Abstract: This relates to a machine for shirring tubular films such as those used for sausage casings and the like. In accordance with this disclosure, the films are continuously fed onto a mandrel where they are opened from their flat state and then are fed at a selected rate through a shirring head. The shirred casing is then gripped and advanced in a manner so as to control the density thereof and to impart a spin thereto as desired.

Abstract: As a series of birds are conveyed in a suspended, inverted attitude through a poultry processing plant the neck of each bird is received in a rotating helical rotor formed by a pair of helical bars arranged in overlapping, coaxial relationship and which form a helical path therebetween. The helical rotor is rotated in timed relationship with respect to the bird conveyor so as to progressively grasp and move the heads of the birds with the conveyor. The feathers at the neck of each bird are wiped across the length of the neck, and the jugular vein of each bird is severed without severing the spinal cord or trachea of the bird.

Abstract: In a fish filleting machine with one pair each of circular belly filleting knives, back filleting knives and severing knives as well as belly and back guides arranged on the one hand between the former and on the other hand between the latter, the fish is saddled up tail forward on a push saddle. A scraper tool is disposed beside the belly guides downstream of the belly filleting knives and upstream of the plane of the severing knives, both halves of which scraper tool consist of a respective wedge-shaped scraper knife, the cutting edges of which are associated with a bulge-shaped backing support. The scraper tool is controllable in its height position. In that case, the scraper tool assumes a lowered, i.e. basic setting while the tail part of the fish is guided past. On arrival of the abdominal cavity end, it is driven into a raised setting so that the scraper knife after penetration of the uncut flesh band disposed laterally beside the backbone severs the fillets above the vertebral projections and ribs.

Abstract: Means for securely keeping bedding such as a bed sheet in contact with an underlying mattress are provided which can be used to keep the corners of the sheet better tucked underneath the corners of a mattress and, if desired, the side edges of the sheet also tucked under the mattress. Thus, the invention not only prevents bedding from undesirably being pulled out from underneath the mattress while one is sleeping but also facilitates making a bed.

Abstract: A fastening device is structured so that one half thereof is symmetrical with the other and includes a casing, with a pair of inwardly folded portions, and a pair of symmetrical block-members, each having a bar-member and accommodated within the casing such that one end of each block-member is respectively outwardly biased toward the lateral open ends of the casing. Respective end portions of strings or the like are wound around the respective bar-member and respectively abut the respective folded portions as long as the respective ends of the block-members remain outwardly biased and are not pushed inwardly by a user.

Abstract: A clamp used on pipe comprises a clamp having a body adapted to be positioned around the pipe having first and second ends, gripping members for engaging the pipe connected to the body and a screw member pivotally connected to the first end of the body for extending through a passageway in a member connected to the other end of the body. A wrench is used with the clamp for tightening the clamp portion around the pipe having a nut matingly engaging the threaded member to move the threaded member relative thereto, a handle for transferring a torque to the nut and apparatus connecting the nut to the handle, which has a ratchet for transferring the torque to the nut when the handle is turned in a first direction while permitting movement of the handle in an opposite direction without applying a torque to the nut.

Abstract: An apparatus is afforded for transversely stretching a continuously advancing flexible web between a pair of opposed banks of tranversely-spaced pressure elements, one of which banks is stationary and whose elements have slide surfaces, the margins of the web being restrained to prevent substantial inward movement of said margins.

Abstract: A seismic streamer section includes a flexible tube with bulkheads at intervals therealong, end means to make electrical and mechanical connections with adjacent sections, tension lines extending from one end means to the other through the bulkheads, hydrophones in the tube between the bulkheads, an electric bundle including through conductors extending from one end means to the other through the bulkheads to various ones of the hydrophone. Each hydrophone comprises a drum shaped case with dished ends and convex sides providing standoff from the bundle and lines for piezoelectric wafers supported inside the ends. A cylindrical metal ring forms the side of the case. Stainless steel cups disposed with their bottoms adjacent and having their rims welded to the rims of the ring form the ends of the case. The piezoelectric wafers are conductively secured one each to the inner surfaces of flexible diaphragms forming the bottoms of the cups.

