Abstract: A method is disclosed for imparting relative motion between a tool that is carried by a tool holder and a workpiece on a lathe. According to this method, a feed screw is provided, which has a first end and a second end and a threaded portion near the first end. A tool holder carrying a tool is fixed with respect to the second end of the feed screw, so that axial motion of the feed screw will be translated to the tool carried by the tool holder. A hollow drive tube is also provided, which has an internal diameter large enough to accommodate the feed screw and which is disposed to rotate about its long axis. The drive tube is mounted at a location that is fixed with respect to the workpiece, and a nut that is threaded to mate with the threaded portion of the feed screw is attached to one end of the drive tube. Apparatus for rotating the drive tube is attached thereto, and the second end of the feed screw is locked so that rotational motion thereof is inhibited.

Abstract: A cylindrical member used as an electrophotographic photosensitive drum or a developing sleeve has a cylindrical surface with a high shape accuracy (straightness and roundness). In cutting the outer circumferential surface of a cylindrical work by cutting tools rotating around the work, clamp portions of a right work holder and a left work holder are inserted into the two ends of the work. The work is held by abutting these tapered surfaces against circular ridge portions formed in the inner edges of end faces of the work and pressing the work in the axial direction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for trimming an inner ring from the neck flange of a blow-molded plastic bottle by extending a reverse punch having a lead end and a trailing end larger than the lead end into the bottle through the flange opening, elastically bending the flange into the interior of the bottle as the punch passes and withdrawing the reverse punch from the bottle and trimming a ring from the flange.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cutting apparatus a used in a paper blanking die for manufacturing paper box and the like and an automatic cutting system using this cutting apparatus. This cutting apparatus comprises: more than two kinds of cutters having different cutting out or cutting off patterns arranged side by side laterally against a feeding direction of the raw material; a cutter guiding section for guiding each cutter so as to be able to perpendicularly move against a plane of the cutters toward a plane of the raw material; a cutter die for supporting raw material against the pressing force of the cutter and simultaneously interacting with the cutter whereby executing the cutting work of the raw material; and a cutter for selecting such that only any one of the cutters is pressed.

Abstract: The present invention features a cutting mechanism for a receipt-printing machine, which has paper dispensed from a paper-supply roll. The cutting mechanism has a "v"-shaped, guillotine blade that is held in a blade holder. The blade is driven via the blade holder against a stationary blade and into cutting contact with a paper web containing receipt indicia. The paper web is dispensed from a paper-supply roll located within the printer. A displaceable cover is provided to allow for convenient paper loading and, occasionally, paper jam clearing. There is a blade guide which has side mountings for guiding at least one end tab of the guillotine blade into perpendicular contact with the paper web. The guillotine blade is driven through the blade guide into cutting contact with the paper by a drive cam. The drive cam rotatively engages the blade holder, providing the blade with a forward thrust. The cam is driven by a motor-driven gear train that has a timing gear.

Abstract: A mold-pressing device including a seat body formed with a horizontal fissure at one end and a vertical chamber communicated with the fissure. A mold block is disposed in the chamber. One face of the mold block is disposed with a solid die, while the other face of the mold block is disposed with a channel passing through the mold block. A pressing lever is pivotally disposed in the channel of the mold block. A housing covers the seat body and is formed with a window for a pressing section of the pressing lever to extend therethrough. In use, a paper or a sheet is pushed into the fissure of the seat body and then the pressing section of the pressing lever is depressed, whereby a protuberance of the pressing lever is moved downward to force the mold block downward with the die punching the paper or the sheet placed in the fissure. Therefore, a product with a shape as that of the die is formed.

Abstract: A punch has a hydraulic actuating system incorporating reciprocal pumps and a reciprocal motor. The motor drives a punch secured to a punch plate or retainer into a die to cut friction pads from a sheet of material for placement in a carriage or directly onto a clutch plate. The punch retainer has a resting position during which the sheet of friction material is not contacted by the punch. To ensure the proper resting position, a plurality of power cylinders are pressurized to extend rod members to contact and position the punch retainer as required.

