Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for cutting and removing a core of ice from an expanse of natural ice such as, for example, a lake or river so that fishing can be accomplished through the remaining open hole. The apparatus consists of a cylinder with ice-cutting teeth on its lower end, lands around its periphery and a handle employed for rotating the cylinder.

Abstract: Because barbeque forks tend to be rather unwieldy items a barbeque fork is provided which can be separated into a number of shorter pieces or lengths for storage and the pieces then assembled end to end by connecting means before use. Preferably such connecting means comprise a screw-threaded spigot on one piece and a corresponding screw-threaded socket on the adjacent piece. To avoid difficulties in unscrewing the connection means with greasy hands, however, when there are more than three pieces or sections, gripping means such as outwardly projecting lugs are provided the or each section which is not one containing the handle or the prongs. Also to assist in propping up the fork a supporting member, axially slidable along the shaft, can be provided, the supporting member comprises a pair of domed plates placed back to back and each plate having a number of outwardly projecting arms.

Abstract: An automatic sheet transport mechanism for precisely positioning a sheet relative to an automatic signature writing machine or the like is disclosed. A writing instrument is located vertically above a flat writing surface upon which the sheet rests and is movable into and out of engagement with the writing surface in a defined writing area. A sheet positioning device accurately positions the sheet laterally on the writing surface. A sheet feeding device is also provided for moving a single sheet from a stack of sheets and for advancing the single sheet to the sheet positioning device. A control device cyclically operates the transport mechanism so that the single sheet is moved by the sheet feeding device and sheet positioning device to the writing area of the writing surface where the writing takes place and thereafter the sheet positioning device is actuated to move the single sheet off of the writing surface so that the cycle can be repeated.

Abstract: An inspection tool for determining the location of a hole in a surface, having: a shaft sized for insertion in the hole and holding the tool in fixed relative relation thereto during tool usage, the shaft having a longitudinal axis in alignment with the center line of the hole when inserted therein; a first member having a substantially spherical surface portion, the first member being attached to the shaft, with the center point of the spherical portion of the first member aligned along the shaft axis; and a second member having a substantially spherical surface portion, the second member being attached to the first member remote from the shaft, with the center point of the spherical portion of the second member aligned along the shaft axis, the spherical portion of the second member having a smaller radius of curvature than the spherical portion of the first member; and a collar attached to the shaft between the shaft and the first member, the collar having an engagement surface extending radially outward f

Abstract: An auxological measuring apparatus in which there is provided a flat surface which is preferably horizontal, having on it a plate arranged for contact by the feet of a person with his back against the surface and on the case of a horizontal surface lying supine on it, there being a carriage linearly moveable on the surface which can be brought into contact with the person's head. An electronic transducer is associated with the carriage and is arranged to produce an electric signal indicative of the distance between the carriage and the surface and it is associated with electronic circuitry arranged to process the signal and to provide a visible indication of the distance and thus of the height of the person on the surface. A side table may be provided for attachment to the surface so that a person may lie on the surface and the side table with arms outstretched on the table so that an arm span mesurement can be made.

Abstract: A turbine compressor clearance indicator device is used to measure the clearance between a rotor blade and a case and/or between a stator vane and a rotor shaft. The device has a dial indicator mounted in a "U" shaped holder having two feet. Each foot has two surfaces, one concave and one convex, for use on two different curved surfaces. The thicknesses of wax strips are measured once they are cut away by the tips of the blades and vanes.

Abstract: System for measuring the limit of peripheral strength, consisting of method and apparatus for raising the heel of a patient in discreet steps while testing for peripheral strength.

Abstract: Disclosed is a drafting implement to aid a draftsman in drawing curves. The implement may be called a Curve Stripe. The implement includes an elongated soft metal core having a plurality of openings formed therein at intervals along the core. Magnetic beads are disposed in the openings and have at least one flat surface which is disposed normal to the elongated axis of the core and projects outwardly therefrom. A rectangular strip element is disposed adjacent to the core and arranged to inhibit motion thereof in a direction normal to the at least one surface of the beads. A pliable plastic jacket is provided to surround the core, the strip element and the beads, the jacket having openings therein matching the at least one surface of the beads.

