Abstract: Randomly dyed skeins of yarn are produced in an apparatus which comprises an open vat adapted to be filled with a liquid dye bath and having rack means for supporting a plurality of skeins of yarn which are to be randomly dyed. The rack means includes valved conduits to control the flow of dye therethrough. Further valve means are provided for selectively adjusting the level of the liquid dye bath relative to the skeins supported in the dye bath while maintaining the liquor ratio, i.e., the ratio of liquid dye bath to yarn dyed, constant and as low as practical.

Abstract: This is a burglar-proof door for apartments or houses and it is held closed by bolts extending from within the door and into sockets in the frame that surrounds the door. The door has hinges, but in the preferred construction there are four bolts, one on each edge of the door so that the door cannot be opened by removal of the pins from the hinges. An electric motor operates, when a magnetically-coded card is inserted in a slot in the outside of the door, to lock or unlock the door when a handle is turned one way or the other. When there is a serious fire in the apartment or the house, a thermostat causes the door to unlock automatically.

Abstract: A high production method and apparatus which utilizes ribbon-like resistance wire to produce spiral wound electrical heating coils as used in cigar lighters, ignitor plugs and the like. Nesting of adjoining convolutions, if desired, can be effected by first imparting a transverse, ribbed configuration to the ribbon prior to the winding of the same into the spiral coil. In accomplishing this transverse configuring, cooperable male and female rolls, turning in opposite directions, form the ribbon and simultaneously cut it into lengths at a high production rate. After an annealing process, the cut strips of ribbon are fed to a coiling machine which has a notched arbor that receives end portions of the strips and coils the latter into a spiral shape while restraint is imposed on the strips. The feeding, confining, winding and ejection procedures involving the strips are automatically, sequentially carried out at a high production rate.

Abstract: A high production method and apparatus by which flat, ribbon-like resistance wire stock is fed between male and female die rolls to produce ribbed or grooved strips which can be spiral wound into electrical heating coils of the type used in cigar lighters, ignitor plugs and the like. The ribbing or grooving of the ribbon enables the nesting of adjoining convolutions to be had. The imparting of the ribbed configuration to the ribbon is effected prior to the cutting and winding of the same into the spiral coil. In accomplishing this, cooperable male and female rolls, turning in opposite directions, engage opposite sides of, and rib the ribbon and thereafter cut it into lengths while it is still moving, this being done at a high production rate. After an annealing process, the cut strips of ribbon can be fed to a coiling machine which will coil them into a spiral shape. The feeding, confining, grooving and cutting procedures are automatically, sequentially and continuously carried out quickly and expeditiously.

Abstract: In the process of rolling a tubular billet with a mandrel is displaced in the rolling direction as it is simultaneously rotated about its longitudinal axis. Then a portion of the billet is advanced between the working rolls and is drawn over the mandrel during backward movement of the billet together with the mandrel. During forward movement of the billet with the mandrel, the billet is displaced relative to the mandrel in the same direction for a distance equal to that covered by the billet portion fed into the gap between the working rolls. The backward movement of the billet with the mandrel is effected at a speed substantially close to the peripheral speed of the working rolls at the starting moment of the drafting operation. The pilger mill comprises a stationary stand with continuously rotating working rolls. The mill also incorporates a billet feeding and turning mechanism and a billet gripping jaw kinematically linked with each other.

Abstract: A rolling mill having a roll stand with back-up rolls and two cylindrical work rolls. The work rolls have roll-pass grooves associated in pairs with different roll-pass areas. The driving mechanism of the rolling mill is coupled to the back-up rolls which exercise constant pressure on the work rolls during rolling so that these are in hard mutual contact and rotate with the back-up rolls. The work rolls are axially displaceable in the roll stands between the back-up rolls when the latter are open so that a desired roll-pass groove can be positioned with its center line coinciding with the central plane of the rolling mill.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a system for the transportation and storage of heavy goods of bulky dimensions and, in particular, coiled metal trackway which, during manufacture, is formed in rolls and requires movement between fabricating stations and intermediate storage stations under conditions where high space storage is the preferred arrangement. High space storage areas having narrow sides but not directly interconnected and in abutting arrangement are located in equi-axial fashion along a central longitudinal transportation pathway having low level workshops adjoining this pathway. Also adjoining this central transportation pathway are manufacturing stations which are disposed in transverse relation to the central pathway. Overhead transportation trucks transfer bundles of metal sheets from high space storage to fabricating stations, including rolling mills and cutting machines, for forming the sheets and cutting into the final product in the form of bundles.

