rotary speed between a gear frame and ring gear of the speed-change mechanism, when a driving member is normally rotated.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated friction clutch wherein a spring-urged piston is provided to effect engagement of the friction elements, received in a casing mounted on the driving shaft for axial reciprocation relative to this casing and defining with this casing two coaxially arranged variable volume chambers communicating with each other, adapted to receive liquid under pressure the first one of said chambers is in permanent communication with a pressure liquid supply passage, while the other chamber is communicable via a valve means with a drain passage and the pressure liquid supply passage. The pressure liquid supply passage and the drain passage have a portion common to both of them, wherein the valve means is mounted so that the movable valve member thereof can reciprocate in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the clutch, by which reciprocation it selectively connects the other chamber with the drain passage and with the pressure liquid supply passage.

Abstract: An anti-theft parking system comprising a free-standing post at each delineated area for the parking of a single vehicle supporting audible and illuminated signals and a control circuit so designed that when a vehicle is driven into the area so as to depress a road switch set into the pavement of the area and a coin of appropriate value is deposited in a coin box, a key may be removed from a key switch without actuating the alarms, but if the vehicle is removed from the parking area so as to release the ground switch without restoring the key, the alarms will be actuated. There is a panel which becomes illuminated by parking the vehicle which indicates that a coin should be inserted and a panel which becomes illuminated by removal of the key which indicates that the system is conditioned for operation.

Abstract: A stack former for rod-like articles includes a variable capacity transfer region between a supply conveyor and a stack conveyor. The supply conveyor is mounted on a unit which is pivotable to alter the capacity of the transfer region and which also carries a level sensor. The speed of the stack conveyor and the pivoting drive for the unit are selectively controlled by this sensor. The speed of the stack conveyor is also dependent on the angular displacement of the unit.

Abstract: A dividing conveyor system is disclosed for directing articles such as milk bottles traveling along a stem conveyor to either a first or second branch conveyor. The divider conveyor system includes a diverter assembly disposed over the intersection point of the stem, first and second branch conveyors, and a diverter positioner for locating the diverter in an appropriate position to divert articles from the stem conveyor to either of the branch conveyors. A first branch sensor is located near the first branch conveyor and downstream of the conveyor intersection point, and a second sensor is correspondingly located near the second conveyor and downstream of the conveyor intersection point. Appropriate switching circuitry includes logic elements to divert articles from the stem conveyor to a branch conveyor at which the associated branch sensor has sensed the absence of articles on that branch conveyor.

Abstract: Apparatus for distributing in single file and for spacing objects moving on a conveyor belt, including two vertically staggered chains. The chains are driven about pinioned shafts having axes perpendicular to the conveyor belt and each is provided with removable symmetrical fingers parallel to and overlying the belt. The fingers are spaced at predetermined distances on the chain, in accordance with the diameter of the objects. The fingers engage the object to, in effect, accelerate or slow down the object's motion to provide predetermined spacing between objects. The fingers engage the objects at points in a plane parallel to the direction of motion of the conveyor belt, whereby the stability of the object is maintained.

Abstract: A storage and indexing mechanism for a plurality of sample containers includes a portable tray for supporting and guiding the sample containers along preselected indexing paths on the tray. The sample containers can be pre-loaded on the tray with the tray being used for storage and transport of the sample containers. When it is desired to process the sample containers, as in a scintillator counter or other analytical instrument, the portable tray containing the sample containers is placed on a stationary stage for receiving and holding the tray on the analytical instruments. The stage includes means cooperating with the tray for indexing the sample containers along the indexing paths on the tray when the tray is mounted on the stage, and means for registering the tray and the sample containers thereon with the indexing means when the tray is mounted on the stage.

Abstract: Air under pressure is selectively injected into raisable hollow members made of foldable material forming engagement means for movable belts which define conveying and storing elements for streams of cigarettes or the like between cigarette producing machines and packaging machines, the deflating of the hollow member acting to shift the belts from conveying function to storing function.

Abstract: A conveyor for transporting substantially flat articles, such as mail, along a trough by pusher fingers. The pusher fingers are individually mounted to carriers which are connected to pulling mechanism and guided by guide rails. The present conveyor design causes reduced operational noise and need for maintenance.

Abstract: A supply package for wet-impregnated multifilament roving is provided in which the multifilament roving is impregnated with a curable liquid having a tack less than about 6 (measured on a Thwing-Albert inkometer) in an amount at least sufficient to fill the spaces between the filaments in the roving, but not in excess of about a 3:2 ratio of curable liquid to fiber, by volume. This impregnated roving is way wound onto a cylinder to provide a crossing angle between the rovings in adjacent layers of at least about 10.degree. to provide free volume storage capacity between the angled rovings which accepts any liquid which may run off. In this manner the wet-impregnated roving can be stored wet in the way wound cylinder and easily withdrawn therefrom when needed.