Abstract: Measuring apparatus for use in vehicle collision repair work. The measuring apparatus comprises first and second telescopic extension members each having a first end for affixation, respectively, at first and second reference points. A cross-member is connectible between the second ends of the extension members. Indicator means are provided on each extension member for indicating displacement between the extension member first and second ends. Alignment means are also provided for aligning the extension member second ends on opposite sides of the vehicle center line and at equal distances from that center line. Third and fourth indicator means are also provided for indicating, respectively, the vertical height of third and fourth reference points above a reference line defined by the extension member second ends. The third and fourth indicator means also indicate, respectively, horizontal displacement of the third and fourth reference points from the vehicle center line.

Abstract: Apparatus is described which may be substituted for the vertical rule on a conventional drafting machine arrangement having a pair of rules set at right angles to one another. The apparatus includes a clamp for a transfer sheet which is movable in steps. Used with a dry transfer sheet with lines of letters on it, the interline spacing of which is an integral multiple of the stepped movement spacing of the apparatus, and fitted to a conventional drafting machine, the apparatus assists in applying accurate baseline legends to drawings using dry transfer rather than hand lettering.

Abstract: An electronic compass for vehicles comprising three magnetic sensors arranged in use to be respectively responsive to orthogonal components of a magnetic field which includes the earth's magnetic field and a spurious magnetic field which is associated with the vehicle, for producing electrical signals corresponding to said components, tilt sensor means responsive to vehicle tilt with respect to the horizontal plane, data processor and storage means arranged to store signals derived from the sensors as the vehicle is turned through a compass setting cycle, and signal processor means responsive to electrical signals produced by the sensors after the setting cycle has been completed and to the signals stored during the setting cycle, for providing compensated signals related to the bearing appertaining to the heading of the vehicle in which the effects of the spurious magnetic field are compensated for and further processor means to which the compensated signals are applied and which is responsive to the tilt se

Abstract: A method of using spent silica-alumina catalyst previously used in a fluid-bed type catalytic cracking process by contacting a volume of particles of the spent catalyst with a liquid and allowing the spent catalyst particles to absorb at least a portion of the liquid. The method is particularly useful in the removal of hazardous liquid spills.

Abstract: Apparatus for ventilating pockets in a multi-cylinder dryer of a paper machine of the type in which guide rolls are situated in spaces between adjoining drying cylinders and wherein a wire or felt has free runs between the drying cylinders and the guide rolls. With respect to a particular pocket to be ventilated, the apparatus functions to blow air through the inlet or incoming free run of the wire into the pocket with air being removed from the pocket at least partially through the following or outgoing free wire run following the guide roll. The apparatus comprises nozzle apparatus including a nozzle nose situated proximate to the incoming free wire run, at least two nozzles being defined by the nozzle nose which extend transversely to the direction of run of the wire. Air is blown through the nozzles into a space defined by the incoming free wire run facing the nozzles, by the guide roll and by the nozzle nose.

Abstract: A substantially saddle-shaped pressure pad or restraining member is disposed in the interior of a shell member enclosing the foot region of a ski boot and between the latter and a padded inner shoe. Two cable runs or strands running along each side of the shell member and interconnected to form a single cable element engage the pressure pad. These cable strands pass through the pivot axis of a rear upper portion at two mutually opposed pivot points of this rear upper portion on the lower forward shell member. A tensioning mechanism is mounted on the rear side of this upper rear portion and comprises a tensioning lever which is pivotable about an axis. By pivoting this tensioning lever, the pressure pad can be tensioned or loosened. Since both cable strands pass through the pivot axis of the rear upper portion, the retaining force governed by the tensioning mechanism and applied to the foot of a wearer by the pressure pad is not affected by a pivoting motion of the rear upper portion.

