Abstract: A shock-absorbing athletic shoe system for cushioning impact forces includes an athletic shoe having a flexible impervious bladder positioned within the sole of the shoe. An external fluid-holding surge tank communicates by way of a fluid conduit with the bladder of each shoe. Quick release connectors are interactive between the lowermost extremities of the fluid conduits and the shoes.

Abstract: A midsole assembly for an athletic shoe includes a midsole formed of soft elastic material, and a corrugated sheet disposed in at least a heel portion of the midsole. The amplitude of the wave configuration of the corrugated sheet is larger at the medial and lateral sides of the heel portion and smaller at the central portion between the medial and lateral sides. Alternatively, the wave phase of the corrugated sheet is offset by one half of a wave pitch between the medial and lateral sides.

Abstract: The material moving blade has a moldboard assembly with a lower moldboard portion and an upper moldboard portion. A hinge connects the upper moldboard portion to the lower moldboard portion for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis. An upper cutting bar with an upper bar working edge is clamped to a top edge of the upper moldboard portion. A lower cutting bar with a lower bar working edge is clamped to a bottom edge of the lower moldboard portion. An actuator pivots the upper moldboard portion about the horizontal axis in one direction to a position in which the upper cutting bar is above the lower moldboard portion and in another direction to a position in which the upper bar working edge is below the lower bar working edge and the upper moldboard material contact surface faces rearward.

Abstract: A belt drive including a first belt sheave having a center, the first belt sheave having a center, the first belt sheave being pivotally mounted on a member, and a motor base pivotally connected at one end to the member. The belt drive further includes a motor mounted on the other end of the motor base, and a second belt sheave rotatable by the motor. A belt is trained around the first and the second belt sheaves. The belt also includes an adjusting mechanism extending between the motor base and the member for fixing the position of the motor base relative to the member and for fixing the center to center distance between the first and the second belt sheaves. The adjusting mechanism comprises a cylinder assembly including a cylinder housing and a piston rod extending from the housing and being extendable from and retractable into the housing, with the housing being connected to the member and the piston rod being connected to the motor base.

Abstract: Household appliance, in contact with an aqueous medium, having a water circuit at least partially traversing a compartment containing a disincrustant agent. The disincrustant agent is obtained by cross-linking or hardening of an organosilicic system having a disincrustant action.

Abstract: Electronic alpha-numeric or symbol sectional display system featuring readily accessible access to internally located modular display and other components for quick changeout of modular and other components. Display panels, which are modular, having side-by-side display module/nested frame assemblies which include outer and inner nested frameworks, fine mesh screen, display circuit boards with LED character block displays, and driver circuit boards, are readily and quickly secured in stackable enclosure cabinets by the use of ¼ turn or other quick fastening hardware. Other changeout friendly hardware is incorporated within to promote economy of manufacturing and changeout functions. Viewability of alpha-numeric or other symbol information is preserved and enhanced by the use of small panel fine mesh screens which maintain planar attributes and which are located at the front of each modular display panel residing in close proximity to the LED character block displays.

Abstract: A muzzle loader firearm having a primer cavity that is sized to have an interference fit with a desired primer, to be received therein, so that an outwardly facing surface of the exterior casing of the primer, upon being discharged, expands and forms a fluid tight seal with an interior surface of the primer cavity to prevent the escape of any significant gases therebetween. The firearm is provided with a small head space which only allows minor rearward movement of the primer, upon being discharged within the primer cavity, to maintain an adequate fluid tight seal, formed between the outwardly facing surface of the primer casing with the inwardly facing surface of the primer cavity. To facilitate an increased temperature of the primer charge, upon being discharged, the primer cavity communicates with the ignition bore via an oxygen recess that is sized to accommodate a desired quantity of oxygen to facilitate a more rapid and hotter burning of the primer charge.