Abstract: A carrying case for a musical instrument or the like is disclosed in which a movable portion of the carrying case is mounted to the remainder of the carrying case for movement to an open position at which position the movable portion and the remainder of the body of the carrying case will support the carrying case in a stable, upright, freestanding position on a horizontal surface. The movable portion takes the form of a pair of front panels hingedly mounted to side panels, which are in turn hingedly mounted to the remainder of the carrying case to enable a double hinged opening of the carrying case until the front panels extend rearwardly of the carrying case and provide a highly stable support apparatus. The carrying case further includes means for releasably retaining the instrument in the carrying case and tray means mounted to provide a convenient equipment support surface.

Abstract: A process for synthesizing diamonds and more particularly a system for indirectly heating raw material charged in a reaction chamber for the diamond synthesis. The system comprises a hollow cylindrical reaction vessel of refractory material, a thin tubular electrically heating element fitted in the vessel, a pair of disk plates each of thermal and electrical insulation material arranged to close open end of the heating element, a pair of electrically conductive disks each electrically contacting with edge of said heating element, and a pair of electrically conductive rings each contacting with each of said conductive disks to supply electrical current to said heating element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for harvesting worms from their natural habitat. The apparatus includes a frame and an elongated screen movably coupled thereto. As the screen is vibrated the worms are separated from their bedding material which includes earth, peat moss, worm eggs and castings. The smaller worms, together with the worm eggs and castings, filter through a plurality of perforations in the screen, while the larger lumps of earth, together with the larger worms, are cascaded over the width of moving conveyor. The conveyor moves along an axis of motion which is generally transverse to a longitudinal axis of motion defined by the elongated frame. Since the lumps of earth will continue to roll down the slope of the width of the conveyor, they will be separated from the worms which cling to the conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for retaining lamellar material in stacked form. The device includes a sectional rail with a J-shaped cross section, which rail forms the main body of the device. The retaining action of the device is provided by a clamping rail with an L-shaped cross section. In the vicinity of its apex, the L-shaped clamping rail is pivotally mounted at the end of the shorter leg of the J-shaped sectional rail so that the longer legs of the two rails are in opposed, spaced relationship with the shorter leg of the L-shaped rail extending therebetween. An actuating member is coupled to the shorter leg of the L-shaped clamping rail and includes a threaded shaft which extends through a hole in the arcuate or web portion of the J-shaped sectional rail. The threaded shaft is capped with a wing nut which permits adjustment of the device. In operation, the stack of lamellar material is inserted between the longer legs of the two rails and the wing nut is screwed down onto the threaded shaft.

Abstract: A transfer for elongated articles such as angles, flats, channels or rounds includes an optionally deployable rolling restraint to maintain rounds such as bars or tubes properly on the transfer during operation thereof. More particularly, the transfer is in the form of a relatively thin stacking carriage which elevates to pick up a single layer of predetermined width of such articles to transfer the same to the top of a stack being formed. The relatively thin stacking carriage pivots downwardly adjacent the top of the stack and then retracts with adjustable uprights on the stacking cradle causing the layer to be wiped off onto the top of the stack. During such retraction, the top surface of the stacking carriage must be free of obstructions to permit the layer properly to be wiped therefrom. Accordingly, a rolling restraint is provided for the stacking carriage which will move from an ambush position to a position projecting slightly above the top surface of the carriage as it elevates to lift the layer.

Abstract: For feeding logs to a sawing machine, two parallel horizontal I-beams, at a level above the sawing machine, guidingly support an inner and an outer feed carriage. From each carriage pincers-like log supporting jaws extend obliquely downwardly and in the feed direction. The I-beams provide an inner track that has its rails between the rails of an outer track. The inner carriage is wholly between the rails of the inner track and rides thereon. The outer carriage bridges over both tracks and rides on the outer one, and its jaw operating mechanism has portions above the level of the inner track and other portions extending down from said level that are laterally outside the outer track. The carriages can therefore pass one another and exchange leading/trailing relationship for each successive log. Mechanism is disclosed for causing carriage jaws to close on a positioned log without shifting it but by which the closed jaws can be laterally shifted as desired.

Abstract: An apparatus which collects pipes, rods and similar objects parallel one another, to form a bundle. The apparatus includes at least one pair of transfer rails from which the pipes are transferred to a pair of roller chains where the pipes are collected. The roller chains are mounted on driving sprockets, swing sprockets, feed sprockets and take-up sprockets. The velocity of the take-up sprockets is lower than the velocity of the feed sprockets, causing the roller chain to sag therebetween, creating a space to collect the pipes.