Abstract: A textile fiber recycling machine for reprocessing hard thread waste, woven and non-woven fabrics, carpets, rugs, and the like. Material to be recycled is fed in pieces, or in roll form, into the machine. The machine includes a plurality of wire wound rolls positioned adjacent to one another and operating at successively higher rotational speeds from the inlet side to the outlet side of the machine. Closely spaced adjacent the rollers are carding segments. The rollers downstream of the entry roller include pairs of carding segments, with the leading carding segment being wire clothed, and the trailing carding segment being covered with a granular covering, such as sandpaper. The machine outputs open, usable fibers which can be used in subsequent conventional textile processes. A method of attaching sandpaper to a carding segment is also disclosed.

Abstract: A blade sharpener having a magazine slidably carried within a sleeve. The magazine contains two sets of three sharpening wheels carried for rotation within the magazine, which are positioned in a staggered relationship with respect to one another, such that each set of three sharpening wheels forms two sharpening interfaces. Two channels are defined in the magazine and are generally in alignment with each of the two sharpening interfaces. The magazine is movable with respect to the sleeve, and may be selectively fixed in at least three positions relative thereto with a spring-biased pushbutton. For storage or transport, the magazine is moved into the sleeve such that both sets of the sharpening wheels are housed within the sleeve. The magazine of the blade sharpener is also provided with an elongated sharpening rod which is pivotally connected to the magazine, and which is used to sharpen serrated blades.

Abstract: A bed for patient care having a waste disposal system. The bed includes a back, seat and two leg sections for supporting the patient. These sections of the bed may be raised and lowered and tilted. The leg sections may be moved independently for use with patients having one leg immobilized. The seat section includes two panels which part to permit a waste canister to be raised to interface with the buttocks of the patient. An audible signal alerts the patient prior to this action. The waste canister provides a directable bidet wash, and an air drying feature. Gelling material within the canister swells during the bidet function to cover and seal the waste. The entire canister may be sealed and disposed of.

Abstract: An air doffing system for a fiber-processing machine which includes an air plenum associated with a carding roll. A doffing blade initiates lifting of fibers from a carding roll, and a laminar airflow pulls the fibers through the plenum. The airflow is pulled through a perforated roll on the opposite end of the plenum. The perforated roll operates in connection with a smooth roll to form a roller pair which work the fibers collected on the perforated into a web. The web is then formed into a sliver by a trumpet and a calendar roll pair.

Abstract: A draw tube adaptor for insertion into the draw tube of a lathe. The draw tube adaptor includes a sleeve, and carried within the sleeve are a series of bushings spaced apart from one another. The bushings have bores sized to accommodate the diameter of the stock to be worked, and are maintained in a spaced apart relationship by cylindrical spacers carried within the sleeve. These spacers space the bushings at desired locations throughout the length of the sleeve. A cap arrangement is provided on the sleeve to retain the cylindrical spacers and bushings within the sleeve.

Abstract: A locking knife and sheath combination which provides for automatic locking of the knife when inserted to the sheath and which allows release of the knife from the sheath by a squeezing of the knife's handle. The handle is provided with a locking lever on each edge thereof which engages with receivers on the sheath. The locking levers are spring-biased outwardly such that insertion of the knife into the sheath causes automatic engagement of the locking levers with the receivers on the sheath. Simultaneous inward squeezing of both of the locking levers, occasioned by the user's grasping of the knife's handle, causes the knife to disengage from the sheath to allow removal of the knife therefrom.

Abstract: A ventilated carding cylinder for allowing heat generated in the carding cylinder during operation to be dissipated. The carding cylinder includes an internal, longitudinally extending, air flow passage and impeller means provided therein for moving air through the air flow passage during operation of the carding cylinder. This movement of air aids in dissipating heat generated by the carding cylinder during the fiber carding process. Reduction of heat in the carding cylinder can minimize the risk of fire occurring in the fibers and also thermal growth of the cylinder during operation.

Abstract: A reference stop for use in a lathe having a movable chuck and a draw tube adjacent to the chuck. A movable backstop is provided for rectilinear movement within a sleeve. The sleeve is inserted through the chuck of the lathe and extends into the draw tube. A threaded rod is attached to the backstop and extends outwardly from the sleeve, into the draw tube, and in a direction away from the chuck. The threaded rod is turned by a wrench and driver combination, and turning of the threaded rod causes corresponding rectilinear movement of the backstop in the sleeve, thereby allowing for a workpiece reference stop which is adjustable with respect to the chuck.

Abstract: Metallic clothing having metallic wire teeth bent at a double angle. The lower portion of each tooth is angled by an first angle with respect to vertical, and the upper portion is angled at a second angle with respect to vertical. The upper portion terminates at the tip, or point, of the tooth. This double-angle tooth profile is angled in the direction opposite to the general direction of travel of fibers being carded. The upper side portion of each tooth is tapered inwardly to the tip, and the rear edge of the upper end of each tooth may be provided with a forward curvature towards the point of the tooth. Alternate embodiments include single angled teeth and a double-angled teeth, each having a base portion substantially the same height as the teeth.

Abstract: A bed for patient care having a waste disposal system. The bed includes a back, seat and two leg sections for supporting the patient. These sections of the bed may be raised and lowered and tilted. The leg sections may be moved independently for use with patients having one leg immobilized. The seat section includes two panels which part to permit a waste canister to be raised to interface with the buttocks of the patient. An audible signal alerts the patient prior to this action. The waste canister provides a directable bidet wash, and an air drying feature. Gelling material within the canister swells during the bidet function to cover and seal the waste. The entire canister may be sealed and disposed of.