Abstract: A method of producing heat exchanger fins, comprising the steps of perforating an aperture of a small diameter in a predetermined portion of a sheet material, while simultaneously forming a projecting cylinder of a diameter smaller than that of the flanged aperture to be ultimately formed, and machining the projecting cylinder into a flange of a predetermined dimension by simultaneous burring an ironing operations using a punch of a predetermined size.

Abstract: A tool for straightening kinks and bends in plumber's snakes in which a pivoted straightening bar journalled to a shaft is manually forced down between a pair of spaced V-blocks supporting the bent snake. The V-block spacing can be adjusted to accommodate various diameter snakes and a pair of identical compression springs on the shaft upon which the straightening bar is pivoted maintains the bar midway between the spaced V-blocks irrespective of their spacing.

Abstract: A powered impacting device including relativly movable concentric first and second pistons, the second piston providing a cylinder wall for guiding movement of the first piston. A spring is disposed between the pistons for exerting a biasing force maintaining the pistons in an initial relative position. A single impacting force is applied to the pistons, at first resulting in coincident movement thereof until the second piston drives an outer fastener component through workpieces to be fastened together, and then is stopped. The mass of the first piston is great enough to provide continued movement of the first piston, relative to the second piston against the bias of the spring, to drive an inner component of the fastener through the work to be assembled, deforming the outer component of the fastener so that the material pieces are held together.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices for mounting a tool on the movable crossbeam of a press. The device includes a tool holder carrying tool grippers mounted for relative motion toward and from a tool under the action of fluid-actuated power cylinders accommodated in the crossbeam. The device reduces the amount of labor required for tool replacement and eliminates manual labor.

Abstract: A device for measuring the concentrations of entrained and/or dissolved gases in a liquid flow, that includes a gas/liquid separating chamber, probes for monitoring depression of the liquid level in that chamber by separated gases, a regulator for providing a pressure drop that releases dissolved gases from incoming liquid, and a gage for measuring the liquid flow out of that chamber, is described herein.

Abstract: A disposable testing chamber for cigarettes which includes a thin, sheet-like transparent housing element for retaining a filter disc with a conical closure element having a press-fit into the housing to seal the disc and become self-retaining in the housing, each element having a peripheral, annular wall portion in a plane normal to the axis of the chamber to register with and lie adjacent to the periphery of the filter disc.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing the density variation of a sliver, includes a sliver funnel through which the sliver passes and which has an intake portion, a discharge portion and a chamber formed as an enlarged part of the discharge portion. The chamber is, through a lateral opening, in communication with a source of pressurized air and a pressure sensing device. The pressure sensing device receives pneumatic signals as a function of the variation of pressure in the chamber dependent upon the density of the sliver portion momentarily present in the chamber. The sliver funnel is arranged at an output of a carding machine for receiving a web discharged thereby and for combining the web into a sliver passing through the chamber. The pressure sensing device comprises a pressure-responsive precision sensor which includes an arrangement for converting the pneumatic signals into digital signals.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting leaks at a fast rate in plastic bottles or similar containers wherein the bottles are secured in a multiplicity of open pocket members and arranged in a plurality of rows on a rotatable turret. A detecting gas is introduced into the bottles and they are subsequently moved to a detecting station where a detection means in the form of a mass spectrometer is activated by any gas leaking from the bottles. In a preferred manner, air is utilized to effect a sweeping action over the bottle exterior to move the detecting gas in the direction of the mass spectrometer. Air is also utilized to purge detecting gas from the pockets and air with vacuum to purge the bottles so that a rapid detecting system can be effected. The preferred gas used as the detecting media is helium and the bottles described are of the semirigid, plastic type which are used to contain sterile liquids.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for measuring the thickness of one liquid layer, e.g. oil, overlying another liquid in which a conical body is lowered into the liquids until the upper layer surface reaches the neck of the cone and a sensor detects the interface, whereupon thickness is determined as a function of the height of the overlying layer in the cone.

Abstract: A viscosimeter utilizing two different turbine flowmeters driven in series in a closed loop by a pump. It has been discovered that the viscosity v of the pumped fluid may be calculated from the expressionv=Af.sub.j -Bf.sub.i +CwhereA, B and C are constants which may be determined by turbine flowmeter, viscosimeter or other analytical or empirical calibration, andf.sub.i and f.sub.j are the pulse repetition frequencies at the outputs of the respective turbine flowmeters.

