Abstract: Disclosed is a cleaning apparatus for continuous, abrasive belts of essentially any dimension, which apparatus has a base having elongated belt supporting mandrel means mounted thereon, and belt drive roll means rotatably mounted on the base and having its rotational axis substantially parallel to the axis of the mandrel means, and wherein a first portion of the periphery of the mandrel means is movable substantially parallelly into close juxtaposition to the periphery of the drive roll means upon angular movement of the mandrel means relative to the drive roll means in order to provide for easy loading and unloading of the belts while providing positive belt driving force.

Abstract: The specification discloses a floor scrubber wherein the squeegee is connected to the machine by a coil spring. The squeegee is free of direct rigid connection to the machine such that it can shift readily from side to side through the action of the spring. The squeegee is biased to a raised position by a second spring and can be forced downwardly into engagement with the floor through a unique pneumatic cylinder.

Abstract: Handle attaching means for brooms and the like consisting of a tubular member having a portion of large diameter for receiving and holding a handle and a portion of reduced diameter for insertion into an opening in a broom, the portion of reduced diameter having openings to receive a bolt which also engages a second opening in the broom to hold the tubular member in engagement therewith.

Abstract: A matted fleece cleaning pad is supported on a number of spread-out tufts of bristles set in cavities of a holding plate, the bristles of each tuft being of different length and made of a synthetic plastic, preferably a polyamide. By this arrangement, the cleaning pad can be held springily, so that it can follow irregularities in the floor. The longer bristles are beaded at their ends by singeing, so that the cleaning pad does not fall off when the holding plate is lifted up from the floor.

Abstract: A windshield wiper arm includes a free end which is U-shaped in cross section to form depending ears. The ears include slots open at the free end and detents adjacent the rear edges. The depending ears are received in an opening of the web of the central portion of a channel shaped blade and straddle a flat leaf spring. The open ended slots engage a cross pin extending through the webs of the blade and the detents engage the underside of the flat leaf spring to limit angular displacement of the blade relative to the arm. A pair of shoulders formed on the inner surfaces of the side walls of the blades engage the rear edge of the depending ears to restrict longitudinal movement of the arm relative to the blade.

Abstract: An attachment for windshield wiper blades for vehicles and comprising a body member having an elongated slot or recess provided therein for removably receiving the wiper blade, the outer surface of the body oppositely disposed from the recess being of an arcuate cross sectional configuration whereby the oppositely disposed edges thereof are relatively sharp to provide scraping elements engageable with the outer surface of the windshield, and a transversely extending scraper element provided across the outer end of the body for manual scraping of the windshield.

Abstract: Cabinet hinge for the articulated connecting of two cabinet parts, and particularly for pivoting a cabinet door to a cabinet body, having a first hinge which is adapted to be fastened in a recess of the first cabinet part and having a second hinge part which is adapted to be fastened to the second cabinet part, to which second hinge part a preferably tang-shaped hinge arm is pivoted, characterized by the fact that the first mentioned hinge part consists of an outer anchoring part and of an inner part arranged in a first opening of said anchoring part, said inner part being adjustable along a first axis extending perpendicular to the surface of the first cabinet part; that a guide, preferably a second opening, is provided on the inner part to receive the hinge arm; and that means are provided to fasten the hinge arm in continuously adjustable manner to the first hinge part.

Abstract: A poultry leg retainer formed of a single elongated piece of material that is limitedly resiliently deformable, has a central U-shaped portion adapted to fit in the creases of poultry hocks with extensions to substantially right angle bends with outwardly extending shoulders curving through substantially 90.degree. in a plane inclined to the central portion and to the extensions with hooked legs depending from the shoulders to more positively grip and secure poultry legs to the carcass while admitting of bagging trussed fowl without puncture.

Abstract: In the processing of poultry, the heads are separately and individually pulled downwardly along a vertical path during continuous advancement to automatically separate the heads from the necks at the jaw bone and at the base of the skull, salvaging all of the edible neck skin, while at the same time, removing certain inedible organs from within the body by pulling the same straight down through the vertical neck without separation of the head from either the esophagus or the trachea.

