Abstract: A variable speed device comprising a pair of discs driven from a source of power each disc having rack teeth forming its surface. The device including also a pinion in mesh with the rack teeth of each disc mounted to be movable radially of the disc to vary the speed of an output shaft in relation to the rotation of said disc.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a belt conveyor system having a driven pulley and a belt trained thereon, the mechanism including a speed reducer disposed in the pulley and having coaxial input and output shafts, the output shaft being a reaction shaft for the rotatable housing of the speed reducer. The housing of the speed reducer is in axial alignment with the pulley and is connected thereto for driving the pulley. A brake is provided for restraining the rotation of the output shaft, and may consist of a disc rotatable with the output shaft and a hydraulically operated head controlled by a system including a pump driven by the output shaft in response to the load on the belt of the conveyor. The drive for the pump senses the load on the conveyor belt by the reaction response of the output shaft, thereby varying the rate at which the pressure in the hydraulic system increases to control the friction head indirectly in response to the conveyor load.

Abstract: An indexing attachment is disclosed that is adapted for use with a Van Norman dividing head. The Van Norman dividing head has a rotatable chuck for indexing a workpiece at six minute intervals. The inventive attachment is placed upon the dividing plate of the head and increases the indexing capability of the dividing head, such that 1 minute intervals of rotation are obtained. The attachment comprises a disc having a cylindrical stem extending from a mid-portion thereof. The stem is placed in any one of several holes disposed in the dividing plate. The disc of the attachment contains apertures arranged in a spiral pattern on its face. The apertures receive the retractable pin of the indexing arm of the head, in place of the holes of the dividing plate. The spiral pattern of the apertures of the attachment subdivide the interval spacing between successive holes of the dividing plate.

Abstract: A transmission having a plurality of gear ratios which are selectively engaged on the supply of fluid to a servo motor fluid chamber and controls. The controls have a source of fluid under regulated pressure selectively connected by a relay valve respectively in a first and a second position to a first and a second servo motor to provide a first and a second ratio drive, an automatic shift valve controlled by speed and torque demand for shift movement between a first and a second position having spaced lands slidably sealed in a bore and a smaller intermediate restricting portion providing a restricted passage between the bore and restriction portion operative in the first position to restrictively connect the actuator chamber of the relay valve so the relay valve is in first position and in the second position to restrictively connect said source to the actuator chamber of the relay valve to shift the relay valve to second position.

Abstract: An abrasive or other filament-working member is mounted at the sweep circle of a vegetation trimmer filament for progressively sharpening the end of the filament and removing excess filament during operation of the vegetation filament-trimmer; the filament working member may include means causing the filament to heat.

Abstract: The invention concerns a motor-driven screwing and transporting tool for tightening or loosening the threaded studs and associated tightening nuts of the head bolting of pressure vessels. After the tightening nuts are loosened or before they are tightened, the weight of the studs is taken over by rotating bearings that can be lifted, so that the studs with their tightening nuts can be screwed in or out, the screw threads of the studs being thus weight-relieved. The invention is intended primarily for nuclear reactor pressure vessels.

Abstract: Pattern cutting of sheet metal is effected automatically. Conveyors move a metal sheet into a pattern cutting position, the sheet being guided exactly into position. The sheet is clamped securely in pattern cutting position and a cutting tool begins cutting the pattern from the sheet. The cutting tool is movable in x, y, and .alpha. directions so that any type of pattern may be cut thereby. The tool may comprise a scissors-like shearer, one blade being provided above the horizontal sheet being cut, and another blade being disposed below the sheet. Supporting tips are mounted on the conveyor to support the metal sheet in cutting position while preventing damage to the conveyor during cutting. A notcher is also provided movable along each side edge of the metal sheet the notchers being adjustable with respect to each other to accommodate sheets of different widths. The x, y, .alpha., and notcher motors are all controlled by a computer.

Abstract: A guide plate assembly, mountable on the table of a saw which guides a sheet rotatably fixed to the guide plate to enable the saw blade to cut the sheet into a circular disk of a desired diameter. The assembly includes a first slide bar that may be latched in position in a miter slot of the saw table, with a plate attachable to the first slide bar that is slidably latched to the first slide bar, and a second slide bar fitted with one or more cylindrical pivot holes which is also slidably latched in an open slot of the plate. A pivot screw, in the form of a wood screw fitted with a cylindrical head is fastened to the center of a sheet, to be cut, and the cylindrical head rotatably mounted in a pivot hole of the second slide bar, so that the sheet may be circularly rotated about the cutting edge of the saw blade.