Abstract: The invention relates to a circular braiding machine with two groups of spools (31, 38) circulating about an axis of rotation (1) on a circular path in opposite directions of rotation, the spools carrying strands (32, 37) for braiding a braided material (36) at a braiding point (35). In order to cross the strands (32, 37) in the manner characteristic of the braid (e.g. "2 over-2 under") there serve strand guide members (48) which are mounted to reciprocate on guide tracks (49) arranged substantially radially relative to the axis of rotation (1), as well as levers (50) which are arranged substantially in the extensions of the guide tracks (49) and are articulated in the manner of connecting rods at one end to the strand guide members (48) and at the other end to rotating crank levers (52).

Abstract: A yarn tensioning device which is arranged to impart a high unwinding tension to a feed yarn in a yarn draw-out phase of operation and to impart a low unwinding tension with a large yarn draw-back capacity. The yarn tensioning device is is particularly suitable for use on a textile machine which is arranged to produce a three-dimensional fabric by interweaving a large number of yarns 24 fed from yarn carriers 20 which are driven by a carrier drive mechanism to shift the respective positions along predetermined loci of movements within a common carrier shifting plane. Mounted on each carrier 20 is a high tensioning mechanism which acts with a small yarn draw-back capacity and a high yarn tensioning capacity for a feed yarn 24 being unwound from a bobbin 23, in combination with a low tensioning mechanism 22 which acts on the feed yarn with a large yarn draw-back capacity and a low tensioning capacity.

Abstract: A building panel particularly adapted for horizontal application. The panel presents inner and outer male connectors at the upper edge of the panel, and complimentary inner and outer female connectors at the lower edge of the panel. Gutter means is provided along the upper edge of the panel intermediate of the male connectors. At the opposite ends of the panel, the outer facing sheet presents inturned end portions. Beyond the inturned end portions the foam core and edges of the inner facing sheets are exposed. In a wall structure assembled from a plurality of the panels, horizontal joints between panels and vertical joints between the panel ends are presented. Gasket means is presented in the vertical joint and is configured so as to provide vertically extending discharge channels communicating with the gutter means. Liquids bypassing the outer seals at the joints collects in the gutter means and is directed to the vertical channels for discharge.

Abstract: An oven with slide-out transfer guides is provided for use in conjunction with multiple conveyors ovens to provide quick and convenient accessibility to an oven's interior in case of product transfer difficulties. A slidable rail assembly is mounted in the oven, which also has an access port for transfer guide egress and ingress, and a transfer guide with opposed lips forming a slot which mounts the transfer guide on the rail assembly. When access to the oven's interior is necessary to remedy a product transfer problem, the oven of the present invention allows the transfer guide to slide along the rail while still supported by same, and said transfer guide can be partially removed from said oven without the need to turn off the oven. In this way, obstructions can be cleared quickly without significant down time, thereby saving the user both time and expense.

Abstract: An earthen kiln cooking pot comprising a pot body, a plurality of erection posts and a plurality of support columns, whereby in its application a pit is dug on the ground, the material so dug out is used to fill the erection posts and the support columns and to cover the surface of the pot body where the material is retained within the pot body by means of the retention wall while the ventilation tube is exposed outside the material; then the support columns are arranged around the circumference of the pit according to the size of the pot body, the erection posts are placed on the support columns, and the pot body is placed on the erection posts to complete the erection of the present invention; for cooking purpose a fuel is placed and burned within the pit to heat the pot body, the erection posts and the support columns as well as the material therein while by action of the ventilation tube on the pot body, the fuel is kept on burning, till the pot body, the erection posts and the support columns as well as

