Abstract: A method of bulking and heat-setting a moving, continuous length of twisted thermoplastic yarn. The method includes the steps of saturating the yarn with a dielectric fluid contained in a fluid saturation station. The yarn is then moved downstream from the saturation station to an electromagnetic heating chamber for heating the yarn using electromagnetic radiation. Simultaneously in the heating chamber, the yarn is bulked to add size and texture and the twist permanently heat-set. The twisted and bulked yarn is then collected in a collection station located downstream of the heating chamber.

Abstract: A cutter device is provided for being attached to an end of a movable working arm of a self-propelled vehicle for clearing and mulching trees. The cutter device includes a rotatably mounted drum with a plurality of spaced cutter teeth attached to an exterior of the drum for engaging and grinding the trees. A shield covers a portion of the drum and contains the deflection of wood debris outwardly from the drum during operation. The shield has an interior wall spaced apart from the cutter teeth and cooperating with the rotating drum to define a debris flow path through the device. At least one deflector plate is attached to the interior wall of the shield. The deflector plate extends inwardly into the debris flow path in a direction towards the cutter teeth of the drum.

Abstract: A passenger seat with a quick replacement seat bottom diaphragm, comprising a seat frame assembly, including legs for securing the seat to a deck of a vehicle, and a seat bottom frame and a seat back frame carried by the legs in vertically-spaced relation to the deck. The seat bottom frame includes first and second laterally-spaced seat bottom frame members extending from the seat back forward to a position adjacent the knee area of a seat occupant. A seat bottom diaphragm assembly is provided for attachment to the seat bottom frame for supporting a seat bottom cushion. The seat bottom diaphragm assembly comprises fore and aft brackets carried by each of the first and second seat bottom frame members, and fore and aft diaphragm stretcher bars extending laterally across the seat bottom for being locked into the fore and aft brackets of the first and second seat bottom frame members.

Abstract: A cross-linking agent for cross-linking a binding agent with a pigment for coloring textile fabrics in a continuous padding process including an emulsified mixture of at least 500% by weight of silicone fluid, at least 20% resin, at least 10% water and optional processing enhancers.An embodiment of the method for padding pigment colors onto textile fabrics according to the invention includes the steps of preparing a padding liquor of a cross-linking agent, a textile pigment, a binder and water, wherein the cross-linking agent is an emulsification of at least 50% by weight of silicone fluid, at least 20% resin, and at least 10% water. The padding liquor is then padded onto the textile fabric, and the resin in the padding liquor is cured on the textile fabric to cross-link the pigment and the binder.

Abstract: Article distribution apparatus comprises means defining a zone through which a plurality of articles can move from a first location to a second location. Distribution means extend between the first and second locations to divide the zone into first and second lanes. The distribution means is movable laterally across the zone to vary the capacity of the first and second lanes of the articles.

Abstract: An opened, wet processed, intermediate natural fiber product suitable for formation into end use fiber products, which includes an effective amount of an antimicrobial agent applied to the fibers during wet processing.

Abstract: For use in manufacturing concreted building products in polyurethane molds, a demolding apparatus provides a clamping bar which clamps on to a lip of a mold (22) and is then moved with pivotal arms (32,34) forward and upwardly to effectively strip the edge of the mold (22) form the front end of the respective product (24). The reciprocating mold (22) passes below a roller (66) which moves into engagement with the upper surface of the mold (22) to apply a downwardly directed pressure onto the mold and product, thereby to retain the product (24) on a conveyor (12) and rollers (68), and facilitate stripping of the mold (22) from the product (24). The stripped product (24) moves onto an offtake conveyor (70) and, in the uppermost position of the arm (32,34), the clamping jaws are released to allow the stripped mold (22) to thereafter fall onto the conveyor (70).