Abstract: An adjustment apparatus for adjusting the attachment of a movable member to a stationary member, including a body having a movable opening therein. The opening can serve as a bearing for receiving a journal axis pin which allows a shank to pivot with respect to a shell base of a ski boot. Alternatively, the opening may serve as a means for receiving a projection from a closure device to attach a movable member to a stationary member. The opening is movable so that the axis of the journal pin can be changed, or the position at which the projection attaches to the two members can be adjusted. The body is adapted to fit within a complementary-shaped housing in one of the members so that it is flush with the member. The body has a slot therein, extending in the longitudinal direction of the body and adapted to receive a frame. The frame is adapted to rotate within the body around an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the body. The frame contains the opening.

Abstract: A device for backfilling a trench from spoil left alongside it comprises a forecarriage (7) and a main frame (10). The former comprises means (12) for positioning it centrally in the trench (3). The latter is located behind the former and carries one or more angled blades (9) and lateral stabilizers (18,19) adapted to contact the ground outside the spoil.The device is towed rather than pushed and if a long tow-rope is used a pipeline can be trenched and the trench backfilled in a single traverse.

Abstract: A product identification tag is made of plastic and has one or more integrally-formed support portions projecting therefrom. In one embodiment, the support portion is slotted to receive J-hook or peg hook portions so as to be suspended from the hook, whereby an attached pressure-sensitive adhesively backed label is visible. The support portion and the label-supporting portion are joined by a narrow neck region whereby cut-away parts of the tag are disposed on opposite sides of the neck to provide alternative support means. Further, the label-supporting portion may be folded over to define a pocket into which the label can be inserted. In another embodiment, the support portions are flexible anchor arms which can be folded out of the tag plane, each arm including a distal end with wing-like projections that can be flexed to permit insertion of the wings in peg board holes or other apertures and unflexed so as to anchor against the back surface of a peg board or other structure.

Abstract: A marking device for wires, cables, tubes or the like is in the form of an oblong piece of flexible and resilient material having an intermediate portion adapted for carrying markings in the form of letters or other characters and end portions each provided with an opening and being capable of being bent at an angle to said intermediate portions for bringing said openings in substantial axial alignment for receiving the wire or the like, on which the marking is to be placed, the marking device being held in position on the wire etc. by means of friction between the wire and the material around the openings.

Abstract: The digital display apparatus comprises a board having one or more seven-element digital-type displays marked thereon. A flap is provided for each of the elements and is pivotable from a first position in which the associated element is exposed, to a second position in which it covers its associated element. Selective pivoting of the flaps enables each display to form any required digit.

Abstract: A mount for attaching a device to a firearm includes a longitudinal base adapted to carry the device to be mounted. The base has a track extending along a portion of the length thereof and a block is slidably mounted in the track. The block is biased toward the front end of the base by a spring. The block is adapted to be attached to a first fixed member at one end of a firearm barrel. The rear end of the base is adapted to be attached to a second fixed member at the other end of the firearm barrel. When properly mounted between the ends of the firearm barrel, the mount is held in place by the action of the spring, which forces the block attachment against the first fixed member and the rear attachment against the second fixed member.

Abstract: A pressable magazine latch for semiautomatic pistols adaptable for use by either right or left-handed persons includes a guide-tube anchored wihtin the pistol frame which contains a displaceable rigidly connected two-part latch member therewithin. A spring normally maintains the latch member engaged with the magazine and presents a latch member button projecting beyond one end face of the guide-tube. Despressing this button substantially flush with the adjacent guide-tube end wall releases the latch from the magazine while further axial displacement of the latch member allows subsequent disassembly of the two latch parts to permit re-assembly thereof in a reverse position within the guide-tube.

