Abstract: A lawnmower consisting essentially of a rotary cutting apparatus comprising a plurality of small blades and a grass guide for bending and constraining the grass for ease of cutting. The grass guide is mounted substantially parallel to the drive shafts which extend beyond the rear-most end of the grass guide and to which cutting blades are affixed. As the mower is propelled forward, the grass guide bends the grass forward and constrains movement of the grass such that only a section of the outer radii of the blades contact the grass, optimizing cutting efficiency. The blades may be individually driven by one or more small electric motors powered by a rechargeable battery or batteries or other sources. The grass guide is situated at an angle adjustably tilted between 1 and 90 degrees in the longitudinal direction from vertical in order to limit the cutting area of the blades and power requirements.

Abstract: Modular die or mold assemblies comprise a platform, and at least one die or mold unit which is releaseably connected to the platform. The invention permits rapid changing of molds or dies, especially in the manufacture of detergent bars, such as soap bars. Surface ornamentation such as logos can be imparted to the detergent bars either directly from the stamping surface of the dies, from the stamping surface of the dies through an elastomeric lining, or from the surface of the elastomeric lining; in the latter case the indicia is imparted by a mold used to prepare the lining. The modular molds may be used where it is desired to coat the dies with elastomer, particularly where logos are imparted to the elastomeric layer, and where it may be desirable to change the logos, e.g., by changing the modular mold units.

Abstract: A device for stamping a detergent bar, i.e. a bar comprising soap, a synthetic detergent active or a mixture thereof, includes a die. The die has at least one bar stamping surface provided with at least one elastomeric coating which includes a conductive filler such as stainless steel powder. Good release of the detergent bars from the die is possible particularly when the dies are chilled. Use of the conductive filler facilitates chilling of the dies.

Abstract: A device for stamping a detergent bar, i.e. a bar comprising soap, a synthetic detergent active or a mixture thereof, includes a die. The die has at least one bar stamping surface provided with at least one elastomeric coating which includes a conductive filler such as stainless steel powder. Good release of the detergent bars from the die is possible particularly when the dies are chilled. Use of the conductive filler facilitates chilling of the dies.

Abstract: A device for stamping a detergent bar, i.e. a bar comprising soap, a synthetic detergent active or a mixture thereof, includes a die. The die has at least one bar stamping surface provided with at least one elastomeric coating and includes an edge for delaying tearing of the elastomeric coating. Good release of the detergent bars from the die is possible without chilling of the dies. Use of the edge increases the useful life of the coating.

Abstract: A device for stamping a detergent bar, i.e. a bar comprising soap, a synthetic detergent active or a mixture thereof, includes a die half and a release fluid reservoir. The die is porous so that at least one bar stamping surface has pores through which a release fluid may be to facilitate clean release of the detergent bar cleanly after stamping. Good release of the detergent bars from the die is expected without or with reduced chilling of the dies.

Abstract: A spacing device for spreading stamped material, especially soap bars, during transfer from a stamping process to a packaging process comprises a train of at least a first and last coupled carriages mounted for movement along an axis and coupled together to allow spacing therebetween upon movement of one of the carriages. A single driving mechanism is provided to move the first carriage along the axis. An actuating mechanism, such as a rack and pinion or a crank lever, is operably connected to the first carriage such that when the driving mechanism moves the first carriage along the axis, the actuating mechanism moves the last carriage along the axis in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the first carriage, thereby spacing the train of carriages apart.