Abstract: A valve tuning system for a brass musical instrument having a single valve housing, a single valve body, which may be in several parts, a basic pipe and a plurality of by-pass pipes connected to the housing. A plurality of air-pipes or passages are formed in the valve body and a plurality of tuning keys are operable to move the valve body to a plurality of switch-over positions such that various combinations, or all, of the air-pipes and by-pass pipes may be connected in series with the basic instrument pipe to yield a temperament ratio without significant aberrations.

Abstract: Two parts or shells, each composed of randomly oriented carbon or graphite fibers contained in a nylon matrix, are configured so that when sonically welded together an integral drumstick results.

Abstract: A jig to establish the precise location of a piano key button upon a piano key which takes the form in the shape of a parallelogram with the sides being pivotable with respect to each other. Upon one of the shortened sides of the parallelogram shaped jig is an abutting plate wherein the abutting surface of the abutting plate is located perpendicular to the longitudinal center axis of the shortened side to which it is attached. Upon the opposite shortened side of the parallelogram shaped jig are a pair of aligning pins and the line interconnecting the center of the pins is located perpendicular to the longitudinal center axis of this shortened side member. The pair of pins are to be conducted through a longitudinal slot formed within the key button and to be connected with an appropriate opening formed within the piano key.

Abstract: A toggle bolt capable without disassembly or reassembly of cutting a mounting hole through a wall and being easily installed therein. The toggle bolt includes a generally tubular sleeve having an internally threaded collar pivotally mounted at a position along the longitudinal axis of the sleeve such that the sleeve includes a heavier portion between the collar and one end and a lighter portion between the collar and the opposite end. One of the sleeve ends has cutting teeth or other cutting configuration, and a slot is provided in the wall of the sleeve along the lighter portion thereof. A bolt is threaded into the collar and is disposable transversely of the sleeve during drilling of a mounting hole and is disposable via the slot coaxially of the sleeve for insertion of the sleeve through the mounting hole for anchoring therein.

Abstract: A one-piece mechanical device for visually indicating the tension in a monitored bolt, such as a mine bolt or the like, is provided. The device comprises a specially configured spring washer, preferably a helical washer, which is inserted in between the head of the monitored bolt and the surface or backing plate against which the head of the bolt will bear for substantially resilient compression therebetween. The washer is selected with a spring constant such that substantial axial compression of the washer will occur only upon the application of a compressive force in the range of tensile forces to monitored in the monitored bolt. Preferably, the washer will only completely flatten between the bolt head and the bearing plate when the compressive force applied thereto exceeds the predetermined maximum tensile force in the bolt.

Abstract: An improved device for breaking the connection between an electric control system and a missile by separating a control cable or umbilical cord joining the missile to its launcher housing during launch. A plurality of continuous, flexible conductors are passed through openings in a non-conductive insert in the surface of the missile. Because the conductors are secured to both the missile and the housing on opposite sides of the insert, they are tensioned against and bent over the outer edge of the opening during launch and broken due to the concentration of tensile and bending stress at the point of contact.

Abstract: A high velocity driver is made with a liner between the propellant and li gas medium within a cartridge casing. This casing is reduced in length and made wider to accommodate the same desired gas and propellant volume. The liner is folded over so as to form a cylinder of propellant between a central cylinder and an annular cylinder of light gas medium. The explosive gases from the propellant thus expand the liner against the light gas medium in two directions, thereby utilizing more explosive gas energy to compress the light gas medium and thus create a higher velocity ejection of the projectile from the gun barrel.

Abstract: In a breech-loading gun loaded by first ramming a projectile into the gun rrel to a firing position therein and then inserting a separate propelling charge, unlimited fall-back of the projectile from the firing position is prevented by means of an annular internal groove in the barrel providing a forwardly-facing shoulder, a rearwardly-facing shoulder carried by the projectile, and resilient means for automatically moving the projectile shoulder outwardly into abutting relation with the barrel shoulder on rearward movement of the projectile from its firing position. In one embodiment, the projectile shoulder is the rear end of a resilient strip extending rearwardly and outwardly from the projectile. In another embodiment, the projectile shoulder is the rear side of a radially-movable spring-biased detent on the projectile.