Abstract: The invention pertains to a food processor with a mixing vessel (4) and a drive mechanism for an agitator in the mixing vessel (4), where the mixing vessel (4) has in its lower region an opening of substantially circular cross-section. To make this type of food processor more practicable the invention proposes that the cross-section of the upper opening be elliptical and that a geometric mid-point (19') of the upper opening cross-section be offset from a mid-point (19) of the lower opening cross-section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooking apparatus comprising a combination of a vessel having an upstanding wall defining an upper edge providing a supporting surface for a removable cover having a centrally located opening. The cover is adapted to fit over the upper edge of the vessel. The apparatus also has a number of holding elements located on the cover, each of the holding elements being adapted to hold at least one utensil for carrying food. The holding element supports the utensil in a substantially vertical position. Each of the holding elements further comprises a utensil receiving slot adapted to facilitate positioning of the utensil within the holding element. In one variant, the number of holding elements are permanently mounted on, and are an integral part of the cover. The holding element comprises a stabilizing structure, the stabilizing structure being adapted to cooperate with a corresponding stabilizing element of the utensil, and to keep the utensil in a substantially vertical position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drainage pipe with perforations for draining whey from a whey/curd mass, in which the perforations are formed by small holes, and the hole size lies within the range 0.05-3 mm, while the hole density lies within the range 5-50,000 holes/cm.sup.2. Such a pipe is used in the preparation of cheese. In a drainage pipe which is provided with a large number of small holes, a larger part of the surface can be perforated, with the result that the drainage is more efficient. A natural counterpressure can be built up by varying the hole size and the hole density over the surface of the pipe, thus making expensive facilities for regulating the counterpressure unnecessary. The hole size and/or hole density can be varied in such a way over the surface of the pipe that the open surface increases from top to bottom. Various grid patterns are described for this.

Abstract: A coffee bean roaster for home use in which a fan heater assembly in a housing blows hot air upwardly through a glass roasting chamber. The hot air escaping from the top of the chamber may be selectively recycled into the housing to raise the roasting temperature to compensate for low levels in available electrical power.

Abstract: The belt-type round baler has a drive roll for reducing trash and crop material accumulation thereon, with a longitudinal central body and a plurality of belt-engaging portions projecting radially from the central body at points spaced along the length of the body such that each portion underlies a corresponding belt. Each portion has a top surface that engages the corresponding belt and cooperates with the central body to define a portion height. The top surfaces are narrower than the corresponding belts so that the sides of the belt each overhang the portion. The portion height is at least 1.25 times the corresponding belt thickness, while each of the sides of the belt overhangs the sleeve by a distance that is no less than 2.0 times the belt thickness.

Abstract: A multi-station press is provided with a press transfer device that engages articles at the press stations after processing and transfers the articles to the next station before the press performs its next press cycle. The press transfer device includes a pair of elongated transfer bars extending along the transfer directions of the press, and grippers or other article engaging elements mounted along the transfer bars to engage the articles for transfer. The transfer bars are moved together by a grip moving unit to engage the articles, the transfer bars are lifted by a lifter, the transfer bars are then moved endwise by an endwise moving unit to the next press station. The lifter then lowers the bars and the grip moving unit moves the bars apart to disengage the articles, thereby leaving the articles at the next station. The grip moving unit ensures that the transfer bars are moved far enough apart so as not to interfere with the press during the next press cycle.

Abstract: A date-setting method for use in a postage meter having date wheels includes the steps of setting the date wheels, printing a date on a mail piece, requesting an input indicating whether the date printed on the mail piece is correct, receiving a response in the negative, receiving information indicative of the date printed on the mail piece, resetting the date wheels, logging a record indicative of the negative response and the resetting action, printing another date on a mail piece, requesting an input indicating whether the date printed on the mail piece is correct, receiving a response in the negative, receiving information indicative of the date printed on the mail piece, resetting the date wheels, logging another record indicative of the negative response and the resetting action; and annunciating the records indicative of negative responses.

Abstract: A process for a production basis relief decorating of ceramic articles. In place of conventional, manual application of relief features, the process provides for a special technique for screen printing of relief features onto the surface of a transfer decal sheet, typically a decal sheet that has previously been printed with a conventional, two-dimensional primary design. The new process includes a screen printing stencil of unusual thickness, at least 0.015" and up to as much as 0.125", characterized by having unrestricted non-convergent through openings. Ceramic inks are formulated to heavy viscosity, having a characteristic comparable to peanut butter, with a viscosity in excess of one million cps. The ink is flow resistant in character, and is forced through the stencil openings by a slow-moving squeegee. The squeegee action is such as to provide increased dwell time of the ink with the surface of the transfer decal paper, before lifting of the stencil.

