Abstract: A device and method for measuring the steering axis inclination of a steerable wheel is disclosed. The device includes an adaptor for mounting a caster-camber gauge to the wheel in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the wheel. The method includes the steps of moving the wheel between a toe-in position whereat the gauge is calibrated, and a toe-out position whereat the steering axis inclination of the wheel is determined from the gauge.

Abstract: A spirit leveling attachment for a power tool which is universally adjustable relative to the tool so as to enable the tool to be located in anyone of a number of selected positions of angularity and maintained in such position by visual reference to the spirit level. A magnetized support member having a partly spherical recess is mounted on the tool. The spirit level is formed with a partly spherical body member which is accommodated in the recess of the magnetized support member, enabling the body member to be magnetically retained in the recess in selected positions of adjustment relative to the support member.

Abstract: An electronic compass for vehicles comprising at least two magnetic sensors arranged in use to be respectively responsive to orthogonal horizontal 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, data storage means arranged to store signals derived from the sensors as the vehicle is rotated in the horizontal plane during 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 output signals indicative of the bearing appertaining to the heading of the vehicle in which the effects of the spurious magnetic field are compensated for.

Abstract: The system of the present invention provides an electrical digital compass for use in a vehicle which includes a unique compensation and variation correction control which is readily set by the vehicle operator with the operation of push-button switches. The electrical display system and circuitry includes a microprocessor for comparing the information from a magnetic field sensor when the vehicle is aligned in a magnetically known direction and for providing a correction signal to assure the displayed output corresponds to the predetermined magnetic field alignment. In areas where magnetic variation is significant, the system generates, stores and processes a correction signal to assure the displayed output corresponds to the true heading of the vehicle. In one embodiment of the invention, a temperature sensor is provided to indicate the ambient temperature in which the vehicle is operating and which is digitally displayed to the operator.

Abstract: Solids comprising a magnetically stabilized fluidized bed are transported in a direction transverse to the flow of the fluidizing fluid exiting the bed by contacting at least a portion of said solids with fluidizing fluid which enters the bed with a velocity component in the direction of solids flow; i.e. the transverse flow direction. In a preferred embodiment, the fluidizing fluid entering the bed is passed through a distribution means containing propulsion passages slanted in the desired direction of solids flow which serve to orient the fluidizing fluid in the transverse flow direction. Use of this invention eliminates the need for the costly and inconvenient pneumatic, hydraulic and mechanical transport devices employed in the prior art. Solids attrition and elutriation are also reduced.

Abstract: Radiant curved walls enclose opposite sides of a central heating chamber within which objects to be heated and dried are placed or passed along a path of travel. An insulated outer housing surrounds the radiant walls and defines, therewith, a pair of outer heating chambers. Heaters, carried by the outer housing, heat the air in the outer chamber and impellers in the outer chamber circulate that air so that it heats the radiant walls. Vents at the bottom portions of the radiant walls release air from the outer chamber to the inner chamber and an exhaust fan removes the air from the inner chamber. Radiation from the radiant walls heat and dry the objects, more than one-half the radiation being of a wave length of 5 microns or greater.

Abstract: A clothes dryer including a housing having a drying chamber, with a perforated clothes drying drum rotatably mounted in the drying chamber. The perforated clothes drying drum is rotated by a belt driven by a motor mounted in the housing, with the motor also driving a blower for drawing air through the perforated drum and drying chamber and for exhausting the air from the housing. The air drawn through the perforated drum and drying chamber is heated by a heater mounted in the housing upstream of the drying chamber. The belt which rotates the drum is directly driven by the motor, with the motor and the drive belt being located within the dryer housing. The belt drive is located in a belt drive chamber of the housing which is a negative pressure zone of the dryer.

Abstract: A shoe having a shock absorber therein. In one embodiment, the shock absorber includes an inflatable member having a hole placing the interior of the inflatable member in fluid communication with the atmosphere. The shock absorber is restrained by a stabilizing structure against lateral instability. The stabilizing structure is in the form of a box of any one of several configurations. During foot strike, air is forced out of the inflatable member to cushion the heel while the stabilizing structure keeps it stable in the shoe. During toe-off of the shoe and swing-through to the foot strike, atmospheric air enters the inflatable member and inflates the same so that the member is ready to cushion the foot during the next foot strike. Several embodiments of the shock absorber are disclosed.

