Abstract: Apparatus for aligning meat products comprises an input conveyor for carrying the products into the apparatus, an output conveyor located beneath the input conveyor for carrying the products out of the apparatus, and at least one intermediate conveyor located between the input and output conveyors. All the conveyors are spaced vertically one above another and arranged such that products drop off the end of each conveyor in turn and on to the next conveyor below. Each successive conveyor travels in a different direction from the preceding conveyor whereby the products undergo a change in direction at each drop between the input and output conveyors, thereby being progressively aligned in the direction of travel of the conveyors.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new and distinctive male asparagus hybrid called ‘M256’. ‘M256’ has the ability to confer desirable traits on its progeny, such as early spear emergence, and produces offspring that have a higher proportion of marketable spears.

Abstract: Apparatus for aligning meat products comprises an input conveyor for carrying the products into the apparatus, an output conveyor located beneath the input conveyor for carrying the products out of the apparatus, and at least one intermediate conveyor located between the input and output conveyors. All the conveyors are spaced vertically one above another and arranged such that products drop off the end of each conveyor in turn and on to the next conveyor below. Each successive conveyor travels in a different direction from the preceding conveyor whereby the products undergo a change in direction at each drop between the input and output conveyors, thereby being progressively aligned in the direction of travel of the conveyors.

Abstract: A system is provided for transmitting a.c. electrical power across a small, even gap, without any physical contact, from a primary pole system to a secondary pole system, one of which moves relative to the other. Relative movement between the pole system may be rotational as when the primary and secondary pole systems are coaxial, or may involve translational linear motion as when there is an elongate primary pole system and an elongate parallel secondary pole system. The purpose, whether the relative motion is rotational or translational, is to transfer electrical power at a controlled frequency, voltage, and current level across the gap for utilization at the relatively moving poles/elements of the system. The magnetic field across the gap between the primary and secondary pole systems is always changing in accordance with the power supplied to the primary coils and this changing field remains continuous throughout the distance traveled by the secondary poles.

Abstract: Apparatus for discharge handling metal sheets from a rack consists of a pair of tiltable tables, plan dimensioned to telescope inside the rack when the latter is lowered over the tables; each table has a vertically disposed stop and a vertically positioned member slidable towards the stop. A pull down for the rack ensures that the sheets which are supported by spaced apart pins are lowered sufficiently below the tables to free the sheets from the pins at which time the slidable members move each to their respective stop to pack the sheets. The tables are then tilted until the stops are horizontal and the slidable members retract after which the packs are moved off the tables on to adjacent loading stations.