Abstract: A loose-laid, non-adhesive plastic tile is interconnected with similar tiles by interlocking channel structures employing gripping means. Contiguous pairs of upper and lower laterally extending walls on peripheral edges of the tile carry longitudinally elongated channels and rails in mating pairs, with one side of the pair on the upper walls and the second side of the pair on lower walls. An optional linear seal carried on at least one side of a channel structure compresses against the other side to seal against penetration by liquids. Gripping elements flank the seal to ensure the upper and lower walls are retained in the plane of the tile. Rails and channels may engage by interference fit. Teeth depending from rails may enter sockets in the bottom of a channel to establish interference fit of a suitable distance transverse to the major plane of a typically thin tile.

Abstract: This invention provides a feed arrangement for chips in a pick-and-place machine in which a vertical magazine feeds chips into a groove in a vibrating table, with the chips being advanced toward a pick station by a gravity actuated lever which will be stopped in the event the groove is full of chips rather than causing the machine to jam or cause damage.