Abstract: An improved break-top handgun of the revolver type is disclosed which incorporates an improved latching mechanism for securely linking the barrel section and frame together and which compensates for any wear occurring on the engaged surfaces. Also disclosed is an improved linkage connected to the trigger for freeing the ammunition-holding cylinder for rotation and means for retaining the cylinder in engagement with the barrel when the barrel section is separated from the frame for cleaning, loading and/or unloading ammunition.

Abstract: A molded plastic adapter, simulating at its forward end the head, neck and upper breast portions of a duck, includes a rearwardly extending hollow keel such that an empty plastic two liter soft drink bottle can be secured atop the keel with the neck of the bottle located in the rear of the upper breast portion of the adapter, all to provide a light, inexpensive decoy for duck hunters.

Abstract: A thumb-operated fishing line choke accessory that may be installed to an existing fishing rod for choking the line when preparing to cast, as well as for choking the line after the cast has been made in order to accurately pinpoint the drop of the lure being cast. The device has a clamping member that is adapted to be fastened to the front end of the rod handle, a thumb-engaging actuator member that is pivotally connected to the clamping member, and a movable collar that is carried by the rod and acted upon by the actuator and serves as an anchor for one end of a pair of parallel wire members that are supported along the length of the rod. There is a combined fishing line ring guide and choke member mounted intermediate the length of the rod, and it has an inclined guide frame supporting a smooth ring guide through which the fishing line extends, as well as a movable choke member that is attached to the other end of the pair of wire members.

Abstract: A rodent exterminator triggered by the presence of a rodent in close proximity thereto having a spear attached thereto which impales the rodent, killing it instantly.A remote trigger actuates a solenoid to release a spring biased plunger, which is propelled into a firing pin to detonate a cartridge. Explosive gases from the cartridge actuates a plunger which has the spear attached thereto.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for coach door leaves of the type which are rotated and then driven axially upward by a powered door operating mechanism. Male and female locking bodies at the top of the door leaf shaft move together and apart axially without being radially engaged as the door leaf moves in or out at final closed position. Any external outward pushing force on the door leaf radially engages the locking bodies to prevent door opening.

Abstract: An apparatus (20) is provided for polishing an end of a plug-terminated lightguide fiber so that when it is disposed together with another plug-terminated fiber within a biconical sleeve (38), there is precise end separation of opposing end portions of the fibers. The apparatus includes a holder (40) in which is disposed a plug (30) with an encapsulated end portion (31) of the fiber (23) extending from the plug. A housing (80) receives the holder and causes the plug to be seated in engagement with an insert (96) in a base (81) with the encapsulated end portion extending beyond a reference plane (94) of the base. The base includes non-wearing pads (86-86) spaced about an outer surface thereof. The holder is caused to apply to the plug a force which is equal to that which the plug will experience when mounted in the biconical sleeve.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling operation of a machine tool such as a grinder wherein engagement of the machine tool with a workpiece is controlled in real time by a workpiece measurement signal from a gage likewise engaged with the workpiece. The measurement gage is periodically brought into measuring engagement with a gage master having a predetermined master dimension relative to the desired machined size of the workpiece. The resulting gage master measurement signal is compared with a reference, and a compensation signal is generated and stored as a function of the magnitude and polarity of any departure from the gage master measurement signal from the gage master reference signal. Thereafter, during the machining mode of operation, motion of the machine tool is controlled as a combined function of the workpiece measurement signal and the compensation signal generated and stored during the calibration mode of operation.