Abstract: An inspection and recording device for ascertaining surface abnormality on a pneumatic tire on a wheel on a dirigible vehicle and any deviation in the alignment of the wheel on which such tire is mounted with respect to the camber and toe-in of such wheel with respect to such vehicle and recording each such abnormality and each such misalignment.

Abstract: A coin testing apparatus is designed to accept and test a plurality of different coins, for example some or all of the coins of a particular currency. The apparatus stops an inserted coin in a predetermined position and tests its diameter, composition and thickness. It may also test its weight. Only if an inserted coin, (or object purporting to be a coin,) passes all of these tests will it be accepted. To test the diameter, the inserted coin serves as one electrode of a capacitor. The coin rests by gravity against an inclined board of dielectric material, on the other side of which a plurality of arcuate electrodes are arranged such that, for a coin of predetermined diameter, one electrode will be opposite a position outside the periphery of the coin and another will be opposite a position inside the periphery.

Abstract: An apparatus which can accurately determine the flow rate through a nipple orifice such as nipples which are used in conjunction with baby bottles. The testing apparatus utilizes a purging nozzle which will expel air into the nipple so as to remove any particulate matter so that a subsequent accurate reading can be obtained. The nipple is then placed on a test nozzle unit which is raised into contact with a nipple receiving head on a rotameter. When the nipple is placed in contact with the nipple receiving head, it will be maintained in contact automatically by means of air pressure in the test nozzle housing which ultimately will flow through the nipple orifice and into the rotameter. A reading on the rotameter will give an indication of the nipple flow rate. By a unique valving arrangement, the test nozzle will hold the nipple against the rotameter nipple receiving head so as to provide a uniform force and an accurate reading.

Abstract: An oceanic wave measurement system wherein wave height is sensed by a barometer mounted on a buoy. The distance between the trough and crest of a wave is monitored by sequentially detecting positive and negative peaks of the output of the barometer and by combining (adding) each set of two successive half cycle peaks. The timing of this measurement is achieved by detecting the period of a half cycle of wave motion.

Abstract: A capacitive sensing element for use in a liquid level measuring apparatus, wherein the capacitive sensing element is the oscillation determining element of an oscillator, the sensing element including a plurality of elongate electrodes embedded in an insulating material, and wherein calibration of the sensing element for different containers is obtained by piercing the element and electrodes to provide electrodes of different lengths.

Abstract: A liquid level measuring device for measuring the liquid level in a container, includes a fastening member for holding the device in a container, and a support with a lower end portion or prop extending into engagement with the container bottom. The support carries a liquid level sensing member and is connected to the fastening member through a resiliently yieldable connection, whereby the support is continuously urged into a constant position relative to the container bottom, so that an accurate indication is obtained of the liquid level in the container.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the density of a body which comprises: a main chamber adapted to receive the body whose density is to be measured; an auxiliary chamber; a subsonic wave generator for subjecting both of said chambers, in phase, to amplitude variations of pressure so as to generate subsonic waves; a differential manometer arranged between each of said chambers; means for equalizing the subsonic pressures of said two chambers; measurement means driven by said means for equalizing said subsonic pressures; and, weighing means for weighing said body, said weighing means being arranged within said main chamber.

Abstract: A particle detection system for detecting the presence of a particle within a sealed enclosure. It includes a vibrator or shaker whereon is mounted an electromechanical shocking apparatus whereby an operator-actuated switch causes an armature to provide a physical or mechanical shock to the enclosure. A transducer is employed to sense the noise created by a particle within the enclosure striking a side wall thereof, and suitable indicating means are connected in circuit with such transducer to afford visual and audible indications of the presence of the particle. Means is provided for muting the indicators whenever the enclosure is shocked by the armature to prevent the indicators from responding to the noise created by such shocking.

Abstract: Disclosed is a means and method for evaluating a bond between first and second structures bonded together by an intermediate layer of adhesive. Means are provided for transmitting a pulse of ultrasonic wave energy into the bonded structures whereby a first reflected pulse may be reflected from a first surface of the first structure, a second reflected pulse reflected from the layer of adhesive, and a third pulse possibly reflected from the surface of the second structure adjacent the adhesive layer. Circuit means are provided for sensing the first, second, and third reflected pulses and for providing an indication of the quality of the bond by comparing the amplitudes of the reflected pulses and determining if the ratios lie within predetermined ranges.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for ultrasonically inspecting a cylindrical object. The object is placed between the poles of a magnet to create a circumferential magnetic field in the object. A group of electromagnetic transducers (EMAT's) are placed adjacent the material so that the transducers scan the entire object when it is rotated. When an RF signal is applied to the transducers, elastic waves are generated in the material. These elastic waves reflect from defects in the material and these reflections are received by the transducers.