Abstract: The invention concerns a fire arm equipped with an enabling system which comprises a transmitter/receiver (6) of ultrasonic waves mounted on the fire arm, a unit (5) to be carried by the shooter, containing means (13) for sending back a signal transmitted to the latter by said transmitter/receiver (6) and a monitoring device (9) monitoring the signal received by the above-mentioned receiving part, controlling a device (10) which can prevent any firing. The enabling system contains a timer (7) which can measure the length of time between the transmission of a signal by the transmitter/receiver (6) and its reception by the latter, and a device (8) to calculate the distance covered by said signal, whereby the monitoring device (9) only makes it possible to fire when it recognizes the signal and when on top of that the above-mentioned distance is inferior to a certain limit.

Abstract: A housing for use with a firearm is provided. The housing includes a first housing section sized for receiving a barrel, and a second housing section coupled proximally to the first housing section for receiving a breechblock mechanism. The first housing section has a top external surface. The second housing section has a forward portion which is offset from the first housing section and which includes a forward surface defining an opening sized for receiving a connecting element operatively connecting a lever disposed adjacent the top external surface outside the first housing section and the breechblock within the second housing section. The connecting element moves perpendicularly to the opening and not, as in prior art housings, along it, so that the previously required longitudinal slit, which severely weakened the structure of prior art housings, is avoided.

Abstract: An adjustable fishing sinker release enabling release of a sinker from a fishing line after a fish has been hooked includes a generally hollow housing member, open at both ends, bearing a hole proximate one end for attachment to a fishing line, and a release slot along one side for releasable capture of a sinker. A pin member is slidably engaged within the housing member, and includes a first leg portion that catches on the housing member and prevents disengagement, a loop portion for attachment of a fishing hook, and a second leg portion that selectively extends across and closes the slot on the one side of the housing member. When a fish strikes the fishing hook, the pin moves to the open position, opening the slot and releasing the sinker. The force required to move the pin may be easily and conveniently adjusted either at the time of manufacture or in the field to fit the intended catch.

Abstract: A support structure for plants including a basket centered about a vertical axis, and a coconut fiber liner set within the basket to form a container for potting soil and plants placed therein, with the basket being arranged either to hang from an overhead position when being displayed, or to alternatively stand on the ground when the hanging of the basket is not desired.

Abstract: The air culture system (realized on fixed or movable trays (4) disposed inside one or more greenhouses (1)) comprises a management system comprising a central unit (3) and one or more peripheral logic units: at least one peripheral unit (2) is disposed inside each greenhouse (1). The central unit (3) allows to control and to manage the working of the system, by modifying the reference values of the parameters (greenhouse temperature, physical and chemical characteristics of the nutritive solution, etc) controlled by each peripheral unit (2) to grow the plants disposed on the trays (4) inside the greenhouse (1) managed by the peripheral unit (2), under conditions which should be as similar as possible to the ideal ones. Moreover, the central unit (3) gathers and processes for informative and statistic purposes the values of the above-mentioned parameters detected (and, if it's the case, previously processed) by the peripheral units (2).

Abstract: A method for the hydroponic cultivation of plants which includes passing a nutrient liquid through a filter which has been impregnated with one or more cultures of microorganisms capable of controlling the growth or germination of pathogenic fungi. The impregnated filter releases a portion of the microorganisms into the nutrient liquid as the liquid passes through the filter. The nutrient liquid containing the microorganisms is then contacted with at least the roots of the plants, or parts thereof. The invention is also directed to the filter unit which includes a pre-filter for removing particulate matter, an assembly containing fiberous material impregnated with the biomaterial, a flow means for transporting the nutrient liquid through the fiberous material so that the biomaterial is released in a continuous, controlled manner into the nutrient liquid, and a discharge means to discharge the nutrient liquid containing a portion of the biomaterial from the filter unit.