Abstract: A press for forming and shaping foodstuffs. The press has an extrusion die containing a plurality of open ended elongated passages and a V-shaped common inlet. Attachments to the press provide a convenient and easy method of further processing rough sized extruded foodstuffs.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of mechanically washing an animal casing such as a bung. The method involves placing the casing on an elongate support element so that the element extends through the casing, the element having a duct or ducts for washing liquid and outlets for discharging the liquid inside the casing. With the casing in place, washing liquid can be caused to issue from the outlets under pressure so as to wash the interior of the casing. There is also disclosed a machine for washing such casings, the machine essentially consisting of a number of such elements which can be loaded with casings in a loading zone, a supply means for supplying washing liquid to the ducts of the elements in a washing zone, and a transport means for transporting the elements in rotation between and through these zones.

Abstract: A central twin or single chain conveyor with abutments moves crabs through a centering device, beneath leg hold-downs and into an intersecting chain having projections that strike the carapace's leading edge to pivot it away from the crab body, and into a guide that, with the chain carrying the projections, will transport the carapace to a cross conveyor for removal. A central pipe, closed at its upstream end, is stationarily positioned to enter the body cavity and remove the viscera from the crab body, and travels in the body cavity while cleansing liquid is sprayed through holes in the pipe to clean the body cavity and the crab is guided by the pipe. Rotatably driven brushes biased into the crab body will, along with the water sprayed, remove the gills. The central conveyor has link support surfaces on opposite sides of a central plane of symmetry to space the crab body above the central portion of the chain so that a central rotating saw may saw the crab body into two sections, each with the legs attached.

Abstract: A tool for opening fiber bales in which a plurality of axially spaced blades are mounted coaxially on a shaft. Each of the blades has a periphery provided with projecting sawteeth which engage the fibers of a bale to be opened. Each of the sawteeth is bounded by two flanks which include a predetermined angle between themselves. There is also a predetermined circumferential spacing between the tips of successive fronts of the sawteeth. A leading flank and a trailing flank are arranged so that the leading flank is inclined in the direction of rotation. The angle of inclination of the leading flank with reference to a straight-line intersecting the tip of the respective tooth and to the axis of rotation of the shaft, is smaller than a predetermined angle. The tips of the sawteeth may face forwardly in the direction of rotation of the shaft.

Abstract: A high speed gill box having an upper head and lower head each of which contains a compliment of individual unconnected faller bars constrained to move in a smooth closed loop path. Each head is constructed to engage the associated faller bars outside of the pinned area to guide the faller bars through the closed loop path. Cam tracks are provided outside of the faller bar guide paths for engaging a crank arm extending away from the main pinned portion of each faller bar to provide proper orientation as the faller bar moves along its fixed path. Sprocket drives are provided in each head for engaging some of the faller bars and pushing them along the closed loop path. The pushed faller bars, as they exit the drive sprockets, push the faller bars ahead of them through the closed loop path. The drive sprockets are mounted at one end of the drafting zone while idler sprockets are mounted at the other end of the drafting zone to facilitate movement of the faller bars from the drafting zone.

Abstract: A fastener to retain at least two members together under spring tension including a bolt having a fastener head shaped with two lateral extending protrusions respectively forming two shoulders for engagement of an outside surface of one of the members to be secured together. An opening is provided through the members to be secured together and at least the opening through the latter-mentioned member which is to be engaged by the shoulders of the fastener head is generally contoured to the shape of the fastener head such that the fastened head freely passes through this opening in keyhole fashion and the bolt is turned so that the shoulders of the fastener head ride up onto this outside surface clamping the members together under spring tension. Lock recesses may be provided in the outside surface of the member closest to the fastener head to receive the shoulders of the fastener head in locking engagement.

Abstract: Multi-filament thermoplastic bounce crimped yarns having improved fiber-fiber coherency and intermediate non-entangled yarns and methods and apparatus for making such yarns. The process is characterized by the use of a novel bounce crimper which produces a bounce crimped yarn substantially free of filament loops and filament entanglement which is then fluid vortex interlaced to produce a very fiber-fiber coherent yarn.

Abstract: A quartz crystal oscillator package comprising a quartz crystal vibrator leaf enclosed in an evacuated housing. The vibrator leaf frame is sandwiched and sealed between a pair of housing elements formed by etching at one time the periphery of each housing element and at another time etching a concave portion in each housing element. Opposed concave portions provide the internal volume wherein the vibrator leaf is sealed under vacuum. Using heat and vacuum, a metal film deposited on the sealing surfaces of the housing elements fuses with a binder material to form a eutectic alloy seal. A flat package having small size, high structural strength, an excellent hermetic seal, and high internal vacuum is produced by this method.

