Abstract: A three-dimensional object printing system improves the collection of waste materials during object printing. The printing system includes an ejector head configured to eject material, a platform configured to move in a process direction to a position opposite the ejector head to enable the ejector head to eject material onto the platform, and first and second planarizers configured to remove a first portion and a second portion, respectively, of the material ejected onto the platform. The printing system further includes a first housing defining a first chamber in which at least one of the first planarizer and the second planarizer is positioned, and a first vacuum source connected to the first housing, the first vacuum source being configured to produce a first vacuum in the first chamber to pull material removed by the at least one of the first planarizer and the second planarizer from the first chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for applying a film in which non-contact repulsive forces generated by ultrasonic vibration are applied using an ultrasonic vibration unit (A) to a surface of a substrate so as to support the surface of the substrate without contact, and a film is pressed and applied to the other surface of the substrate using a pressing roller. The ultrasonic vibration unit (A) may comprise: an ultrasonic vibration body facing a surface of the substrate; and an ultrasonic excitement unit for exciting the ultrasonic vibration body. In addition, the present invention provides an apparatus for applying a film comprising: an ultrasonic vibration unit (A) for applying non-contact repulsive forces generated by the ultrasonic vibration to a surface of a substrate so as to support the surface of the substrate without contact; and a pressing roller for pressing and applying a film to the other surface of the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing meat from crustacean legs includes a conveyor, and a plurality of leg meat extraction rollers. The conveyor has a crustacean body region flanked by laterally opposed crustacean leg regions. Each crustacean leg region includes a plurality of leg slots extending laterally outwardly of the crustacean body region. The leg meat extraction rollers are positioned laterally outwardly of the leg slots and oriented to receive crustacean legs moved laterally outwardly from the leg slots.

Abstract: A mushroom compost leveling apparatus includes a panel with a bottom edge where the panel is vertically suspended in a mushroom compost receptacle leaving a gap between the bottom edge and the floor of the receptacle. The panel reciprocates from side to side as mushroom compost is conveyed under the panel. Optionally, the panel includes vanes extending outwardly from a first face surface, and a rake outwardly and downwardly extending from the panel at or near the bottom edge. Optionally, a pair of wheels are mounted for rotation either to the first face of the panel or to a rail of a frame to be isolated from the panel, and the wheels each include paddles that push compost toward the side edges of the mushroom compost receptacle as the wheels are rotated. Optionally, the leveling apparatus is removably attached to sleeves depending over sidewalls of the compost receptacle, and a roller assembly is removably attached to such sleeves downstream of the leveling apparatus.

Abstract: A zero turning radius mower has an internal combustion engine mounted transversely on a pair of longitudinal frame members behind an operator seat and a pair of rear drive wheels. The engine rotates a flywheel on a horizontal axis perpendicular to the longitudinal frame members. A gearbox is mounted to one of the longitudinal frame members, with a horizontal input shaft driven by the engine and a vertical output shaft engaging one or more rubber belts. A vent passage is provided through the output shaft of the gearbox and between a hub of a rotary fan and the output shaft.

Abstract: A thermostructural composite material part including carbon or ceramic fiber reinforcement densified by a matrix having at least one thin portion in which: the thickness of the part is less than 2 mm, or indeed less than 1 mm; the fiber reinforcement is made as a single thickness of multilayer fabric made of spread yarns having a weight of not less than 200 tex; the fiber volume ratio lies in the range 25% to 45%; and the ratio between the number of layers of the multilayer fabric and the thickness in millimeters of the part is not less than four.

Abstract: A receptacle may include a container to receive trash and other items. The receptacle may also include a display area to provide advertisements to people located in the vicinity of the receptacle.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a fluid module, including a collapsible vessel supported on a planar substrate, comprises a first actuator component configured to be movable in a first direction is generally parallel to the plane of the substrate, a second actuator component configured to be movable in a second direction having a component that is normal to the plane of the substrate, and a motion conversion mechanism coupling the first actuator component with the second actuator component and configured to convert movement of the first actuator component in the first direction into movement of the second actuator component in the second direction.