Abstract: A decorative cover for a floral grouping wherein the decorative cover is provided with a design indicia bearing portion which extends above the remainder of the decorative cover and thereby enhances the visual aesthetic effect of the decorative cover. The decorative cover is formed from a sheet of material having a design indicia and an opening extending therethrough wherein the opening is offset from a central portion of the sheet of material in a direction generally away from the indicia bearing portion of the sheet of material. A lower portion of a stem end of a floral grouping is inserted through the opening in the sheet of material and the sheet of material is wrapped about the floral grouping to provide a decorative cover having a design indicia bearing portion which extends above the remainder of the decorative cover and thereby enhances the visual aesthetic effect of the decorative cover.

Abstract: Roots of a cultivated plant 30 is directly made contact with the surface of a cultivating apparatus 10 comprising microporous boxes 12, 13. It is, therefore, possible to obtain a cultivating apparatus capable of attaining effortless supply of nutrient/water, water conservation, easy miniaturization and indoor cultivation.

Abstract: A planting tray for discharging many sproutlings simultaneously onto a permanent growing bed. The tray comprises a peripheral rectangular frame which slidably supports a floor panel. A flexible web attaches to the front of the frame by a clamp, extends over the floor panel, around the rear edge of the floor panel, and extends along the bottom of the floor panel back to the front of the frame. When the free end of the web is pulled, the floor panel is ejected to the front of the frame in parbuckle fashion. The sproutlings are thereby discharged onto the growing bed. The floor panel preferably has a roller disposed along its rear edge to avoid binding on the web when the web is pulled. The frame has two cable handles.

Abstract: A louvre shutter adapted to be assembled from elements forming a kit. The elements are so adapted that the shutter dimensions can vary, enabling the shutter to be installed within a window frame that falls within a predetermined range of sizes. The side rails of the shutter incorporate elongate channels for receiving elongate support members. The support members have a plurality of apertures that journal elongate pinion gears projecting from the louvres. The combination of the support rails, louvres, and pinion gears forms a sub-assembly that can be received within the side rails and top rails of the shutter frame. The support members include channels that receive gear racks. The pinion gears mesh with the gear racks enabling synchronous rotation of the louvres. The pinion gears perform the additional function of operating as spindles for the louvres. The dual functionality of the pinion gears reduces the complexity of component parts in the kit and facilitates assembly.

Abstract: A window operator for control of the opening and closing of a window sash mounted with a window frame. The window operator may include a drive mechanism, a drive element movable on a rectilinear path by the drive mechanism, and a first linkage of which a primary point of rotation is fixed relative to the drive mechanism. Additionally, the window operator may include a first mounting for attachment of the first linkage to the window sash at a first position, a second linkage connected to the drive element, and a second mounting for attachment of the second linkage to the window sash at a second position. Here, the second position may be closer to the hinged side of the window sash relative to the window frame than the first position. The window operator may further include an interconnection linkage pivotally coupling the first and second linkages.

Abstract: A process for improving sliding qualities of a slide contact or carriage on at least one rail, and a device for implementing this process. The carriage includes a part intended to be moved along the rail. A section (4) shaped to conform to the rail is placed on the surface of the rail, closely following the contour thereof and smoothing out irregularities or deformations of the rail.

Abstract: A seal attached to a door frame for mating engagement with a door. The seal including a first side for sealing engagement with a door edge, and a second side for sealing engagement with the door outer surface. The seal moves relative to the door from the door open position, where the seal first side is disposed at a first spaced apart distance from the door frame edge surface; to the door closed position, where the door moves the seal first side closer to the door frame edge surface. The seal further moves relative to the door from the door open position, where the seal second side is not disposed adjacent to the door outer surface; to the door closed position where the seal second side is disposed adjacent to the door outer surface and in covering relation to the door outer surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides the incorporation of a sheet locking device, a small gutter, and a mesh attachment device in a single unit. In another aspect of the present invention, a device for active multi-locking of sheets and surfaces made of plastic, nylon, paper, similar sheets, or thin surfaces is provided. In yet another aspect of the present invention, a right angled shape serves as an angle for the frame of the structure to which the device is attached. Further, the present invention also incorporates the use of a small gutter that can collect and drain water vapor that may accumulate on the roof of a hothouse.