Abstract: The tool for machining pneumatic tires for vehicles comprises a plurality of peripherally consecutive, segment-shaped cutter blades, which constitute a peripheral surface of the tool and are axially spaced apart and extend in planes that are transverse to the axis of the tool. Each of said blades has a radially outer edge and cutting tools carried by said outer edge. The radially outer edge of each of said blades comprises at least one tooth-carrying edge portion which is bent out of the plane of said blade. Peripherally consecutive ones of said tooth-carrying edge portions of said tool are bent out to opposite sides.

Abstract: Two indirectly mounted tapered roller bearings that are located between a spindle and a hub are set by first bringing one of the bearings into a condition of no end play and then measuring the distance between the cup of the second bearing and the end of the spindle. A spacer is then selected and fitted between the end of the spindle and an end plate that is bolted against the spindle. The end plate abuts against the back face of the cone for the second bearing, and the end plate position, which is controlled by the thickness of the spacer, determines the setting for the bearings. The proper thickness for the spacer is determined by subtracting the measured dimension from a value derived from a table.

Abstract: A method of enlarging the heat exchange surface of a tubular element used for guiding a medium in a heat exchanger, and the product obtained thereby.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for processing solar panel elements which have been cut from relatively long lengths of metal tubing secured to metal strip and which are to be joined at their opposite ends to headers. At a first station, the elements are, if necessary, stretched in the longitudinal direction and straightened, and the tube end portions are shaped so as to be substantially circular in cross-section. At a second station, the exterior surfaces of the tube end portions are machined to the desired diameter, and portions of the strip immediately adjacent to the tube end portions are removed. At a third station, the remaining portions of the strip outwardly of the previously removed portions thereof are removed by shearing. The elements are moved step-wise from station to station, and three panel elements may be processed simultaneously.

Abstract: Methods of installing bulletproof front and/or rear windshields of an armored automobile are disclosed. A first method involves rebuilding the window frame of the automobile, installing the bulletproof windshield, then recontouring the surface of the automobile adjacent the rebuilt window frame so the automobile again appears to an observer to be an ordinary automobile. A second method involves removing the standard windshields from an ordinary automobile, refitting the automobile with a mechanism having a lip of sufficient depth to retain a bulletproof windshield, inserting a bulletproof windshield and subsequently restoring the outer surface of the automobile adjacent the window frame to the profile of an ordinary automobile.

Abstract: An improved corner frame structure and method of manufacturing it is provided. The corner is effected by joinder of channelled members by a solid bracelet having legs extending at the desired angle.Each leg is provided with a pair of spaced apart depressions. Into these depressions, tongues are struck down to bind and urge the adjacent frame members together.

Abstract: Apparatus comprises a plug holder having a passage therein profiled to axially receive a plug body with a metal sleeve preassembled thereto. Neck dies slideably mounted in the holder move radially inward to shear sleeve and crimp it into a circumferential recess in the plug body and a nose die slideably mounted in the holder moves axially inward to form the sleeve to a tapered leading end of the plug.

Abstract: An MOS read only memory or ROM formed by the standard N-channel silicon gate manufacturing process uses a cell structure which allows implant programming after the metal level of contacts and interconnections has been deposited and patterned. Address lines and gates are polysilicon strips and output and ground lines are metal strips perpendicular to the address lines; these metal strips make contact to the sources and drains defined by N+ regions. Each potential MOS transistor in the array is programmed to be a logic "1" or "0" by selective ion implant through the polysilicon gates and thin gate oxide, using photoresist as a mask, after application of the metal level. The ion implant is not required to penetrate through the metal lines.

Abstract: A solar cell comprises a semiconductor body with a p-n-junction, a metallized area on the light receiving surface of the semiconductor body, a connection or contact area on the light receiving surface, a reflection reducing layer completely covering the metallized area and the connection or contact area and a further contact on the rear face. A metal connector is fixed to the connection or contact area by placing the connector against the reflection reducing layer and conductively connecting the connector to the connection area while concurrently eliminating the reflection reducing layer from that area.

Abstract: A rotor assembly having wedge-shaped permanent magnets and anchors with undulating sides for attaching the rotor hub to the pole bodies.

