Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for determining the position of the center of a circular object. The object has a known diameter and is placed on a preferably flat surface. A sensor for indicating presence of an object proximate it is moved over the surface in a predetermined path comprising a number of line portions extending over the surface. The greatest distance between two adjacent line portions being less than the radius of the object. The position of the sensor in the path is measured at two points where the line portion intersects the outer contour of an object. The center of the object is determined on the basis of the two points.

Abstract: This height gauge includes a support erected on a base, a slider movable on the support, a main graduated scale with no numerical values vertically movable in the moving direction of the slider, and a numerical value belt movable on one side of this main graduated scale with no numerical values. The movement of this numerical value belt makes it possible to zero-set the slider at a desired position on the support.

Abstract: Apparatus for mapping the inner surface of a cylinder utilizing a laser to align a spider disposed within the cylindrical surface, the spider having a rotatable arm with a finger connected to a linear variable differential transducer. The finger being biased outwardly and the arm is rotated 360.degree. from a predetermined angular position, the spider and arm are moved axially predetermined increments and signals indicative of the axial and annular position of the arm and the extension of the finger are recorded and processed to map the internal surface of the cylinder.

Abstract: In connecting flat multiconductor cables, one cable is placed atop another to provide a matrix of zones in which connections may be made of any conductor of one cable to any conductor of the other cable. Selection is made of one zone and it is perforated. An insulation-piercing connector is inserted through the perforation and crimped to provide an electrical connection between the pair of cable conductors in registry with the selected zone. Selection of further zones for perforation and connector insertion is made progressively from those zones which do not have in registry therewith any conductor which was in registry with any previously selected zone. Apparatus for implementing preferred connection zone selection precludes use of connecting zones other than a singular zone for connection of one conductor pair and compels use of a selective few zones individually for connection of respective other conductor pairs, thereby lessening connection error likelihood.

Abstract: An anchoring device for the sheet and/or other covers of a water bed includes a generally elongated rectangular, flat panel for positioning under a water bed mattress to be held in place by the weight of the mattress against the bed support platform and including an elongated slot for receiving a button secured to the corners of the sheets for retaining the sheet in place.

Abstract: A measuring head for screw thread measuring machines which is capable of measuring threads of a piece to be measured which has an outer diameter with a measuring point and which may be of varied diameters within predetermined limits comprises a base plate which has a thruhole in its center, a plurality of straight support grooves. Feelers are arranged at spaced angular locations around the periphery of the hole and a centering disc is located within the hole as well as measuring elements which are similarly offset and clamping elements which are arranged at selected angular locations to engage the centering disc. The feelers and the measuring elements are carried in a measuring station which is movable along a groove which extends parallel to a straight line which intersects a measuring point on the diameter of the piece to be measured and the lowermost point of the piece at the location in which it intersects the vertical axis.

Abstract: Illuminated sighting structure for archery bows wherein a bow attachment bracket is provided not only with sighting units but also with lighting means for selectively illuminating such sighting units, especially the tips thereof. The bow-sight illumination structure itself is designed to have a plastic non-conductive case and allowing for on-off conditions of the light employed by a non-conductive element being interposed in the electrical circuit, which, when compressed, will complete such circuit. This is preferably accomplished by a metallic disc or element within a non-conductive ring, the disc being of less width than the ring. An adjustment screw accomplishes the width-wise compression of the ring, for conduction purposes, and also a backing off such that the ring by its nature expands so as to separate the electrical elements of the lighting circuit.

Abstract: An electronic level includes a conductive gravity-levelled reference element (33) and one or more pairs of sensing electrode members (A1-D1) supported in spaced confronting relation to the reference element on a flat rigid support (37) which is movable relative to the reference element. A dielectric fluid separates the reference element (2) from the sensing electrode members so that at least one pair of capacitors is formed the capacitances of which capacitors vary oppositely in response to deviation from level position of a line joining the pair of sensing electrode members and the consequent loss of parallelism of that line with the reference element. Alternating voltages are applied to the capacitors such that the product of the capacitance and the applied voltage is equal for both capacitors when parallelism exists. A detecting means senses variations of the capacitances and provides an indication of any deviation from level position of the flat support (37).

