Abstract: The invention provides a wiper arm end fitting for a vehicle windscreen wiper, formed of two moulded plastic halves which each include a recess portion to define a recess to receive and hold the end of a wiper arm, and also define an articulation connection with a wiper blade mounting. The wiper blade mounting is of channel section and serves to hold the two halves of the wiper arm end fitting in mutual engagement on the end of the wiper arm. Preferably the two halves of the wiper arm end fitting are interconnected by a film hinge.

Abstract: A scrubbing machine is described which may be operated either in a single cycle scrubbing mode or in a recirculating scrubbing mode. The scrubbing machine includes a body structure which is supported on a plurality of wheels. The scrubber has a pair of tanks one of which is a collector tank and the other of which is a solution feeding tank. A conduit and a pump are provided for moving the solution from the collector tank to the feeding tank. The collector tank may include a filter structure including a flexible conduit and a filtering element.

Abstract: A swivel caster of the type having an inverted U-shaped horn member with a cup-shaped upper portion that rotatably receives a swivel plate adapted for connection to the underside of the supported article. A thrust bearing is provided including an annular array of ball bearings that are seated in adjacent semi-toroidal recesses in the bottom of the swivel plate and the top of the horn member. The area around the ball bearings is sealed by an integral plastic seal and lubrication ring that has an upper frusto-toroidal surface engaging and sealing the swivel plate and a lower frusto-toroidal surface engaging and sealing the horn member. The ring has an integral outwardly extending cylindrical projection that defines a lubrication fitting with a small radial bore extending therethrough and communicating with the interior of the ring to supply lubricant from a source to the bearing.

Abstract: A wheel assembly including an annular rim with an outer bearing race formed on the inner periphery thereof. Cylindrical rollers are in rolling engagement with the outer bearing race and with an inner bearing race formed on a central sleevelike shaft which telescopes onto a support axle. The rollers are rotatably supported on axles which are rotatably supported on and extend between a pair of retainers. These retainers are freely rotatable relative to the rim and central shaft. The rim has one end cap fixed thereto for closing one end of the roller region, and a removable end cap is seated on the rim adjacent the other end of this region. The retainers have ramp cams between the axle-receiving grooves to facilitate installing and positioning of the axles on the retainers.

Abstract: An opening and closing apparatus comprises a swingable member, spring means and resilient restoring force transmission means for transmitting the resilient restoring force of the spring.The swingable member is supported pivotally by the support means so as to be opened and closed with respect to a base frame of the swingable member, and one end of the spring means is fixed to a support portion on which one end portion of the swingable member is pivotally supported, and the other end of the spring means can be twisted forcibly in the closing direction of the swingable member. The resilient restoring force of the twisted end of the spring means is transmitted to or near the line of the center of the gravity of the swingable member, so that the opening and closing operation of the swingable member can be performed safely and smoothly.

Abstract: This apparatus is used to compress previously treated meat products prior to packaging. The compression is accomplished by passing square or rectangular portions of meat such as hams along a continuous conveyor and compressing the portions between a pair of rollers having a plurality of blunt teeth above the conveyor and corresponding spring loaded tension plates pressing against the underside of the conveyor.

Abstract: A base is provided including a centrally upwardly facing roughened surface portion and the base includes a raised mounting point horizontally spaced to one side of the roughened surface portion. An elongated lever has one end pivotally anchored to the mounting point for swinging movement of the free end of the lever in an upright plane containing the mounting point and the roughened surface portion. The other end of the lever defines a handle portion and an intermediate portion of the lever is disposed over the roughened surface portion and includes a depending downwardly tapered wedge member supported therefrom including a lower apex edge extending transversely of the lever.

Abstract: In a slide fastener employing coupling elements secured within folds of supporting tapes by clamps secured over the folds, clamp legs are formed with raised land areas and lips for cooperating with flange edges and upper surfaces of bases of the elements, and the inside surfaces of heels of the clamps are formed flat for cooperating with bottom surfaces of the elements to accurately position the elements relative to the clamps. Reduced thickness of the junctions between legs and heels relative to the thickness of central portions of the legs and heels produces corners receiving displaced tape material from between the raised land areas of the legs and the outer edges of flanges of the coupling element as well as from between the bottom surfaces of the bases of the coupling elements and the flat inner surfaces of the heels.