Abstract: A hydraulic control and driving apparatus for a self-propelled artillery piece includes hydrostatic transmissions for the driving wheels which are driven by hydraulic motors and variable displacement hydraulic pumps. The apparatus includes means for training, elevating and firing the artillery piece by diverting hydraulic fluid from one main pump to the appropriate control elements.

Abstract: A milling machine which mills the upper and lower surfaces of a plurality of strands that are drawn in a stepwise or intermittent fashion from a continuous casting machine. The milling machine is displaceable with respect to the continuous casting machine and moves in the strand feeding direction when the strands are drawn. The feeding speed of the milling machine is controlled by a pair of feed rolls in dependence on the displacement of the milling machine, which in turn depends on the drawing speed of the continuous casting machine, the length of draw, and on the milling rate. The casting machine produces a first controlling strand and non-controlling second and further strands. The speed and direction of the feed rolls regulates the motion of the milling machine under the control of the first controlling strand.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for suppressing the self-excited chatter vibrations in a machine tool of the type having a "non-rotating" tool or of the type having a "rotating" tool. According to this invention a chatter suppressing contact is provided to itself the tool of the non-rotating type machine tool or to the rotating spindle to which the tool is fixed in the rotating type machine tool in such a way that the chatter suppressing contact slidably reciprocates on the tool or the rotating spindle thus changing the contact point with time. As a result the natural frequency of the tool is changed while it is employed in machining, and the self-excited chatter vibration are suppressed. The chatter suppressor contact which is used in a non-rotating type machine tool is in the form of an auxiliary tool holder, whereas the chatter suppressor contact which is used in a rotating type machine tool is in the form of a ball or roller bearing.

Abstract: Apparatus for machining the surface of an elongated rigid workpiece passing therethrough in a predetermined direction along a path. The apparatus includes at least one station having opposed tools for engaging opposite sides of the workpiece. The tools have tool axes extending generally perpendicular to the path. The tools are mounted for movement of their axes toward and away from the path, and for tilting movement of their axes relative to the path in a plane extending generally perpendicular to the path.

Abstract: Locking means for a piston pin is loosely mounted in the bosses of a piston and which piston is larger in outside diameter than the external distance between the bosses. At least one angled locking pin having one arm secured in the boss and extending approximately parallel to the axis of the boss is provided and the other arm of the locking pin is bent so as to extend before the opening of the boss.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a table on which the documents, received from a conveyor, are stacked on edge. The table is formed with one or more elongated slots extending perpendicularly to the stack of documents, and a rotating disc is mounted beneath each slot for rotation in the general plane of the slot. Each rotating disc has secured thereto one or more flexible narrow strips to extend tangentially therefrom. Responsive to control signals, a disc is rotated so that a flexible narrow strip thereon is inserted through the associated slot to extend between two successive documents of the stack, and the strip can be withdrawn by further rotation of the disc.

Abstract: A system for assembling flexible end closures for containers, the closure itself including a peelable sealing membrane, with a folded pull tab, and a plastic overcap separably combined as a single unit for application to the container. Apparatus cuts the individual sealing membranes from a continuous web for deposit thereof on individual holders which vacuum retain the membranes during movement through stations which fold an integra pull tab in overlying relation to each membrane for subsequent reception within an associated overcap applied to the holder along the path of movement thereof, the combined membrane and overcap ultimately being discharged for later application to a container as a closure therefor. A central manifold controls air flow to and away from the individual holders so as to selectively retain and discharge the closure forming membrane and overcap components.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating a plurality of interconnected blanks formed in a sheet and for stacking the separate blanks in a plurality of designated stacks characterized by an input carrier receiving a sheet such as from a delivery end of a die cutting platen press and transports it to a separating unit which separates the interconnected blanks from each other and forms a flow having spaced rows of spaced blanks with the position and sequence of the blanks in the flow being the same as their position and sequence in the sheet. The stacking unit receives the flow and utilizes a suction unit for each of the rows in the flow which unit preferably comprises a belt of pervious material moving along a suction chamber to engage an upper surface of the blanks and transports the engaged blanks to a position above their respective designated stacks.