Abstract: An outer sole especially designed for basketball shoes which is lightweight, stable, and provides a greater degree of shock absorption than heretofore possible. The sole includes a plurality of kinetic levers or tread members which extend downwardly and outwardly from the peripheral portion of the bottom of the sole and, together with a relatively stiff, centrally formed pedestal on the inside surface of the sole, define a cantilevered construction that dissipates shock by inducing spreading of the levers laterally outwardly upon foot-induced ground impact. The space between the inner, central pedestal and the side wall of the sole defines a cavity positioned above the respective tread members for facilitating compression and spreading thereof to enhance the shock-dissipating qualities of the sole. The sole also includes a side wall which, together with the upper walls of the tread members, defines a groove. The groove also facilitates compression and spreading of the tread members.

Abstract: A shoe, more especially for patients having undergone a surgical operation on the fore-foot.It comprises an upper (1) open at the front, this upper being formed from two quarters (2) for wrapping round the rear part of the patient's foot and an inner sole (3) resting on a thick sole (4), substantially higher at the front than at the back.

Abstract: A ski boot having a stiff bootleg with an adjustable lateral inclination by means of a semicircular laminar stirrup linked to the bootleg itself and sliding within an appropriate hollow in the heel of the boot, and clamping means provided in the hollow for locking the stirrup in the desired position.

Abstract: An athletic shoe for track and field use, especially a running shoe, is formed in such a way that a flexible running sole is provided only in the area of its running surface and, thus, largely does not exist in the area of the longitudinal arch of the foot, and from the arch area to the heel, the running sole is rendered resistant to distortion by a reinforcement plate. Additionally, in the area of the longitudinal arch of the foot, the running sole has a supporting wall directed diagonally upward toward the inside of the foot that is fitted to the arch of the foot. Thus, a shoe for track and field use is obtained that is extremely light in weight, has high resistance to distortion and supports the foot well.

Abstract: A seam presser including an elongate handle housing circuitry for switching electrical power to a heating element. The heating element conducts heat to a small sole plate which is connected to the handle end by a support means. The sole plate is no wider than the seam to be pressed and is mountable to the support means so that the plane of the sole plate undersurface is angled with respect to the handle, and mountable to the support means at a desired rotational angle with respect to the handle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a picture viewer for viewing a stack of pictures sequentially through a viewing window. The picture viewer comprises a housing member, a slider member, a bias means for urging the stack of pictures against the viewing window, and an exchange means for sequentially changing the picture that is presented at the viewing window. The exchange means comprises: (a) a retentive element to hold one picture in the housing member when the slider member is moved out of the housing member and (b) a separator bar which pushes the remainder of the stack out of the housing when the slider member is moved out of the housing. Alignment means are provided to maintain the separated picture in alignment with the remainder of the stack so that jamming does not occur when the separated picture is returned to the stack.

Abstract: An animated toy for use in conjunction with a vehicle comprising a body member having a pictorial representation of the upper body of a runner thereon, a leg member including plural leg portions resistant to air passing thereby pivotally mounted on the base member adjacent the pictorial representation of the upper body portion of the runner for providing the illusion of the runner running on rotation of the leg member due to air passing the leg member and means for mounting the animated toy on the vehicle on closing of the vehicle window on a support member for the toy.

Abstract: An apparatus for killing fire ants by means of a concussion explosion within the mound of the ants is disclosed. The apparatus includes an elongated shell containing an explosive powder removably mounted at one end of an elongated barrel by means of a holding mechanism. A firing mechanism, is mounted at the opposite end of the barrel for remotely exploding the shell. The outermost part of the shell is tapered to facilitate movement of the shell and the barrel through a wall of the ant mound prior to exploding the shell.

Abstract: The present invention is a further improvement on Marshall et al. U.S. Pat. No. 3,525,172. Herein it is proposed to construct the gun barrel of two sections which are threaded together. The rifled bore of the barrel is terminated at a predetermined point and the smooth bored muzzle portion is threaded into the rifled portion at the juncture point of peak pressure between the two barrel portions. The threaded areas on each of the gun barrel sections are interrupted in a manner that facilitates quick longitudinal assembly and a rotation of the barrels by 90.degree. locks the barrels together.

Abstract: A troll line stabilizer disclosed herein includes a pair of triangular wings with a dihedral angle of about 100 degrees therebetween. A towing rod is connected to the wings at a point so as to create a downward force with respect to the direction of motion.