Abstract: An improved method to surface condition a super-abrasive grinding wheel by intermittently moving the wheel to a stationary wheel conditioner unit mounted adjacent the grinding wheel with the conditioner unit having a consumable element engaged by the grinding wheel to condition the grinding wheel including a dual compensation method having the steps of grinding a predetermined number of workpieces to establish a first predetermined depth of super-abrasive wheel wear; periodically conditoning the wheel surface by consuming a second predetermined depth from a consumable reconditioning tool surface; and producing a first compensation of a grinding wheel by controlling the position of the super-abrasive wheel with respect to the workpiece to maintain an apparent wheel wear depth within the range of desired workpiece tolerance and producing a second compensation of a grinding wheel conditioner by contacting the wear surface of the super-abrasive wheel with the reconditioning tool surface and advancing it into and

Abstract: The dressing tool is mounted on a cross-slide so as to be displaceable in parallel and normally with respect to the working surface or face of the grinding wheel which is to be dressed. After each dressing operation the grinding wheel is re-adjusted so as to be repositioned in a defined plane. A displacement measuring system is operatively coupled to the grinding wheel in order to measure the amount of such re-adjustment or adjustment. A difference observed between the desired amount of dressing and the measured amount of adjustment indicates the extent of wear of the dressing tool. The dressing tool is then correspondingly further adjusted and the grinding wheel is subjected to a further dressing operation.

Abstract: A storm cellar or the like is disclosed composed of a pair of portable upper and lower pre-cast concrete sections one of which seats in an inverted position on the other to define a closed compartment. Each section includes a portion of a stairway of conventional configuration, the portions matching when the sections are assembled to extend from the lower level of the top of the assembled cellar to near its floor through aligned openings in the walls of the sections, thus permitting the cellar to be fully buried in the ground while at the same time providing ready access to the cellar from ground level without requiring that any portion of the cellar itself protrude above ground level.

Abstract: The invention is an improved device for transporting loads between various elevations. Such loads may be handicapped persons in wheelchairs, wheeled truck loads of freight or materials, wheeled people carriers, or other similar loads that require transport from one elevation to another, either ascending or descending. The improved device serves a double mission as a regular stairway facility for ambulatory persons, and as a ramp-type facility for wheeled vehicles carrying a person, or persons, or a load of freight or materials, and other such loads as may require movement from one elevation to another elevation.

Abstract: A silo for loose material in powder form having a base provided with a central conical section projecting upwards to form an annular discharge zone having floor portions inclined in a direction leading to an opening in a discharge chamber and in such manner that the material flows approximately tangentially towards the material discharge openings.

Abstract: A skylight system 10 is provided which has sills 22 which can be secured to the appropriate structure 20 and sill caps 74, 76 which can be snapped into engagement with the sills 22. The support rafters 60, 62 can be snapped into engagement with the sills to support panels 12, 14, 16 which are disposed thereupon. A strap 140 with a cooperating mechanism 141 is disposed above the panels 12, 14, 16 and can be urged into selective engagement with the sill cap 74, 76 so as to hold the panels 12, 14, 16 in place upon the support rafters 60, 62.

Abstract: An adjustable device for anchoring door jambs of various sizes in a fast and efficient manner. The device includes one or more frame members which receive a pair of overlapping L-shaped planar members in sliding engagement with each other. Each frame member is generally of an L-shaped configuration having vertical and horizontal planar portions, and with a lip formed along the outer edge of the horizontal portion to provide a slot for use in retaining the overlapping members. The overlapping members each have vertical and horizontal planar portions, with the horizontal portions being of sufficient length to allow the length of the overall anchor to be varied by slidably positioning the overlapping members relative to each other. The position of each frame member relative to the overlapping members can also be adjusted to correspond with the shape and construction of a particular door jamb.

Abstract: A captive column structure comprising a plurality of spaced-apart elongated column portions having a compression core interconnecting the same. The compression core and column portions are comprised of bonded fibrous material. The fibers are pultruded through a pultrusion machine and bonded with a suitable epoxy material or the like.

Abstract: A structure capable of being expanded and retracted. The structure includes a pair of cells each including a plurality of leg elements which are pivotally joined at one end to form an apex point and which are pivotally joined at their opposite ends from the apex point connection to the corresponding leg element from the other cell to form a plurality of common base points. The structure also includes a plurality of hinged elements connected between adjacent common base points to thereby form a common base and the hinged elements each have a pair of sections that are connected at a hinge point approximately midway between the adjacent common base points to which the other end of each section is connected.