Abstract: A temperature stable apparatus for mounting an arcuate glass enclosed electrolytic bubble gravity sensor utilizes epoxy cement having a low temperature coefficient of expansion for bonding an end face of a post having a temperature coefficient of expansion equal to that of glass to the center of the glass enclosure of the sensor, and the other end of the post to the center of a rectangular aluminum plate, such that the longitudinal axis of the post is orthogonal to the plate and the plane of the arcuate axis of the enclosure, and such that a chord connecting the ends of the arcuate axis is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the plate.

Abstract: A pledget of biological material of predetermined unit dosage is formed by a lyophilizing process. The lyophilizing process involves establishing a specific batch volume of sterile water, dissolving a preestablished amount of biological material in the batch volume of water, filling at least one container with a portion of the solution of water and dissolved material, and lyophilizing the solution in the container into the pledget. The amount of biological material to be dissolved in the water is established in relation to the volume and number of containers, the desired predetermined unit dosage of each pledget, and the desired number of pledgets to be formed at a time.

Abstract: A method of operating a fluidized bed heat exchanger in which a perforated plate is disposed within a housing for supporting a bed of particulate material which is introduced into the housing through an inlet. Air is passed through the plate to fluidize the particulate material and a drain pipe is provided for discharging the spent material from the bed. The flow rate of air introduced into the bed is increased in a direction across said bed from said inlet to said drain pipe to promote the circulation of the bed materials from the inlet to the drain pipe.

Abstract: In order to ensure, in a method for extracting gases and vapors from plastics granules and powders which are being pre-heated and dried in a drying hopper by a stream of dry air flowing into the lower region of the hopper while the outlet air is extracted from the hopper above the granules, that also that part of the plastics granules which is in the lowermost region of the drying hopper is reliably dried and warmed, the method provides that a portion of the stream of dry air is guided in a direction opposite to that of the main stream and is extracted at the lowermost point of the hopper. A drying hopper for plastics granules is suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention which has in its upper part a feeding opening for the granules and an air outlet pipe, and further has a lower outlet port for the granules and an air inlet pipe which ends inside the hopper in an air distributing opening, wherein a second air outlet pipe is mounted in the hopper near the outlet port.

Abstract: To cut building and operating costs, a heat exchange apparatus for thermally treating a pulverulent material by a countercurrent flow of gas comprises a series of superposed successive separators, each separator having a cylindrical body with a horizontal axis and the cylindrical body having two ports at respective ends and another port at a mid-point thereof. Gas ducts connect the successive separators in series so that the smoke gas flows from a furnace in a current through the successive separators in a first direction. Respective gas ducts lead to and from the ports of respective separators tangentially with respect to the cylindrical body thereof.

Abstract: The shoe sole can either be external or constitute an inner sole to be received within the shoe. It includes a supporting pad having a plurality of circular recesses formed in its underside. A like plurality of identical individual enclosures of resilient material cover the recesses. Each enclosure comprises a series of annular walls successively axially spaced from the recess associated with the enclosure and having successively decreasing diameters, the walls being in partially nested relationship and connected together by a thinner portion of material. The arrangement is such that the enclosure or air chamber will collapse in a telescoping manner wholly within the recess of the pad when walking pressure is applied to the enclosure. Air can escape from each of the enclosures through specially designed openings. The repetitive compression and expansion of the enclosures with each step results in a shock absorbing and cushioning action by the sole.

Abstract: A grading and backblading attachment for a loader which attachment comprises an elongated body member, a lateral slot in the body member for engagement with a bucket of a loader, and a blade extending laterally of the body member.