Abstract: A wearable fishing rod holder has an attachment portion for securing the holder to the user, a base member and a pair of spaced rod receivers. A first rod receiver may have a generally concave, downwardly open configuration and a second rod receiver may have a generally concave upwardly open configuration. The holder is so designed as to permit a fly fishing rod having a reel at or adjacent the butt end of the rod to be secured in the holder by rotational movement and yet be usable with other types of rods.

Abstract: An improved sinker is described for use on a fishing line. The sinker may be adjustably positioned on the line without the need for tying knots in the line or attaching any auxillary connectors to the line. Accordingly, the danger of line breakage is reduced, and the practicality of use is enhanced. The sinker includes a tube member stretched between two points. The line passes through the tube member and is frictionally engaged thereby when the tube is twisted.

Abstract: An animal trap wherein the housing is formed of sheet metal and the trap door is of a mesh construction wherein the animal can in no way gain access to one carrying the trap or one disposed adjacent to the trap. At the same time, the animal may be identified through the open-mesh trap door. The trap door is normally disposed in a recessed position underlying the vertical wall; and, when released by a control mechanism actuated by a trap pan, the door will automatically fall by gravity to a trap-closing position. The door is then locked in this trap-closing position by means of a latch rod which has a roughened or threaded surface which interlocks with a clip. The housing, being formed of sheet metal and being substantially imperforate, may be utilized for the purpose of destroying the animal either by drowning or gassing.

Abstract: A non-tangling trot-line spooling apparatus for spooling a trot-line having a set-line with spaced apart leaders and hooks is disclosed. The spooling apparatus includes a tubular member positioned to one end of the apparatus for securely and safely receiving each hook on the trot-line. The tubular member in combination with a gripping member located to the opposite end defines a spooling area for receiving the set-line as the trot-line is reeled in. The tubular member includes an opening and a slot cut longitudinally to the tubular member to permit the barbed ends of each hook to be inserted into the tubular member and retained in the slot. A sliding member is provided for closing the opening in the tubular member to prevent the inserted hooks from falling out.

Abstract: Improved apparatus is provided for use in applying agricultural chemicals. The apparatus is primarily configured to improve the application of minimal-contact-kill type herbicides to field weeds or the like extending above the tops of a field crop, but also includes provision for the simultaneous application to the field of other agricultural chemicals adapted to be sprayed, such as insecticides, fertilizers or other herbicides. The apparatus is adapted to be mounted on the front of a tractor and includes shiftable frame and support structures for adjusting the height and inclination of the direct engagement or contact type applicator to crop and weed conditions and to terrain conditions, as well as permitting disposition of the normally laterally extending parts of the apparatus in positions to facilitate movement of the apparatus along roads, through gates or the like between uses thereof.

Abstract: Plant watering apparatus comprises a trough incorporating a water reservoir, and a number of separate growing units each of which is removably received within the trough and is provided with a hollow portion which is filled with growing medium and extends into the water reservoir, when the growing unit is installed within the trough, so that water is supplied from the reservoir to the growing unit by capillary action. A ballcock is provided for controlling the water level in the reservoir.

Abstract: A belt grinding machine is described for the grinding of chipboard, fibreboard, faced board for similar boards in which the upper part of the housing can be raised and lowered relative to the lower part of the housing by a lifting device for adaptation to different board thicknesses. Spaced apart distance pieces or spacers are provided between the two parts of the housing to enable the basic board thickness to be selected. In order to ensure that boards of widely varying thicknesses can be machined with a grinding accuracy which meets the highest requirements, even when the boards that are supplied have relatively large thickness variations, a vertically steplessly adjustable clamping element, which is acted on by a pressure fluid, is associated with each spacer. In the lowered state of the upper part of the housing the clamping device clamps the upper part to the lower part with the spacers being trapped therebetween. The pressure of the pressure fluid supplied to the clamping devices is adjustable.

Abstract: A grinding machine including optical detectors for detecting an inclination and a difference of a reference position of the workpiece with respect to a reference position of the grinding machine; an inclinable jig capable of inclining the reference position of the workpiece; controlling members for rotating the inclinable jig; displacement detectors for detecting an inclination of the inclinable jig; and a controlling device for calculating the correction amount of the reference position of the workpiece according to the position information from the optical detectors, providing the control signal to the controlling members in accordance with the calculated value to rotate the inclinable jig, simultaneously receiving the information from the displacement detectors, rotating the inclinable jig until the information from the displacement detectors coincides with the calculated value, and holding the jig.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for cleaning the hard-to-reach lower surfaces of the upper platens of large consolidating presses. The apparatus comprises an upwardly-facing rotary abrasive disk driven by an air motor mounted in a housing having an elongated hollow handle with an operator-controlled air supply valve thereon. The motor housing is slidably mounted on a frame including telescoping height-adjusting legs which extend upwardly from a rectangular base having downwardly extending portions at each end thereof with a roller mounted to extend therebetween to stabilize the apparatus and allow it to be used in even the critical edge portions of presses with safety. Holes in the telescoping legs, adapted to receive self-locking, quick-release pull pins are provided to facilitate adjustment and retention of the apparatus at the desired height.