Abstract: A locking device is disclosed for locking a brace having an opening therethrough, which comprises a bar member adapted to extend through the opening having a groove defined therein at a spaced location from a front end of the bar member which is insertable into the brace opening. A stopping piece is rotatably mounted in the groove having a hook or abutment portion at the front end thereof engageable with a front side of the groove to limit a rotation of the stopping piece in one direction, and engaging stop and projection portions at a rear end of the stopping piece. A vertical surface is defined on the engaging stop portion for abutting the brace, to lock the brace on the bar member. The projecting portion is provided to prevent an overrotation of the stopping piece.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems are provided for automatically assembling end shield assemblies of sub-assemblies for electric motors. In a preferred form, a system and methods are provided that utilize a non-palletized, non-synchronous concept to convey end shields through a number of assembly stations. At process stations situated along a conveyor, operations are performed on components. One method includes controlling traffic of sub-assemblies by toggle type escapements. A stop or latch of unique design stops end shield components in midstream, and "lifts" of unique design disengage parts from the conveyor and also support such parts during various operations. Photo-optic devices and proximity and reed switch mechanisms are utilized for control purposes. The work stations involved in one system include a unique assembly and pressing station involving oil well covers; a unique feed wick seating system; a unique lubricant adding operation; and unique "building block" mechanisms and methods.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a low cost accumulator device and the method of making the same. The device is fabricated by utilizing the shell or pressure vessel as a mold component wherein a bladder is molded in situ, the bladder being bonded in the course of the formation thereof to the interior of the vessel and preferably also to a valve member.

Abstract: A solar collector is made from a straight tubular metal heat pipe having an evaporator section and a condenser section and two elongate flat solar-heat metal absorber plates. A plurality of equally spaced parallel cuts is formed in each plate, with the cuts extending transversely of the longitudinal direction of each plate. The two plates are disposed one on the other with their respective parallel cuts in alignment; and alternate portions between consecutive cuts are deformed in opposite directions to provide alternate oppositely disposed semi-cylindrical portions. The evaporator section of the heat pipe is inserted into the resulting cylindrical space; and the semi-cylindrical portions are mechanically pressed against the evaporator section. The two plates are then bent away from each other into an outwardly extending X-shape.

Abstract: A double-walled finned heat transfer tube is provided for use in heat exchangers. The heat transfer tube includes an inner tube inserted within an externally finned outer tube. The assembly is subjected to a crimping operation which produces radial convexities along the length of the outer tube which serve to lock the inner tube and outer tube together in intimate heat conducting relationship and which produces radial concavities between the inner and outer tubes which serve as leakage channels. The crimping operation also produces grooves in the external finned surface which improves heat transfer between the assembly and an external medium.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing cooling blocks for semiconductor lasers, in which the rounding-off radius of the line of intersection between two surfaces of the cooling blocks must have a very small value. In the method, two bodies to be formed into cooling blocks are each provided with a flat surface and these bodies are secured together with their flat surfaces by means of a curable adhesive. One side of the bodies connected together is subjected, transverse to the two surfaces connected together, to a machining treatment so as to obtain a further flat surface, in which machining treatment deformation and burring of the bodies near the line of intersection to be formed is avoided due to the presence of the cured adhesive, and a line of intersection having a rounding-off radius of only a few microns is formed.

Abstract: A nut installation apparatus or head for installing self-attaching nuts, such as pierce nuts, in a panel, without the requirement of a large forming die press assembly. The apparatus includes a nut anchor, which holds the first or end nut stationary, a relatively movable die member, opposite the nut anchor, which supports the panel and a resiliently supported nut guide having a passage receiving nuts in bulk or strip form. The panel is biased into contact with the end nut and nut guide, by the movable die, to install the nut in a panel. Where the nuts are in strip form, the apparatus first severs the end nut from the strip and then attaches the nut in the panel, in a separate step. A unique sensor is provided to assure proper installation.

Abstract: An extended width parabolic trough solar collector (12) is supported from pylons (14). Collector (12) is formed from a center module (30) and two wing modules (32) joined together along abutting edges by connecting means. A stressed skin monocoque construction is used for each of the modules.