Abstract: In an inking apparatus for use in a printing press, an ink pan located below a plate cylinder is separated into a first part which accommodates a furnisher roll for furnishing ink and a second part which receives contaminated ink containing foreign substance scraped off a doctor blade. In order to prevent the ink within the second part from flowing directly into the first part, partitions are provided, or alternatively the second part is positioned lower than the first part, or alternatively the first part and the second part are comprised of two separate receptacles. The supply of ink to the plate cylinder may be carried out by any suitable means other than the furnisher roll. The ink pan may be configured in the form of an exclusive receptacle adapted to receive only the contaminated ink containing foreign substance scraped off the doctor blade, the supply of ink to the plate cylinder being effected without passing through the ink pan.

Abstract: Printing press having a device for centrally adjusting sheet-guiding elements located both on the drive and the control or operating sides of the printing press, the adjusting device including adjusting members for respectively driving the sheet-guiding elements in common, includes a drive member couplable selectively to the respective adjusting member on a respective one of the drive and the operating sides and to the adjusting members on both the drive and the operating sides.

Abstract: A temperature-control device particularly for an offset printing machine for at least two separate liquids in the machine. Dampening solution circulates in a first liquid circulation circuit to printing plates or the like receiving the dampening solution. A first heat exchanger communicates with a cold generator and the first liquid circulation circuit passes through a first heat exchanger. The second cooling solution of the printing machine cools parts of the machine and is in a second liquid circulation circuit. The second liquid circulation circuit passes through the second heat exchanger. After passing through the first heat exchanger, the first liquid circulation circuit also passes through a second heat exchanger, whereby heat is exchanged between the first and second liquid circulation circuits. The second liquid circulation circuit includes a controllable bypass for selectively bypassing the second liquid past the second exchanger.

Abstract: A sheet transfer device for a sheet-fed rotary printing press includes a registration correction device. The registration correction device deforms the leading edge of the sheet using a deformable gripper bridge system. The gripper bridge system includes a gripper bridge which extends continuously over the width of the sheet transport path. The gripper bridge is supported at each of its two ends by a pivotable support to allow the gripper bridge to assume a deformed shape similar to that of a simply-supported beam.

Abstract: Device for connecting retaining elements and a crosspiece on a printing-form cylinder of a rotary printing press for fixing a flexible printing form to the circumference of the printing-form cylinder, a front edge of the flexible printing form being able to straddle a front edge of a gap formed in the cylinder, and a rear edge of the flexible printing form being fixable by at least one resilient retaining element mountable actuatably on the crosspiece and having a hook-shaped projection at an end thereof directed towards the circumferential surface of the printing form, includes a plurality of the retaining elements mountable alongside one another, and stop elements for form-lockingly locking the retaining elements on the crosspiece.

Abstract: A metal backed printing blanket for mounting on a cylinder that includes a gap. The blanket comprises a metal base plate having top and bottom surfaces and ends which include leading and trailing edges adapted for engaging the cylinder gap. The article further comprises a compressible, elastomeric printing blanket secured to the top surface of the base plate, but not to the ends, and having an upper face adapted for contact transfer of ink to a printable substrate. In addition, the blanket is provided with an anti-slip layer upon at least a portion of the top surface of at least one end of the base plate to facilitate retention of the base plate ends within the gap during rotation of the cylinder. The anti-slip layer has a coefficient of friction that is greater than that of the base plate and a thickness sufficient to permit insertion of the base plate edges and ends into the cylinder gap.

Abstract: A flexible plate, such as a printing plate or a blanket support plate, is clamped on the surface of a cylinder by rotation of a clamping spindle that carries a movable plate end suspension lip. The clamping spindle is shiftably supported in the cylinder and moves radially out with respect to the cylinder as a full clamping torque is applied to it.

Abstract: A transfer rolling process and device for producing banners is disclosed. In the above process, stencil letters or figures made of a transfer sheet are attached to a longitudinal transfer sheet. A banner with a white background is produced by attaching the stencil letters or figures to a white transfer sheet, while a banner with a color background is produced by attaching the stencil letters or figures to a transfer sheet of the same color as the background of the banner. The longitudinal transfer sheet is wound onto a torsionless pipe. Thereafter, paper and cloth from respective rolls pass over a heating drum at a speed of 1-3 m/min while overlapping the transfer sheet from the torsionless pipe. The heating drum in the above state is heated to a temperature of 220.degree.-240.degree. C., thus heating and melting the coloring agent of the stencil letters or figures and transferring the letters or figures onto the cloth.