Abstract: A gutter enhancing device having a flexible member for being applied to and covering the exterior configuration of an existing gutter trough. The device also has a flexible screen portion for covering the top portion or opening of the gutter trough.

Abstract: A light seal for use with robotic equipment includes a window having a divider panel rotatably mounted therein. Flexible sealing flaps at the opposite sides of the window opening engage the divider panel when the divider panel is in a sealed position to provide a light seal between the edges of the divider panel and the edges of the window opening.

Abstract: A wall panel including a rectangular frame, a pair of wall members and a thin decorative sheet covering the wall members. The frame includes two spaced apart, generally parallel vertical frame members and spaced apart, generally parallel horizontal lower and upper frame members. The horizontal frame members are connected to the vertical frame members at opposite ends thereof to form the rectangular frame. Each of the frame members includes a core member and a pair of sidewall members attached to opposite sides of the core member. The wall members are attached to the sidewalls on opposing sides of the frame members. A decorative sheet covers the outer surface of each wall member. A method for manufacturing the frame members includes providing a fixture with spaced apart first, second and third surfaces. A hanger bracket is mounted to the vertical frame core member and is positioned in the fixture such that the hanger bracket engages the first surface.

Abstract: A protection device is for restricting an object from sliding along an edge formed by a pair of surfaces of a structure. The protection device includes an obstruction fixture having a mounting surface and a body projecting away from the mounting surface, and a fastener securing the mounting surface to at least one of the surfaces of the structure. The obstruction fixture is positioned on the structure with the body positioned sufficiently close to the edge such that the object sliding along the edge will contact the body.

Abstract: A transparent planar storm shield has framed panels (1, 2, 12) with predetermined transparency and predetermined resistance to storm pressure and to storm-debris impact. Panels (3, 9, 10) of the framed panels are preferably shatter-proof plastic material that includes predetermined polycarbonate. Frames (4, 5, 6, 7, 13) of the framed panels have strengths in proportion to thicknesses for predetermined storm protection by predetermined areas of the storm shield. The storm shield is a cover of a predetermined portion of a building orifice which can include a door or a window. The predetermined resistance to storm pressure and to storm-debris impact of the panels is about an equivalent to a commercial grade of polycarbonate or an equivalent thereof that is twenty-five inches square with a thickness of one-eighth of an inch and being rectangular with less than twenty-five percent deviation from being square.

Abstract: A high strength window screen frame that includes an extruded metal frame that fits within a window opening in a building. The frame is made up of a plurality of window frame units, each defining an opening and covered with mesh. A standoff leg portion of the window frame units provides a standoff separation of the mesh from a glass pane so that when objects strike the mesh and deflect the mesh, the glass pane is not impacted.

Abstract: An inspection opening frame includes frame components each of which is provided with a support portion extending along the inner surface of an inspection opening, a front wall holding portion projecting outward from the front surface of the support portion, a rear lid holding portion projecting inward from the rear surface of the support portion, a front lid holding portion projecting inward from the front surface of the support portion and pivotally supported about a hinge, a rear wall holding portion projecting outward from the rear surface of the support portion and pivotally supported about another hinge, and locking portions each having a hook and a projection for disengageably locking the front lid holding portion and the rear wall holding portion in holding positions. The inspection opening frame can be easily mounted at the inspection opening without using a backing or the like.

Abstract: A cast-in concrete (1), lead-in system (2) for ceilings and walls having a trapezoidally corrugated sheet metal formwork (7) and including a lead-in sleeve (3) for receiving one of a tubular conduit and a cable and having at least three outer, circumferentially spaced from each other, fixing points (4a, 4b, 4c) for securing the lead-in sleeve to the trapezoidally corrugated sheet metal formwork (7), and at least two stiff looking elements (5a, 5b) each having a connection element (12) for a formlocking connection with the fixing points (4a, 4b, 4c) of the lead-in sleeve and a mounting element (6) for securing the locking element (5a, 5b) to peak regions (8) of trapezoidal corrugations of the trapezoidally corrugated sheet metal framework.