Abstract: A ventilating damper assembly particularly adapted for use in conjunction with an evaporative cooler system for architectural structures includes a duct inserted into the ceilings of rooms cooled by the evaporative cooling system to discharge air from within the room through an attic space located above the ceiling and out into the atmosphere through vents in the attic. The ventilating damper assembly has a gravity-closed pivotally-mounted lid on the upper end of the duct to keep the duct closed whenever the evaporative cooling system is not in operation or whenever backdrafts from the attic occur. Positive air pressure within the room moves air upwardly through the damper assembly, opening the lid to permit air to escape from the room into the attic, thereby maintaining the air flow necessary for efficient operation of an evaporative cooler and additionally exhausting the relatively cool air into the attic space above the ceiling to further improve the cooling efficiency of the system.

Abstract: This invention provides novel apparatus for cooking food articles. Basically, the novel apparatus of the present invention comprises: a chamber; support means for locating food articles within the chamber with substantially all of their exterior surfaces being exposed; sump means having an inlet fluid-connected to the chamber for containing a liquid cooking medium; heater means for heating the liquid cooking medium contained in the sump; first sprayer means located within the chamber adjacent to a first side of the support means; second sprayer means located within the chamber adjacent to a second side of the support means that is opposite from the first side and being aligned in a common plane with the first sprayer means; and pump means fluid-connected to the sump means and to both of the sprayer means to admit to the chamber, through both of the sprayer means and onto the food articles supported thereon, a pressurized spray of liquid cooking medium in a pressure range betwen 10 and 70 p.s.i.g.

Abstract: A baking pan for the producing of an elongated hot dog receiving recess within a hot dog bun, said baking pan comprising a base having a plurality of dough receiving recesses, a member adapted to overlie said base, said member having a plurality of elongated oval shaped in cross section rods with each said rod adapted to be located slightly above each dough receiving recess and longitudinally thereacross, the member being securable by securing means to the base when the member is connected to the base, guide means to precisely position the member upon the base.

Abstract: An apparatus for the production of Chinese spring rolls and other rolled food products wherein a flat pancake is deposited on a gas permeable conveyor belt and a filler substance is placed atop said pancake, wherein said pancake successively is passed above air jets directed against the underside of said pancake to fold the front portion and opposite side portions of the flat pancake over said filling substance and wherein the folded pancake together with the filler substance finally is rolled toward the rear edge of said pancake to form a roll fully enclosing said filler substance.

Abstract: A high speed machine for imprinting code indicia consecutively upon individual articles moving in a line along the upper reach of a conveyor to an imprinting zone arranged along the conveyor path. The imprinting is performed by plural printing heads carried by an imprinting wheel. The speed of rotation of the imprinting wheel being correlated with the speed of the conveyor and the number of printing heads carried by the imprinting wheel. The articles are spaced uniformly one from the other a predetermined distance with their lateral movement being restricted during passage of the articles through the imprinting zone, a positive force being directed downward upon the top of each article at least at the time the imprint is applied thereto.

Abstract: A flexible squeegee for use in round or irregularly shaped screen-printing frames, whose design permits it to sweep all, or substantially all, of the screen surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for printing indicia on corrugated board in particular is provided. The apparatus includes a printing plate made of a polymer material which has a number of advantages over conventional printing plate materials. However, because the polymer material is somewhat resilient and exhibits a degree of yieldability, and dimensionally-stable sheet is provided, which is either on the back of the material or molded into the material near the back. The printing plate is adhered to a mounting sheet which is also dimensionally stable and is mounted on a printing plate cylinder. A resilient or compressible layer or pad is affixed to the back of the mounting sheet, between the mounting sheet and the printing cylinder, and is of a size at least equal to that of the printing plate.

Abstract: An electronic igniter circuit for an electric primer for the detonation of a pyrotechnical charge comprising a controlled semi-conductor element connected to the primer and a source of electrical energy to fire the primer when the semi-conductor element is rendered conductive. A condensor is connected in parallel to the source and the primer and a checking circuit for verifying the integrity of the igniter circuit and its elements is connected in parallel between the condensor and the primer. The checking circuit includes a voltage sensor which can be connected as a unit with the primer and connected via a cable to the igniter circuit at a remote location.

Abstract: An initiator that produces an intermediate combustion step in a system for gniting solid rocket propellant with a laser beam. The initiator comprises a pyrotechnic pellet which has a concave conical surface and a breakaway/burn center section. The pellet is positioned in a container which has a window. A laser beam is directed through the window, onto the conical surface, and initiates combustion of the pellet. The container restrains the pellet from moving during combustion.

