Abstract: A coupling between adjacent ends of transfer bar sections which includes a screw having threads of opposite hand at opposite ends thereof engaged with threaded counterbores in the ends of the two transfer bar sections. A spacer ground precisely to a desired length is clamped between the ends of the bar sections when the screw is tightened. The spacer and screw have radially aligned holes therein to accommodate a tool for tightening the screw. The holes are dimensioned relative to the tool so that the screw can be tightened a final increment without rotating the spacer.

Abstract: Fish are oriented by laying them in random arrangement in the central portion of a vibrating trough, the opposite ends of which form passages slightly wider than the widest fish being sorted. Fish move headfirst toward the trough ends, and the movement of fish discharged in single file from such trough ends is accelerated to propel fish past detector means. Such detector means include a radiant-energy source and fish-sorting means responsive to energy from such source operable to deflect fish leaving such source for channeling the fish corresponding to a characteristic detected by the detector. Such characteristic may be sex, length or sidewise orientation.

Abstract: An elongated conveyor for effecting unidirectional movementof materials lengthwise thereof, said conveyor having an upwardly opening trough and structure therein for advancing the materials unidirectionally, which advancing structure is reciprocable below the lower wall of the trough for movement lengthwise of the trough. A slot is disposed in the lower wall adjacent the track, and a connector extends from the carriage to the advancing structure. A pressure fluid operated actuator is mounted on the lower wall in alignment with the track for effecting reciprocal movement of the carriage, whereby the material advancing structure is reciprocated within the trough.

Abstract: A transfer shuttle is alternately moved in a forward motion and then a rearward motion by a rotary power drive. As the rotary power drive is rotated through an arc of 180.degree., a dog, coupled to the power drive, is accelerated and then decelerated before engaging the work piece transfer member, and then accelerated and decelerated after engaging the transfer member to complete its forward motion.