Abstract: A shrimp grading mechanism is provided which incorporates a shrimp conveyer and orienter for conveying shrimp oriented in head-up, body-down position along a linear path. The conveyor incorporates a plurality of pan segments which collectively form a movable trough having a slot at the bottom portion thereof. Shrimp smaller than a preselected size range will fall through the slot while shrimp of the preselected size range will be gripped at the juncture of the heads and body and supported by the opposed pan segments of the conveyor. The conveyor pans engage the shrimp in a pivot-like manner thereby permitting the heavier body portions of the shrimp to pivot downwardly such that each of the shrimp is positioned in head-up, body-down relation while being conveyed to the end of the conveyor. Several shrimp grading machines may be placed in cascading relation with succeeding machines being adjusted for smaller size ranges of shrimp falling from the conveyor of the immediately preceding shrimp grading machine.

Abstract: A shrimp deheading and grading mechanism which incorporates a shrimp deheading structure forming a shrimp deheading station. A shrimp conveyor and orienter is operative for conveying shrimps oriented in head-up, body down position to the shrimp deheading station. A shrimp deheading wheel having a plurality of flexible or rigid shrimp deheading fingers projecting therefrom is rotatable at the shrimp deheading station and contacts the shrimp heads to remove them from the bodies by means of a "flicking" action. The conveyor incorporates a plurality of pan segments which collectively form a movable trough having a slot at the bottom portion thereof. Shrimps smaller than a preselected size range will fall through the slot while shrimp of the preselected size range will be gripped and supported by the opposed pan segments of the conveyor.

Abstract: Energy saving attachments for insulating attic access openings in the ceilings of houses or other buildings comprise insulating panels which attach from below to the outside of a swing-down door which closes the access opening, or to the ceiling around the access opening. The panels, which may be fitted to existing attic door installations, do not impede access to the attic, nor do they impede operation of the door or a folding stairway when such is carried by the door.