Abstract: A machine for rolling an article, such as a rain gutter, from sheet metal dispensed from a coil comprises an elongate base having an input end, at which sheet metal dispensed from a coil is inputted into the machine, and an outlet end, at which an article rolled by the machine is outputted from the machine. An elongate track mounted on the machine and extending between those ends includes a pair of rails extending between those ends. A dispenser for mounting a coil of sheet metal and for dispensing sheet metal from the mounted coil into the machine at the input end is supported on the elongate track, via two dispenser-supporting rollers engaging each rail, so that the dispenser can be selectively positioned on the elongate track in a loading position, near the input end of the elongate base or in a dispensing position, near the output end of the elongate base. The dispenser can be releasably secured in the dispensing position.

Abstract: A device for dispensing building wrap in the form of a continuous sheeting from a supported supply roll wherein the device is capable of metering the rotation of at least one of two rotatingly mounted spindles. Brackets are provided to facilitate the temporary mounting of the device to the vertical surface of a building surface to be covered by the sheeting.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stretching and installing a flexible face sign panel is disclosed. A frame-like trolley structure is provided which is positioned on a frame structure, preferably on a service station canopy fascia. A roll of sign panel material is positioned on a spindle which is held in place on the trolley frame structure by a pair of collar members. A roller member is provided to assist in applying the material onto the face of the frame structure. One of the collar members is adapted to firmly hold the spindle from rotating under certain conditions. A handle member is provided to allow rotation of the spindle and thus tightening and stretching of the flexible face sign panel. A plurality of clamping members are provided on the frame structure to lock the trolley in position as desired along the frame structure while a portion of the sign panel is being stretched and installed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stretching and installing a flexible face sign panel is disclosed. A frame-like trolley structure is provided which is positioned on a frame structure, preferably on a service station canopy fascia. A roll of sign panel material is positioned on a spindle which is held in place on the trolley frame structure by collar members. A roller member is provided to assist in applying the material onto the face of the frame structure. One of the collar members can be adapted to firmly hold the spindle from rotating under certain conditions. A handle member is provided to allow rotation of the spindle and thus tightening and stretching of the flexible face sign panel. Releasable securing members are provided on the frame structure to secure the trolley in position as desired along the frame structure while a portion of the sign panel is being stretched and installed.

Abstract: A positioning and splicing device for paper rolls having at least one carriage arranged to be movable along guides and having an upright on one side provided with slide members for guiding a second carriage that is axially movable along the upright. The second carriage is provided with a spindle for engaging a roll. The roll is raised by a movement of the spindle protruding from the roll and the carriage is moved into engagement in a rotary coupling element that is fixedly mounted, so that the spindle is supported at both ends when the sheet is un-wound from the roll.

Abstract: In a cloth spreading machine having a motor-driven cradle for holding a roll of cloth and feeding cloth from the roll onto a supporting surface along which the machine travels, a first signal is provided which is proportional to the speed of travel of the machine, a second signal is provided which is proportional to the rate of feed of cloth from the roll, and a control responsive to the first and second signals provides a signal for controlling the speed of the cradle motor so that the rate of feed of cloth from the roll is substantially equal to the speed of travel of the machine along the surface. Sudden changes in tension on the cloth due to acceleration or deceleration of the machine cause movements in a dancer bar which are converted by a transducer to an input to the control for causing a relatively rapid compensating increase or decrease in the speed of the cradle motor.

Abstract: A rack for rotatably mounting one or more wire dispensing spools. A set of four rollers extend horizontally between a pair of spaced parallel side walls and are positioned in a substantially square-shaped configuration and rotatably mount and retain the spools therebetween. Each roller includes a cylindrical low friction plastic sleeve mounted on a center support rod or axle. A plurality of spacers separate the sleeve into a plurality of sleeve sections allowing the spools to rotate independently of each other without affecting the rotation of adjacent spools. A top roller of each set is spring biased and moves horizontally within a pair of aligned slots formed in the spaced side walls allowing the spring biased roller to move horizontally toward and away from the other top roller of each set enabling the spools to be easily inserted or removed from the rack.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a roof structure of the type having a plurality of purlins spaced apart from one another in a parallel arrangement is disclosed. The space between the vertical portions of adjacent purlins defines an insulation cavity that is generally rectangular in cross-sectional shape. The apparatus includes a carriage movable in a first direction along the length of the purlins for paying out a support sheet for support of insulation material as the carriage travels along the length of the purlins. The apparatus also includes at least one roller guide extending downward on top of the support sheet, rotating along the length of the support sheet, causing the support sheet to substantially conform to the shape of the insulation cavity. The roller guide is attached to the carriage and has two ends having wheels positioned at the sides of the insulation cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stretching and installing a flexible face sign panel is disclosed. A frame-like trolley structure is provided which is positioned on a frame structure, preferably on a service station canopy fascia. A roll of sign panel material is positioned on a spindle which is held in place on the trolley frame structure by a pair of collar members. A roller member is provided to assist in applying the material onto the face of the frame structure. One of the collar members is adapted to firmly hold the spindle from rotating under certain conditions. A handle member is provided to allow rotation of the spindle and thus tightening and stretching of the flexible face sign panel. A plurality of clamping members are provided on the frame structure to lock the trolley in position as desired along the frame structure while a portion of the sign panel is being stretched and installed.