Abstract: The tag for attachment to hotel keys and the like is disclosed herein. The tag includes a base panel and an aperture frame portion defined by upwardly extending sidewall portions and inwardly extending peripheral flange disposed in spaced opposed relation to the outer edge portions of the base panel. A slot is provided through one of the sidewall portions of the flange for insertion and removal of a resiliently flexible card bearing advertising indicia and the like for display within the frame portion of said tag. The undersurface of said flange adjacent to the slot includes a shoulder adapted to engage the outer edge of said card for retaining the card within the frame. The upper surface of the base panel is of stepped construction having a lower lever disposed adjacent to and communicating with the slot and an upper surface level along the portion of the tag opposite the said slot.

Abstract: A novelty viewer having a base supporting an enclosure which houses a graphical or simulated scene of a city or the like including a background of opaque material. The enclosure is occupied by a fluid or various fluids of different densities whereby, after shaking, at least two layers of densities result in a color differential promoting an illusion of smoggy conditions above the graphic or simulated scene. The density differential of the layers may be effected by different densities of liquid, by different size and weight of particles or by structurally separated liquid chambers.

Abstract: A rotating display element which is provided with a display surface member having a plurality of display surfaces which are selected by rotating the display surface member, and a display unit which uses the display element. The display surface member of the rotating display element has incorporated therein a permanent magnet type motor mechanism and is driven by the permanent magnet type motor mechanism. The rotor of the permanent magnet type motor mechanism has first and second double-pole permanent magnet members, and its stator has first and second magnetic members having wound thereon first and second exciting windings, respectively. The display unit has first and second power supply means for supplying power to the first exciting winding of the permanent magnet type motor mechanism and third and fourth power supply means for supplying power to the second exciting winding.

Abstract: The parallel rails have a double tee cross section and the leg of the rear T fits into slots in the sides of the frame. When the frame is welded, the rails are captured with the front slots ahead of the frame so menu strips and price modules can be mounted from either end and will mesh with each other or lie over the frame to prevent light leaks.

Abstract: An ambidextrous release for gun magazines in a retrofit design is provided for Colt government model pistols and other similar design semi automatic pistols. The new magazine release catch has much of the basic configuration of the original equipment catch but instead of a solid catch it has a pivotal lever, with a cam surfaced catch on the end to engage the magazine, that is pivot pin mounted in the gun magazine catch lock release structure. The structure is lengthened to also extend outward beyond the gun right hand surface with a right side button on the right hand end. The magazine lock release right side button with proper manipulation combined with pressure from the other end and turning achieves dog projection release removal and, in reverse, installation thereof without requiring the use of a screw driver or any other tools. A simple dog slot extension is machined within the gun receiver to allow for installation and movement of the new magazine release catch.

Abstract: A net fabric for a trawl net formed by metal net legs and resistance plates. The metal net legs forming meshes are connected at their intersections to the resistance plates which resist the flow of water and these plates have curved surface and are provided with four or more devices for attaching said metal net legs around the peripheral edge thereof. The resistance plates make it possible to spread the trawl net vertically and horizontally and keep the shape thereof efficiently, and thus a net fabric which is very efficient when used in a trawl net can be provided utilizing the advantages of a metal net fabric with excellent durability and less water resistance in conjunction with its threatening effect to the fish.

Abstract: A tamper resistant bait station for holding a supply of rodent or other pest bait is disclosed having an outer housing and a tray slidably received within the housing, and is secured in its received position by a tamper-resistant closure. The floor of the housing and the floor of the tray are elevated above the ground and have entrance openings therein in register with one another when the tray is inserted in the housing so that a pest, such as a mouse or rat, may enter the housing and the tray from below via the entrance openings. Partitions within the tray define the various passages and compartments within the tray, these partitions having notches or other openings therethrough to permit the pest to travel from the entrance openings to the bait compartment and to exit the bait station, but yet preventing tampering with the rodent bait and preventing protected wildlife from entering the bait station. The station may be secured to a wall or the like.