Abstract: A constant-contact load-bearing assembly for a railcar truck bolster and operable against a complementary body bolster bearing and biased to continuously contact the body-bolster bearing to transfer the lading and railcar weight forces, which assembly has an outer element of a first coefficient of friction, a second or inner element with a second and larger coefficient of friction and biasing apparatus to maintain the inner assembly pad element in contact with the body-bolster assembly at an empty-railcar condition to provide control of the railcar body at the empty or unloaded car status with the biasing apparatus compressible at a loaded railcar state to provide contact between the outer pad element and the body-bolster bearing pad for transfer of the railcar loads and forces over the range of operating loads between the empty-car state and the loaded to capacity state.

Abstract: A rail-borne motor coach for conveying passengers has at least one coach body, the side walls of which have windows and entry regions with doors. The coach body is constructed as a trough with a low-floor coach-body floor and raised coach heads. The side walls are a framework of side-wall pillars, lower longitudinal girders and upper longitudinal flanges. The upper longitudinal flanges are braced against one another by transverse connecting members.

Abstract: A sidescreen securement apparatus for auto-rack railroad cars which may be installed by a single person working inside the car, thereby saving time and money, as well as eliminating the danger of falls. The sidescreen-roof securement device comprises a Y-shaped roof engagement member with a lower stem for securement to the sidescreen through one of its perforations with a blind fastener. A first sidescreen-sidescreen securement device takes advantage of the channels formed along the edges of the sidescreens. A channel segment slips into the edge channel of the upper sidescreen and is thereby secured to it. A U-shaped element is welded to the channel segment and a flange extends from the U-shaped member down to the adjacent lower sidescreen and is secured thereto by means of a blind fastener.

Abstract: A television stand including a base having a base bearing plate positioned on an exterior surface thereof and a motor drive compartment and a shaft passageway formed therein for receiving a motor drive assembly and a drive shaft respectively; a motor drive assembly positioned within the motor drive compartment, the motor drive assembly including a clutch coupled between a motor output shaft and a turntable drive shaft, the turntable drive shaft having a turntable drive gear attached to second end thereof, the turntable drive gear being positioned exteriorly of the base and above the base bearing plate; rotatable turntable having a turntable drive socket formed therein adjacent to an exteriorly positioned turntable bearing plate; and a turntable thrust bearing having a central bearing aperture, a section of the drive shaft being positioned through the central bearing aperture, the turntable thrust bearing being positioned between the base thrust bearing plate and the turntable thrust bearing plate.

Abstract: A tray that may be attached to the steering wheel of a motor vehicle. It can serve to hold food and beverage, as a reading and writing desk, to hold a laptop computer, as a promotional item with advertising printed on the tray, etc. The tray has a flat upper surface, a flat lower surface, and an outside edge with rounded corners. There is a circular hole which may be used to hold beverage containers. There is an elongated hole with straight parallel sides and rounded ends, through which the lower part of the steering wheel can fit. An attachment tab retains the tray on the steering wheel. The attachment tab is connected to the tray by a pivot, and can be turned ninety degrees from a first position in which it retains the tray on the steering wheel, to a second position in which it releases the tray from the steering wheel. A depression in the tab's upper surface makes it easier to move the tab with one finger.

Abstract: A table assembly for support of a notebook computer or other material and of the type which may be attached to a vehicle's steering wheel during use. A table structure (28) is pivotally attached to a support structure (26) which is secured to the steering wheel. The Table structure may have separately attached slip stops (12) and control channels (14). The support structure may have separately attached support channels (20), support stabilizer (22), and mounting cord (24). The two structures are connected by pivots (16), and are limited rotationally by the geometry of the mechanical union of these parts.

Abstract: There are provided a pretreatment facility (1) and a incineration/melting facility (2). In the incineration/melting facility, an incineration chamber (3) and a melting chamber (5) are integrally formed through a partition wall (7) so that incineration residue can be continuously transferred. Fine crushed material finely crushed by the pretreatment facility (1) is supplied as fuel to a burner (4). This enables it to obtain melting heat source from waste, and to efficiently treat the waste at a low cost by directly superheating and melting non-cooled incineration residue from the incineration chamber (3).