Abstract: There is provided a shaving apparatus having a circular shear plate and a cutting unit rotatable relative to the shear plate. The cutting unit comprises a cutting member having cutters extending toward the shear plate and a lead-cutting element having lead cutters extending toward the shear plate and respectively associated with and movable relative to the cutters away from and toward the shear plate. Each lead cutter, with reference to the direction of rotation of the cutting unit, is positioned in front of its associated cutter. A spacer is interposed between each cutter and its associated lead cutter.

Abstract: A circular razor assembly having replaceable annular blades and apparatus for adjusting the positions of the blades whereby the user can control the depth of the cut of hair or beard. Cleaning openings are also associated with the blades to provide for easy cleaning of the razor.

Abstract: A cutting tool for cutting flexible plastic conduit, formed by a pair of handled jaws pivotally connected intermediate their ends. One jaw is box shaped in cross-section and forms a handle which supports a knife blade, which has a longitudinal cutting edge. The other jaw is generally channel-shaped in cross-section and forms a handle with a semi-circular concave anvil at one end. The anvil has an axially extending slot therein for receiving the cutting edge of the knife blade when the handles are closed together with the box-shaped handle nested within the channel-shaped handle. A conduit supported in the semi-circular anvil is cut by the knife blade as the handles are squeezed together.

Abstract: A conversion chart having a transparent base sheet with a first series of divergent solid lines and a second series of divergent broken lines, with the first and second series of lines having a common base line. The first series of divergent lines are spaced along any perpendicular to the base line an integral number of units in an English system of units, such as feet or pounds mass and the broken lines are spaced along any perpendicular to a base line an integral number of corresponding units in a metric system of units, such as meters or Kilograms.

Abstract: An adjusting device for determining the thrust force of a ski binding capable of movement along the longitudinal axis of a ski, which thrust force is adapted to urge the heel binding into engagement with the heel of the ski boot. The adjusting device includes a rail having a slide slidably mounted thereon. Both the rail and the slide have support surfaces for engaging, respectively, the toe and the heel of a ski boot. A scale having indicia thereon is provided on the rail and the position of the slide relative to the rail is indicated by an indicator juxtaposed the indicia on the scale. The ski binding is then adjusted to a corresponding scale notation on the ski to thereby set the ski binding at the desired position and, consequently, the thrust force at the desired level.

Abstract: The present invention is in respect of a rule or measuring rod, also referred to occasionally as a measuring stick, and in particular in respect of the type of rule which comprises a number of telescopic components so arranged as to slide in relation to each other. The components may be clamped together in pairs by means of a locking device, and each component is in the form of a rail of U-shaped or essentially U-shaped section. The extremities of the legs of the section are in the form of projections which face each other; the individual components themselves are of identical section, but are of different sizes so that the components are able to slide inside each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for positioning a tapered member so that the taper of a tapered surface thereof can be verified. The apparatus comprises a first surface having an angle with respect to the horizontal which is equal to the included angle of the shaft to be measured. A vertical surface having an angle equal to one half the included angle of the shaft to be measured is arranged along one edge of the first surface. A plurality of horizontal gauge block surfaces are arranged at predetermined vertical heights with respect to the base of the first angled surface. A gauge block, whose size is determined by the particular shaft to be measured, is secured to an appropriate gauge block surface so that a gauge can be preset to zero with reference to an upper horizontal gauge surface of the gauge block. Thereafter, the member to be measured is placed with the tapered surface resting against the two angled surfaces.

Abstract: A position sensor comprising a movable member functionally connected with an operative device and moving in response to a positional displacement of the operative device, a displacement-pulse phase conversion unit including a magnetically soft amorphous metal member undergoing stress variations produced by the displacement of the movable member and an electrical coil wound on the magnetically soft amorphous metal member. A pulse voltage is applied to one end of the electrical coil, the other end of which is connected in series with a resistor. A voltage across the resistor is detected, and a time lag of the resistor voltage with respect to the pulse voltage, representing a measure of displacement, is provided in the form of an analog voltage or a digital code.

Abstract: A method of effecting compensation of cooperatively coupled vehicle wheel aligner instruments since a shift or change of position of either one of a coupled pair of angle measuring transducer instruments can introduce changes in the signal values generated in both transducers which are representative of errors not heretofore recognized in prior alignment instruments. The method is directed to initially generating signals responsive to the position of rotation of vehicle wheels at each of two positions 180.degree. apart, simultaneously recording the generated responsive signals from each transducer instrument at each position of rotation of the vehicle wheels, and applying the recorded responsive signals at the two selected positions of wheel rotation upon the initial signals at the selected positions of wheel rotation such that the transducer instrument signals are mutually compensated for aberrations in the relationship of the mounting of the transducer instruments on the vehicle wheels upon being rotated.