Abstract: A mushroom compost compacting system and method includes a hydraulically activated tamper platen to compact compost held within a mushroom compost receptacle. The tamper platen has engageable arms extendable from opposite ends of the top surface of the platen and that each connect to a respective hydraulic piston or cylinder. The hydraulic pistons or cylinders link to respective ends of a brace bar disposed beneath the floor portion of the compost receptacle. Tamping compression of the tamper platen compresses compost between the tamper platen and the brace bar. In one embodiment, the hydraulic pistons are installed in or joined to fixtures, which fixtures may have trolley wheels therein to permit relative movement between the fixtures and guide rails supporting the fixtures so that the mushroom compost compacting system may be traversed along the length of all or a portion of the compost receptacle.

Abstract: The apparatus forms a unitary bale of agricultural or forestry biomass of uniform density and having a level top. The apparatus includes packer apparatus configured and supported in the chamber for reciprocating movement through a compacting chamber and progressive movement upwardly to form the bale. A crop deflector is supported in the chamber above the packer apparatus for deflecting a stream of the biomass downwardly, and is configured and operable so as to move continuously with the packer apparatus between the ends of the chamber and to substantially constantly reconfigure as a function of a position of the packer apparatus and a direction of the movement thereof so as to deflect the stream of the biomass directly in a path of the packer apparatus in the current direction of the movement thereof so as to be immediately compacted thereby onto the floor or the bale.

Abstract: A compacting system compacts particulate matter in open-top railroad gondola cars rolling on rails. The compacting system comprises a compacting station adjacent the rails and a scanning system that scans the gondola cars as they move along the rails toward the compacting station. The scanning system transmits data of the gondola car to an electronic control system. The compacting station has at least one compaction member, e.g., a plate structure or a roller, configured to contact an upper surface of the particulate matter in the gondola cars. The electronic control system controls the compacting station so that the compaction member engages with and applies force to the upper surface of the particulate matter in the gondola car so as to compress the particulate matter in the gondola. A method for compacting particulate matter in a gondola car is also shown.

Abstract: A forming machine includes a drum having an outer heating surface, a reservoir disposed below the drum and having a surrounding wall with a top edge that can contact the outer heating surface and that has a profile conforming to that of the outer heating surface, an applying disk disposed inside the reservoir and having perforations, and a rotary shaft extending into the reservoir to rotate the applying disk and movable upwardly or downwardly to raise or lower the applying disk. The reservoir is movable between non-contact and contact positions, where the top edge is spaced below and moves upward to abut against the outer heating surface, respectively. The applying disk is movable between pre-applying and applying positions, where the applying disk is lowered into the reservoir for dipping into the dough and is raised for applying the dough to the outer heating surface, respectively.

Abstract: A mushroom compost compacting system and method includes a roller assembly mounted to a compost receptacle to form a nip, and a web or conveyor to convey mushroom compost to the nip. Mushroom compost is compacted at the nip from an initial compost height to a final compost height. The roller assembly has a roller, a shaft, and fixtures coupled to each end of the shaft. The fixtures are adjustable to define the roller nip height. In one embodiment, the fixtures are mounted to sleeves that engage the sidewalls of the compost receptacle. In another embodiment, the ends of the fixtures are mounted to a support, which may be a joist or a separate channel extending under the floor portion of the compost receptacle, or which may be a post that forms support structure for the compost receptacle.

Abstract: A swath roller is attached to a tractor and includes a first frame with two arms each independently connected to the tractor on an adjustable bracket allowing at least up and down movement of the arm relative to its bracket and a transverse bean across the arms. A second frame carries the roller and is supported on a pair of castor wheels spaced outwardly to respective sides of the roller. The second frame includes a front beam connected to the first frame by a center pivot so as to allow side to side pivotal movement of the second frame and two force transmitting members spaced outwardly of the pivot. Conversion to transport is provided by adding a hitch at one end of the frame and an additional wheel behind the roller at the opposite end and by locking one or more of the wheels against castoring.