Abstract: A reinforcement mat for reinforced concrete consists of longitudinal wires and crosswires which are welded together at their points of cross. End portions of the crosswires project out beyond the edge longitudinal wires and are bent back in the plane of the mat towards the edge longitudinal wires. The longitudinal wires are arranged symmetrically about the longitudinal centerline of the mat partly at wider and partly at narrower pitch. At each edge of the mat a family of at least two longitudinal wires are provided at the narrower pitch.

Abstract: A method of building a house or the like on a previously provided foundation, starting from a packaged structure comprising a plurality of panels, wherein, after the deposition of the package on the foundation, in successive stages a superjacent part of the package is hoisted up, and in the space thus formed the panels are unfolded, and packaged structure for use in said method.

Abstract: In a bundling apparatus, a main clamping mechanism presses a stack of paper sheets in the direction of thickness of the stack and holds the stack. A band is wound by a winder around the stack of paper sheets held by the main clamping mechanism. The end portions of the band wound around the stack of paper sheets are bonded by a heat-bonding mechanism. Specified data is stamped on the band wound around the stack by a data-stamping mechanism which includes a stamp bearing the specified data and a drive mechanism for bringing the stamp into contact with the band while the end portions of the band are being bonded to each other.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously wrapping sweets or like products in a so-called double twist wrapper, comprising a rotary wheel which moves continuously about a horizontal axis, a plurality of handling devices having oscillating heads mounted to be radially slidable at a uniform spacing on the rotary wheel, with the axis of oscillation of the said oscillating head parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotary wheel, and means having gripper take up elements and hoe-shaped folding elements supported by the said head so as to oscillate about respective axes parallel to the axis of oscillation of the oscillating head and the axis of rotation of the said rotary wheel. The said handling device support wheel has provided coaxially rotatable therewith and on its opposite sides two wheels supporting a corresponding respective plurality of twisting devices in mirror symmetry on the opposite sides of the above-mentioned means having gripper take up elements and folding elements supported by the said head.

Abstract: A handling device for packing machines in particular for sweets and similar products, having one or more continuously moving rotary wheels, comprising a support body which may be associated in a radially slideable manner with the said wheel or wheels having a predetermined number, a body having a head mounted to oscillate at the radially outermost end of the said support body about an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the said wheel(s), operating means supported by the said headed body so as to be able to oscillate about axes parallel to the axis of rotation of the said oscillating headed body, and control means causing the said support body to slide radially with respect to the rotary wheel which supports it and causing the said head and the said operating means to oscillate so as to bring these latter means to operate with a continuous movement along a path having sections with a mixed course and to maintain them in constant orientation along and relative to these path sections.

Abstract: An apparatus for the sequential supply of sweets or like articles to a continuously moving packing machine or apparatus of the type designed to convey the articles to be wrapped along a wrapping path or line having a mixed course comprising at least one horizontal rectilinear line. This supply apparatus is of the type having a construction with superimposed wheels which rotate coaxially with a continuous movement about a vertical axis, comprising a first upper plate wheel designed to receive the articles in bulk and to supply them in single file via a spiral duct to the periphery of a second lower disc wheel provided peripherally with a plurality of apertures which are equally spaced, below each of which are provided means having gripper members for the take up of the articles associated with a lower third wheel such that they are radially slidable and may be oriented about a respective vertical axis.

Abstract: An improved method for forming closed burstable pouches having breakable seals. The method includes selection of a laminated polymeric film which has two principal layers--an outer layer which is responsive, and an inner layer which is non-responsive, to a radio-frequency (RF) welding field, the inner layer being of a biaxially-oriented polymeric material such that its cohesive strength in its thickness direction is less than the cohesive strength of the outer layer. The outer layer has a higher melting point than the inner layer. With two sheets of such material placed with their inner surfaces in contact, the breakable seal is formed by applying an RF welding field for a time and at an intensity to heat the outer layers sufficiently to fuse the inner layers by heat transfer from the outer layers without melting the outer layers and without destroying the biaxially-oriented structure of the inner layer.