Abstract: An angle indicator for indicating two mutually perpendicular directions and including two moire screen angle indicating devices, each including several screens consisting of opaque lines separated by transparent gaps with the screens of each device positioned parallel to one another to provide a moire interference pattern. One screen can be fixed and the other freely rotatable to adopt a predetermined position relative to the plumb line. The two devices, each with its pair of screens, are positioned in mutually perpendicular planes, and a mirror is fitted and arranged to project a mirror image of one device in a plane in which the pair of screens of the second device is located, and by the side of the second device so the moire patterns formed at both of the angle indicating devices appear to be lying beside each other when the angle indicator is viewed.

Abstract: In tobacco cut rag being fed to a drier not only the moisture content of the cut rag is regulated to be constant, but the temperature of the cut rag is also regulated to be constant. In addition the dry mass flow rate is kept constant. Except for local temperature control to ensure constant heat exchange levels, the temperature in the drier and the subsequent cooler is kept constant.

Abstract: A shoe insert in the form of an envelope which is air impervious and sized to fit within the shoe of a wearer and which is composed of an upper surface and a lower surface interconnected by a side surface and a pad arranged in spanning relation within the envelope, the pad being of cushioning material and preferably having a plurality of holes arranged in a pattern extending through the pad but not through the envelope. In one preferred embodiment the envelope is closed and some air withdrawn from the envelope before it is closed to provide an air cushion. In a second preferred embodiment, the envelope has a hole through it to create an air pump and circulation effect in the shoe of a wearer.

Abstract: An apparatus and a related method for deep sea mining utilizing an underwater collection device for gathering material from the ocean floor, containers with a repository for holding gathered material and with a convex lid for receiving a buoyant body, means for depositing the gathered material into the containers, buoyant bodies for lifting the containers to the ocean surface, and a disposable receptacle composed of a dense material for delivering the buoyant bodies to the ocean floor. The apparatus also utilizes a disposable rack to deliver the containers to the ocean floor and dispense them. Cables guide the descent of the receptacle and container rack, and the ascent of the loaded containers. In one embodiment, the buoyant bodies are hollow, ceramic spheres filled with a gaseous substance, and the receptacle is tubular in shape. In alternative embodiments, the bodies are spheres composed of a solid, buoyant material or comprised of a rigidly reinforced envelope containing a plurality of buoyant objects.

Abstract: A hoisting mechanism for earth scraping equipment adapted for towing behind a vehicle, such mechanism including a plurality of pivotally connected links designed to pivot the scraper bed about rear wheels in a manner that provides for change in elevation of the scraper without affecting the elevation of the towing tongue at the point of towing connection. The hoisting mechanism is readily adaptable to include a pressurized accumulator selectively activated by scraper level by means of a cam operated valve to absorb shock while being towed in an elevated position. Further, the hydraulics utilized to move the rear wall forward for ejecting collected earth are the same hydraulics utilized to draw the rear wheels into the scraper bed for making the scraper narrower and therefore suitable for highway travel.

Abstract: An advertising or promotional item is made by preparing a visual advertising or promotional message and cutting it into a plurality of separate interfitting pieces, substantially all of which have the same shape and size as at least one other piece. After interchanging the locations of most of the pieces to scramble them and hide the message, the scrambled relationship visual image is printed upon sheet material and then die-cut to form the original message pieces arranged in scrambled relationship, whereby the recipient must rearrange the pieces to discover the hidden, advertising or promotional message. Preferably, the message region is divided into three or more substantially identical sections. The die-cut sheet material may be laminated with pressure-sensitive adhesive to a backing sheet having a release coating and may be applied to or formed as a part of the sidewall of a container.

Abstract: A convertible stuffed toy having a pair of soft, generally round head members disposed with their neck members connected together with a common juncture and having face portions disposed toward opposite directions from each other and a reversible shell fabric cover connected to said head members along said common juncture for flipping movement about said common juncture and said shell fabric cover being selectively flippable about the common junction to cover and conceal one head while leaving the other head visible, the concealed head serving as the body of the visible head.