Abstract: A tool for deburring cut edges on workpieces has a pressure body in the form of a rolling body, by means of which, as relative longitudinal movement of rolling body and workpiece takes place, pressure can be applied to the burr on the relevant cut edge in the direction towards the workpiece while the rolling body rolls along the cut edge. A machine for deburring cut edges on workpieces is provided with a tool of the above-mentioned kind. In the course of a process for deburring cut edges on workpieces, a rolling body is moved along the relevant cut edge with a rolling motion. In that movement, pressure is applied by means of the rolling body to the burr on the cut edge in the direction towards the workpiece.

Abstract: There is provided a cooked rice molding apparatus which enables a rice mat to be easily moved and the rice mat to be stored. A rice mat formed into a plate shape by a forming section 3 is spread over a pick plate 5 placed on a slide tray 4, and the rice mat, along with the pick plate 5, is removed from the slide tray 4.

Abstract: The invention is a domestic plastic bottle shredding machine. The machine has a hydraulic ram assembly located above the shredding mechanism so that any plastic, glass, paper, or aluminum that is introduced will be flattened prior to being shredded. A waste bin is located beneath the shredding mechanism such that the storage process is driven by gravity. The machine is designed for domestic uses such that the shape of the machine resembles a small garbage can. The primary feature of this invention is to aid the recycling process by shredding plastic, glass, paper, or aluminum in advance of the recycling process.

Abstract: A rigid embossing roll having an embossing surface containing at least one embossing line element. An elastomeric covered roll opposing the rigid embossing roll and the at least one embossing line element comprising a top having a first edge, a second edge opposing the first edge, and a width, A, measured between the first and the second edge. A step located adjacent to either the first or the second edge, the step having a riser and a landing. The landing having a width, B, measured between the riser and a sidewall of the embossing line element and the riser having a vertical height, C, measured along an axis orthogonal to a base of the embossing line element between the landing and the top. Finally, A is between about 0.010 inch to about 0.10 inch, B is between about 0.010 inch to about 0.10 inch, C is between about 0.0025 inch to about 0.015 inch; a ratio C/B is between about 0.25 to about 1.5; and a ratio of A/B is between about 0.1 to about 10.0.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for compacting waste which is disposed in containers that are open at the top thereof. The inventive includes a compactor roller which is pivot-mounted to one end of a handling arm, the other end of the arm being mounted to a support frame in a collapsible manner. The device is characterized in that at least one of the transverse ends of the support frame has an anchoring device which can co-operate with a lift and load hook of a container transport vehicle.

Abstract: A truss fabrication system for fabricating trusses includes a table, a gantry press and an obstruction detection device. A top of the table receives truss components arranged with at least some connector plates engaging at least some of the truss members. The gantry press includes a gantry mounted for movement along a path relative to the table for pressing the connectors into the truss components for joining the truss members together. An obstruction detection device is mounted on the gantry for detecting obstructions in the path of the gantry. The detection device defines a vertical detection plane located a predetermined distance from the gantry and is adapted to detect the presence of all obstructions entering the plane at substantially the same time for stopping movement of the gantry.

Abstract: A truss assembly apparatus for assembling truss structures, by assembly on two or more consecutive, spaced apart, coplanar work table surfaces and with a gantry type press assembly of a plurality of wooden truss members and truss connector plates with toothed projections, the truss members coupled by embedding the connector plate projections into said truss members. The truss assembly apparatus has a gantry type press assembly with first and second ends adapted to be mounted on first and second ends of each of said work table surfaces, for movement over the work table surfaces and the space between adjacent work table surfaces. The gantry assembly has a continuous belt on the first and second ends for driving of the gantry assembly, by engagement of the continuous driving belt with the first and second table ends. The gantry assembly is configured to be supported by the continuous belt, during movement of the gantry over a work table surface when crossing the space between work table surfaces.

Abstract: An adjustable leg for a truss fabrication system used in mass production of trusses. The system has a truss set-up table and a gantry press movable relative to the truss set-up table for pressing nailing plates into truss members. The table is supported on legs which are readily adjustable in height even after installation of the table to maintain the table in a level orientation.