Abstract: A fuze containing a bimetallic spring delay module, which includes a bimelic Belleville spring and a pyrotechnic charge for heating the spring. The spring is capable of inverting by heat from the pyrotechnic charge and of reverting on cooling, whereby the spring provides a mechanical action by means of an element attached thereto, such as a firing pin, switch, an arming slider or rotor, etc.

Abstract: A small electrical fuze for use with an explosive projectile being subject to very high g forces both in the direction of and opposed to the line of flight. A lead charge is disposed in a barrel rotor whose axis of rotation is normal to the flight path for providing the safing and arming function. A system of controlling drive balls captured in shaped slots on the surface of the barrel rotor in cooperation with straight slots on an interior surface of a mounting cavity provide the necessary forces for a multiple step arming sequence in response to spin-induced forces on the fuze. These multiple step sequences include two direction reversals. A one-fourth wavelength shorted skirt surrounds the fed end of a monopole antenna to isolate the radio frequency currents thereon from the body of the projectile thereby improving the antenna pattern in the direction of trajectory.

Abstract: Railroad sleepers are replaced by removal of old sleepers over a track length corresponding to the length of a sleeper while ballast is removed to a depth corresponding to the height of new sleepers and is placed beside the track whereafter one or more new sleepers are lowered between the rails and rotated into correct transverse position followed by packing the ballast under the sleeper(s), and the space between adjacent new sleepers is packed with ballast.

Abstract: A towing mechanism for a ski lift includes a pay-out and take-up device for a tow rope having a towing bar attached to it. That device has a housing in which a luffing drum is non-displaceably mounted for rotation; a nut secured to this drum cooperates with a screw-spindle in the manner of a non-self-locking screw gear. A piston secured to one end of the screw-spindle operates in a cylinder secured to the housing and connected, via a check valve and an adjustable throttle valve arranged in parallel with each other, to a liquid containing chamber which within a reservoir is separated by a dilatable diaphragm from a chamber containing pressurized gas.

Abstract: A table arrangement for a railway passenger car compartment includes a first table which can be folded from a use to a stored position in a side of the compartment. The first table can be used alone or it can be joined for use with a larger knock-down table which includes latching provisions for interlocking the two table tops of the arrangement.

Abstract: An integrated method is disclosed for preparing and suspension firing of bagasse and the like as the primary fuel for steam power generation in a cane sugar refinery. The method comprises mixing wet bagasse with de-ashed hot flue gases of a steam boiler, thereby drying it; separating bagasse dried thereby from the drying flue gases, capturing substantially all suspended dust; sizing the dried bagasse; directing bagasse fines to temporary storage while grinding and resizing any oversize bagasse; metering out and pneumatically suspending the fines, providing a smooth-flowing fuel responsive to a burner fuel feed control means; combusting the suspended fuel in a scroll feed type burner firing the steam boiler; de-ashing the combustion effluent, and utilizing the resultant flue gases for drying wet bagasse. Alternatively, the wet bagasse may be dried partially by de-ashed hot flue gases and partially by a bagasse fired supplementary hot air dryer, thereby further improving boiler operation efficiency.

Abstract: A recuperative heating system has a heat conductive chimney flue; a fuel combustion chamber exhausting hot waste gases and smoke upwardly through the flue; coaxial ducts about the flue, defining a fresh air flow path downwardly from a cool air intake along the outer duct and upwardly along the inner duct into direct heat exchange relationship with the outer surface of the flue and exhausting outwardly from the inner duct into a warm air room vent; and a plurality of U-shaped conduit tubes, each having its bight within the flue. The legs of each U-shaped tube are of different lengths with the inlet end on the longer leg opening into the outer duct and the outlet end on the shorter leg opening into the inner duct.

Abstract: A tufting machine having multi-color selection capability in which an improved selection means enables the selection of one of a plurality of yarns which upon selection is pneumatically transported to a tufting station where a bit-length of yarn is severed and tufted to a backing layer. The selection process comprises individual selection band-like members which, upon selection by solenoid means, engage with an oscillating shaft from which said band-like members extend tangentially. The band-like members are connected to elements which are used to engage yarn and which feed, meter and pull back such yarn when they are driven by the oscillatory shaft.