Abstract: Self aligning sled apparatus for spraying herbicide to the ground surface of the top of the crop row and under the low growing foliage of row crops. Alignment of the plurality of shield sled apparatus is accomplished by the trunks of the crop plants guiding the shield sleds spaning the furrow between rows. Each of the plurality of shield sleds is attached by parallel linkages to a horizontal tool bar secured to the self-propelled sprayer or tractor. The connecting parallel linkages allow each sled to move vertically, horizontally, and rotationally as needed independent of the tractor and of the other shield sleds. As the apparatus moves forward, shields affixed to the shield sleds engage the low crop foliage and lift it upwards in order that spraying mechanism near the rear of each shield sled may apply herbicide to the ground and weeds under the crop foliage.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the generation of sprouts from material capable of sprouting, in particular for seeds, grains, leguminous fruits, as well as for the hydroponic planting of grasses for human consumption with at least one container receiving the material for sprouting and at least one dish filled with liquid, into which the sprouting container can dip via a lift drive mechanism. The sprouting container is formed as a sieve and is constructed for easy exchangeability by being disposed in a recess or opening of a support plate. The support plate rests on a side frame. The lift drive mechanism is disposed at the side frame and is effective between the support plate and the dish to provide for dipping the sprouting container into the dish and for separating the sprouting container from the dish.

Abstract: A retainer for attaching a lid to a container in which a floral bouquet is arranged comprises a rigid shaft coupled to a flexible crossbar to form generally a T-shaped assembly. The crossbar is deformed and pushed into a groove on the underside of the lid. After that, the shaft is inserted into florist's foam containing the floral arrangement so that the lid becomes a decorative and integral part of the arrangement. When the flowers have died, the retainer is removed from the lid and discarded. The empty container may be used with the lid to hold a variety of objects and things.

Abstract: A window apparatus includes a jamb assembly and a pair of window frame assemblies which are capable of sliding relative to the jamb assembly for the purpose of opening and closing and also tilting inwardly to facilitate cleaning. Locking members are provided on the upper corners of each of the window frames. The locking members are lodged in slots formed in the window frames and project beyond the window frames to engage the jamb assembly and prevent tilting of the window frames. The locking members have a relatively low level of stress when the window apparatus is subjected to wind loads, thereby enabling the window apparatus to withstand relatively high wind loads encountered on the upper floors of large buildings.

Abstract: A ramp-operated mechanical gate system, including vertically-swinging gate, sliding gate and side-swinging gate embodiments which utilize collapsible ramps to supply energy to open a gate so that the gate is opened automatically when the collapsible ramp is depressed by an approaching vehicle and is closed automatically when the vehicle drives through the gate and the ramp is no longer depressed.

Abstract: A chain operator for a window, and particularly a skylight window, having a casing with a chain storage area from which a chain can be advanced for opening of the window. The casing is constructed for mounting of different types of drive mechanism for a chain drive sprocket within the casing. A unitary liner is fitted within the casing to provide a reduced friction mounting for the drive sprocket and a reduced friction guide for the chain, with the liner being positioned in high load and high wear areas to result in smooth and quiet long-life operation. The chain operator has a chain composed of solid links pivotally interconnected by U-shaped links and interrelated in a manner to readily move between straight and curved configurations and operate under relatively heavy load.

Abstract: A lens polisher-finer apparatus has a frame and gimbal mounted assembly for providing an orbital break-up motion to a lens lapping tool. The apparatus includes an X-Y motion assembly connected to the frame and lens for providing smooth, Lissajous figure motions to the lens. Commonly driven first and second cams provide the motions in the X and Y directions.