Abstract: X ray films are withdrawn from a drawer type magazine positioned above an X ray film cassette unloading station. The films drop down freely from the magazine through a hopper and towards the said X ray cassette. The hopper comprises two substantially U shaped guide elements, one placed opposite the other in such a way as to form two channels along which slide the edges of the two opposite sides of each individual film. One of the elements is fixed, while the other is supported in a sliding fashion by the frame of the machine. The sliding element is able to undergo, in the direction of the fixed guide element, a two way displacement, and is connected to a pusher device provided on the machine for positioning the X ray cassette inserted into the unloading station, up against an abutment member located on the same side of the machine as the fixed guide element.

Abstract: A machine for orienting, accumulating and positioning packages received from two sources for loading into containers has an oscillating member which oscillates between the two sources during which time it both receives packages from one source while participating in loading packages into a container from the other source. Associated with the oscillating member and with each source is an orienting mechanism which rotates packages received from its associated source so that they rest on a common one of their sides, an accumulating mechanism which collects the packages rotated by the orienting mechanism into a group of a predetermined number, a positioning mechanism which positions the grouped packages onto the oscillating member, and a loading mechanism which advances the positioned and grouped packages from the oscillating member into the container.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing sausages or the like comprises a stuffer tube for stuffing sausage dough into a casing, a pump for supplying the sausage dough into the stuffer tube, a casing pusher for propelling the casing, a chuck for receiving the stuffed casing discharged out of an end of the stuffer tube, the chuck being rotatable and frictionally engageable with the stuffed casing, and a linking device coacting with the chuck for twisting the stuffed casing as pushed out of the chuck into a chain of links. There are provided speed changing devices such as conical pulleys and endless belts trained therearound for changing the speeds of operation of the pump and the linking device, respectively. The casing pusher may be actuated either manually or automatically by a fluid cylinder. Manual actuation of the casing pusher permits less rigid collagen casings or irregular animal casings to be propelled without the risk of getting ruptured while being stuffed with sausage batter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for checking the volume of lubricant in the rotary cutterbar of a disc mower-conditioner is disclosed wherein the header of the disc mower-conditioner is provided with a jackstand to affect a tilting of the disc cutterbar at a predetermined angle relative to horizontal. The fill hole for adding lubricant to the cutterbar is positioned such that the volume of the cutterbar vertically below the fill hole when the cutterbar is tilted at the predetermined angle is substantially equal to the recommended volume of lubricant to be carried by the entire disc cutterbar. The proper volume of lubricant for the cutterbar can easily be determined by filling the cutterbar with lubricant up to the fill hole when the cutterbar is tilted at the predetermined angle.

Abstract: Apparatus for picking up cut crop from the ground or from a mower comprises a rotor driven so that the rotor picks up crop and carries the crop upwardly and rearwardly over the rotor. A hood extends over the front of the rotor and defines therewith a crop flow passage along which the crop is conveyed by the rotor. The hood is pivotally mounted by arms to side plates of the frame, and is movable along a predetermined path which is eccentric relative to the axis of the rotor. The hood is movable in response to and by the effect of the crop to effect automatic adjustment of the clearance at the entrance to the crop flow passage. An increased crop load moves the hood upwardly and rearwardly against the effect of gravity and optionally against a biasing spring. In other examples, only a front portion of the hood moves, and this may comprise a transverse roller suspended on a hinge above the entrance to the crop flow passage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for harvesting corn or other cereals with a harvester, particularly a combine attachment for a thresher-harvester, in which the ears of corn or other grains are separated from the plants by way of a single-sided draw of the crop through a gap and is characterized in that a mincing of the crop plants is effected simultaneously with the single-sided draw-through operation. The mincing occurs by a movement of the drawn crop plants relative to a stationary comminution device.