Abstract: There is disclosed in the present application a plant waterer which is torroidal in shape and formed with a slit to permit it to be placed around the base of the plant. The torroid is a reservoir for water and/or plant nutrient and is formed with a covered aperture through which the contents may be replenished without removing it from its operative position around the plant. The reservoir is in communication with tubular metering nozzles which are customized in their output rate to suit the requirements of the plant.

Abstract: A method of cultivating fruit bearing trees which involves the use of frame supported training wires, tapes or the like which extend row wise down either side of trees within a different row. Row wise extending members are provided so that a twin leader tree has each leader with oppositely and row wise directed supported laterals at preferably four levels. In addition each lateral has extending outwardly therefrom and supported by further row wise extending wires, tapes or the like fruiting branches from the laterals which by a combination of weaving over or under the same become progressively enmeshed therewith and thus are supported in a layer manner which will ensure an increased yield but at the same time facilitate the machine harvesting of any such fruit.

Abstract: A novel method is proposed for growing ground covers as sods. Advantage is taken of the growth habits of these types of plants to grow and expand laterally by planting them in permanent row/hill nurseries between which is placed plastic sheeting covered with an appropriate growing medium. The row/hill nurseries grow laterally into these areas and knit the growing medium into a sod which is harvested by cutting along the edge of the plastic sheeting. The latter may be harvested with the sod to protect it in shipment or left behind in place, covered with more growing medium, and the process repeated. The method, in comparison to the conventional method of planting ground covers by rooted cuttings one at a time, requires less labor to install, provides instant weed-free cover complete with mulch, and requires less watering and initial care.

Abstract: This invention provides a container (10) for planting seeds or seedlings either manually, mechanically, or by air drop. The container (10) includes at least one tubular cone (22) formed by fluid hardened by freezing and having a tapered lower end (24), an open upper end (26), and an inner cavity for receiving soil (30) and a seed (80) or seedling (32).

Abstract: A gate assembly including an upstanding frame member, an elongated main support member affixed to the frame member, an elongated intermediate support member capable of telescoping into the main support member, the intermediate support member including vertically disposed, spaced support sections, a plurality of rollers mounted on the vertical support sections, the rollers being rotatable on horizontal shafts extending from the vertical support sections, certain of the rollers extending slightly above the top edges of the vertical support sections and other of the rollers extending slightly below the bottom edges of the vertical support sections, an elongated inner support member having a generally T-shaped cross section with the top portion of the T member being disposed in a generally horizontal position, the inner support member being capable of telescoping into the intermediate support section, the horizontal portion of the T member having a thickness slightly smaller than the vertical spacing between the

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus utilizing abrasive projected at high velocity against the surface being treated. The apparatus defines an opening in an enclosure through which abrasive is propelled in a high velocity stream or blast to impact against the surface. A pathway in communication with the opening receives and directs rebounded, spent abrasive to a collection bin. A rotating brush within the boundary of the opening of the enclosure and the kinetic energy of the abrasive are used to direct the spent abrasive in the pathway. A recycling apparatus is integrated within other elements in the enclosure to collect spent abrasive rebounded in pathway for return to the high velocity blast stream.

Abstract: Centrifugal blasting apparatus comprising a rotatably supported blasting wheel having a plurality of radially extending impeller blades positioned adjacent the periphery of the wheel. The blades are relatively short and have their inner ends spaced a uniform and substantial distance short of the axis of rotation of the wheel so as to define an abrasive supply space between the inner ends of the blades. A tubular member extends into the abrasive supply space for delivering abrasive onto the impeller blades and comprises a main passageway portion having an axis generally parallel to and spaced radially outwardly from the axis of rotation of the blasting wheel and a discharge extension on the inner end of the main portion extending radially outwardly and terminating in a discharge opening adjacent to and in a closely spaced relationship with the inner ends of the blades. Pressurized air propels the abrasive through the tubular member onto the impeller blades.