Abstract: An extended width parabolic trough solar collector (12) is supported from pylons (14). Collector (12) is formed from a center module (30) and two wing modules (32) joined together along abutting edges by connecting means. A stressed skin monocoque construction is used for each of the modules.

Abstract: A carriage for moving urethane rings along a shaft is driven by an air motor powering a rack and pinion arrangement.

Abstract: Steel products having high strength or good drawing or magnetic or electrical properties, requiring levels of carbon or manganese, or both, that are too high to allow rimming action are produced to have the desired properties, in effect, but with a surface condition characteristic of rimmed steel. The method involves pouring an ingot mold 80 to 95% full of molten, rimming steel, then allowing the steel to stand and rim for several minutes while a shell freezes against the mold wall, and thereafter filling the mold while inserting into the molten steel stream additional carbon or manganese, plus any other elements such as P, Al, Cb, V, Cr, Ni, Si or others, so that the core of the ultimately solidified ingot is steel having the above-desired strength or other properties.

Abstract: A machine for untying bales, such as bales of paper in a papermill, and characterized by being adapted to hold the ties, such as wires or metal bands, until after cutting and disposal of the bundle of material from the ties such as to separately dispose of the ties to avoid the ensuing damages and maintenance and to reduce manual labor. The present machine comprises a trolley, a frame suspended to the trolley such as by a hoist, a plurality of cutting heads, one for each tie of a bale, movably suspended to the frame, with each cutting head characterized by a combination of a cutter and a pair of catch members arranged to sequentially catch and hold the ties during cutting and until after the bundle of material of the bale has been disposed of to separately dispose of the ties harmless of the equipment processing the bundle of material.

Abstract: In a process for producing a semiconductor device, particularly an MIS structure semiconductor device, an electrode, which is in ohmic contact with the semiconductor substrate, is usually formed on the surface which is opposite to the surface having MIS FETs. However, in a recently developed process, the electrode mentioned above is formed on the semiconductor substrate surface on which the MIS FETs are formed, and the electrode is in ohmic contact with the substrate through a short-circuit of a PN junction formed on such semiconductor substrate surface. However, a so formed electrode is liable to break. In the present invention, wherein a masking layer covers the substrate-contact region during the production of the MIS FETs, the electrode mentioned above is in an ohmic contact with the electrode not through the PN junction and the problem of breaking occurs seldom.

Abstract: In a process for producing a semiconductor device using an insulating substrate, a so called SOS device, a semiconductor layer is formed on the insulating film and semiconductor elements are formed in the semiconductor layer, material, which develops color with in the insulating substrate, is introduced in the substrate, and a color developed part of the insulating substrate is used as an identification mark of the substrate and the semiconductor elements. Cracking of the substrates due to formation of the identification mark is prevented.

Abstract: Dielectric isolation through electron beam irradiation is applied to a method of fabricating a semiconductor device. Upon forming an insulated gate field effect semiconductor device (FET) in a semiconductor layer on an insulation substrate, the insulated gate electrode is formed to extend over the semiconductor layer region around a semiconductor region in which FET is to be implemented. A semiconductor layer pattern underlying the extension of the gate electrode is enclosed by linear dielectric layers formed along the periphery of the electrode extension through electron beam irradiation. The pattern formation can be accomplished in a short time by virtue of arrangement such that the semiconductor layer pattern is enclosed by the linear dielectric layers. Electric coupling such as capacitive coupling between the gate electrode and other conductor layers is significantly reduced.

Abstract: In the method, lengths of wire are drawn from wire supplies and cut, each end of each cut wire being stripped of insulation and terminated, and the cut wire then being laid along a predetermined path defined by guide pins on a loom board. The wire lengths are then bound together and removed from the board. The wire is handled by a mechanical gripper which moves and is actuated under preprogrammed electronic control.The apparatus comprises a loom board or the means by which such a loom board can be made, an automatic manipulator having a controlled gripper to draw wire from a preselected supply, a cutter to cut the wire, a wire stripper and insulative sleeve applicator and a terminal supply and crimper, both accessible to the gripper which can then lay the terminated wire lengths along predetermined paths on the loom board, and a tape binder which binds the laid wires together to form the required wiring loom.