Abstract: A building foundation is formed by a plurality of pre-cast concrete elements. Each of the pre-cast elements has a length corresponding to the length of a corresponding side or leg of the foundation perimeter. The foundation includes a plurality of pre-cast concrete footing pads that are dispersed along the perimeter and specifically at the corners of the foundation. The pre-cast foundation elements rest on the footing pads and are contiguously arranged to complete the foundation. A bonding agent can be introduced into the joints between adjacent foundation elements to seal the joint. Alternatively, or in addition, mechanical fasteners can be used to interconnect adjacent panels. Certain ones of the pre-cast foundation elements define an integral brick ledge, with varying configurations to ensure continuity of the brick ledge around the corners of the foundation. In a method of the invention, a trench around the perimeter is dug and the pre-cast concrete elements laid in place with a crane.

Abstract: One-sided, insulated formwork used in the construction of walls from pourable building material, such as concrete, including an insulating panel connectable to a removable panel by a connecting structure, which may include a permanent reinforcement embedded in the insulating panel. The connecting structure may have a tie removably attachable to the reinforcement, or the reinforcement and tie may constitute a monolithic structure. The tie may be asymmetric in shape to facilitate distribution of loads across the insulating panel, detachment of the removable panel, and enhance the structural integrity of the finished wall.

Abstract: A stucco wall structure for a building. The wall substrate is arranged for receipt of subsequent layers of surface material. The margin or periphery of the wall to be treated has a screed attached thereto. A sprayed-on coating of urethane is applied onto the wall substrate between the screeds to insure continuous bonding and adherency to the substrate. A first layer of polymer-based base coat and mesh covering is applied to the sprayed-on coating of urethane to provide anchoring and adhesion of a subsequent layer of stucco. An outer layer of stucco applied over the first layer of polymer-based base coat as a final coat thereon.

Abstract: A spacing web frame assembly for a molded construction form for use in forming a reinforced concrete wall including a pair of inner and outer vertically-oriented attachment studs and a reinforcing wire truss assembly having ends attached to the inner and outer attachment studs to provide a predetermined spacing distance between the inner and outer attachment studs. The studs are visible to the outside when the molded foam panels are attached thereto and the concrete is then added to form the walls. The studs may be formed of either wood or metal, depending upon the type of attachment fasteners desired to be driven into the studs.

Abstract: A connector link component for use in an insulated concrete form system having first and second side panels and at least two connectors, each side panel having an exterior surface, an opposed interior surface, and at least one attachment coupling, the panels arranged in spaced parallel relationship with their interior surfaces and attachment couplings facing each other so that a cavity is formed therebetween, each connector having a first end and a distal second end, a first length extending therebetween, and a pair of opposed connector couplings, one connector coupling formed in the first end and the other connector coupling formed in the second end, so that the each connector coupling of each connector is adapted to engage one attachment coupling of the side panel, the connector link having a proximal end, having a first link coupling for engagement to the connector coupling of one connector of the concrete form system, a distal end, having a second link coupling for engagement to the connector coupling of

Abstract: Panels for coffered ceilings comprising cladding panels of sheet metal or similar material and a method for mounting such panels. Each cladding panel comprises an essentially flat principal surface enclosed by longitudinally running joining sections as well as at least one longitudinally running stiffening section bent at an angle to the principal surface. The joining sections are designed so that any chosen panel can be removed simply and without the use of tools, so that a good seal is obtained between the panels, and so that it is possible to draw apart these to fit certain dimensions. In addition, the panels should hook into each other and remain sealed even if they should expand and buckle downwards due to fire or some other reason.