Abstract: A mosaic display panel is formed of a series of interconnected horizontal and vertical supports and of a mosaic of tiles and control instruments; a cluster of interfittingly connected elements is provided for mounting the tiles and instruments to the vertical supports; each side wall of each mounting element has a longitudinal projecting tab and a longitudinal guideway, both of substantially complementary shape, so that the tab and guideway of one side wall of this mounting element may be respectively engaged with the guideway and the tab of the side wall of an adjacent mounting element whereby a cluster of such mounting elements may be formed and mounted to two adjacent vertical supports.

Abstract: An underground structure having at least one uncovered windowed wall, has side walls and roof constructed of corrugated sheet metal, the roof being constructed as a single or multi-arch in order to support the overlying earth, both the roof and base being drained of water which collects at the subsurface levels.

Abstract: A building construction includes load-supporting walls made up of precast modular members, each member being an elongated member having a web and channel-shaped ends such that when they are laid in vertical rows with adjacent rows abutting end to end, the channel members form closed vertical pillar chambers adapted to receive concrete poured in situ and cured to form pillars. Cladding is attached directly to the so-formed walls and floor members including elongated reinforced precast channels are laid side to side with concrete poured in situ about the channels and over them to form an integral floor.

Abstract: A modular light-weight structural panel is made by stacking in consecutive alternation a number of long, narrow foam plastic filler elements with a number of substantially flat lattice structures. The sub-assembly is laterally compressed to cause each of the lattice structures to be pressed into and partially embedded in mutually abutting surfaces of adjacent ones of the filler elements. While in such compressed condition cross members are welded to side portions of the lattice structures that protrude beyond the filler element surfaces to thereby hold the assembly in its pressed condition with the lattice structures embedded in the filler elements and surfaces of adjacent filler elements in close face-to-face contact with one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for the prestressed assembly of machine- and base-modules offering extensive possibilities of combining modules in different positions. According to the invention jointing arrangements are achieved which satisfy the requirements of suitability for dismantling without at the same time greatly reducing the degree to which modules can be combined.The modules according to the invention comprise a number of load-bearing devices each of which is designed with a circular conically concave abutment face, the apex of the cone being directed towards the module and the center axis of the cone at right angles towards the parting plane. If two modules are assembled with one another a gap is brought about between the conical abutment faces of the adjustment modules capable of accommodating a position-setting spacer element.

Abstract: A wooden truss structure comprises upper and lower chords, each of which is grooved on the side facing the opposite chord. A web member formed of sheet material, such as plywood, interconnects the chords and fits within the chord grooves. At the web/groove interface, the webs are scalloped to provide alternating alignment guide areas and glue vent areas which extend above the interface and allow the escape of excess glue from the groove. The scalloping, in addition to venting the glue line, forms individual, pressurized glue pockets which assure even glue distribution. The scalloping is preferably provided by pressing the wood web material to compress it at the glue vent areas and thus permit the web member, due to its memory, to expand after contact with the glue. This expansion pressurizes the glue pockets and forces glue from the joint area into the wood further enhancing the expansion process. The web is rigidly bonded to the chord members, all while being aligned by the alignment guide portion.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for applying stretchable plastic film to loads for containment of the loads using two connected rollers driven by the film web so that the rollers are driven at different speeds to elongate the plastic film beyond its yield point and wrapping the elongated film after it has been stretched past its yield point around a rotating load. A roller can be added to the apparatus to increase the set time for the elongated film after it is stretched by the connected rollers. In addition, a web narrowing device may be placed upstream or downstream from the apparatus to reduce the hazard of edge tear under high elongation forces.

Abstract: A plastic film carrier for a vacuum packaging machine comprising a continuous stainless steel band with clips thereon for securing the edges of the web of plastic film onto the face of the band, the band having openings therein receiving sprocket teeth to lift the clips out of clamping relation with the film.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of transferring a strip-like plastic bag material in a packing machine. The method comprises the steps of transferring the bag material by a pair of intermittently operated pinching rollers. The bag material comprises a series of interconnected bags each having a heat-sealed bottom portion with a flap-like margin. The flap-like margin is raised during transfer of the bag material by guide means. The bottom portion is then detected by means of a microswitch having an elongated contact adapted to be releasably engaged with the flap-like margin as the flap-like margin is raised by the guide means during transfer of said bag material. The bag material is then stopped for a packing operation in response to detection by the microswitch of the bottom portion.