Abstract: A new apparatus and process for efficient removal of carbon from fly ash has been developed, whereby carbon removal occurs through oxidation as combustion. The ignition of the carbon is accomplished by bulk heating and molecular impingement of a suspended layer of fly ash by a heated oxidizing gas stream, and the desired level of carbon burnout is accomplished by maintenance of combustion conditions.

Abstract: Waste material is conveyed in an uncomminuted state on a grate (5) through a combustion chamber (12) of a stationary furnace (10) and at the same time mixed by a thrust and shearing action of the grate (5). A gaseous oxidizing agent is introduced, for example via gas lances, into the combustion chamber (12) from above the layer of waste material (11) lying on the grate (5). The oxidizing agent cooperates with the combustible volatile substances escaping from the waste to form flames. The layer of waste is heated by the thermal radiation of the flames such that degasification occurs. The combustible gases thus freed are partially burnt. The waste material freed from the volatile substances, that is to say refuse coke, and the unburnt volatile substances, that is to say combustible gases, can be used as fuels outside the plant or within the plant. The oxidizing agent does not come into contact with the thermally stressed parts of the plant.

Abstract: A repair kit is provided for quickly and efficiently repairing a hex drive shaft on an agricultural planter. The invention provides a repair sleeve which is closely coupled with the broken or cut hex drive shaft. This repair sleeve is then attached to either side of a broken drive shaft thus allowing the planter to become operable once again. Utilizing the present invention to accomplish the repair, the planter is quickly and efficiently fixed using a small number of tools and not requiring transportation to a repair facility.

Abstract: A presser foot device comprises a presser foot shank ?2! which has clamp member through holes ?2d! for guiding clamp members in moving forward and backward formed at the lower portion thereof and a groove for receiving the hinge pin ?3b! of a presser foot plate ?3! formed on the lower surface of the front side thereof and a groove ?2a! for receiving the hinge pin ?3b! of a presser foot plate ?3! therein formed on the lower surface of the front side thereof, and which is detachably attached to a presser bar ?5,! an elastic ?9! member which is fixed to the rear portion of the presser foot shank ?2! at one end portion thereof, and the clamp members ?7! each having a hook portion ?7a! for retaining the hinge pin ?3b! of the presser foot plate ?3! at the tip end portion thereof, wherein the hinge pin ?3b! of the presser foot plate ?3! is elastically clamped by the hook portions ?7a! of the clamp members ?7! and the rear wall ?2c! of the groove ?2a!.

Abstract: An unmanned undersea vehicle system includes a remote-controlled, unmanned ndersea vehicle and a mother vehicle interconnected by a communication link. The unmanned undersea vehicle includes a weapon compartment, an erectable observation mast and a control element. Within the weapon compartment are a plurality of weapon deployment devices situated about a central core, each weapon deployment device having a weapon canister for carrying a weapon. The weapon deployment devices are pivotable between a retracted position and an extended position. Each weapon canister includes end caps at opposing ends which are discharged when the weapon contained therein is fired to allow seawater to enter. The erectable observation mast obtains environmental information. The control element controls pivoting of the weapon deployment devices between the retracted, non-deployed position and the extended, deployed position to facilitate firing of a weapon, and retraction after firing.

Abstract: A watercraft lift of the type which is connected to a mooring location comprises a mounting and a guide. The guide mounts an elongate reciprocating member which is raised and lowered by means of a winch. At the lower end of the reciprocating member is a support bracket which is adapted to receive the watercraft. In an alternate embodiment of the invention the mounting and the guide means are hingedly connected so that the lift pivots approximately one hundred and eighty degrees so that the watercraft may be moved into and out of the water and also may be placed on the support bracket when not in use.

Abstract: A resting place for dogs or other pets consisting of a padded bottom covered in a soft or furry material, with a permanently attached blanket or cover to keep the animal warm. The blanket or cover being attached on three of it's four sides permanently to the padded bottom, if it is of square or rectangular shape, or 75 percent of it's circumference if it is of rounded or oval shape. The fourth unattached portion of the blanket or cover having a spring or springly member sewn into it's edge to hold that portion of the blanket or cover open to provide easy access onto the padded bottom by the animal.