Abstract: An improved technique for the manufacture of capacitive touch switch panel assemblies, utilized to control appliances and the like, provides simplified construction and manufacture. The technique involves the formation of conductive touch pads on one major surface of a dielectric panel and the formation of pairs of spaced-apart conductive pads and conductive lead members to the conductive pads on a separate flexible synthetic resin sheet. The synthetic resin is bonded to the opposite major surface of the dielectric panel with each pair of conductive pads on the synthetic resin sheet in registry with a corresponding touch pad on the one major surface of the dielectric panel. The synthetic resin sheet includes a portion having a conductive lead pattern formed thereon which is not bonded to the dielectric panel; this portion serves as a flexible connector for connection of the touch panel to a circuit board or the like.

Abstract: A controlled deflection roll comprising at least one piston-like or punch-like pressure or support element which is provided with a bearing or contact surface upon which there can slide or bear the roll shell of the controlled deflection roll. The bearing or support arrangement at the respective ends of the roll shell, is equipped with throttle disk means for limiting the infeed of a hydraulic fluid medium, typically oil, to the bearings of the bearing arrangements, from an intermediate compartment or chamber located between the roll shell and its roll support or beam. Additionally, between the bearing and an outer seal means there is arranged an outflow element, such as an outflow conduit, for the withdrawal of the oil or other hydraulic medium.

Abstract: Glue roller for use in labeling machines and the like, comprising a metal hub, a tubelike support body fixed on the hub, and an elastic sleeve with a cylindrical outer surface seated on the support body. The support body is a first moulded part of foam material having sealed boundary zones, which is foamed directly onto the hub. The elastic sleeve is a second moulded part of elastic foam material with sealed boundary zones, which is foamed directly onto the support body. The support body and elastic sleeve are provided with interengaging projections and recesses which extend parallel to the axis of the roller.

Abstract: A roll of embossed paper towelling in which the embossing comprises lands and valleys between the lands wherein the lands are in rows extending at an acute angle to the longitudinal direction of the towelling. The acute angle of the rows of lands offsets each land with respect to the lands of the next adjacent turns or layers of the towel in the roll. That causes the layers to be held apart, and the desirable characteristics of the towels are preserved. There is also apparatus and a method for producing the embossed paper towelling. An embossing roll has a continuous spiral row of embossing elements or patterns which produce the embossing on the towelling. The spiral rows are at an angle of the order of five degrees from the longitudinal edges of the towels, i.e., the edges extending in the direction of the embossed sheet.

Abstract: This invention resides in an apparatus for assembling frames of the type having transverse members extending between side members and connected thereto at each end by a compression joint. The apparatus includes a main support frame for supporting a pair of connection forming assemblies each adapted to co-operate with an end if the transverse member adjacent a respective side member. Each connection assembly includes a pair of co-operating compressing members adapted to be operatively located at either side of the respective side member and being movable towards one another and across the support frame to co-operate with the respective end to form the compression joint.

Abstract: The invention comprises a tool for removing fuel injectors from diesel engines without damaging any adjacent component parts or user's hands. The invention comprises an elongated member having a U-shaped injector engaging member at one end. The elongated member has a locating pin which is adapted to fit inside one of several bolt holes along side a fuel injector in a diesel engine. The locating pin serves as a pivot for the mechanic to manually lever the injector loose from the diesel engine.

Abstract: A tool for removing casement windows comprises a first bar bearing on the interior side of the main frame, a second bar bearing on the exterior vertical surfaces of the building, and apparatus connecting the two bars for controllably pulling the window toward the exterior of the building to free it from a retaining frame embedded in the wall of the building.

Abstract: Sliders are installed on separated ends of slide fastener stringers by positioning the slide fastener stringers on an upper surface of a stringer guiding means which has converging flanges for guiding and directing slider engaging means of the stringers into the converging openings of the slider.

Abstract: A camshaft with cams and bearings for reciprocable piston engines, which comprises a hollow shaft having the cams and bearings designed as cam rings and bearing rings and fastened to the hollow shaft.