Abstract: A compactor according to the invention comprises a bowl (2) for receiving the matter that is to be compacted, a crushing head (1) comprising at least one shredding roll (11) that is mounted to rotate on itself and to move upon the surface of the matter when the compacting head is in an active position inside the bowl, and a pressing device comprising a pressure plate (3) for pressing the matter onto a bottom of said bowl when it is in an active position inside the bowl. Configuration means are further provided to move said crushing head and said pressing device, each in turn, into its active position inside the bowl while the other is in an inactive position outside the bowl.

Abstract: A truss assembly apparatus for use in assembling a truss. The apparatus has a truss table and a roller assembly movable relative to the truss table for pressing connectors into truss members. A wheel guide directs movement of the roller assembly relative to the truss table. The roller assembly automatically reduces speed when approaching an end of the wheel guide. A wear strip is removably secured to the guide so that the wear strip may be replaced with a different wear strip without replacement of the guide. The table is supported on legs which are telescopically adjustable in height to adjust the table to a level orientation. A support of the roller assembly is formed of a one piece plate to inhibit deflections. A roller is formed with a collar attached by interference fit to improve strength and durability.

Abstract: A hot laminating apparatus has a single-sided transmitting and heating roller. A heating plate is used instead of a transmitting and heating roller at the opposite side of the transmission passage in order to heat the thin film in contact therewith and cooperate with the single-sided transmitting and heating roller to transmit the thin films to be laminated. The heating plate is efficient in heating the thin film and generally less expensive than the transmitting and heating roller.

Abstract: The device for compressing a load of particulate material in an open-top trailer includes a frame mounted or mountable on a support so as to be elevated over the load of particulate material in the open-top trailer, a drum roller rotatably mounted or mountable to the frame, and a windrower mounted or mountable to the frame adjacent the drum roller. The windrower is for windrowing a heaped portion of the load of particulate material so as to heap the heaped portion above upper edges of sides of the trailer. The windrower windrows the heaped portion into a windrow of particulate material generally centrally aligned with a longitudinal axis of the trailer as the trailer and the windrower are translated relative to one another along the longitudinal axis. The drum roller is disposed on the frame so as to roll over and thereby compress the windrow of particulate material as the trailer and the roller translate relative to one another along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: In accordance with the principles and concepts of the invention, apparatus and methods for assembling pre-cut members into trusses and joists and splicing pre-cut members into truss chords are presented. According to the invention, a splicing apparatus for connecting chord members end-to-end comprises a table having a table surface for supporting abutting chord members, a gantry press mounted adjacent to the table surface and configured to move relative to the table surface, the gantry press having at least two press rollers, each press roller having a peripheral surface positioned a successively closer clearance distance to the table surface.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method for compacting waste in a machine including an cylindrical, open-top tank (2-4) and a compacting head (15, 16), wherein a horizontal toothed roller (16) is arranged in said tank (2-4) and bears on said waste under its own weight, and said roller (16) can be rotated around the central vertical axis of said tank by the action of a driving member (15). The method is characterized in that a quantity indicative of the force exerted by said driving member (15) is monitored, and in that, when said quantity exceeds a predetermined threshold, an unclogging operation is performed by (a) first raising said roller (16) up to a predetermined height and (b) then releasing said roller (16) thus causing it to lower back onto the waste, while being rotatively driven in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A wrapping machine includes a first wrapping station for applying a strip of wrapping around a bale to partially wrap the bale in wrapping material, a second wrapping station for applying a strip of wrapping material around the bale to completely wrap the bale in wrapping material, and a transfer device for transferring the partially wrapped bale from the first wrapping station to the second wrapping station. This transfer device is swingable through approximately 90° from the first wrapping station to the second wrapping station. The first wrapping station includes a dispenser for dispensing a strip of plastic film and a device for rotating the dispenser about a substantially vertical axis around the bale. The second wrapping station includes a device for rotating the bale about a substantially horizontal axis and a dispenser for dispensing wrapping material around the bale as it is turned on the horizontal axis. A compaction station is provided to compact loose material into the bale before wrapping.