Abstract: A pair of feeder bowls are placed one above the other to simultaneously feed two different types of wire contacts onto two different tracks, and into separate alignment openings in a guide block. A pivotally mounted crimper is selectively moved to position the crimper head over the selected alignment opening. A rod extending from the crimper automatically positions a selector bar to actuate a plunger rod to move the selected contact into position to be crimped.

Abstract: A vegetable peeler, particularly for pumpkins, has a pair of arms made for engagement with the blade holders of the handle and motor housing of a conventional electric carving knife in place of the usual carving blades and, like the blades, releasably interconnected adjacently for relative reciprocal movement. The arms have base flanges extending laterally in opposite directions from their front parts, and with their leading edges sharpened to cutting edges for excising a strip of peel, the depth of the cut being limited by depth gauges on the two arms.

Abstract: A harvesting tool to be used, principally, for the harvesting of grapes comprising a scissors device wherein the operating head of the scissors device includes a cutting blade. The operating head of the scissors device is to include structure to facilitate the grasping and holding of the stem of a cluster of grapes during the time of the cutting of the stem, at which time the user is to move to deposit the cut cluster of grapes to a particular desired area.

Abstract: An apparatus for sharpening scissors and similar two bladed cutting implements in which both blades are sharpened simultaneously with the scissors kept in the closed condition. The apparatus includes a hollow housing containing a pair of blade sharpeners, at least one of which is mounted for movement towards and away from the other and is spring influenced towards the other. The or each movable sharpener is carried at a front end of a elongate member which extends rearwardly into the housing and is movable about an axis located at or adjacent its rear end. Sharpening is effected by passing the closed scissors between the two sharpeners so that the cutting edge of each blade is treated by a respective one of the sharpeners and each sharpener serves to remove material simultaneously from the cutting edge of one blade and the back edge of the other blade.

Abstract: The blade part assembling structure for electric shaver of this invention comprises fitting pins which are rotatably fitted to a blade mounting base, a movable blade mounted on the base in the first rotating positions of the fitting pins, and a stationary blade mounted on the base in the second rotating positions so that, in the case of dismounting the stationary blade, the movable blade will be locked with the fitting pins in the rotated positions of the fitting pins and any occurence of troubles during disassembling and re-assembling of the blade part by the user can be avoided.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the length of vee belts, particularly so that vee belts of closely similar length can be identified and thereby used together in multi-belt drives, comprises a fixed drivably rotatable pulley, a further pulley on a tensioning carriage, a belt to be measured being engaged on the pulleys, a drag chain to couple the carriage to a travel drive or to a tensioning station with tensioning weights, an absolute length measuring device to supply an electronic control and arithmetic unit and recording means to mark the vee belt with a symbol denoting a length tolerance part-range.

Abstract: A gun barrel internal diameter indicator for checking a barrel bore includes an elongated, narrow holder defining a passage within which an elongated, flat bar is disposed. The bar includes a forward, inwardly tapered portion having lateral edges. A pair of blades are pivoted to the holder and include cam followers riding on the lateral edges of the tapered portion of the bar. Axial shifting of the bar spreads the blades apart. Suitable indicia on the bar provide a direct indication of the barrel internal diameter.

Abstract: A microcomparator for elevation measurements having an amplification mechanism (3) which consists of a lever (31), the lever transforming the linear movement of a feeler (5) into a circular movement, and a lever arm (32) formed at least partly by calibrated rods (36) juxtaposed parallel to each other. The feeler (5) engages one of the calibrated cylinders (36) in accordance with the desired amplification factor without requiring altering the zero set for each change of scale. The amplification mechanism (3) and the display means (4) are fixedly connected with a carriage rotatably mounted on the housing (1) allowing a zero setting in such a manner that the display means always shows the same zero point as a function of the carriage (2). The microcomparator may also contain an automatic device for taking off measurements and a window containing a groove in which tolerance indicators may be carried.

Abstract: A gauge for checking linear sizes of mechanical parts including a handle, a nose-piece, an integral body defining two movable arms and fulcrum devices for rotational displacements of the arms, and a support plate coupled to the handle, the nose-piece and the integral body.The support plate has the form of a ring plate with two parts protruding towards the interior for defining two reference surfaces adapted to limit the opening stroke of the movable arm.