Abstract: A wheel of a turbomachine is secured to a shaft of the machine by initially securing the wheel between one end of the shaft and a piston-like member. A space is formed between opposed sides of the member and wheel by moving the member relative to the wheel. A spacing member is placed in the space for placing a compressive force on the wheel for positively securing the wheel to the shaft.

Abstract: An artificial flower assembly is made from a plastic stem unitarily molded around a reinforcing wire with integral side petioles (preferably wire reinforced) and an integral calyx and with a coupling member also integral therewith. The coupling member may be a stud having an enlarged terminal portion extending beyond the base of the calyx, or it may be a socket in the base of the calyx. Fabric leaves, in some species preferably with brown edging and impressed veining, are adhered to the petioles. A subassembly of fabric petals, preferably silk printed for veining where appropriate, is made by loosely mounting the petals on a plastic member, preferably tubular. The tubular member is then mounted on the coupling member. For example, it may be pushed on the stud until the enlarged terminal portion lies beyond the end of the tubular member, or it may be inserted in the socket, if that is used instead of the stud.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting electric components, which have a plurality of lead wires arranged in two rows in an approximately same direction, into a circuit board, characterized in that the automatic apparatus has a taking-out chuck unit provided with a pair of forming levers for spreading the tip ends of the lead wires arranged in the two rows, a driving source for the taking-out chuck unit, an insertion chuck unit for receiving and retaining the electric components from the taking-out chuck unit to insert them into the circuit board, and a component feed portion for feeding the electric components, in a given order, to the components taking-out position for the taking-out chuck unit.

Abstract: Endwise insertion of leads projecting generally radially, or substantially in parallel, from one side of each of a plurality of interconnected electrical components is effected in rapid reliable succession. The components are sequentially fed into the head of a machine by a tape indexing mechanism. There, when aligned with a reciprocable inserter, the leads of each component after being cut to predetermined length are separated from the tape by spaced members acting transversely on the progressively guided tape.

Abstract: An insert sub-assembly of an insert device of a machine for processing and inserting parallel lead electronic components from an electronic component web carrier into lead receiving openings in a printed circuit board includes a first slider device slidably mounted on a frame. A driver mounted on the frame drives the first slider device. A second slider device slidably mounted on the frame cooperates with movement of the first slider device and includes a lead holding and guiding device for holding and guiding an electronic component and a push bar for displacing the component from a predetermined position to an inserted position under the control of the lead holding and guiding device. A feed device mounted on the frame is driven by an intermittent drive to feed the electronic component web carrier intermittently, pitch by pitch. A cutter separates one electronic component from the electronic component web carrier fed by the feed device.

Abstract: An MOS read only memory or ROM is formed by a process compatible with standard P or N channel metal gate manufacturing methods. The ROM is programmed at a late stage of the process after the metal level of contacts and interconnections has been deposited and patterned. Address lines and gates are polysilicon with an overlying patterned metal layer and output and ground lines are defined by elongated heavily doped regions. Thin gate oxide is formed for every gate position, rather than for only the selected gates as in the prior standard programming method. Each potential MOS transistor in the array is programmed to be a logic "1" or "0" by ion implanting through the polysilicon gates where metal has been removed, using photoresist as a mask.

Abstract: An improved Field Effect Transistor (FET) with a very small effective channel length is made by using, a first ion implantation to produce the source and drain regions of the FET and a second very shallow ion implantation next to the source region to produce the effective short channel of the FET. The effective channel of the FET is implanted to only a small fraction of the depth of the source and drain. The use of implantations instead of diffusions in the described manner in combination with the use of the shallow effective channel in the FET provides superior control over the threshold voltage of the FET and increases the operating speed of the FET.

Abstract: A radiant heating device and a method of forming such a device are disclosed wherein a metal heat radiating plate has a first surface for forming a front surface of the heating panel with the surface opposite that first surface having an electrically insulated sheet heating element affixed thereto. The plate and heating element are embedded in a flowable material to cover the heating element and the plate edges about substantially the entire periphery of the plate while leaving the plate front surface substantially material free and that flowable material solidified to form an electrically and thermally insulating frame for supporting the plate and the heating element.

Abstract: A method of assembling a switch and terminal assembly. In this method, a plurality of terminals are disposed with electrical connection sections thereof exposed beyond a casing of the assembly and aligned generally in row formation. A ground connection section of a grounding device is disposed in the row formation with the electrical connection sections and a mounting section of the grounding device is associated in displacement preventing engagement with the casing.A prime mover is also disclosed.

