Abstract: A system for inspecting first and second surfaces of a cutting member, such as a tooth of a carbide tooth circular saw blade, includes a support for carrying the cutting member, the cutting member being movable relative to the support to position the surfaces to be inspected within an inspection zone. First and second video cameras mounted on the apparatus relative to the inspection zone provide output signals representative of the images of the first and second surfaces, respectively. A computer responsive to the output signals generated by the first and second video cameras analyzes the output signals and calculates selected attributes of the surfaces presented for inspection. A frame grabber captures video images of the surfaces. A first video monitor coupled to the computer displays images of the surfaces being inspected while a second video monitor coupled to the computer displays graphical data relating to selected geometrical attributes of the surfaces.

Abstract: A method of brazing a strob insert to the trailing edge of a slot in a strob circular saw blade, the strob insert having first and second, opposed, substantially parallel surfaces, the first surface of the strob insert to be brazed to the edge, comprises the steps of placing the strob insert on an electrode with the second surface of the strob insert in contact with the electrode in heat transfer relationship therewith; applying brazing paste to the first surface of the insert; positioning the electrode so that the first surface of the insert is in a brazing position relative to the edge; and passing an electrical current through the electrode to resistively heat the electrode to a temperature sufficient to cause brazing of the first surface of the strob insert to the edge.

Abstract: A removable and raisable roof attached to four upright supports is mounted on an open bed trailer. Two supports are located on the left and right corners of the forward edge of the trailer; the other two supports are similarly located at the rear corners of the trailer. No side supports are necessary. Using elevating means within the supports, which can operate independently or in tandem, the front and/or rear portions of the roof can be raised and lowered separately. Using external attachable fixtures and ground mounted supports, each of the roof supports can be lifted from their mounted position on the trailer bed and the trailer driven out from under the supports and roof assembly, converting a covered van to a fully open van. If a fully enclosed trailer is desired, then tarpaulin, or other readily removable wall materials can be suspended from the roof and attached to the trailer bed.

Abstract: A generally flat rectangular pencil blank made from a composite celluosic and resin material or cross-linking agent includes a longitudinal axis, a first surface and a second surface with a repeatable profile transverse to the longitudinal axis on the first surface of the blank, the profile representing an approximate peripheral shape of a repeated series of longitudinal sections of an outside peripheral portion of a series of parallel elongated pencils, and an integral web between each adjacent pair of the series of longitudinal sections and extending to the second surface. In one embodiment, the second surface further includes a series of spaced parallel longitudinal grooves for reception of pencil cores, formed on the second surface and positioned laterally so as to be aligned to an apex of each repeatable profile. Methods of making the pencil blanks including dies and molds for making the pencil blanks are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for securing freight in the form of a plurality of articles which are stacked on a floor to form a geometric solid, the solid having an upper edge, the apparatus being composed of: a frame which is composed of a roof and support members which support the roof above the floor; an edge protector assembly having at least one edge protector formed to rest against a portion of the upper edge of the geometric solid; a lifting mechanism including at least one cable via which the edge protector assembly is suspended from the roof, the lifting mechanism being operable for vertically displacing the edge protector assembly to lower the at least one edge protector into contact with the upper edge portion; and strap members for directly securing the at least one edge protector to the floor.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to brazing tips to circular saw blades. The tips are first heated red hot between carbon electrodes. After heating brazing paste is applied to the hot tips and the tips are reheated and brazed to the saw blade.

Abstract: An apparatus--for brazing tungsten carbide tips (also known as "inserts") on circular saw teeth--which includes instrumentalities to practice a method comprising, with respect to each saw tooth, the following steps: (1) clamping an initially separate tip between two opposed carbon electrodes interposed in a resistance circuit; (2) closing the circuit whereby the clamped-in-placed tip is heated red hot; (3) opening the circuit and then delivering a small quantity of brazing paste (flux and solder) on the hot tip; (4) moving an arbor-mounted circular saw until a selected tooth thereof bears on the clamped-in-place tip--the brazing paste then being between said tip and an edge of the tooth; and (5) then re-energizing the resistance circuit whereby the tip again becomes red hot and brazes to said tooth.

Abstract: An extrusion die which is used to impart the desired shape to a material consisting of a mixture of wood, sawdust and wax, such that the material is suitable for use as an artificial fire log. The extrusion die, which forms one part of an extrusion apparatus, has its exit orifice located away from the center of the extrusion die, and has an integrally formed gradually sloping helical channel which feed the material to be extruded through the exit orifice.

Abstract: A mechanical apparatus used to accurately cut extruded artifically made fire logs to a length determined by the distance between consecutive cutting blades suitably mounted on a rotating flexible force transmitting means, for example a pair of chains, is disclosed. This apparatus is entirely mechanical, deriving its power from the motion of the work to be cut. The apparatus is adjustable so as to accommodate chains of different lengths, each different length of chain produces a different length cut fire log.