Abstract: A multiple bale opening apparatus for opening fiber bales which includes an inclined conveyor for supporting a longitudinally-extending rank-and-file array of bales in a single, uniformly inclined plane along the entire length of the inclined conveyor, and including a bale-receiving end for receiving bales to be opened, a fiber plucking head carried by a fiber conveyor truck for moving along the length of the inclined conveyor and plucking a layer of fibers from a top surface of the array of bales supported by the inclined conveyor, the fiber plucking head mounted for movement in a horizontal plane to maintain the top surface of the bales in a horizontal plane along the length of the inclined conveyor as the fiber is plucked from the top surface and the depth of the bales is progressively reduced along the length of the conveyor by the movement of the bale plucking means.

Abstract: A movable overhead ventilation assembly is provided for use in a work facility to be positioned in close proximity to a source of airborne environmental material. The ventilation assembly includes a supporting frame located within the work facility. The frame includes a longitudinally-disposed overhead track. A movable chassis is carried by the track. A ventilation housing is carried by the chassis for overhead translational movement of the ventilation housing within the work facility. The ventilation housing includes a plurality of walls, and has at least two openings therein defining respective inlet and outlet zones thereof. An exhaust fan is located within the ventilation housing between the inlet zone and the outlet zone for creating an upwardly moving air stream in the area surrounding the source of airborne environmental material.

Abstract: A method of imparting low fogging characteristics to tanned leather, which includes the step of treating the leather in an aqueous emulsion including an effective quantity of an oil having less than 3 percent of fatty acid components of less than C-16, the oil having been first distilled to remove low molecular weight trace elements. The oil may be by way of example soybean oil, lard oil, safflower oil, or sunflower oil.

Abstract: A method of thawing of cryosurgical apparatus, and in particular a cryosurgical probe, subsequent to a freezing process involves the interuption of the cryogen supply to the probe followed by the introduction of a warmed inert gas. The gas is circulated within the probe cryogen circulation system to affect thawing of the apparatus so that the probe may easily be withdrawn from the body. The gas, which may be nitrogen, is preferably passed through a heat exchange arrangement before being introduced into the probe.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for storing and sterilizing objects is provided. The apparatus includes a housing, and a tray supported within the housing for storing the objects to be sterilized. A sterilizing solution is located within the housing and below the tray. An elevator assembly lowers the tray downwardly to immerse the objects in the sterilizing solution, and lifts the tray upwardly to remove the objects from the sterilizing solution for further storage until use.

Abstract: A stack of containers is formed from a container system. The system includes a plurality of open-topped containers each adapted to be selectively stackable or nestable with like containers. First containers are of relatively large plan. Second containers are of smaller plan. Thus, large containers can stack or nest with large containers. Small containers can stack or nest with small containers. Additionally, small containers are adapted to allow two smaller containers to form a layer in the stack which includes at least one larger container. The smaller containers are supported at the edges of the large container and reach toward the middle, where they engage one another to form a locked cantilever-style bridge.

Abstract: An automated air-burst control device is provided for use with a machining tool to clear away fragments of a work piece being machined. The air-burst control device includes an inlet pneumatically communicating with a source of compressed air. A control valve pneumatically communicates with the inlet, and is movable between open flow and closed flow conditions. The control valve is normally disposed in the closed flow condition for blocking air flow from the inlet through the control valve. An actuator is operatively connected to the control valve, and responsive to a triggering event for moving the control valve into its open flow condition to release air flow from the inlet through the control valve. An air flow outlet line pneumatically communicates with the control valve, and has a free end thereof directed towards the work piece being machined.

Abstract: A fastener assembly of the type for being molded into cushions, and including a base having first and second major surfaces defining first and second opposed ends and first and second opposed side edges. Hooks are carried by the base cooperating with complementary loops carried on material when pressed against the attachment members on the base. Permanent anchors are carried by the base and are spaced apart sufficiently to allow foam intrusion between the anchors to attach the fastener assembly to a foamed article, such as, for example, a cushion. First and second magnetically-attractable side edge seals are attached to the base for being attracted to magnets positioned in a mold in which the cushion is molded. The side edge seals form a foam-tight seal between the side edges of the base and the mold to prevent intrusion of liquid foam during molding of the article.

Abstract: A cap includes a crown with an annular base shaped to fit the head of a wearer, and a reversible visor having first and second opposing major surfaces. The visor includes an outwardly extending arcuate flange located along an inside edge of the first and second major surfaces. First and second cooperating attachment members are located respectively on the flange and on the crown proximate the base for removable attachment of the visor to the crown. The flange is movable between a first visor attachment position on the crown wherein the first major surface of the visor faces upwardly during wear, and a second visor attachment position on the crown wherein the second major surface of the visor faces upwardly during wear.

Abstract: A materials carrying apparatus and method is provided. The apparatus includes a frame. A first carrier is supported within the frame for carrying materials thereon. The first carrier is located in an access position for access to and use of the materials by a user. A second carrier is supported within the frame and located in a storage position for carrying materials thereon. The storage position is vertically spaced apart from the access position. An elevator assembly vertically moves the second carrier from the storage position into the access position when the materials of the first carrier have been exhausted.

Abstract: A bag with a corner tear-away pour spout opening is provided with a detachable reenforcing patch adhered to the area of a slit near the top of the bag which serves as a carry handle to provide enhanced strength to the handle area. The patch can be removed from its position over the handle slit and used to reseal the bag for storage after some of the contents have been dispensed through the pour spout opening.

Abstract: Wood products impregnated with from 30 to 80% of a polymerizable monomer selected from the group consisting of hexanediol diacrylate and hexanediol dimethacrylate have excellent indent resistance. The wood products are impregnated with the monomer solution by placing the wood under a vacuum to remove air, contacting the wood with a monomer solution containing a polymerizable hexanediol diacrylate and/or hexanediol dimethacrylate monomer and from 0.5 to about 2 percent of a thermally activated free radical source as a polymerization initiator for a period sufficient to achieve the desired polymer loading. The wood is then heated under pressure to polymerize or cure the monomers.

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: A jaw assembly for a stretch former, including a jaw body, an annular nose piece carried by the jaw body and defining an insert chamber, and a tapered-wall insert sleeve for being locked into the insert chamber of the nose piece. The insert sleeve defines an internal bore having tapered walls. An insert is positioned in the bore of the insert sleeve. The insert has a plurality of segments collectively defining a profile corresponding to the profile of a workpiece to be stretch-formed, the insert having a tapered outer wall for sliding, interference fit engagement with the tapered walls of the insert sleeve for locking the insert into the jaw and clamping the workpiece into the insert.

Abstract: Wood products impregnated with from 30 to 80% of a polymerizable monomer selected from the group consisting of hexanediol diacrylate and hexanediol dimethacrylate have excellent indent resistance. The wood products are impregnated with the monomer solution by placing the wood under a vacuum to remove air, contacting the wood with a monomer solution containing a polymerizable hexanediol diacrylate and/or hexanediol dimethacrylate monomer and from 0.5 to about 2 percent of a thermally activated free radical source as a polymerization initiator for a period sufficient to achieve the desired polymer loading. The wood is then heated under pressure to polymerize or cure the monomers.