Abstract: A product dispenser for compelling a product from a container is provided having a frame with opposed end walls defining first and second axially aligned sockets and a dispensing hole. An drive member with first and second opposed ends is releasably engaged by the first and second sockets, respectively. A bearing member is adapted to travel between the first and second opposed ends of the drive member, whereby a deformable container holding a flowable product inserted into the frame expels the product through the dispensing hole under pressure exerted upon the container by the bearing member. The drive member is releasable from the frame and is re-engaged by the frame, whereby the first and second opposed ends are then releasably engaged by the second and first sockets, respectively. Therefore, after the bearing member has traveled from the first end to the second end, the bearing member may be repositioned within the frame to reinitiate travel towards the dispensing hole.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining a desired nip pressure distribution profile in the cross direction of a paper web. The paper web passes through a nip, the latter defined by at least one elastomer covered roll, the covered roll having polarizable particles or magnetic particles embedded therein. A plurality of spaced plates or spaced coils each generate a local field (respectively electric or magnetic) which acts upon individual spaced zones or regions along the covered roll. The field may thus be an electric field or a magnetic filed. The effect of the field is to change the effective modulus of the elastomer by acting on the particles. In turn, this action varies the nip pressure pulse as to exert a desired pressure at each of a plurality of spaced zones or regions on the paper web, to thus create or process a more uniform product in the nip. The method and apparatus can be used, for example, to improve web moisture profiles in the press section of paper machines.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method for compacting waste in a machine including an cylindrical, open-top tank (2-4) and a compacting head (15, 16), wherein a horizontal toothed roller (16) is arranged in said tank (2-4) and bears on said waste under its own weight, and said roller (16) can be rotated around the central vertical axis of said tank by the action of a driving member (15). The method is characterized in that a quantity indicative of the force exerted by said driving member (15) is monitored, and in that when said quantity exceeds a predetermined threshold, an unclogging operation is performed by (a) first raising said roller (16) up to a predetermined height and (b) then releasing said roller (16) thus causing it to lower back onto the waste, while being rotatively driven in the opposite direction. In the case of a machine wherein said roller (16) is simultaneously rotatively driven around its own axis, the direction of such rotation also preferably is reversed after said roller (16) has been raised.

Abstract: Trackless gantry press apparatus includes, in one embodiment, a plurality of truss setup tables configured to form a row of spaced truss setup tables. Each table includes wheel guides coupled at opposing ends and extending the width of the table. The guides are configured to be in substantial alignment with the guides coupled to adjacent tables. The apparatus also includes a press assembly for pressing nailing plates into truss members. The press assembly includes a substantially cylindrically shaped roller movably coupled to a substantially inverted U-shaped frame. The press assembly also includes at least four support wheels and at least four reaction pressure wheels coupled to each opposite end of the frame and configured so that at least three support wheels on each end of the press assembly are in contact with the wheel guides at all times as the press assembly traverses the spaces between the spaced setup tables.

Abstract: A device for smashing empty aluminum cans that provides for holding the cans horizontally on the ground while an automobile runs over the cans in order to smash the cans into a flattened configuration for recycling. The device is comprised of a long, narrow backing and a flexible member that is secured to a top surface of the backing. The flexible member is formed into a series of parallel curved flaps for removably holding the cans across the width of the backing and in the path of travel of the automobile. The flexible flaps are resilient and they return to their original configuration after the automobile has run over the device, allowing the smashed cans to be removed from the device and the device to be reused.

Abstract: A gantry press adjustment apparatus for vertically adjusting a parallel gantry press (10) with respect to a work surface (77). The gantry press has a rigid frame with a first side frame portion (12) and a second side frame portion (14), and a press roller (16) mounted therebetween. Each side frame portion has first and second generally parallel vertical members (28, 30). The adjustment apparatus has first and second planar members (40) which are adapted to receive and support the axle (60) of the press roller. The planar members are slidably mounted along a vertical axis of the frame portions. First vertical adjustment members (100, 200) are connected to the first side frame portion and to the first planar member, and second vertical adjustment members (300, 400) are connected to the second side frame portion and to the second planar member. A drive (134) is connected with each of the adjustment members to adjust each member at a substantially equivalent rate.