Abstract: For a cylindrical sodium sulphur cell, a cathode electrode structure is provided with improved electronic conductivity in the radial direction, compared with other directions, by forming a block of fibre material, e.g. graphite fibres, with the fibres aligned in one direction, slicing the block to form a sheet with fibres normal to the plane of the sheet, moulding the sheet and impregnating it with cathodic reactant in a heated mould having a plurality of ribs, to form a plurality of trapezoidal segments with the fibres normal to the planes of the parallel surfaces of the trapezoids, cooling the mould so that the impregnant is solidified and then forming the trapezoids into an annular structure. Preferably the mould is such that thin webs are left joining adjacent trapezoidal sections along parallel edges of the wider of the two parallel faces so that the webs form hinges for folding the segments into the annular assembly.

Abstract: A preprogrammed microprocessor controlled apparatus for controlling automatic wire crimping equipment. The equipment disclosed is adapted to perform, in automatic sequence, a plurality of wire crimping steps on a dynamoelectric machine such as a motor. A wide variety of crimp height settings is selectively inserted by the equipment operator to achieve optimum crimp height for each crimp step to be performed. The crimp height setting mechanism includes an eccentric cam positioned by means of a pulse operated stepper motor with correct positioning indicated by a feed back pulse train from the cam shaft position encoder which pulse train is compared with the input information established by the equipment operator. Automatic and semi-automatic sequencing modes of operation are provided as determined by input selections established by the equipment operator.

Abstract: In this method of fabricating an electrical circuit assembly, a thick film hybrid substrate is held in an inverted position as apertured glass-ceramic beads are placed over the end leads on the substrate. A drop of liquid flux is then applied to the apertures to hold the beads in place. After the flux dries, the leads are inserted into plated-through holes in a circuit board, with the beads locating portions of the leads above the board. Following wave soldering of the board, the beads are fractured with a sharp instrument prior to a cleaning operation which removes bead parts from the soldered assembly. In this manner, the substrate is flexibly mounted in the board so that the substrate can be tilted without damaging it.

Abstract: Several tubular wire-retaining anchor embodiments (10, 10') are disclosed, as are several methods of manufacturing and securing the same to a supporting substrate, such as a circuit board (24). In accordance with one preferred embodiment (10), the tubular anchor is either molded out of suitable plastic material, or preferably formed as a short, severed cylindrical segment of an elongated section of plastic tubing (12). As needed, the anchors (10) are positioned in a desired spaced array on the circuit board (24) and adhesively bonded thereto. This is most readily accomplished by positioning each anchor (10) on a different droplet (28b), preferably comprising the second part of a two-part adhesive or cement (28), with the first part activator (28b) being pre-coated on at least a portion of the outer surface of the anchor.

Abstract: A hybrid integrated circuit having a partially enamelled steel support.The process starts with an unprocessed steel plate 20 which is first treated to allow bonding of a coat of enamel. Before selected areas are masked by a layer 21, for example of an organic material. After an enamel composition 22 is deposited on all areas of the plate, this deposit is then removed from the masking layer 21. The enamel is then baked at high temperature and the masking is burnt and volatilized. The selected, bared areas of the plate are metallized. They are used as areas for soldering or gluing semiconductor chips 24.

Abstract: An electrically-powered, rotary razor is provided for releasably mounting and driving a blade cartridge generally of the safety razor type. The razor delivers a close wet shave with the omnidirectional cutting characteristics of a rotary dry-type shaver.

Abstract: A tube trimming device for cutting each of a plurality of closely spaced projecting tubes an equal distance from a reference or support wall. The device comprises inner and outer tubular housing members that are telescoped together for relative sliding movement through a limited range of travel. A spring extends the two members. A stationary bushing is connected to the projecting end of the inner member to set the desired location of a cutter wheel rotatably mounted on one end of an arm that is pivotally connected to the inner member on the inside. The other end of the pivoted arm has a cam follower that rides on a conical cam surface of the outer member. The tubular inner member is inserted over the projecting end of the tube to be cut, with the stationary bushing pressed against the reference wall. The outer housing is rotatably driven by a motor while, at the same time, the outer housing is pushed toward the reference wall.