Abstract: A deck system with a deck clip. The deck system includes deck boards in which receiving chambers are formed. The receiving chambers are formed in both opposing side edges of each deck board, and each chamber is defined in part by a lip edge. The deck boards are placed side by side during construction of a deck, closely spaced, such that the lip edges of adjacent deck boards define a narrow channel space therebetween in which a rotatable deck clip is placed. The clip has a first overhang member and an opposing second overhang member and is thereby wider in a first horizontal dimension and shorter in a second, perpendicular horizontal dimension, and is rotatably attached to the deck joists by a screw or other fastening device. When the clip is rotated into a first position, its first and second overhang members extend into the receiving chambers of adjacent deck boards and engage with the lip edges of each chamber to hold the deck boards securely in place upon the joists.

Abstract: A roof construction uses a one-component adhesive to adhere roof tiles to a roof. The adhesive is formed in a U-shaped pattern in that the adhesive is dispensed in a bottom leg deposit on the tile's underside, a bight deposit extending about the tile's leading edge and a top adhesive deposit overlying the bottom deposit and extending on the outside surface of the tile. As the tiles are laid onto the roof in an overlying fashion, the U-shaped adhesive is sandwiched between the tile, the overlying tile and the roof forming sealing contact therewith and therebetween.

Abstract: An improved construction panel is diclosed comprising a foam core with thin metal skins attached to top and bottom surfaces of the foam core having am improved snap together joint. The joint includes a sealant pocket and stabilizing members. The sealant pocket further includes a bead or a protrusion to positively define a vertical sealant space between adjacent and connected construction panels.

Abstract: An assembled frame structure is provided. The structure includes a plurality of frame units, a plurality of connecting seats, and at least one screw element. The frame unit forms a hollow structure. The inner edge thereof describes a rectangular shape, while the outer edge thereof describes an approximate rectangular shape. The approximate rectangular shape has four chamfered corners. A spacer is disposed between the inner edge and the outer edge. A spacer describes a shape identical to that of the outer edge and has four connecting corners which extend in parallel to and opposite the chamfered corners. The spacer is offset from the inner edge as well as from the outer edge. Each of the connecting corners has formed therein a screw hole. The chamfered corners of adjacent frame units are disposed such that their screw holes align with the screw hole of a connecting seat positioned therebetween, so that the screw unit may be engaged with the holes in locked manner.

Abstract: A fastener can be inserted into a narrow space behind a wall, and can be brought into contact with the back of the wall over a wide area to sufficiently reinforce the wall even when a bolt is tightened to securely fasten an object to the wall. The fastener has a block assembly including a plurality of blocks having two longitudinal ends and coupled together at the longitudinal ends in a single line. One of the blocks is formed with a threaded hole into which a bolt is adapted to be threaded and string holes. At least one string member is passed through the string holes. The block assembly has an arrangement for preventing each block from pivoting in a first direction from a straight position, in which the block assembly is arranged in a straight line, and allowing each block to pivot in a second direction opposite to the first direction from the straight position.

Abstract: A structural building panel including a composite truss member having transverse truss elements defining an undulated shape, and first and second composite skins, formed by a pultrusion process. A composite connector extends along a side edge of the panel, the connector including a tongue and a groove adjacent one another defining an inside face having an elongate aperture therein that extends parallel to the side edge. The connector may slidably engage with a similar connector on an adjacent panel, the tongues and groove interlocking such that the apertures together define a channel through which a rod-like locking member may be received. Composite connection systems are provided for connecting composite wall panels to a foundation and to connect composite roof panels to the wall panels. The connection systems include interlocking connectors having apertures for receiving locking members.

Abstract: A machine, and operating procedures for a machine, for automatically threading, swaging and packaging surgical needles. A first mechanism is used to suture the needles and to pull test the needles to determine if certain maximum and minimum pull test requirements are met. The sutured needles are then transferred to packages on a second mechanism, and that mechanism indexes the packages through a series of stations to complete the packaging of the needles. Various checks are made at the packaging mechanism before that mechanism is operated to index the needle packages; and different items at the station used to pull test the needles, are monitored to determine if they return timely to predetermined positions. Also, check are made at the station at which the needles are transferred to the packages, to be sure that those items are in preferred positions before the packages are moved.