Abstract: A wire dispenser is disclosed upon which a typical spool of wire may be loaded and dispensed by a single person pulling the dispenser upon provided wheels. Wire may also be pulled from the dispenser with the dispenser stationary and wire may be loaded or unloaded with the spool resting on the ground.

Abstract: A new Round Bale Handling System for offering a simple inexpensive device for lifting and unrolling round bales. The inventive device includes a frame, a lifting shaft, two tow chains, and a roll shaft. In use, the farm tractor 4 is backed up and the lifting shaft 30 is forced longitudinally axially into a round bale 2. The farm tractor's hitch is then used to lift the round bale 2 and the round bale 2 can be hauled by the farm tractor 4 to any desired location. When the round bale 2 has been placed, the farm tractor 4 is then relocated around and backed up to the round bale 2 so that the farm tractor 4 is normal to a rolling axis of the round bale 2. The roll shaft 50 is then pushed through the round bale 2 along its rolling axis and the tow chain 40 is rotatably attached to the roll shaft 50 by use of the retaining pin 56 and the hair clip pin 58. The farm tractor 4 then pulls the roll shaft 50 and the round bale 2 rotates about the roll shaft 50 and unrolls as it does so.

Abstract: A felt roller serves as a device for the application of felt paper in a pitched roof environment and which is capable of being maneuvered by use of the provided handle which is attached at each end of a center axle. The axle supports a roller pin assembly and a caster assembly. The caster assembly utilizes two caster wheels to gain multi-directional maneuverability. The caster wheels are restricted in their movement to allow left, right and up directions of movement when on a roof thus offering control and stability of the felt roller unit. The roller pin assembly provides free spinning rotation of the felt roll as needed for stationary dispensing as well as tack and roll applications. The axle includes on the upper end a support wheel which is removable so as to allow loading of a roll of felt material. The handle is pivotable on the axle and extends outwardly to allow the felt roller unit to be guided from above.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a roof structure of the type having a plurality of purlins spaced apart from one another in a parallel arrangement, is disclosed. A carriage moves in a first direction along the length of the purlins and pays out a support sheet for support of insulation material as the carriage travels along the length of the purlins. The support sheet depends from the top portion of adjacent purlins. At least one guide member guides the carriage along the length of the purlins and prevents the carriage from moving in a direction lateral to the first direction when the guide member is in a first position. The guide member is pivotally mounted on the carriage so that the guide member can be elevated into a second position to avoid obstructions encountered as the carriage moves along the length of the purlins. The guide member includes a movable arm which is pivotally mounted on the carriage and has a roller for rolling against a purlin while the guide member is in the first position.

Abstract: A machine for feeding rolls of web material to a utilization device that is adapted to draw the web material into the utilization device. The roll machine includes a frame carrying a carriage that supports a pair of arms having respective chucks that are adapted to move toward and away from each other for engaging and disengaging with the core of a roll that is being supported and fed. An overhead drive arrangement is used for driving the periphery of the roll in combination with a torque roller for maintaining tension in the web. A gravity loop of the material has its position sensed for control of the roll drive means in a manner to match the rate of use by the utilization device. The drive arrangement may also include a motor that directly drives the roll core. The chucks driving the roll core may further be adaptable to variably support various roll core diameters and may include structures for positively gripping the core.

Abstract: An adhesive sheeting applicator and method adapted to dispense strips of adhesive-backed sheeting from a supply roll rotatably disposed thereon and to apply said strips of sheeting to a surface with a desired spacing between successive strips by advancing the applicator a distance along the surface, the sheeting on the supply roll being in successive cut strips applied to a continuous substrate liner.

Abstract: A wire fencing tensioning apparatus comprising a generally rectangular shaped open frame carriage mounted on a standard three-way hitch on the rear of a tractor. The generally rectangular shaped open frame carriage comprises a plurality of corresponding parallel members joined at ends to form corners, which members and corners define the generally rectangular shaped open frame carriage. The wire fencing tensioning apparatus has a pair of extending hydraulic cylinders. Each of the extending hydraulic cylinders has a pulley attached to the top of the extending portion or piston thereof through each of which pulley a cable is strung. The wire fencing tensioning apparatus has a hydraulic control, the hydraulic control being capable of independently controlling each of extending hydraulic cylinders. The wire fencing tensioning apparatus has a pair of pulley-cable systems by which tension is supplied to "stretch" the wire.

