Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for managing retort over-pressure during pressure cooling. The invention allows the specification of an initial cooling temperature and a final cooling temperature and a final cooling pressure. Using these values the invention provides a pressure ramping to manage retort over-pressure.

Abstract: The invention provides a transfer valve for a sterilizer/cooker, which is almost lubeless, or is lubeless. Packing strips and packing rings are provided, which are made of high temperature thermo plastics compounded with internal lubricants, such as Teflon or silicon, and graphite.

Abstract: The invention provides a rotary cooler with three regions. The regions are separated by baffles with holes, which provide a slowed laminar air flow. Each region has its own recirculation system.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus for severing a sheath of thermoplastic material during a bag manufacturing operation. The cutting apparatus comprises a stationary frame (1) having a pair of timing pulleys (130, 131) mounted thereon which intermittently drive an endless timing belt (61) looped around the pulleys. The timing belt carries a cutter blade (56) across the width of the sheath during an intermittent cutting run for severing the sheath. The mid-portion of the timing belt is vertically displaceable by two pairs of vertically and horizontally spaced apart guide pulleys (135-138) supported on a vertically moveable frame (143, 71, 144) centered between the timing pulleys on the stationary frame. The vertically displacement of the mid-portion of the timing belt positions the cutter blade for the cutting run across the width of the sheath.

Abstract: An electromagnetic vibratory exciter having a non-linear elastomeric compression spring mounted in four quadrants around an electromagnet. The spring having curved armature contact surfaces of different heights on laterally opposite adjacent quadrants for providing selectable non-linear stiffening and deflection rates.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mechanism, associated with a thermoplastic bag making machine, for preparing a strip of thermoplastic to produce bags having the upper edges of the bag mouth formed in a sinusodial shape such that the peak of such shape is substantially equi-distant relative to the side edges of the bag. While the disclosed bag machine is of the type that advances the web strip incrementally, shaping of the web strip in the sinusodial shape occurs while a portion of the web strip is advanced at substantially constant velocity. A mechanism is provided for maintaining constant tension in the web despite the constant and intermittent feeding of the web.

Abstract: An aircraft loader has an elevatable deck supported on scissor-type supports and urged into the elevated position by a hydraulically actuated lifting structure. The lifting structure incorporates two supports that move vertically on chain members when the cylinders are actuated.

Abstract: A troughed belt conveyor has a roll supporting base beam with downwardly diverging flanges, one of which supports the bottom roll with the other supporting the angled side rolls. The side rolls are longitudinally offset from the bottom roll and the upper end portions of adjacent rolls are laterally overlapped. The frame structure units for the conveyor are joined by U-section wedges that slidably fit wedge-receiving apertures and which have outwardly bent wedge-retaining tabs.