Abstract: Portable apparatus for propelling a person floating in water. A person floating naturally face-up in the water can position herself over a floatable support member positioned in such a manner that a mast mounted on the support member extends upwardly between her legs. To provide propulsion, a sail is attached to the mast such that its position in azimuth can be controlled by the person. Whenever desired, the sail can be removed, the mast telescoped to a shortened length, and the support member folded enabling the apparatus to be easily transportable.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a jibsail and a mainsail on a sloop, the structure including a step assembly bedded to the hull and supporting conventional roller and ball bearings; a mast spreading the mainsail; a generally horizontal boom located close above deck and rotating freely about the step; a forespar rotatable about its own axis and extending from high up on the mast to said boom, spreading the jibsail; and rigging connecting the jib and mainsail with said boom. The spars, sails, and cord rigging are freely rotatable on the bearings as a unit about the step as the wind deviates in direction.

Abstract: The following specification discloses a mechanism for attachment to a water jet pump as used for propelling boats which has as its object the deflection of the water jet at an angle to the path of travel of the boat. The mechanism comprises a chain and cable or a pair of gears controlled by a steering member to deflect the jet of water through a variable path at the rear of the boat to thereby provide a thrust to the boat in the opposite direction and allowing the boat to be moved out of a normal forward path.

Abstract: A dispensing type container closure having a lid pivotally mounted on the closure so as to be capable of being moved between a closed position in which the lid closes off an opening through the top of the container and an open position in which this opening is uncovered can be made child resistant in character by including a recess in the top of the closure into which the lid is adapted to fit so that in the closed position the lid cannot be manually engaged to be rotated from the closed position. A fulcrum is provided within the recess and the lid is made so that when the lid is in the closed position pressure can be applied to the lid in order to pivot or move a portion of the lid remote from where the lid is hinged on the closure to a sufficient extent so that this portion of the lid can be manually engaged and moved from the closed position. Preferably a toggle structure is employed to connect the lid and the closure so as to hold the lid in either the closed or the open position.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for vapor depositing epitaxial films on substrates. A gaseous reactant is introduced into a reaction chamber formed from a material, such as quartz, which is transparent and non-obstructive to radiant heat energy transmitted at a predetermined short wave length. A graphite susceptor, which is opaque to and absorbs the radiant heat energy, is positioned within the reaction chamber and supports the substrates to be coated. The susceptor is heated while the walls of the reaction chamber remain cool to preclude deposition of epitaxial film on the walls. To insure uniform heating of the susceptor, the same may be moved relative to the radiant heat source which, in the preferred embodiment, comprises a bank of tungsten filament quartz-iodine high intensity lamps which transmit radiant heat energy against the susceptor as a non-focused generally uniform energy field.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for impregnating a wall or the like with damp-proofing fluid. The apparatus comprises a conduit through which the fluid passes and carrying a sealing element designed to seal against the wall automatically under the pressure of the damp-proof fluid. Generally the sealing element comprises a grommet which is deformed into sealing contact with the wall, the deformation being effected either by the direct action of the damp-proofing fluid on the grommet or through an intermediate member such as a piston in a cylinder carried on the conduit.

Abstract: A liquid pick-up, transfer and deposit system achieves controlled thickness, reproducible deposits of viscous liquid, such as epoxy, on a substrate, for subsequent attachment of microscopic size dies, by maintaining a layer of uniform, thickness of the viscous coating in a receptacle and moving an applicator stamp, back and forth between the receptacle and a substrate constituting the workpiece. The deposit area and thickness of coating on the tip of the applicator is kept uniform by a gravity actuated plunger yieldable rearwardly opposed only by its own weight. The plunger tip accommodates itself to the surface it contacts.

Abstract: A pet waste disposal device to receive and discharge animal waste comprising a base having a resilient intermediate portion for folding the base to form a pouring channel. A wall is disposed about the base to keep the waste material from escaping the base. The wall is notched at both ends of the intermediate portion to ends of the intermediate portion to enable folding the device and provide an exiting aperture from the device.

Abstract: Dairy cow milking apparatus comprises a vacuum system including a main vacuum line installed along a plurality of milking stalls and a plurality of spaced-apart vacuum ports along the main vacuum line. Manually operable shut-off valves are provided for selectively and independently opening and closing each vacuum port. The apparatus also comprises a mobile milking unit selectively movable from one position to another along said main vacuum line and said milking stalls. The unit comprises vacuum operated components including a plurality of teat claw assemblies for milking a plurality of cows simultaneously. A pair of flexible auxiliary vacuum lines are provided on the milking unit and each auxiliary vacuum line has one end connected to operate all the vacuum operated components. Each auxiliary vacuum line has its other end adapted for connection to a vacuum port in the main vacuum line.