Abstract: A compensating bladder (30) for use in a pressure measuring device (10) for sensing pressure generated at a source. Pressure measuring device (10) includes a pressure responsive element (14) and pressure responsive structure (16) mounted within housing (12) for providing indications of pressures encountered at the source. The pressure responsive element (14) is connected by means of a socket (18), having an access opening (20), to the fluid source and for permitting pressure change to be sensed by the pressure responsive element (14). Compensating bladder (30) is disposed within the socket 18 to isolate pressure responsive element (14) from the fluid or gas entering the socket (18) and for forming a pressure transmitting chamber (66) that may be filled with a fluid. Compensating bladder (30) includes a generally longitudinal portion (44) and an integrally connected generally cylindrical portion (32).

Abstract: A device (10) for metering discrete lengths of filament utilized in a flexible filament vegetation cutting device is disclosed. The line metering device (10) is preferably used in flexible filament lawn mowers. An electric motor (28) rotatively drives a drive shaft (32) about its axis. A driving mechanism, preferably a spool (36) is coupled to the drive shaft (32) for rotation therewith whenever the drive shaft (32) is rotated. A driven mechanism, preferably a guide drum (84), is selectively coupled for rotation to the driving mechanism (36). The spool (36) has the flexible filament (66) wound about it and is coupled to one of the driven and driving mechanisms (84, 32) for rotation therewith.

Abstract: A hydraulic transducer of the Bourdon tube type, in which the amount of light transmitted by a light emitting diode to a photoresistor is controlled by a shutter. The device provides an enclosed and compact transducing unit which has particular application with tractor/trailer braking systems.

Abstract: A starter motor assembly for an internal combustion engine wherein a yoke is connected between an electro-magnetic switch and a pinion engaging device connected by a helical drive with an armature shaft. At the point of energization of the electro-magnetic switch the yoke causes the pinion to advance into a position to engage an engine drive gear. In the rest position of the starter motor the yoke is resiliently retained between the device and a cap which is itself retained over the end of a case secured against axial movement to the armature shaft. A pinion return spring engages between a stop on the device and the cap.

Abstract: An improved tuning apparatus with manual and pushbutton tuning with compact low profile design. For pushbutton tuning operation gear segment members loaded with a spring bias are arranged for engagement with each of the pushbutton devices to eliminate any lost motion being imparted to the core slide bar. Motion imparted to the slide bar actuates the cores and associated coils to change frequency. A declutching mechanism is used when using the pushbutton operation to remove the core slide bar from engagement with a manual drive input.

Abstract: A tooth gearing having a resilient coating affixed to the engaging surfaces of gear teeth, the coating having a thickness and coefficient of friction such that the sliding and external friction that would occur between gear teeth not having the coating is taken up by shear deformation of the coating.

Abstract: The actuating knob is biased to a center (off) position and can be actuated in opposite directions in each of two planes. Actuation in one plane serves to actuate either of two switches. Actuation in the other plane will actuate either of the same two switches but prior to actuating the switch will mechanically actuate a transmission through a Bowden cable. The cable wire is connected to the free end of each of two levers pivoted on the mounting bracket. Each lever is engaged by a pin protruding from a disc carried on the end of a cylinder rockably mounted in the switch casing and actuated by the knob. When the cylinder is moved from its normal mid position, one of the pins lifts the lever (the other lever has to go along) to lift the cable wire.