Abstract: A passenger seat assembly convertible between a two-seat configuration and a three-seat configuration, including a seat assembly base and first, second and third seats for carrying respective seat bottom and seat back cushions. The first and third seats defining outboard seats are moveable on the seat assembly base and the second seat defines a center seat carried in a fixed position on the seat assembly base. A gear drive is carried by the seat assembly base and interconnects the first and third seats for simultaneous movement relative to each other and to the second seat. The first and third seats move towards each other into the two-seat configuration wherein the first and third seats encroach upon the second seat and define a dead zone between the first and third seat. The first and third seats are moveable away from each other into the three-seat configuration wherein the second seat defines a center seat having the same seating width as the first and third seats.

Abstract: The drawings show part of a nesting and stacking container. A support member 22 has a nesting position P1 which allows another container to nest in the container 10. The supporting member 22 can move to a chosen one of two stacking positions P2,P3 at which the member 22 can support the base of a container stacked above. Movement between the positions P1, P2 and P3 is achieved by a combination of pivotting the member 22 about an axis at 24, and moving the pivot axis relative to the container. Various other arrangements for mounting the support member 22 on the container are also described.

Abstract: Waste collection apparatus 10 comprises a first fluid duct 12 having an inlet at 14. A fan 16 creates a first fluid flow path 18 to draw waste material into the inlet 14, for collection. A second duct 20 directs air back along the periphery of the flow path 18 to deflect waste material up into the main path 18. Rotating air jets 32 are located near the inlet 14 to sweep an area to either side of the vehicle, to deflect waste material in to the path 18. The apparatus includes a compactor, which can be used alone.

Abstract: A surface finishing apparatus for in-line outer surface finishing of elongate cylindrical tubing. The tubing, such as tubing, is fed onto an elongate mandrel and through the finishing apparatus from an infeed to an outfeed position and rotated on the mandrel on its longitudinal axis. The outer surface of the tubing is finish treated as the tubing is fed through the apparatus while being supported on the mandrel. The finishing apparatus includes a rotatable finishing wheel having a finish-treating peripheral surface for being applied in an in-line orientation against the outer surface of the tubing as the tubing is simultaneously fed and rotated through the finishing apparatus. The wheel is mounted on an axis of rotation which is variable within a predetermined range of motion from one side to the other of the longitudinal axis of the tubing and oscillates back and forth within the predetermined range of motion while in continuous contact with the tubing.

Abstract: The display apparatus 2 comprises a cascading display device 4 which defines three elongate channels 6, 8, 10 in which articles, for example magazines or newspapers, may be arranged and displayed. The display device 4 is supported by a support device 12 which extends between a rear wall 14, situated behind the device 4, and the display device and is arranged to support the display device against downwards movement. The support device includes a support flange 78 which extends into a gap defined between limbs 34, 36 of respective channels 6, 8. Support rods 16 extend between the wall 14 and the display device 4 and are arranged to space the display device 4 from the wall 14; to prevent the display device 4 from pivoting about the support device 12; and to add rigidity to the display apparatus. In another embodiment, a support device is provided which includes support flanges which extend into respective gaps defined between the first and second channels 6, 8 and the second and third channels 8, 10.

Abstract: A tube-retaining device is provided for holding a medical tube in a fixed position on a patient's body proximate the tube insertion site. The tube-retaining device includes a base, and clamp mounted on the base for engaging and holding the tube. The clamp includes first and second spaced-apart arms pivotably attached for movement between an open tube-receiving position and a closed tube-enclosing position. Locking teeth are formed on the arms for adjusting the space between the arms in the closed position. The clamp is adjustable for accommodating different size tubes.

Abstract: A medical bandaging product which includes a storage package formed of moisture-impervious material and sealable to prevent entry of moisture, with a medical material positioned in the storage package and sealed therein against entry of moisture until use. The medical material includes a substrate having a variable thickness with a relatively thick predetermined central area to provide rigidity, and relatively thin predetermined edge areas to provide less rigidity to the edge areas for ease in molding the medical material around to part to be bandaged. A reactive system is impregnated into or coated onto the substrate, the system remaining stable when maintained in substantially moisture-free conditions and hardening upon exposure to sufficient moisture to form a rigid, self supporting structure. A protective wrapping encloses the substrate along its length to provide a barrier between the substrate and the skin of a patient when the material is in use.