Abstract: An expandable section (12) is provided for an aircraft (10) which includes a movable rigid aircraft section (18) which is attached to the fixed aircraft structure (16) by an elastomeric transition section (14) which permits the movable aircraft section (18) to move between a retracted configuration and an expanded configuration to increase the volume of a cavity within the aircraft. The elastomeric transition section includes elastomeric material (20) having a plurality of holes (22) therethrough. Flexible rods (28, 32) are secured either to the aircraft structure (38) or the movable aircraft section (18) and extend through the holes to permit the elastomeric transition section to expand, contract and bend as necessary to accommodate the movement of the movable aircraft section (18). In one application, the movable aircraft section (18) can form the doors (40, 42) of a weapons bay.

Abstract: A fifth wheel assembly (10) comprising a lower support structure (12) adapted to be mounted on the chassis of a prime mover and an upper support plate (13) upon which a trailer is to be supported, and between which a cam operated linkage mechanism is incorporated which has a pair of space apart main link assemblies (14) pivotally attached at one end (19) to the lower support structure and pivotally attached adjacent their other ends (13) to the upper support plate. Cam members (15) are pivotally supported on the link assemblies with their cam surfaces in contact with the lower support structure, whereby rotation of the cam members pivots the link assemblies upwardly about their pivotal connections to the lower support structure to thereby raise the upper support plate attached to the other ends of said link assemblies.

Abstract: The specification discloses a portable stock race and yard including a stock race supported on wheels and a plurality of wings swingably connected to the stock race and arranged to be folded out to form a stockyard. A tongue is pivotally mounted to the race so that the tongue can be moved out of the stock passageway defined by the race. Wing supports are pivotally connected to the sides of the race to support the wings when folded against the race. Further included are shields releasably mountable below the wings, when the wings are folded out to form the stockyard, to prevent small animals within the stockyard from passing under the wings. A wheel support assembly is provided to shift the wheels on either side of the trailer between transportation and retracted positions. A lever assembly is releasably mountable on the wheel support assembly to provide a mechanical advantage in moving that assembly.

Abstract: The specification discloses a portable stock race and yard including a stock race supported on wheels and a plurality of wings swingably connected to the stock race and arranged to be folded out to form a stockyard. A tongue is pivotally mounted to the race so that the tongue can be moved out of the stock passageway defined by the race. Wing supports are pivotally connected to the sides of the race to support the wings when folded against the race. Further included are shields releasably mountable below the wings, when the wings are folded out to form the stockyard, to prevent small animals within the stockyard from passing under the wings. A wheel support assembly is provided to shift the wheels on either side of the trailer between transportation and retracted positions. A lever assembly is releasably mountable on the wheel support assembly to provide a mechanical advantage in moving that assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying a liquid coating to food products, including a continuous dipper chain which submerges the food products in the coating liquid. A restraining mechanism in the form of a pressure plate or chain acts upon the tops of the products to maintain them in submerged position during travel through the liquid. In one embodiment the dipper chain is driven intermittently to allow excess liquid on the food products to drain off. A continuous drying chain is provided to carry coated food products along a drying run, a transfer system being employed for moving the food products from the dipper chain to the drying chain. The drying chain is flexible and supported at relatively great intervals to allow the chain to form into peaks and valleys. The food products tip forward and backward in negotiating these peaks and valleys, breaking away the bottoms of the food products and the drying chain and preventing adherence.

Abstract: A product feed apparatus for transferring a plurality of products such as cookies from a single holder to a corresponding plurality of transversely spaced apart conveyor lines. The apparatus includes a shuttle guide extending across the conveyor lines and including a gate opening normally covered by a gate. The product holder carries a stack of the products and terminates in a feed opening at one extremity of the gate opening. A shuttle is supported on the shuttle guide for movement past the feed opening to a discharge position. The shuttle includes a number of product openings which come into successive alignment with the feed opening on movement of the shuttle toward its discharge position so that on location of the shuttle in its discharge position the products are located in the product openings in overlying relation to the gate. The products are then transferred to the conveyor lines on opening of the gate.

Abstract: A product wrapping and discharge apparatus for receiving and wrapping a product such as an ice cream sandwich delivered by a machine of the type which includes a conveyor for carrying the ice cream sandwich to a wrapping station where a wrapper is disposed above the sandwich; an elevator which moves the sandwich upwardly through a wrapping mechanism which folds the wrapper downwardly over the front and rear sides and ends of the sandwich; a pair of end fold tuckers operative to provide end folds; a rear fold paddle operative to provide a rear fold; and a pusher operative to move the sandwich off the elevator and at the same time provide a front fold. The various actuating arms and linkages for the end fold tuckers, rear fold paddle and pusher are mounted just above the wrapping mechanism, thereby minimizing the number and length of actuating arms and linkages required, and consequently achieving a relatively high sandwich wrapping rate.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing food packages in which a plurality of packages are successively inserted into the bottom of the apparatus, moved upwardly within the apparatus and initially heat sealed. The packages are then held in a vertical stack within the apparatus and subjected to continuous sealing pressure for an extended period of time while they move upwardly to the top of the stack. Automatic means are provided for moving the packages upwardly within the apparatus, performing the initial sealing operation and removing the sealed packages from the top of the stack.