Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of ethyl alcohol from citrus molasses fermentation in which improved yields of ethyl alcohol are obtained by preliminarily removing fermentation inhibiting agents, specifically oils, from the fermenter charge. The process may be carried out in batch or by continuous operation. The alcohol formed in the fermentation step is distilled off at about 190.degree. proof and the latter may then be dehydrated in a molecular sieve column to produce a product substantially free of water. Also a novel oil stripper is presented in order that the oils may be effectively and economically removed prior to fermentation.

Abstract: A machine for accomplishing the removal of leaves and other unwanted portions from vegetables comprising an elongate shear bar having two opposed, machined edges and a pair of elongate members mounted for rotation in close proximity to the machined edges. Each of the elongate rotary members are of the approximate length of the shear bar, and each has at least one helically configured raised portion extending along a substantial portion of its length, with the raised portion of each rotary member being arranged to operate close to the respective machined edge of the shear bar, such that a shearing action can be accomplished without damage to the vegetables.

Abstract: An automatic seeder for planting tiny seeds at a consistent depth and at evenly spaced intervals, utilizing a vehicle carrying a novel seed dispersing means operationally disposed a short, preascertained distance above a seed bed. A ground sensing arrangement is utilized, which automatically brings about necessary adjustment of the support arrangement for the seed dispersing means on an as-needed basis, in order that the seed dispersing means will be maintained by servo means at a proper, preascertained distance above the ground. A preferred embodiment of this invention involves furrow-creating means located forward of, and aligned with, the seed dispersing means, which furrow-creating means is arranged to create furrows of a consistent, desired depth, into which the seeds from the seed dispersing means are inserted at precisely controlled intervals.

Abstract: A threader device designed to simplify the threading of strapping tapes around and under a load to be strapped to a pallet or other load supporting device having a pair of apertures extending substantially horizontally through its base, with the threader device involving a framework having a pair of substantially parallel, elongate threader bars extending outwardly from its base for a distance sufficient to pass through the load supporting device. The threader bars are disposed slightly above ground level and spaced apart a distance consistent with the spacing of the apertures of the load supporting device. Tape dispensing means are carried on the framework, and arranged to dispense a pair of strapping tapes. The threader bars each have tape securing means on their outer ends, such that the ends of a pair of strapping tapes from the tape dispensing means can be removably secured to respective ones of the tape securing means.

Abstract: Apparatus serving the combined functions of maintaining a grove or orchard in properly trimmed as well as topped condition, comprising a vehicle adapted for movement along the ground in a direction essentially parallel to and adjacent a row of trees. A generally U-shaped structural member is operably mounted upon the vehicle, with this member having a pair of arms, one disposed on each side of the vehicle, and with the base portion interconnecting these arms being disposed at a forward location on the vehicle. The end of each arm remote from the base portion is rotatably mounted to an attachment point located on the frame of the vehicle, and devices such as actuators are utilized for bringing about selected movements of these arms about their attachment points, thus to change the effective height of the base portion with respect to the ground. The base portion serves as the mounting for a pair of booms, upon each of which, a multiplicity of saw blades are mounted.

Abstract: A machine for cutting or slicing celery, carrots, or other elongate vegetables into pieces of selected size, accomplished on a rapid and highly economical basis. My machine utilizes a plurality of endless, moving belts, with one of the belts being arranged to receive vegetables deposited thereon, and to transport same to a location adjacent what may be regarded as the terminus of the belt. Mean such as other moving belts are utilized for gradually applying pressure to the vegetables during their travel along the length of the vegetable-supporting belt, thus to accomplish a compression of such vegetables into a tightly compacted mass. High speed cutter means operative adjacent the terminus serve to cut the vegetables into small pieces, with the size of the pieces being determined by the speed of the cutter relative to the velocity of the belts.