Abstract: A gantry press adjustment apparatus for adjusting a vertical orientation of a parallel gantry press with respect to a work surface. The gantry press has a rigid frame with a first side frame portion and a second side frame portion. Each side frame portion has a first and a second generally parallel vertical members. The first and the second side frame portions are spaced sufficiently apart to accept a press roller. The adjustment apparatus has a first and a second planar member which are adapted to receive and support the axle of the roller press. The planar members are slidably mounted along a vertical axis of the frame portions. A first vertical adjustment member is connected to the first side frame portion and to the first planar member. A second vertical adjustment member is connected to the second side frame portion and to the second planar member.

Abstract: A cotton module builder incorporates a roller that continuously applies variable pressure to a cotton module during building, thereby building the cotton module faster than conventional cotton module builders. The roller incorporates a number of vanes which pin the cotton fibers to aid in compaction of the module. The roller may take different shapes but a generally cylindrical shape is preferred.

Abstract: A woven fabric to be used in formation of a composite material includes multifilament warp and weft threads. Each of the warp threads and the weft threads have a total weight less than 80% of the weight of the fabric. The woven warp and weft threads have 0 twist/m and a torsion no greater than an original torsion of the threads before weaving. Each woven warp and weft thread has a width over the entire length thereof that is greater than or equal to an original width before weaving. The fabric is woven to have a given weight per unit area and a fiber volume ratio that is approximately constant throughout the fabric and that is satisfactory for use of the fabric in a composite material. The warp and weft threads of a yarn count that is greater than a yarn count traditionally used to achieve the fiber volume ratio for the given weight per unit area.

Abstract: An apparatus for laminating a plurality of components to one another in an assembly includes a table having an upper surface for successively stacking a plurality of components in registered, aligned, superimposed relation to one another to enable the components to be joined to one another. The upper surface of the table has a plurality of apertures formed therein. A source of vacuum is selectively connectible to the plurality of apertures formed in the upper surface of the table for holding at least one component in place when positioned thereon for lamination, two spaced apart, parallel, linear guide rails are connected to the table. An elongated roller has opposite ends connected to the rails for sliding, guided movement along the rails as the roller rollingly engages the upper surface of the table. A drive mechanisms is connected to the roller for reciprocating the roller along a path defined by the rails.

Abstract: The automatic citrus fruit juicer has a fixed frame with an upper platform and a lower platform. A first drum with a vertical axis is rotatably mounted and actuated between the platforms and is crossed by holes for the passage of fruit juice. A second drum with a vertical axis is rotatable eccentrically outside the first drum and is provided with lateral pressing means for pressing its inner surface toward the outer surface of the first drum at a citrus fruit squashing region. A unit for cutting fruits into two halves is mounted above the drums at an opening of the upper platform provided to allow the fruit halves to drop between the drums so that the cut surfaces of the citrus fruits rest against the surface of the first drum. The lower platform is provided with a hole for the exit of the fruit juice and with a chute for removing the peels of the squashed fruit halves.

Abstract: A waste compactor including an upwardly open waste container, and a roller mounted on a support for movement within the container to travel over waste in the container for compacting waste. The roller is movable up and down in the container as waste builds up in the container. The support includes a support arm slidably mounted on a support frame, the arm being inclined downwardly from the support frame towards the roller. For waste compaction a ram is operable to slide the arm on the support frame to urge the roller against the waste.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing trusses is provided for pressing truss plates into a plurality of wood pieces positioned on a platform and for facilitating easy removal of the truss from the platform. The apparatus includes a pair of guide tracks extending along the platform and having separate end portions adjacent the removal end of the platform. A gantry frame is supported on the guide tracks and carries a roller above the platform for pressing the truss plates into the wood pieces. The apparatus includes lifting means for lifting the end portions of the guide tracks and the gantry frame supported thereon. Accordingly, the truss can be easily removed from the platform by passing it under the roller. In addition, wheels are disclosed for facilitating movement of the apparatus away from the platform to allow maintenance thereof. An associated method of manufacturing trusses is also disclosed.

