Abstract: A bin transport system for a fiber baling apparatus utilizes a plurality of portable upwardly opening bins which have openable bottoms. The bins are transported from a plurality of fiber filling stations to a single compression station by a four-part transport means utilizing a dual carriage cross shuttle which moves the portable bins to and from positions adjacent the filling stations and the compression station . A pair of dedicated bin transporters are utilized to transport the bins such that one transporter delivers full bins from the filling stations to a position adjacent the compression station while the other transporter delivers empty bins from the compression station to a position adjacent each filling station.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for removing small quantities of fiber or like material from a plurality of bales of the same arranged in rows. The apparatus comprises angularly arranged conduits, one end of which is maintained in sealing relation to another and mechanism for moving up and down one of the conduits for removing the fiber from the bales. Improved sealing means for the mechanism comprises generally flat strips of material spanning and sealing slots in the upper surfaces of the conduits together with means to run under the strip of material without losing the seal. One of such mechanisms seals the two conduits together and the other such mechanism carries the actual pickup mechanism and seals it to the conduit up and down which it reciprocates. All of the mechanisms are under control of an operator who walks up and down the aisles between the rows of bales.

Abstract: A palletized unstable load is stretch wrapped for unitization of the load to facilitate shipping through the use of a confinement container which contains a pallet and a lift for raising the pallet and load from the container. A stretched film is dispensed about the upper periphery of the container as the container is rotated on a turntable. As the load is raised it engages the film which is transferred from the top of the container to form a spiral about the load.

Abstract: A ventilator opener for a livestock house having an electrically powered fan for ventilation utilizes a tubular electrical heater, connected to the same power source as the fan, to heat an expandable bi-metallic latch finger which thereby engages the inner surface of the tubular heater. The latch finger is operatively connected to a conventional winch which is used to lower at least one closure or curtain thereby uncovering one or more screened ventilation openings along the walls of the house. The latch finger secures the winch with the curtains in their closed positions while the finger is engaged by the heater. The latch finger is released from engagement with the tubular heater by cooling of the heater and latch finger subsequent to either electrical power failure or an excessive temperature within the livestock house, thereby releasing the winch and opening the ventilation openings.

Abstract: A tube stabbing apparatus uses a detachably mounted strongback to support a movable platform upon which a hoist assembly is carried. The platform and hoist assembly is positioned within a boiler chamber adjacent the steam drum of the boiler chamber in order to lift and position generating tubes for cooperative insertion into the steam drum. The platform and hoist assembly is movable in a horizontal plane and has a detachable boom which may be replaced with a longer boom as necessary to install each of the tubes. The entire apparatus is disassembleable to facilitate removal of the apparatus through a very small access opening in the boiler chamber.

Abstract: An erection hinge for use in erecting columns for open air structures utilizes a mounting plate which removably attaches to the foundation of such structures and which supports an offset hinge. The offset hinge carries a cradle which supports a column to be erected. A gin pole and rigging attached to the cradle or column translates simple linear force into a pivotal motion of the column and cradle on the hinge to position the column on its foundations.

Abstract: A ground roller assembly for a bundle conductor stringing block utilizes a plurality of independently mounted grounding sheaves which are individually resiliently biased upwardly to engage an associated conductor. The plurality of independently mounted sheaves form an assembly which is connected by a mounting bar which extends between two upwardly biased support arms to position the ground roller assembly proximal the periphery of the conductor stringing block to engage the conductors. The support arms are upwardly biased such that the entire assembly pivots downwardly about the periphery of the stringing block upon proper engagement of all of the conductors within their associated grounding sheaves.

Abstract: In order to enlarge the size of the filter plates of a plate filter press without prejudicing the handling of the filter plates, an additional filter plate is arranged beneath each filter plate and is connected to this uppermost filter plate by members, such as by articulated connecting elements. Suspension and guide means are provided only for the uppermost filter plates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in the treatment of pain through frequently alternating temperature stimulation uses a Peltier effect thermoelectric unit to induce thermal gradients in a patient's skin to selectively elevate and lower the temperature of the skin relative to a baseline skin temperature for brief intervals. The duration, intensity, frequency, and direction of the thermal gradient may be controlled via a microprocessor-based controller and a set of rheostats.

Abstract: A fruit slicing aid for use with non-drupaceous fruit of various sizes utilizes a hollow conical upright member within which the fruit is held. The walls of the upright member have vertical slots cooperatively aligned such that a knife-like slicing member may be inserted and urged downwardly to slice the fruit. An attached base provides stability and a stop limits downward movement of the slicing member.

Abstract: A charge door assembly for automated operation of a baler utilizes a truncated wedge-shaped door pivotally mounted to the baler at a point beneath the lowest point of travel of a conventional movable platen. The door pivots outwardly to admit a charge of material onto the platen from a feed apparatus. Intermeshing teeth are provided along the door assembly fact to separate any material extending outwardly of the door as the door closes. Sufficient space is provided between the door and the passageway therefor to allow material stringing from the teeth to be attenuated and subsequently entrained by the action of the baler.