Abstract: Molecular modeling constituents having plug ends are joined by a coupling having a connective sleeve and a locking sleeve. The connective sleeve receives a plug in a bore at each end thereof. Radially deflectable staves of the connective sleeve have ridges on the inside surface thereof for engaging corresponding annular grooves about the circumference of the plugs. A locking sleeve fits over the connective sleeve and allows outward radial deflection of the staves in an OPEN position for insertion/extraction of plugs into/from the coupling, and inhibits radial deflection of the staves in a lock position to prohibit insertion/extraction of plugs into/from the coupling. The OPEN and LOCK positions are relative rotational positions of the connective sleeve and locking sleeve.

Abstract: A molecular model system in which a first component representative of an atom includes at least one elongated shank that has a cylindrical section of one cross sectional area with an inwardly extending shoulder and an outwardly extending abuttment located between the shoulder and the part of the component that represents the nucleus. The molecular model system further includes a fastener component that has a hollow tubular portion longitudinally slotted at one end and having an axial length that represents predetermined portion of a covalent radius of the atom. The inner surface at one end of the slotted end portion extends inwardly to be hooked behind the shoulder to interlock with the shank.

Abstract: A mechanical fastener is disclosed for joining two plugs in coaxial alignment and in a plurality of relative orientations. The fastener is particularly adapted for use in joining models of molecular constituents to assemble models of larger molecular structures. Models of molecular constituents are disclosed which incorporate a plug having a generally cylindrical shank extending along an axis corresponding to a chemical bond and at least one tab projecting outward from the surface of the shank. Broadly, the fastener comprises a hollow housing which includes a first and a second end wall and a side wall extending between the two end walls. The end walls and the side wall define a cavity within the housing. Each end wall has a plug-receptacle opening passing through it shaped and dimensioned to receive a plug. The surface of each end wall which faces the cavity has a plurality of grooves therein extending radially outwardly from the plug-receptacle opening and spaced apart azimuthally around the opening.

Abstract: Hay and similar crop materials can be efficiently compacted and formed into pellets or cubes through a closely coordinated sequence of operations in which the hay picked up from the field is deposited into a feed bin, then advanced by gravity feed uniformly onto a cross feed conveyor which advances the hay through a compaction stage in which the hay is precompressed to bale density, and thereafter it is continuously advanced between a pair of counter-rotating press wheels which further compress and form the hay into dense pellets or cubes.

Abstract: Hay and similar crop materials can be efficiently compacted and formed into pellets or cubes through a closely coordinated sequence of operations in which the hay picked up from the field is deposited into a feed bin, then advanced by gravity feed uniformly onto a cross feed conveyor which advances the hay through a compaction stage in which the hay is precompressed to bale density, and thereafter it is continuously advanced between a pair of counter-rotating press wheels which further compress and form the hay into dense pellets or cubes.