Abstract: A work head for attracting and fixing an IC silicon wafer is comprised of an attracting disc and a base seat surrounding the periphery of the attracting disk. The attracting disc is of an inorganic substance shaped and sintered so that the upper layer of the attracting disc is composed of a porous body of porous grain and the lower layer the attracting body is formed with a slightly coarse body of porous grain.The base seat is made airtight, being formed and sintered with the same substance as the attracting disc. The attracting disc and the base seat are coupled with glass having a low melting point. The attracting disc is connected to a connecting hole drilled through the base seat and further to a water injecting hole and air sucking hole of a lower base. Before the wafer is attracted, water is injected from the injection hole for soaking the attracting surface. The surface tension of water transfers the wafer to the center of the attracting surface.

Abstract: A centrifugal throwing blast wheel is made of two discs which are spaced from each to form a V-shaped outwardly widening slot forming an angle .alpha.. Sets of diametrically opposed ejection vanes are between the discs. One set has straight throwing faces. Another set has concave faces with a curvature axis inclined toward the plane of rotation at an acute angle greater than .alpha./2. A third set has curved faces inclined toward the other side of the plane of rotation.

Abstract: A hay bale cover for use with large cylindrical hay bales stored outdoors for protecting such bales from inclement weather such as rain, snow, hail and the like. The cover is in the form of an arcuate panel of flexible resilient material having a plurality of longitudinally extending, parallel ribs formed therein which extend from end to end of the panel to provide longitudinal rigidity but enabling the side edges of the panel to be flexed to vary the radius of curvature of the panel. The end edges of the panel each have an inwardly extending flange with radial corrugations therein. This enables the cover to be positioned on top of a cylindrical hay bale which is positioned horizontally on the ground surface or the like and forced downwardly thereon so that the side edges are capable of flexing outwardly and the inherent spring-like action will then cause the cover to snugly fit and actually cling to the hay bale, thereby eliminating the necessity of using tie-downs.

Abstract: A new hub provides flexible or universal coupling for securing struts at the vertices of geodesic type grid or framework. Each hub is formed by a plurality of universal connectors securing adjacent pairs of converging struts forming a closed ring of universal connectors and converging struts at each vertex of the geodesic type spatial framework. Each connector includes a pair of hinge plates or faces positioned at the facing side surfaces of adjacent chords or struts converging at a vertex. Each hinge face is secured in parallel for rotation of the hinge face relative to the side surface of the strut during construction. The universal connectors are formed with hinge ears defining a hinge axis offset from the plane of the corresponding hinge face. Hinge ears from adjacent hinge faces of a universal connector overlap to define a common hinge axis.

Abstract: An above-ground interment arrangement for cremated remains which are contained in respective remains vessels. The arrangement is provided with a foundation which rests upon the ground of the cemetery, or other location. At least one further portion of the arrangement, which may be part of a pre-existing monument, is provided with a repository chamber adapted for receiving a remains vessel. In some embodiments, the portion of the arrangement which rests upon the foundation may be formed of several levels of repository chambers to form a stack which may accommodate a multiplicity of remains vessels. In further embodiments, two such stacks may be arranged side by side to double the capacity of the interment arrangement, and render it suitable for interring the victims of battles or catastrophes. Each such repository chamber is provided with a respective cover which may be affixed to the monument by any of several known means.

Abstract: A stabilizing support for mobile homes and other transportable buildings is disclosed which protects against damage caused by the building slipping off its piers in an earthquake. A base on the ground underneath the building is connected to the building frame by support arms amd a stabilizer arm. In one embodiment, the support arms are connected in the form of an X. In another embodiment, two structures are connected via the stabilizer arms. Several embodiments may be constructed from the same basic components, and adjustment can be made for the varying height of buildings. Also included is a clamp utilizing two crescent shaped jaw members coupled one to the other by means of a doubly threaded bolt which passes through holes in the two crescent shaped jaw members and spans the items being clamped. Completing the clamp is a pair of nuts which are threaded onto opposite ends of the bolt and tightened to complete the clamping action.