Abstract: A new and improved lever arm apparatus for door closers and the like is adapted to be detachably mounted on a rotary shaft and includes a lever arm formed of a thin piece of flat metal having a key-shaped opening dimensioned to receive a portion of the shaft extended transversely between opposite faces of the arm. A wedge plate or hub is adapted to be detachably mounted on one face of the lever arm and is also formed with a key-shaped opening for receiving a shaft. At least one removable fastener is provided for securing the wedge plate to the lever arm at a point outwardly of the openings and the hub or wedge plate includes a sloping cam surface engaged by the fastener for rotatably shifting the relative positions of the lever arm and wedge plate to tightly clamp the flatted surface of the key-shaped openings against the rotary shaft with a scissors-type pinching action.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a dual stroke drive mechanism of any size for a reciprocating device, such as a piston of a pump. It is particularly concerned with such a driving mechanism having means for selecting a particular stroke-length. It is more specifically concerned with a drive mechanism capable of imparting either one of two set stroke-lengths and means for selecting one of the stroke lengths before, or at certain intervals during, operation of the mechanism. The drive mechanism converts rotary movement of an input member into reciprocating rectilinear movement of an output member which may be connected to a piston and reciprocates the latter. A preferred application is in the field of sampling pumps for distributing liquid samples of small sizes into vials for analysis.

Abstract: A piston crankshaft connecting rod includes a column having a piston wrist pin engaging bearing collar at one end and a crankpin engaging split bearing collar at the opposite end, the split collar being releaseably locked in assembled condition by a flexible metal band encircling the outer section of the split collar and either the split collar inner section or the full column including the wrist pin collar or another portion of the connecting rod. The band is longitudinally medially slotted at opposite ends and the separate arms are looped, the loops engaging pins on tapped and smooth bored coupling members engaged by a bolt so that contraction and separation between the band ends may be effected by turning the bolt. The inner split collar is integrallly formed with the column or is cradled in a saddle formed at the column end.

Abstract: An output split-type mechanical and hydraulic transmission includes input and output shafts, first and second differential gear mechanisms for establishing different input-output speed ratios, at least two clutch mechanisms for selectively cooperating with components of the differential gear mechanisms and the input and output shafts to establish different input-output speed ratio ranges, and first and second hydraulic pump motors. The first pump motor has a variable hydraulic capacity and is mechanically and drivably connected to the input shaft for establishing variations in the hydraulic capacity. The second pump motor is mechanically connected to at least one component of both the first and second differential gear mechanisms for establishing rotational speeds of the components of the differential gear mechanisms during the different input-output speed ratio ranges in relationship to the variations of the first pump motor's hydraulic capacity.

Abstract: A multi-speed transmission, especially an automatic transmission for vehicles with at least three speeds, utilizing fluid circulations and force-lockingly operable engageable units for the shifting of the transmissions, especially with the use of epicyclic gears, in which the fluid circulations and the engageable units are so coordinated to the epicyclic gears providing the different transmission ratios that the engagement of the speeds under tractional force takes place exclusively by filling and/or emptying of fluid circulations as well as by release of the force-locking engageable units whereas an engagement of the force-locking units takes place only when the latter are not under tractional force whereby at least a part of the fluid circulations serves for the engagement of several speeds and the number thereof is smaller than the number of speeds engaged thereby.

Abstract: A vehicle with an engine, a torque converter, planetary gearing sets operatively connected with the torque converter, running means on either lateral side operatively connected with the respective planetary gearing set, a turning drive mechanism with two output shafts to rotate in opposite directions with each other and switching over means for selectively switching over output rotation directions of the turning drive mechanism. The turning drive mechanism takes the driving power from input side of the torque converter and transmits the power to drive either sun gear or planetary gears of the planetary gearing sets, thus to cause differential rotary speeds of the running means on one side as compared with the other side. The vehicle can thus turn very sharply when it travels at slow speed.

Abstract: An infinitely variable speed transmission is disclosed in which, in a preferred embodiment, a drive shaft is connected to an adjustable drive spoke disposed within a rotatable toothed wheel. The drive force received by the wheel from the input drive shaft is imparted to either a sun gear or a ring gear or both. A second ring gear may be axially secured to the first ring gear. A second sun gear may be axially secured to the first ring gear. A planetary gear engages second sun and ring gears and transmits force received by it to an output shaft. When the drive spoke adjustment causes the second ring gear, through the first ring gear, to become the driving gear the slowest output speed results. Intermediate arc settings of the spoke at any point along about a 180.degree. range results in both ring and sun gear driving the planetary gear simultaneously, but at an intermediate speed between the fastest and slowest setting.

Abstract: A manual tool for cutting an insulated electrical wire, and stripping the insulation from the free end of the wire is described. The tool comprises a folded spring steel member having flanged edges forming along one side a cutter slot for cutting the wire when the tool is squeezed, and along the opposite side a stripping slot for stripping the insulation from the cut wire end.