Abstract: A pair of first and second elongated arms are provided and the arms include corresponding base and free ends. Pivot structure is provided and pivotally connects the base ends of the arms together for relative 360.degree. angular displacement and the pivot structure and second arm include coacting structure whereby the axis of relative pivoting of the first and second arms may be adjustably shifted along the second arm. Also, the first and second arms include coacting latch structure whereby the arms, in at least one predetermined position of the pivot structure along the second arm, may be releasably secured in a plurality of relatively angularly displaced positions.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for drying substantially flat and approximately circular workpieces, such as container covers, by transporting the covers by means of a conveyor belt through a heated zone and subsequently a cooling zone. The covers are maintained at an acute angle with respect to a lateral edge of the conveyor belt by means of a guide disposed adjacent and parallel to the conveyor belt, which serves to elevate one side of the covers. Simultaneous contact of the covers with the conveyor belt and guide causes linear and rotational motion of the covers in the direction of movement of the conveyor belt. The space between the covers and the conveyor belt permits circulation of air beneath the covers to allow removal of liquids.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying fabric and other materials comprises a vacuum chamber to contain the fabric, a condenser for condensing vapor generated from the fabric in the vaccum chamber, a heat exchanger in the vacuum chamber through which the condensate is passed and a heater for supplying heat to the condensate on its way from the condenser to the heat exchanger. Preferably the fabric is drawn continuously through the chamber through an inlet and an outlet both provided with vacuum seals.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for recovering heat from an appliance which provides an exhaust of warm moist air, comprising an appliance exhaust duct connectable between the exhaust outlet of the appliance and a condensing chamber which is adapted to be supported on an exterior wall of a building, the chamber having means for draining condensate therefrom, and a return duct adapted to allow recovered warm dry air to flow from the condensing chamber into the building.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved heated can roll for papermaking machines having a high thermal efficiency. The improvement is in a means for insulating the ends of the internally heated can rolls to provide segmental heat insulating part spaced from the roll end or head to provide an air space adjacent to the head or roll ends, resulting in a large reduction in heat loss through natural convection, convection due to rotation, forced convection due to air draft, and radiation and resulting in a more uniform drying surface temperature.

Abstract: A new and improved shoe structure is disclosed which may be rapidly assembled to define a sturdy secure construction. The subject shoe structure includes an elongated base member having a top surface circumscribed by an upstanding ridge to define a hollowed-out recess. A plurality of locking pins are formed integrally with the ridge and project perpendicularly outwardly therefrom towards the interior of the recess. An elongated strap having a plurality of pin receiving apertures located at the opposed ends thereof is mounted to the base member with the pins of the latter being received in the apertures of the strap. An insole having a configuration substantially conforming to the hollowed-out recess is provided and is mounted within the recess, with the lower surface thereof being bonded to the top surface of the base member. By this arrangement, the locking pins and the opposed ends of the strap are interposed between the base member and the strap to provide a sturdy integral shoe structure.

Abstract: A shoe sole structure is provided with an upper surface adapted to receive and support the entire foot of the wearer, the sole structure being resilient throughout the full length of its under surface, having a toe portion forwardly of the metatarsal arch region which is easily bendable, but having a relatively stiff and rigid upper surface from the metatarsal region rearwardly to the heel. The sole structure has an elevated central pedestal under the instep region and a separate impact pad underneath the heel, the heel impact pad being very resilient while the central pedestal has limited resiliency. In a running action the heel impact pad absorbs an initial impact with the ground, the central pedestal then provides a rolling support for the entire foot, and finally the bending of the toe portion of the sole structure provides an effective and well-controlled take-off.

Abstract: The attachment straps for snowshoes usually require a buckle type strap or tied construction which is difficult to retain over the toe of the boot or shoe during use. Tabs sewn to the side of moccasins are used to retain the straps but these are not usable with other types of footwear such as boots and the like. In one embodiment of the invention, the sole is widened out at the area of strap engagement and provided with vertically situated closed ended slots through which the straps engage thus holding the footwear in the desired position relative to the snowshoe. The preferred embodiment utilizes similar slots but opening out onto the periphery of the enlarged sole portion so that the strap can be engaged and disengaged without buckling. This also permits a closed elasticized strap to be used as it can be engaged and disengaged and snapped into position over the instep or vamp area of the boot or shoe.

