Abstract: A paint multi-tool assembly includes a shaft that has a hooked end that is insertable into a power tool thereby facilitating the shaft to be rotated when the power tool is turned on. A first cylinder insertably receives the shaft thereby facilitating the first cylinder to be inserted into an open end of a paint roller. Thus, the power tool can rotate the paint roller for cleaning paint off of the paint roller. A plurality of fins is each coupled to and extends away from the first cylinder for stirring paint in the paint container. A second cylinder is coupled to each of the fins such that the second cylinder is spaced from the first cylinder. In this way the second cylinder can be inserted into the paint container or be inserted into the open end of the paint roller.

Abstract: In connection with the non-destructive stretching and fastening of pelts (2) on distention elements/pelt boards (4), where the pelt is stretched and fastened in the stretched position during the drying process by means of a fixing bag, it has shown that the pelts give way (shrink) on each side of the tail root of the pelt, with the result that use is made of a number of staples for the fastening of these places on the stretched pelt. Since it is not at all desirable to use staples, a development of the pelt boards (4) has taken place, so that these have an arched extent around two transverse axes in relation to their longitudinal axes. Moreover, it has long been desirable to be able to stretch the pelts to a greater degree, which has not been possible with the use of the known stretching machines.

Abstract: In connection with the various working operations in the production of furs, a not inconsiderable amount of manual labor is involved in the handling of the pelt boards or expansion pelt boards between the various work processes. To make the production of furs more profitable, manual labor is reduced to a minimum using a device for performing a complete or partial emptying/filling of a drying aggregate for upstanding expansion pelt boards, with or without tanned, or tanned and dried pelts, to one or more suitable receiving stations for further transport and/or handling. The device has a gripping element which can be activated for displacement, the movements of which are controlled by a control unit so that upstanding expansion pelt boards with or without tanned, dried pelts, are transferred automatically in upstanding position from the surface of the drying aggregate to a receiving point for further handling and transport.

Abstract: A work table for an automatic machine for cutting leathers and the like, includes a plurality of holes opening outwards and communicating with a vacuum source, to make portions of leathers to adhere to the active surface (3) of the work table (1). The work table (1) includes a central body (1a), supported by a fixed structure (2). At least one lateral portion (1h, 1j), connected to the fixed structure (2), is moved by first motion means (10h, 10j) between at least one work configuration (K1), in which its active surface (3h, 3j) is aligned with the active surface (3a) of the central body (1a), to define the active surface (3) of the work table (1), and a rest configuration (K2) of reduced dimension, in which the active surfaces (3a, 3h, 3j) of the central body (1a) and the lateral portion (1h, 1j) are arranged at an angle with respect to each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for fleshing, stretching and drying leather or similar flat materials such as skins and furs. The device consists of movable lamellae which can be extended from the center outwards and which under vacuum and the cooperation of a pressing device provides a smooth, gliding heatable contact surface on which the stretched and fixed piece of leather is simultaneously dried thereby minimizing any frictional forces encountered when stretching leather in a vacuum. Moisture is evacuated through channels, raised areas, perforations in one of the lamellae thereby improving the stretching effect and uniformity of the stretched leather across its entire surface without wrinkling.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for fleshing, stretching and drying leather or similar flat materials such as skins and furs. The device consists of movable lamellae which can be extended from the center outwards and which under vacuum and the cooperation of a pressing device provides a smooth, gliding heatable contact surface on which the stretched and fixed piece of leather is simultaneously dried thereby minimizing any frictional forces encountered when stretching leather in a vacuum. Moisture is evacuated through channels, raised areas, perforations in one of the lamellae thereby improving the stretching effect and uniformity of the stretched leather across its entire surface without wrinkling.

