Abstract: Maximum separation of the seed cotton locks delivered to a cage roller gin is achieved by a ballistic trajectory that carries the locks over the top of the cage roller to a landing area. In the preferred embodiment, the flight of the locks over the cage roller is induced by a pair of oppositely driven rollers which expel the cotton from between their adjacent surfaces along a common tangential plane offset at an angle above the top of the cage roller. Ambient air is admitted to the relatively large volume plenum from beneath the rollers and a primary flow of air about the cage roller is promoted as the seed cotton overlies the rotating cage such that the air and injected seed cotton locks flow in co-current direction above the cage roller.

Abstract: A safety apparatus for use with a fiber processing unit having a plurality of rotating godet rollers. The apparatus includes a safety gate, positioned between an operator and the godet rollers, having a plurality of apertures through which a long-handled cutting tool may be extended. A plurality of guides mounted to the frame of the godet unit, each extending adjacent and substantially parallel to one of the godet rollers, limit the range of movement of the cutting tool to the proper position for cutting wrap from the godet rollers.

Abstract: A multi-layer flexible article includes a first layer of natural rubber, a second layer of natural rubber, polyurethane, poly(acrylamide/acrylic acid) and polyethylene oxide and a third layer of acrylic copolymer and fluorocarbon telomer resin. The article is preferably a glove formed by the method of dipping a hand shaped mold into baths containing aqueous emulsions of the components used to form the layers. Gloves manufactured according to the method are substantially wet-hand and dry-hand donnable as compared to powdered latex gloves of similar size. The finished gloved is water washed and wet autoclaved to substantially reduce the protein content from the natural rubber and substantially remove other water extractable allergenic moieties. The washing and autoclaving renders the glove substantially hypoallergenic as compared to gloves not so treated.

Abstract: A connection for components in a medical implant assembly utilizes a tapered mating surface on each component with cylindrical splines and flutes formed on each mating surface such that the surfaces are complementary to the extent that the splines of one surface are received in the flutes of the adjacent surface. Each surface is continuous with no discontinuity which would act as a stress raiser or enhance concentration of stress in one locale. The complementary surfaces are urged into registry by a screw connection coaxially through the surfaces.

Abstract: A control circuit and method for brewing and storing sweetened tea in large volume using an automatic tea brewing apparatus utilizes a separate timer to control the introduction of a liquid flavoring agent into the canister. The timer is initiated at the same time as the brewing apparatus and introduces the viscous syrup at the same time as the hot tea is introduced to the canister. The apparatus introduces the flavoring agent and dilutant water through a common line such that the line is purged of flavoring agent as each canister of tea is prepared.

Abstract: An identification system utilizes a plastic housing which is appropriately sized to hold either a key or a coin as well as an information sheet on which the user may place selected indicia referring to the key or to himself. Each embodiment utilizes a living hinge closure attachment to secure the key or coin and information sheet within the housing. Utilizing the housing as the indicia for identifying the key minimizes the excess material and connections thereby simplifying the identification and storage problem, yet because the use of the housing with the key slightly increases the size of the key head, it provides a slightly greater moment arm for turning the key in a lock and gives a slightly larger gripping surface to be employed when so turning the key. These factors are significant when dealing with children and with elderly people who may not have the physical strength and dexterity required for some small headed keys.

Abstract: A rollup closure utilizes a flexible cover or curtain selected from a material suitable to effect the type closure sought such as against light, ventilation, noise, sound or moisture. The cover is at least as wide as the opening to be covered and is longer than the opening is high. Each lateral margin of the cover has a strip of closure material affixed thereto, and a complimentary strip is affixed to the inside of a channel member. The top of the curtain is rigidly affixed across the top of the opening. The bottom of the curtain is upturned and connected to a driven take up roller mounted atop the opening. An elongated rod is supported within the upturned end of the curtain with its ends captured within the channels on each side of the opening. A weighting rod is supported atop the elongated rod and separated therefrom by the upturned end of the curtain, with the ends of the weighting rod also captured in the lateral channels.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for deconcentrating an electric field surrounding a high voltage insulator. A clamp assembly centrally formed within a coronal ring permits positive placement of the coronal ring about an insulator end fitting. The clamping assembly comprises an integral clamp with a u-shaped opening for engaging a cylindrical portion of an insulator end fitting. A keeper clamp mounts superjacent to the integral clamp and a smaller second u-shaped opening engages a portion of the insulator end fitting having a smaller diameter. A captive fastener such as a bolt extends upwardly through the clamp and keeper clamp to secure the keeper clamp in position against the insulator end fitting and the integral clamp to secure the corona ring in position relative the insulator end fitting and sheds. The varied sized openings of the clamp and keeper clamp prevent inverted installation of the corona ring.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing tissue samples for subsequent slicing in a microtone, utilizing a thermally transmissive body and removable mold heads to facilitate encapsulation of tissue samples in a gelatinous substance so that the samples may be selectively oriented for proper slicing in the microtone.