Abstract: A set of bricks has plugging connections which, on the top side, have male elements and at their lower sides have female pockets to take up the male elements on another such brick. Two bricks may be put together by pushing the male elements of the one brick into the female pockets of the other brick. The material of the bricks is soft synthetic resin, such as high-pressure polyethylene (PE-soft) which has good gripping properties, keeps its form, is not damaged by abrasion and keeps to the conditions of laws in connection with the use of synthetic resins with foodstuffs. The female pockets which are placed coaxially with respect to the male elements are formed by sleeve-like wall parts which, at the outer sides of the brick, have rounded off brick corners and in the inner part of the bricks are responsible for forming bracing walls.

Abstract: Disclosed is a constant contact panel interlock even during thermal expansion and contraction by providing flexible pins to bear on a tongue in a tongue and groove interlock and also by providing ramps for a bendable flange to slide over and bear on. Further, a material made of polypropylene with 20% calcium carbonate filler is used to form the panels, such material being sufficiently flexible at the temperatures common for panels exposed to direct sunlight (as on a roof or wall) to permit the pins or flange to bend without breaking and also being a material of much lower coefficient of expansion than pure polypropylene.

Abstract: An improved tile is prevented from coming off mortar applied to the back of the tile. Anchors are engaged in dovetail grooves formed in the back of the tile. Also, an arrangement for setting tiles can prevent the tiles from coming off mortar. Hooks secured to the back of each tile are secured to horizontal beams mounted on the surface to be tiled.

Abstract: An exterior insulation system for walls including a fibrous insulation board having a scrim adhered thereto on an outer side and having shiplap-type vertical edges, and cementitious material applied over the scrim.

Abstract: A clip connector for anchoring rigid interlocked panels to spaced supporting members. The clip includes a washer member slidingly engaged on a base formed from the bottom of the upstanding clip web. The washer member is provided with an aperture extending therethrough exteriorly of the base. A fastener extends through the aperture and secures the washer member, in restrained but slidable engagement with the base, to a supporting member. Centering means may be provided on the clip web to position the washer member with respect to the base. Stop means may be provided at each edge of the base for limiting the movement of the base with respect to the washer member.

Abstract: A drum with a body composed of solid wood blocks glued together. The blocks form a cylinder which constitutes the drum body with each block extending the entire thickness of the cylinder wall. The blocks lie in circular layers with each layer having a staggered orientation relative to its adjacent layers. Dowels pass through the blocks to provide greater support to the body. The upper and lower edges of the cylinder have a recessed configuration relative to the body's outer surface to provide a floating drum head. To produce the drum body, each block in a layer has its ends tapered toward the middle of the block. Where each layer includes 16 blocks, the end faces of a block have an angle of 22.5.degree. relative to each other. Gluing the blocks together forms a long cylinder having, however, rough external and internal surfaces. Milling on both the outside and the inside of the cylinder provides smooth surfaces of a pleasing appearance.

Abstract: An interlocking building panel is provided having an intermediate portion and first and second interlocking portions at respective sides thereof which are adapted for interlocking engagement with interlocking portions of adjacent panels. The first interlocking portion is formed to define a first side wall having a lower and an upper segment intersecting at an obtuse, inwardly included angle and also formed to define a first lip extending inwardly from the upper segment. The second interlocking portion is formed to define a second upwardly extending side wall, an outwardly extending upper wall, a leg depending from said upper wall, and a second lip extending inwardly from the leg. In two embodiments, the upper wall also extends outwardly from the depending leg to define a fastening surface, while in a third embodiment, the depending leg is spaced outwardly from the second side wall sufficiently to provide a fastening surface in the upper wall between them.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a clip for securing together adjacent collapsible, expandable, self-locking, self-supporting structures which include a plurality of pairs of crossed rod elements pivotally joined in scissored fashion to each other and to hubs having openings therein, the structures having at least one hub of each section adjacent each other, and the clip having at least two stems with each stem being interlockingly received in an associated opening of the adjacent hubs to thereby secure the structures to each other in any one of a plurality of different configurations.