Abstract: A pool equipment cart (10) in accordance with the present invention includes a cabinet (12) with a pair of end panels (14 and 16), a pair of side panels (18 and 20), and a bottom panel (22). An opening (28) located between end panels (14 and 16) which provides access to the cabinet interior. A take-up reel (30) with a sleeve (57) is rotatably seated on an axle (58) mounted between the pair of side panels (18 and 20) and is designed to accommodate only a single width of pool vacuum hose (72). Additionally, a curved roof (26) may be slidably disposed on side panels (18 and 20) to move between positions exposing and covering the opening (28). Further, a pair of wheels (38 and 40) connected by an axle (42) may be secured to bottom panel (22) and two supporting pieces (44 and 46) may be connected to bottom panel (22) to support cabinet (12) with wheels (38 and 40).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming wire bundles from a plurality of wire or cable is provided. A plurality of wires are withdrawn from a rack and simultaneously measured by a linear counter, The wires are cut at various positions to provide a bundle having beginning and ending points for the bundle as desired, A driven pulling spool is used to guide the bundle along a desired path, The pulling rope is preferably attached to the bundle by an inflatable bladder. Rollers for guiding the cable include flared end flanges with diameters equal to the shaft diameter of the roller.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for installing wire fencing including a support frame drawn by a conveyance and supporting an upstanding wire unit support spindle. A plurality of wire fencing units which may include one or and a combination of one or more wire fencing balls or spools of stranded wire fencing or a roll of field fencing are placed coaxially about the upstanding support spindle. Separator plates are placed between the wire fencing units and then the free wire ends are attached to a fence posts. The conveyance moves along a line of fence posts and the wire fencing of each of the wire fencing units is simultaneously dispensed. A drag assembly applies a drag force against a portion of the support spindle to prevent uncontrolled pay-out of the wire fencing as the wire is dispensed. A clamp assembly, selectively engagable with portions of the payed-out is provided for isolating pulling tension form wire remaining supported on wire units as the fencing is stretched prior to attachment to the fence posts.

Abstract: A four-wheeled vehicle which allows a user to carry and distribute a bale of hay. The vehicle includes a rotatable table, i.e. a turntable, and a frame. The frame includes axles and spindles for the attachment of wheels and bearings for the rotative support of the turntable. The turntable rotates along four support bearings disposed near its periphery and a thrust bearing disposed near the center of the turntable. Steering is accomplished by pivoting a handle attached to the front axle, above which is a pair of six inch discs pivotally engaged to each other by a pin. The discs distribute the load and reduce the force on the pin, i.e. pivot point, thereby resulting in an easily steered vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing at least one spool of wire includes a drawbar that is adapted at one end thereof to fit into a receiver hitch of a vehicle. A cross tube is attached to the remaining end of the drawbar and includes at least one upright post that is adapted to receive the spool of wire. As the vehicle is driven forward along side a plurality of fence posts, wire is unwound from the spool and may then be secured to each of the fence posts as desired. According to a modification a pair of end supports are each attached to the cross tube at a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other. Each of the end supports includes an upright post member attached thereto. A cross tube having a pair of holes adapted to fit over each of said upright post members is included. The cross tube is inserted through a spool of wire and is then placed upon each of the pair of end supports so that each of the upright post members pass through each of the pair of holes.

Abstract: An arrangement and method of retrofitting a filter using a disposable media to use a permanent media belt passed through a filter tank, in which movable carts are positioned at the entrance and discharge ends of the filter tank, and a roll of permanent filter media belt segment is unwound and passed through the filter tank and rewound into a roll on the other cart at the discharge end of the filter tank with the permanent filter media belt segment being cleaned and dried prior to being rewound. Upon complete rewinding of the segment, the movable carts are switched in their positions and the permanent filter media belt segment again unwound to be again passed through the filter tank with the process repeated. A second removable cart can also be positioned at the entrance side of the filter tank with the leading end connected to the trailing end of the previous belt segment automatically to be carried through the filter tank to ensure uninterrupted filter operation by successive feed of the two belt segments.

Abstract: A method and device that allows for streamlined and efficient upright installation of coiled fence materials into fences. The device is an elongated hollow cylindrical drum designed to receive a coil of fence material which may be opened lengthwise according to a set of hinges down one side. A longitudinal gap is provided in the drum through which the leading edge of the coil of fence may pass. The underside of the drum opposite the opening is attached to a sturdy rotatable support pole. The opposite end of the support pole is designed for easy attachment to the lifting mechanism of a suitable machine (such as a tractor, backhoe, forklift or bulldozer).Once the pole is attached to the lifting machine, and a coil of fence placed in the drum, it is closed and latched allowing the leading edge of the fence to extend through the gap in the drum. Using the machine, the method of installation begins with lifting the pole thereby lifting the drum up off the ground.