Abstract: A novel electromechanical apparatus for operating the conventional rolling pin on a motor-driven disc board for making dough discs out of dough balls.

Abstract: A molding device for compacting a fiber reinforced resinous material to form an article of manufacture in which reinforcement fibers contained in the fiber reinforced resinous material are oriented as desired. The device includes a die; a roll opposed to the die; a compressing mechanism for pressing one of the die and the roll against the other of the die and the roll; and driving a mechanism for reciprocating and/or rotating one of the die and the roll relative to the resinous material. In this construction, the fiber reinforced resinous material is shaped into a predetermined configuration by compressing a number of times the fiber reinforced resinous material delivered by the pressing mechanism until the fiber reinforced resinous material is compacted to a predetermined degree of compression.

Abstract: Stacks (16) of sheet material are moved on a conveyor (12, 14) between air manifolds (18, 20) and guide pins (19, 21); so that, drying gas is directed between the sheets of the stacks to cause the stacks to expand to form fluffed stacks 28 through which air moves readily to dry the sheets. A compression roller (26) is used to expel air from the fluffed stack and return the stack essentially to its original height. A reduction in tendency to curl is achieved in low relative humidity environments for sheets of photographic film.

Abstract: A heat-sealing apparatus includes a casing, a pair of lower and upper binding members for vertically binding a portion of a heat-fusible wrapper therebetween, a heater attached to a binding face of the lower binding member which is in turn fixed to the casing. The heater is operable to heat-fuse the portion of the wrapper. The apparatus further includes a switching mechanism for switching over the upper binding member between a binding position where the upper binding member is pressed against the binding face of the lower binding member and a releasing position where the upper binding member is retracted in an upper-rear direction away from the binding face of the lower binding member. The upper binding member is a heat-resistant elastic pressing roller rotatable about an axis extending along a length of the heater.

Abstract: An apparatus for compacting refuse and similar material in a vessel. The apparatus including a driveable rotating roller for compacting the material inside a receiver vessel, wherein the roller is capable of moving in an essentially horizontal direction about a shaft and is preferably driven in rotation. In one embodiment, the roller is coupled to the shaft by a support arm extending laterally from the shaft, and is movable in a vertical direction between bottom and top portions of the vessel by a pivot arm.

Abstract: A truss assembly machine includes an elongated table for supporting truss members, including a plurality of wood members and a plurality of connector plates, and a pressing roller mounted for rotation about its own axis on a movable gantry above the support table. The gantry transports the roller longitudinally along the table for engaging the connector plates to embed the plates into the wood members and form the completed truss. A hydraulic cylinder with a hydraulically actuated piston carried therein is coupled to each end of the roller for selectively lifting and lowering the roller.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for eliminating fat from a formed ground meat product while maintaining desireable texture and other eating qualities, comprising the steps of placing the product on a support member configured to promote the flow of fat away from the product; bringing the product to a temperature at which a substantial proportion of the fat contained in the meat is liquified; and compressing the product against the support member only after the product has reached the temperature at which a substantial portion of the fat contained in the meat is liquified, by applying a rolling pressure which repeatedly traverses the product in a plane parallel to the support member for a period and at a pressure level sufficient to exude a substantial portion of the liquified fat from the product. During at least part of the time when rolling pressure is applied, a non-fat liquid is supplied to the top surface of the product.

Abstract: Apparatus for repeatedly cutting stacks of overlapping sheets has a first cutting machine from which large stacks are transferred to a loading station which is adjacent a transfer station where the stacks are loaded upon successive wheel-mounted pallets for transport into the second cutting machine. A feeding unit is provided to shift selected numbers of stacks on the pallet which is located in the second machine onto a working platform beneath the guillotine type knife and the hold-down device of the second cutting machine so that the pallet supports portions of stacks which are being severed. The stacks are oriented on the pallet at the loading station, and additional changes in orientation of the stacks can be carried out on the pallet and/or on the adjacent working platform in the second cutting machine.