Abstract: A ratcheting wrench having a handle configured to be engaged by the hand of the user, the handle having a top, bottom, and opposed sides, a ratchet member rotatably supported at one end of the handle having means to engage a nut or bolt to be rotated, and an endless belt carried by the handle and rotated with the ratchet member, the belt being exposed at at least one area of one side of the handle so that it may be engaged by the thumb or fingers or the user to enable the user to apply rotational torque to the ratchet member.

Abstract: A facing and boring head includes a supporting member in the form of a circular disc secured at its back to the spindle of a lathe or the like. A slide is displaceable radially at the front of the supporting member in a guide extending perpendicularly and symmetrically with respect to the axis of rotation and provides for securement of a tool holder thereto. A counterweight is displaceable in the opposite radial direction between the front of the supporting member and the slide. The mass of the counterweight corresponds to that of the slide, including the tool holder and tool. A gear causes an opposite and equal radial movement of the slide and counterweight, depending on a positioning element. A cylindrical housing surrounds the slide, the counterweight, their guides and the gear. The housing is flanged-mounted on the supporting member.

Abstract: In a machine for cutting a paper web into sheets and forming them into a stack, the sheets are fed from the cutter to a primary conveyor on which they are spaced apart, and then to a secondary conveyor driven at a slower speed so that the sheets are overlapped, and finally fed onto the top of a stack. In one arrangement a pair of rollers, between which the sheets are gripped, is positioned between adjacent ends of the primary and secondary conveyors, which rollers are driven at a speed which is cyclically variable between the speeds of the two conveyors so as to decelerate the sheets. In another arrangement the secondary conveyor is dispensed with and the sheets are fed directly onto the stack from the variable speed rollers.

Abstract: A device to cut lengths of elongated metal elements, including a shear, an incoming belt for delivering the metal elements to the shear, an outgoing belt for delivering the metal elements from the shear after they are cut, a retractable stop, between the incoming and outgoing belt, for aligning the metal elements and establishing a reference point from which the length to be cut is measured, two motors, one to drive each belt, and a shaft between the motors to ensure that the motion of each belt is synchronous after the elongated metal elements reach the reference point.

Abstract: The specification discloses a saw having a circular saw blade wherein a motor for driving the saw blade and a bearing for the saw blade spindle are mounted on a mounting frame which is positioned below a work table and can be raised and lowered in a pivoting movement about a horizontal pivoting axis parallel to the spindle axis. The mounting frame is suspended in a tiltable cradle suspended in a circular work support which is flush with the top of the work table and is rotatably mounted in a circular opening therein. When the mounting frame is raised the saw blade will project through a slot in the support. The mounting frame is operated by a thin bar projecting through the slot in the support and carrying a handle above the work table. The bar is integral with a riving knife. It is rotatably mounted about the saw blade axis, and it is connected to the cradle by a linkage formed by an articulated rod and the mounting frame.

Abstract: A radial arm saw has separate and independently adjustable actuating means operated by a single lever for indexing the arm in spaced miter positions and for clamping it in infinitely variable miter positions, a novel arm clamp shoe, an adjustable arm index ring, adjustable guide means including adjustable guide means guiding vertical movement of the arm, composite arm indexing pin, bevel and swivel indexing pin ramps, a heel adjustment cam, and adjustable bevel clamp means.

Abstract: A piercing punch, a piercing die and a swaging punch are displaced relative to each other to produce locking joints by a machine which uses cams, preferably in the form of pairs of mating, wedge-shaped blocks to produce the necessary reciprocating movements of one or more of the three tool elements. A suitable kinematic actuating device, preferably in the form of a toggle linkage reciprocates the third tool element.The interaction of these elements is such that exceptionally favorable conditions for joint formation prevail.

Abstract: A device for slicing tomatoes and other soft food objects has a hollow triangular enclosure frame with three vertical sides disposed about an open interior into which tomatoes are inserted. The longest vertical side or hypotenuse side of the vertical frame enclosure carries a tensioned rack of parallel blades with sharp cutting edges facing inwardly. The opposite intermediate length side of the frame has a pusher sliding back and forth along it with spaced fingers inserted between the opposite cutting blades. Insertion of tomatoes is facilitated by a vertically movable loading platform mounted within the frame which can be manually raised by a push rod at the top to receive a tomato and then lowered below the path of movement of the pusher to permit the pusher to traverse the tomato along and through the cutting edges of the blades to slice it. The loading platform has a table rotatably mounted at the top of a lifting lever which is rotatably mounted at the bottom of the frame.