Abstract: A chain saw antipinch guard arm including an arm attached pivotally to a chain saw, the arm being movable in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the blade. A handle extends upwardly from the arm and is pivotal therewith. The arm may be manipulated by the saw operator with a scissor-like action with respect to the blade and may be used for applying a force to the underside of a piece being sawn, thereby preventing pinching of the blade, while at the same time protecting the operator from injury.

Abstract: A replaceable hacksaw blade, a reciprocating shaft connected to the hacksaw motor, and a novel clamp for securing the blade to the shaft, the blade and shaft having cooperating abutments for better securing the blade against rotational forces and vibration.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for determining shoe size by examination of a foot, which device is portable, consumes relatively little energy and is entirely free of mechanical components. The apparatus is of the type in which radiant energy emitters and radiant energy sensors are provided in opposed, spaced relationship and measurement is achieved by interposing the foot therebetween. Discrete emitters and sensors are provided along the length and width of the foot in dedicated emitter/sensor pairs which are spaced from other such pairs by a distance not exceeding the dimensional difference between consecutive shoe sizes. In various embodiments, correlation is maintained between emitter/sensor pairs through spatial arrangement, time division, multiplexing and combinations thereof, as well as through diverse modulation. At the same time, correlation between adjacent pairs is kept low to avoid cross-interference effects.

Abstract: An extensometer for detecting traumatized ligaments where the elongation of the ligament is either abnormally large or abnormally small compared to the elongation measured on a healthy ligament for an angle of flexion of the knee. The extensometer includes at least one flexible member having a strain gauge secured thereto to measure deflexion of the flexible member from its normal configuration. The flexible member has a free end and is secured at its opposed end to a support base. A clamping member is provided to retain the free end of the flexible member on a ligament while maintaining the support base substantially stationary with respect to the ligament whereby elongation of the ligament is detected by the deformation of the flexible member from its initial configuration.

Abstract: An automobile height gauge for measuring the vertical distance between the floor or ground and certain parts of an automobile such as the bumper. A telescopic bar is provided with "U" shaped fittings at each end. These fittings are adapted to fit over the flanges of an automobile lift rack. A cartridge housing a measuring tape is slidably mounted on the telescopic bar. An exposed end of the tape is connected to a permanent magnet. The magnet is adapted to engage magnetically the automobile part whose height is to be measured. The tape is calibrated so that it directly reads the distance from the floor to the end of the magnet and hence the height of the automobile part being measured.

Abstract: An archery sighting device which provides adjustment of the angle between an optical sight and an archery bow by sliding movement of a housing for the optical sight along a curved support member. A mounting bracket of the device is affixed to a side surface of the midsection of an archery bow. The curved support member providing angular adjustment of the optical sight has a radius of curvature proportional to the draw length of the archer, thus affording precise adjustment of the angle of the optical sight. A detent positioning arrangement is provided to enable the user to readily adjust the optical sight to the desired setting along the curved support member.

Abstract: A material feed pipe for use in a belt-system continuous vacuum drier and oriented above a belt moving within a vacuum drying chamber. The feed pipe includes an inner tube having its one end provided with an inlet for material and the other end being closed. An outer tube has its two ends closed and encircling said inner tube with a radial space therebetween. A plurality of nozzle openings are provided in an upper part of the inner tube at a fixed pitch along the axial length thereof. The nozzle openings are so devised as to have a larger diameter in regular succession from the inlet end to the opposite end of the inner tube; and a plurality of further nozzle openings are provided in the lower part of the outer tube at a fixed pitch along the axial length thereof and have a fixed diameter.

Abstract: A grain drying apparatus includes an upright bin having a perforated drying floor supported substantially above a perforated cooling floor. An opening through the drying floor communicates with a hopper having a gate mechanism adapted to confine grain within the hopper when closed and adapted to permit grain to fall from the hopper into the cooling chamber when opened. A grain discharge conveyor has one end in communication with the hopper and the other end extended outwardly through the bin sidewall. A support truss for the drying floor includes upper and lower ring members supported in vertically spaced-apart and aligned relation, a plurality of purlins radiating outwardly from the upper ring member for connection to the bin sidewall at circumferentially spaced positions and a plurality of tension braces radiating outwardly from the lower ring member for connection to the purlins adjacent the bin sidewall.