Abstract: A tool (15) to be ground is mounted in a vertical position to the upper end of a vertically oriented piston (21). The lower end of the piston (21) is received into the open end of a cylinder (22). Radial fluid bearings (28, 29) are pressurized to permit rotational and longitudinal movement of the piston (21) with respect to the cylinder (22). Pressurized fluid is delivered to the piston (21) to exert a force on the piston (21) that nearly counterbalances the combined weight of the piston (21) and the tool (15). Additional fluid pressure or some other suitable force is applied to move the piston (21) and the tool (15) axially upwardly. At the end of the upward stroke, the additional force on the piston (21) is removed to allow said combined weight to move the piston (21) and the tool (15) downwardly. During the upward stroke, the downward stroke, or both the upward and the downward strokes, a grinding wheel (13) is held in a fixed position to contact a side surface of tool (15).

Abstract: An apparatus for polishing a metal article, including a tapered mandrel adapted to be connected to a power source. The tapered mandrel is received within the tapered interior of an expandable hub that is provided with a plurality of longitudinally extending slots. One group of slots extends from one end of the hub and terminates short of the opposite end of the hub, while a second group of slots is spaced between the first slots and extend from the second end of the hub and terminate short of the first end. A series of outwardly projecting longitudinal ribs are located between adjacent slots. The hub is positioned within a resilient sleeve having a plurality of internal longitudinal grooves to receive the ribs, and the outer surface of the sleeve receives an abrasive band. By threading a stud in the outer end of the mandrel, the tapered mandrel is drawn inwardly of the hub to expand the hub and firmly secure the abrasive band to the sleeve.

Abstract: This invention relates to a ridge tile which defines a ventilating gap between the outside surface of that end portion of the tile which is overlapped in the roof and the inside surface of the overlapping end portion of the adjacent ridge tile in that its end portion which is overlapped in the roof has a flat surface and the lower portions of the outside surface of its overlapped end portion define a clearance with the inside surface of the overlapping end portion of the adjacent ridge tile. It is an object of the invention to provide a ventilating ridge tile which is of the kind defined first hereinbefore and together with an adjacent ventilating ridge tile of the same kind defines a larger effective ventilating cross-sectional area whereas the external size and shape of the ventilating ridge tile are substantially preserved and the universal usability of the ventilating ridge time in a mortar bed or with unbonded joints on roof pane tiles or ridge-adjoining tiles is obstructed or reduced.

Abstract: A container assembly for rapid erection of portable buildings meets the following requirements: it is transportable by a single truck tractor, has dimensions which are customary and permissible for highway transport, and may be quickly erected on-site by simple means, whereby its floor space in the use mode is multiplied over that in the transporting mode and comprises two side containers swingably linked to a central container on the two longitudinal sides of the central container, whereby said side containers swing inwardly to fit one into the other and over the central container. When the assembly is in the swung-in transporting and storing position the available floor space is reduced to approximately one-third of that in the swung-out use position. The container assembly is particularly advantageous for use as a mobile hospital.

Abstract: A seat plate for protecting wooden structural members against structural damage due to crushing, as well as the effects of moisture, humidity and the like. The plate member includes a pair of mutually perpendicular planar members and, in one embodiment, is in the form of a flat sheet metal plate which is bent along a fold line to provide first and second planar plate portions intersecting each other at right angles. One of the plate portions has a dimension in a direction perpendicular to the fold line which is substantially greater than the dimension of the other plate portion in a direction perpendicular to the fold line. The smaller of the two plate portions has a plurality of teeth struck therein to provide a means of attaching the seat plate member to the wooden structural member.

Abstract: A heat insulation structure for rooftops, coated with a waterproof layer, including: a plurality of heat insulation panels; a plurality of protective panels; and devices, supported on the waterproof layer, for supporting the insulation panels so that an air gap is formed between the waterproof layer and the insulation panels to form an air layer and for supporting the protective panels so that the protective panels are positioned above the insulation panels, the insulation panels being arranged in a side by side relation to thereby form an insulation layer, and the protective panels being arranged in a side by side relation to thereby form a protective layer.

