Abstract: A multiple rail linear feeder system for orienting parts into multiple rows of single file at a high rate without jamming. A dispenser deposits randomly oriented parts along the rear edge of a first stage preliminary orienter plate having multiple channels or rows thereon. The linear vibratory motion of the system angled to the direction of feed effects a first lengthwise orientation. The parts move to a principal feeder plate having slightly angled rails for further orientation by tending to even out the parts lengthwise in each row as they proceed to a discriminator area. A lower reject discriminator hole cut into each rail allows all chips that are misoriented crosswise to fall of the rails. An upper discriminator positioned over said lower discriminator pushes parts on top of other parts sideways into the discriminator reject holes.

Abstract: Stacking apparatus for generally flat objects, particularly useful for the stacking of magazines by zip code. According to the invention, a continuous input stream of the objects is alternately diverted in preselected numbers pursuant to a shift signal to first and second hoppers or bins wherein the objects are deposited in stacks, the stacks when completed being alternately ejected from the hoppers onto common conveyor means whereon they are merged into a single output series of stacks.In one form of the invention an input feeder receives the output flow of magazines from a labeler; a vertically shiftable separator alternately directs sequences of the generally flat objects to upper and lower feed conveyors which in turn alternately feed the sequences of objects to side-by-side hoppers. "Live" rollers moving at right angles to the feed conveyors underlie and extend as stack output conveyor means from the hoppers.

Abstract: Stacking apparatus and method for generally flat objects, particularly useful for the stacking of magazines by zip code. According to the invention, a continuous input stream of the objects is alternately diverted in preselected numbers pursuant to a shift signal to first and second hoppers or bins wherein the objects are deposited in stacks, the stacks when completed being alternately ejected from the hoppers onto common conveyor means whereon they are merged into a single output series of stacks.In one form of the invention an input feeder receives the output flow of magazines from a labeler; a vertically shiftable separator alternately directs sequences of the generally flat objects to upper and lower feed conveyors which in turn alternately feed the sequences of objects to side-by-side hoppers. "Live" rollers moving at right angles to the feed conveyors underlie and extend as stack output conveyor means from the hoppers.

Abstract: Stacking apparatus and method for generally flat objects, particularly useful for the stacking of magazines by zip code. According to the invention, a continuous input stream of the objects is alternately diverted in preselected numbers pursuant to a shift signal to first and second hoppers or bins wherein the objects are deposited in stacks, the stacks when completed being alternately ejected from the hoppers onto common conveyor means whereon they are merged into a single output series of stacks.In one form of the invention an input feeder receives the output flow of magazines from a labeler; a vertically shiftable separator alternately directs sequences of the generally flat objects to upper and lower feed conveyors which in turn alternately feed the sequences of objects to side-by-side hoppers. "Live" rollers moving at right angles to the feed conveyors underlie and extend as stack output conveyor means from the hoppers.

Abstract: An improved, belt-driven stern drive for boats of the type sometimes referred to as an "inboard-outboard" or a "through-transom" drive. The invention includes a wide, thin, highly-tensioned power drive belt disposed in a housing having an upper power input portion, a lower prop shaft hub portion, and intermediate housing fins. The housing is vertically, transversely split so as to provide quick-change access to belt and/or gears and for belt tensioning camming movement, the forward and rearward housing sections cooperating to provide wide (in the front-rear direction), laterally thin, hydrodynamically contoured intermediate housing fins having good front-rear shear strength. Lateral strength of the fins is enhanced by a cavitation plate associated with the fins so as to provide lower and upper flow tunnels between the fins for "force feeding" the prop and minimizing drag.