Abstract: An animal feeder including a hopper portion and a trough portion. The hopper portion is removable from the trough portion to facilitate cleaning. By providing a plurality of trough portions having differing numbers of feed holes in one or both sides, the hopper can be removed from one trough and used in another trough to accommodate differing numbers of feeding animals.

Abstract: The automatic self-filling bird feeder comprises: a container for receiving bird seed, an electrically powered blower mounted in the container and having an air outlet for supplying pressurized air to the interior of the container; a seed filling opening in the container for supplying seed to the container; a cover for the seed filling opening; a tube assembly extending from the container; an enclosed bird feeder housing mounted to the outer end of the tube assembly; circuitry for sensing the level of seed in the seed container; and circuitry responsive to the level of seed sensed in the bird feeder housing for controlling the operation of the electrically powered blower.

Abstract: Embodiments of a pet litter cabinet and methods of litter area control are shown and described. Each embodiment includes a cabinet-style enclosure with a door allowing access to a plurality of removable litter drawers. The drawers are adapted to be interchangable inside the cabinet and each drawer includes a screened or perforated bottom and a slide for temporarily covering the bottom openings. To clean the litter area, the cabinet door is opened and top drawer slide is pulled to uncover the bottom opening of the top drawer. This allows clean, loose granules of adsorbent to fall into the bottom drawer, leaving the dirty clumps and waste behind in the top drawer. The clumps and waste are then emptied from the top drawer, and the two drawers are switched in position inside the cabinet.

Abstract: A litter box which cleams itself automatically, and separates the soiled litter from the clean litter, storing the soiled litter in a receptacle and replacing the consumed litter by clean reserve litter. The litter box is formed from a sieve (1) configured as an endless web, a continous transport belt (8) for taking up litter to be recycled. The belt (8) circulates in a housing (5, 7, 9, 11). The litter box optionally includes a system (6, 15, 16, 18) comprising a bin bag facilitating the filling of the receptacle 21 even in a substantially horizontal positon. The litter box is useful with eats and other animals, particularly pets, farm animals or wild animals in captivity.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing a sufficiently large pearl in a short time without requiring a skilled person. Genes of mantle cells of a shellfish for forming a pearl layer are incorporated into genes of monads or ultramicro organisms that generate a viscous secretion, by which pearl generating organisms are prepared. By these pearl generating organisms, pearl constituents are formed from calcium ions or magnesium ions in seawater and carbonate ions. By the viscous secretion, the pearl constituents are made to adhere to and stack onto the outer peripheral surface of a core composed of a synthetic resin, shell, ceramic, wood, or metal, so that a pearl layer is formed up.

Abstract: An aquarium background device includes at least one thin sheet of plastic material adapted to be used in conjunction with a clear liquid to adhere to the outside surface of the rear glass wall of the aquarium in a manner that insures that the images and colors thereof will be vividly seen from the front of the aquarium but can be easily removed and replaced with different background devices when desired.

Abstract: An animal rearing apparatus includes an animal rearing cage and a framework to which a plurality of side plates together forming the periphery of the animal rearing cage are detachably attached. At the bottom of the animal rearing cage, there are provided a bottom plate detachably attached thereto and defining a plurality of openings vertically extending therethrough and an excreta collecting portion for receiving and collecting animal excreta dropped through the openings of the bottom plate. The animal rearing cage has a ceiling thereof sectioned by a top plate or the excreta collecting portion belonging to an animal rearing cage on the upper stage. The framework or an attachment member thereof includes, at portions thereof corresponding in level to the ceiling of the animal rearing cage, engaging portions for detachably engaging and suspending engaged portions provided at upper portions of the respective side plates.

Abstract: A farrowing pen having a floor which has a perimeter area and a central area, the central area having a plurality of elongated flooring members spaced apart with at least one slat extending between each of the elongated flooring members, and a biased retaining apparatus for urging slats into a position wherein at least a portion of the slats are above the generally horizontal plane of the floor to thereby provide a flooring surface in the central portion having a ribbed effect. The ribbed floor will discourage the sow from lying down and thus crushing the piglets.