Abstract: A bale tying apparatus for use with a baling press distinguished from the prior art mechanisms in that the articulated arms which shape wire ties about a bale also incorporate elements on the ends thereof to effect the tying of the wires without engagement of the wires with positioning surfaces in the follow block of the press. Thus the tying function is made more reliable and is independent of the follow block precise positioning. A wire loop on at least one end of the wire tie remains in contact with the arm mechanism until the wire knot is made up. The apparatus may use wire loop holding devices at the ends of both arms or may use a housing carried on the end of one arm with an opening for insertion of the other end by the other arm.

Abstract: A multi-layer flexible article includes a first layer of natural rubber, a second layer of natural rubber, polyurethane, poly(acrylamide/acrylic acid) and polyethylene oxide and a third layer of acrylic copolymer and fluorocarbon telomer resin. The article is preferably a glove formed by the method of dipping a hand shaped mold into baths containing aqueous emulsions of the components used to form the layers. Gloves manufactured according to the method are substantially wet-hand and dry-hand donnable as compared to powdered latex gloves of similar size. The finished gloved is water washed and wet autoclaved to substantially reduce the protein content from the natural rubber and substantially remove other water extractable allergenic moieties. The washing and autoclaving renders the glove substantially hypoallergenic as compared to gloves not so treated.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying poultry along a processing line for deboning. The apparatus includes a number of poultry mounts connected to each other using a chain of cooperative links to form a continuous conveyor. The pivotal junctures between each of the cooperative links are configured so as to provide both lateral and vertical flexibility, allowing the conveyor to be positioned along curves and inclines. Each of the links has a linking post extending from one side and a pair of linking arms extending from the opposite side. The linking arms are spaced apart to receive the linking post of an adjacent link. The links are connected by pins which extend through apertures in the linking arms and through a bore in the linking post of the adjacent link. The diameter of the bore in the linking post is larger than that of the pin, so that the connection is flexible laterally.

Abstract: A hydraulic control circuit for uniform controlled movement of stripping and guiding arms in a tree delimbing apparatus. The piston rods of said cylinders are mechanically coupled to rotate tubular sleeve members with affixed stripping and guide arms between outward and inward positions. The stripping levers and guide arms open and close about a felled tree in a uniform manner for delimbing operations. A valve is provided for actuation to permit the guiding arms to be held in an open position, while the stripping arms are closed about a tree to accommodate a bent trunk.

Abstract: A golf club, such as a putter, utilizes removable shafts and weights to vary the pressure of the putter relative to the putting surface speed. Alternative embodiments affix the shaft with a whistle stop notch or a conical wedge. Various strategies for detachably retaining weights in the club head are shown. The club striking face and club head appearance remain unaltered and thereby retain user familiarity and confidence.

Abstract: A press plate, actuated by a cylinder, has a press ring affixed to its lower surface. The press ring is dimensioned to fit on the lid of an open head drum. Magnets positioned on the lower surface of the press plate hold a split closing ring in position encircling the press ring. Horizontally actuated closing ring expanders are pivotally mounted in a plurality of slots spaced about the circumference of the press ring. A plurality of pins, positioned above the split closing ring, extend through the press plate. A plurality of clamp levers, having bottom ends positioned below the press plate and externally of the split closing ring and upper ends connected to actuators mounted on top of the press plate, are pivotally mounted to and extend through the press plate. A split closing ring encircling the press ring is urged outwardly by the ring expanders as the press plate and press ring move downward, compressing a sealing gasket between the lid and drum.