Abstract: A fleshing device for removing flesh from a hide includes a hide supporting structure for supporting the hide so that the hide extends in a substantially vertical hide plane. The device also includes a fleshing tool having a fleshing blade for removing the flesh from the hide and a tool supporting structure for movably supporting the fleshing tool so as to allow the fleshing tool to be moved in a tool plane substantially parallel to the hide plane while the fleshing blade operationally contacts the flesh.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for fleshing, stretching and drying leather or similar flat materials such as skins and furs. The device consists of movable lamellae which can be extended from the center outwards and which under vacuum and the cooperation of a pressing device provides a smooth, gliding heatable contact surface on which the stretched and fixed piece of leather is simultaneously dried thereby minimizing any frictional forces encountered when stretching leather in a vacuum. Moisture is evacuated through channels, raised areas, perforations in one of the lamellae thereby improving the stretching effect and uniformity of the stretched leather across its entire surface without wrinkling.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for treating animal skins or hides (10) comprises stretching the hide to extend it and to open the structures and mounting the hide in a frame (15) by ties (12) extending between the hide edge attachments (11) and the frame. The hide (10) while in the frame. The hide (10) while in the frame passes through multiple process operations involving sequentially applying treatment fluids under pressure. A pressure differential maintained across the hide thickness enables the fluids to pass through the flesh surface (10a) and emerge from the grain surface (10b). The hide (10) can be supported on a porous backing membrane (45) during treatment. The treatment fluids are collected and processed for recycling, recovery of by-products and disposal.

Abstract: A device for holding a tendon graft in position as the tendon is scraped and sutured is described. The device includes a pair of tension arms that can be moved in both a horizontal and vertical plane. Horizontal movement of the tension arms can be used to adjust the amount of tension that is applied to a tendon graft. Vertical movement of the tension arms can be used to position the tendon graft in a location which enables medical personnel to more easily suture parallel lengths of a graft together.

Abstract: Animal pelts of varying sizes are stretched on a hoop made of a single length of elongated resilient metal bar formed into a circular shape with its ends overlapping in a portion of its circumference. One end of the bar is terminated with a swivelled clamp comprising a toroidal guide through which the adjacent overlapping section of the hoop passes and through the side of which a screw having a T-handle is passed to engage and clamp the hoop. The other end of the bar is terminated with a swivelled, toroidal guide through which passes the adjacent overlapping section of the hoop. One or more flexible, tubular retainers are positioned between the two ends over both adjacent overlapping sections of the hoop to prevent warping.

Abstract: A mechanized power assisted apparatus for flattening and stretching wet tanned hides on a smooth flat horizontal bed of a vacuum hide drier preparatory to drying in the course of leather manufacture. The apparatus includes a support holding a squeegee-type slicker element for positioning closely adjacent to a hide-carrying drier bed. The slicker element has a smooth straight edge which is rotatable in a plane parallel to the surface of the plate. The slicker support is associated with a power travel drive system for moving the support in a plane parallel to and spaced from the surface of the hide-carrying bed and over a hide supported on that bed. A power thrust system is associated with the slicker element for moving the element into and out of contact with the wet hide and for exerting force on the slicker element. Spaced apart controls are provided for actuating the power assist systems for manipulating the slicker element over the surface of a hide in simulation of manual hide application.

Abstract: A mechanized power assisted apparatus for flattening and stretching wet tanned hides on a smooth flat plate preparatory to drying in the course of leather manufacture. The apparatus comprises support means holding a squeegee-type slicker element for positioning closely adjacent to a hide-carrying plate. The slicker element has a smooth straight edge which is rotatable in a plane parallel to the surface of the plate. The slicker support means is associated with a powered travel means for moving the support means in a plane parallel to and spaced from the surface of the hide-carrying plate and over a hide supported on that plate. Powered thrust means are associated with the slicker element for moving the element into and out of contact with the wet hide and for exerting force on the slicker element. Spaced apart control means are provided for actuating the power assist means for manipulating the slicker element over the surface of a hide in simulation of manual hide application.

Abstract: A method of obtaining fixation of an animal aortic valve intended for implantation, including subjecting the aortic valve to a tanning fluid at a differential pressure across the valve leaflets in a direction to urge the valve leaflets closed and with the tanning fluid tending to distort the aortic valve. The differential pressure across the valve leaflets is greater than zero and less than about four mm Hg. An insert restrains the valve against substantial distortion during the time the valve is subjected to the tanning fluid.

Abstract: A method of obtaining fixation of an animal aortic valve intended for implantation, including subjecting the aortic valve to a tanning fluid at a differential pressure across the valve leaflets in a direction to urge the valve leaflets closed and with the tanning fluid tending to distort the aortic valve. The differential pressure across the valve leaflets is greater than zero and less than about four mm Hg. An insert restrains the valve against substantial distortion during the time the valve is subjected to the tanning fluid.