Abstract: The packaging apparatus comprises a former for forming a film sheet to a cylinder, a vertical chute pipe coaxially disposed in the former, support members for supporting the chute pipe disposed on load cells fixed on a frame separately in structure, a vertical heat sealer for sealing the film sheet into a cylinder, a controller for calculating the weight of goods to be put in the cylinder, a weighing unit for putting the goods in the cylinder while being controlled by the controller, a lateral heat sealer for sealing the cylinder under the end of the chute pipe for closing the cylinder filled with the goods and separating it by cutting while remaining a bottom portion of a next bag, wherein the controller controls a sequential steps of operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: A reciprocating, brush cutting attachment for a vehicle such as a riding lawn mower. The attachment is in the form of a sickle head having a bottom support plate that acts as a frame for the sickle head. Two top blades reciprocate back and forth on top of the support plate, one on each side. The bottom support plate and the two top blades all include front blade edges having a plurality of teeth. As the top blades move back and forth, vegetation between the teeth is cut. The prime advantage of the sickle head of the present invention is the reduction of vibrations achieved by continuously driving the colinear top blades in opposite directions with respect to each other.

Abstract: A stripper for lifting crop off flat rigid tines of a rotary conveyor is molded of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene. The stripper is oval-shaped in side view and is constructed of identical halves which each include a pair of spaced apart, parallel side walls that have marginal portions defined by rims which have a thickness greater than that of the side walls. An intermediate, concave wall extends between and is joined to the bases of the rims, which have a height measured from the respective base that is approximately twice the thickness of the associated side walls.

Abstract: An improved windrow pickup attachment for a forage harvester having crop processing apparatus including an input opening for receiving crop material. The attachment includes a main frame positioned on the front of the forage harvester adjacent the input opening. A transverse reel assembly and an auger conveyor are mounted on the main frame for picking up crop material from the ground, consolidating it and conveying it to the forage harvester base unit via the input opening.

Abstract: A V-rake includes a drawbar assembly adapted for connection to a tow vehicle, in combination with a transverse cross-member connected to the drawbar assembly. Wheels are mounted to the cross-member, to form a trolley for conveying the V-rake. A rake arm is mounted to each end of the cross-member, and includes a series of rake wheels. The rake arms are moveable relative to the cross-member between an open, operative position and a closed, transport position, and the rake wheels are moveable relative to the rake arms between a raised, inoperative position and a lowered, operative position. The transverse cross-member is a rigid, fixed-length member to increase the structural rigidity of the trolley.

Abstract: A rope has a rope core formed of load-bearing aramide fiber strands laid parallel to each other in concentric layers of strands and strands of an outermost layer laid with opposite lay to the rope core. As a result of the opposite lay, the torques which occur in the layers of strands when under load cancel each other out and a non-twisting rope structure is achieved. An elastic intersheath is positioned between the oppositely laid layers of strands to protect the strands against abrasion and to transmit the torque over a wide area in the rope.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the control of the piecing process in a spinning device, in particular an open-end spinning device with rotors, as well as to a device to carry out the process. It is the object of the present invention to make it possible to trigger the piecing process without having to change the structure of the rotor or of the bearing disks of a spinning device. This problem is solved in that the piecing process is carried out and/or controlled in function of physical magnitudes or states and/or their changes in a spinning device. According to the invention, the device is provided with a measuring device to detect physical magnitudes connected with the control of the piecing process.

Abstract: A characteristic feature on a generally longitudinal member is detected as the member is longitudinally advanced on a path extending from a first position to a second position. Based on the detection of the feature on the member and monitoring of the advance of the member on the path, indicia can be applied to a desired position on the member. The detected feature can be an S-Z reversal existing or created on a strand of S-Z stranded optical fiber buffer tubes included in an optical fiber cable which is undergoing cable manufacture along a cabling line. Intensity data values representative of an optical image sample of the strand with the S-Z reversal feature, where the image sample is obtained by an optical radiation detector coupled to the path, are processed for identifying the S-Z reversal feature on the strand.