Abstract: A pair of collapsibly foldable snowshoes for walking upon deep or shallow snow; each shoe including a tubular frame consisting of interfitted sections that snapfit rigidly together for use, a flexible endless cord passed through all the sections for holding them together in tension, a web inside the frame consisting of separate fillers at front, center and near sections, and cleats on an underside of the fillers for traction against slipping on a snow; the frame supporting shoe bungees.

Abstract: A harness for a snowshoe having toe chord is shown as having an elongated binding extending generally tranversely of said snowshoe and being secured generally medially of opposite first and second ends to said toe chord as to have said first and second ends movable with respect to said snowshoe, first and second toe straps respectively secured to said first and second ends of said binding, a first strap fastener carried by said first strap, third and fourth heel strap respectively secured to the first and second ends of said binding, a second strap fastener carried by said third heel strap, the first and second toe strap being operative for drawing the first and second ends of the binding against opposite sides of a boot worn by a person walking on the snowshoe and the first fastener being effective to maintain the first and second ends tightly against the boot regardless of the size or configuration of the boot, the third and fourth heel straps being operative for drawing and holding the toe portion of the b

Abstract: A tracking or grading unit for ski-trails and paths, comprises a sliding arrangement having at least one sliding or rolling front and rear support and a frame upon which the supports are mounted. The unit includes a cutting device which is adjustable in height, the cutting device having at least one pivot-arm mounted upon the frame of the sliding arrangement and at least one cutting tool arranged at the lower end thereof.

Abstract: A frame for front insertion of pictures and the like has a plurality of elongated frame elements which have inclined edges and are movable relative to one another between a proximal position and a distal position, and a plurality of connecting elements each connecting a pair of the frame elements in their corner region and including an angled member insertable into each pair of the neighboring frame element so that the latter can move over the angled member between these positions, a supporting member connected to the angled member and extending inside the frame so as to support pictures and the like, and two arresting members arranged to engage with and arrest the frame elements in each of these positions.

Abstract: A display device for use with several types of similar articles displayed together in a large stack the composition of which as to types of articles is changed from time to time. The display device is in the form of a first sheet of material the front face of which is adapted for imprinting information concerning one of the several types of articles in the display stack. The first sheet is provided with means for accepting and supporting at least one second but smaller sheet of material the front face of which is adapted for imprinting information concerning a second one of the several types of articles in the display stack. When the second type of article is added to the display stack, the second sheet of material containing information concerning such article is added to the display device. The display device is further provided with means for supporting it in an upright position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a laser-aiming system having a means for suppressing electrical arcing and corona. The aiming system includes a light source, a member for supporting the light source having fill ports with valving mechanisms, and a buffer system for protecting the light source upon recoil of the weapon. The fill port valve connection to the member enables the evacuation of mositure and gas from within the member and further enables the introduction of dry gas or liquid for providing a stabilizing atmosphere around the light source for electrical arc suppression. The dry gas may be a dry inert gas such as nitrogen, for example, and the liquid may be ethylene glycol, for example.

Abstract: Disclosed is a removable weather shield for protecting the exterior firing mechanism, including hammer structure of a gun. The weather shield is formed as a generally C-cross sectional shaped elongated resilient body having a curved top and depending sidewalls which is contoured to the profile of a portion of a gun containing the exterior firing mechanism. The body defines an interior hollow area having a widthwise dimension slightly smaller than the widthwise dimension of the portion of a gun about which the shield is to be mounted to provide a natural gripping of the shield to the gun. A method of manufacturing the shield, which includes the step of molding a heated thermoplastic material about the firing mechanism, is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention discloses improvements to the connecting blocks for a kit for assembling toy-like configurations from blocks and solid sticks.The blocks are made in at least two pieces which have contacting surfaces. The one of the contacting surfaces is substantially smooth and the other has grooves therein. When assembled the grooves and adjacent surfaces of the two pieces form holes for the sticks to be inserted into.

Abstract: A device formed as an integral plastic piece having an inner tubular portion to surround the stalk of the tomato plant and an outer support portion which defines a circumferential trough surrounding the inner tubular portion. The inner tubular portion is placed around the stalk of the tomato plant, with the lower edge of the tubular portion being implanted into the ground. The upper growth portion (i.e., vines) of the tomato plant and the tomatoes are conveniently retained in the trough.