Abstract: A flooring grating including a plurality of spaced I-beam support members (12) is disclosed. A plurality of interconnecting members (14) interconnect the I-beam support members (12) in a predetermined spaced, parallel relationship. Each of the interconnecting members (14) includes a central core member (16) and first and second outer spacer members (18) positioned in longitudinally extending channel-like portions (30) on opposite sides of the central core member (16). The top surface of the outer spacer members (18) is notched at intervals corresponding to the spacing between adjacent I-beam support members (12). The outer spacer members (18) are securedly attached to the central core member (16) by a suitable adhesive. The central core member (16) and the outer spacer members (18) cooperate as an integral unit to retain the I-beam support members (12) in a predetermined spaced relationship.

Abstract: In the construction of a large, land-based skirt-supported spherical tank, the tank is partially prefabricated, its bottom polar cup section being produced ready for mounting and stored inside the rest of the spherical shell. In this state, wherein the transportation height of the tank has been substantially reduced, the as yet unfinished spherical tank is transported to the erection site, where the bottom polar cap section is lowered into position and secured to the rest of the spherical shell.

Abstract: A controller for a continuous motion drop bottle type case packer has a real time processing means for accessing a plurality of controller instructions and for determining one of a number of possible courses of action to be taken in response to control signals from a plurality of detectors in the packer. The controller is responsive to changing operational parameters and causes the packer to operate at the maximum of a number of predetermined bottle transfer rates as selected by the real time processing means.

Abstract: A bag inserter machine having pinch rolls for automatically unwinding a perforated bag roll one bag length, bag opening and separating assemblies to cooperatively grippingly engage the leading bag of the bag roll and separating it therefrom along perforations and then opening the bag, an inserter assembly movable into the opened bag for moving the opened bag into a case on a conveyer and cuff the upper portion of the bag over the upwardly extending case top flaps, and controls to stop a case on a conveyer in a position to have a bag inserted therein, stop the drive to the pinch rolls after unwinding the bag roll a bag length, then the bag opening and separating assemblies to grippingly engage the bag to separate it from the bag roll, then open the bag, thereafter operate the inserter assembly to insert and cuff the bag and retract the inserter assembly and then allow the conveyer to move another case to have a bag inserted therein, and automatically continue the cycle of operation.

Abstract: A food wrapping apparatus (10) includes a conveyor (12) for passing unwrapped food product (24) to an elevator platform (14). The elevator platform (14) has a plurality of tucking fingers (16) disposed thereon to provide a yieldable platform. When the food product (24) is disposed on the top of the tucking fingers (16), the elevator platform (14) raises the food product (24) upwards into a layer of wrapping material (18). Tucking arms (36) and (38) are operable to pass under the food product (24) disposed on the top of the tucking fingers (16) and pull the wrapping material (18) therearound. The tucking fingers (16) rotate on longitudinal rods (28) to allow the tucking arms (36) and (38) to pass thereover without disturbing the food product (24). Each of the tucking fingers (16) has a tapered leading end (66) and a tapered trailing end (64). The tapered leading end (66) is designed to mesh with the tapered trailing end (64) of an adjacent one of the fingers (16).

Abstract: A packing case flap opener apparatus for use on a packing case moved through a fixed course and wherein a control or travel cylinder is positioned to move parallel to the carton axis; the cylinder controls the position of a shaft operatively secured thereto and extending out to position a flap opening device which, in turn, engages an associated control member so that as the control cylinder is moved along on its axis of movement, the flap opening device is brought into engagement with both the leading and then later the trailing flap of a case for opening same by controlled flap opening action.

Abstract: A phased aseptic sterilization and packaging process is disclosed wherein the solid component of a product is separately sterilized within the container in which the product is ultimately sealed. The liquid component is aseptically sterilized independently, and is aseptically filled into the container in a chilled condition to quench the hot solid component prior to final sealing of the container. A novel apparatus is provided for handling the containers during processing.