Abstract: A primary device placed at the upstream end of a duct and a relay device placed at an access point pull a cable through respective duct segments. The pulling speed of the primary device is controlled by an operator. The pulling speed of the relay device is variable in response to movement of the cable by the primary device to maintain equilibrium between the pulling speeds of the devices. The pulling tension exerted upon the cable by each device is monitored and discontinued upon reaching a predetermined maximum value. At the inlet to the second segment, lubricant is supplied to the cable at a quantitative rate which is proportional to the pulling speed.

Abstract: A carriage is provided for supporting a supply roll of wrap paper for use with a wrap apparatus. A spindle is cantilever mounted from one side of a frame to receive the supply roll thereon. A handle extends outwardly from the other side of the frame and may be selectively removed to allow operator access to a control panel of the wrap apparatus.

Abstract: An improved clamp arm and bracket design for a hay handler and unroller apparatus which accommodates a wide range of varying lengths of hay bales is disclosed. The improved clamp arm includes an improved bracket design which is connected to a frame which in turn is connected to a tractor via a three point hitch. Each bracket can be mounted to the frame in one of two possible positions where the bracket is rotated 180.degree. from a first position where the bracket extends inwardly to obtain a second position where the brackets extend outwardly. These alternate positions enable the apparatus to provide for varying distances between said clamp arms by allowing for three possible arrangements of the brackets, namely, both brackets in the first position to accommodate shorter bales, both brackets in the second position to accommodate longer bales, and one bracket in the first position and the other bracket in the second position to accommodate bales of an intermediate length.

Abstract: A cart is adapted to carry spools of electrical wire to enable a variety of different types and gauges of wire to be transported from place-to-place. The cart includes racks for holding the spools, each rack being sized to typically hold three or four spools. The racks are releasably secured to and selectively removable from the cart to enable the spools on the racks to be carried to a site which is remote from the cart.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing insulation material within a roof structure (11). The apparatus includes a carriage (26) which is urged along the purlins (18) of the roof structure (11). A roll of insulation material (43) is mounted to the carriage (26) and dispenses a substantially continuous sheet of blanket insulation material (39) over the purlins (18) as the carriage (26) is progressively moved along the length of the purlins (18). A radiant barrier dispenser (70) dispenses a layer of radiant barrier material (72) over the dispensed blanket insulation material (39), and a cross-wise layer of insulation (86) is applied across the length of the purlins (18) in a direction normal to the direction of application of the blanket insulation material (39). Thereafter, sheets of hard metal roofing material (24) are attached to the purlins (18) over the cross insulation (86) to form the insulated roof structure (11).

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted, wire dispensing apparatus includes a horizontally oriented base plate and a spindle projecting vertically from the horizontally oriented base plate. A base plate support assembly supports the horizontally oriented base plate and the spindle. A first connector assembly connects the base plate support assembly to a vehicle, and a second connector assembly connects the spindle to the vehicle. The base plate support assembly includes horizontally oriented members underlying the horizontally oriented base plate. Vertically oriented members project upward from the horizontally oriented members. An elevated cross member connects the vertically oriented members, and brace members are connected between the elevated cross member and the horizontally oriented members. A separator assembly, supported by the spindle, may be used for separating a second wire reel from a first wire reel.

Abstract: A tool mounts a parcel containing a coil of a cable, for instance, a sleeve for the cable, and two protective rings at the sides of the coil, the tool having two wheel-shaped side supports including one larger and one smaller circle segment having opposite dividing edges, the circle segments being capable to be coupled and locked to each other. The side supports are provided with concentric centering elements to center the sleeve, the dividing edges being provided radially outside the centering elements of the side supports for dividing the distance between the centering element and the peripheral edge element in a ratio of from 1:1 to 1:3. The dividing edge of the larger circle segment is provided at a radial distance from the center of the side support that is less than the radius of the parcel.

Abstract: A device for winding fence material which contains a collapsible, rotatable drum comprising an internal hinge mechanism adapted to open or close such drum, a transverse slot within the drum adapted to secure such fence material, and a rotatable base upon which such drum is mounted.

Abstract: Vehicle mounted reel lifting apparatus having a motor driven wheel framework and having a longitudinal axis, an elongate shaft is pivotally mounted on the framework so that it extends in a direction at substantially right angles to the longitudinal axis of the framework. A pair of spaced-apart arms are mounted on the shaft in spaced-apart positions. A spindle having an axis is provided, lifting claws are provided on the ends of the arms for receiving and carrying the spindle. A drive is carried by one of said arms for driving said spindle. A brake is carried by the same arm as carries the drive for applying braking forces to the spindle.