Abstract: A support system for a building structure having a foundation formed of a plurality of spaced, parallel support beams wherein each support member includes a planar base having a vertically extending support member which is threaded around its periphery, an elongated thrust member wherein the center thereof is formed into a hollowed-out central area having its interior wall thereof threaded to coact in response to rotation between the vertically extending support member and the elongated thrust member has at least two protruding members extending from the rim thereof, a bottom member having a vertically extending portion which is adapted to receive the elongated thrust member mounted on the vertically extending support member and wherein the bottom member has a pair of aligned base tabs positioned adjacent the planar base, an elongated sleeve member which is adapted to be inserted into the vertically extending portion of the bottom member and wherein the elongated sleeve has two slots which are adapted to rece

Abstract: Horizontally adjacent curtain wall units are supported by a fastener on a building skeleton frame. The fastener includes a first fastener member adjustably fastened to the building frame and a second fastener member adjustably attached to the first fastener member and having a slot and a bearing element. The curtain wall units include confronting vertical frame members with brackets fastened thereto, respectively. One of the brackets has an arm engaging in the slot and the other bracket also has an arm movably supported on the bearing element. The bearing element may comprise a roller or a ball for allowing the other bracket and hence the vertical frame member attached thereto to move in a horizontal direction parallel to the curtain wall units.

Abstract: A modular building construction system that utilizes hexagonal-shaped floor and ceiling members and rectangular wall members. Window and door type openings may be provided in the wall members of each six-sided room thus formed within the structural integrity limits of the system members. The hexagonal shape of the floor and ceiling members provides an interlocking effect between adjacent floor and ceiling members that results in increased resistance to lateral forces as compared to standard rectangular floor patterns in conventional modular building constructions.

Abstract: A panel system for walls, ceilings, and the like is disclosed in which the panels are provided with a flexible surface material which extends into resilient means that operate to press the surface material of adjacent panels into face-to-face contact to provide a closed, neat joint between adjacent panels. Because of the resiliency along the joints, brackets, screws, and the like may be inserted through the joints and secured to the panel supporting frame structure without damage to the panel materials. Subsequently, if the brackets, screws, and the like are removed, the resilient means returns the flexible sheet material into the face-to-face abutting condition, re-establishing the closed joint and concealing the fact that anything had previously been inserted through the joint. In some embodiments, the surface sheet material is provided with a loose flap which is inserted into the resilient means after the panels are installed.

Abstract: A metal clad foam-filled fabricated door panel utilizes scrap metal generated in another product line to form a simulated stile and rail door having a very realistic appearance. The stile and rail metal cladding components are mechanically held together by swedging until wooden framing elements are installed and glazing is completed. Foaming of the panel is then carried out and all components are strongly bonded in assembled relationship by the cured foam.

Abstract: Fastening devices are disclosed for firmly securing a batten cap to a standing seam connecting metal panels side by side. Each fastening device has a bight portion and a pair of opposed, spaced, resiliently yieldable legs with a slot therebetween and an entrance opening in the bottom. The legs have inside wall surface portions including opposed, inside, intermediate projections defining a skewed slot section with force-applying surface portions, as well as a top surface portion and a bottom surface portion that bear against the seam at different contact points to prevent slippage of the body on the seam. A locking surface portion bears against an overhanging surface portion of the seam to prevent the body from being pulled from the seam. The legs have oppositely disposed retaining grooves in the bottom to receive and hold the inturned flanges of a batten cap that snaps down over a plurality of said devices on the standing seam.

Abstract: A system wall or system ceiling comprising a number of supporting girders suspended from the structure of the building and to which slabs are mounted substantially extending perpendicular to the girders, the girders being provided with outwardly or downwardly protruding clamping feet engaging one or more slits, cut into the upper or back side of the slabs.

Abstract: Panels are secured to a substantially flat or convex surface by means of hooks which are attached to the surface at opposite ends of a panel. The hooks are dimensioned so as to terminate at a level beneath the level of the outer surface of the panel and a band of fabric material is positioned on each of the hooks by means of a loop formed substantially at the mid-point of the band, the band also having a loop at each end thereof. The panel is secured to the flat or convex surface by means of springs which are attached to the free ends of the bands and by means of a strap which extends between the springs.

Abstract: A single-ply roofing system comprising parallel strips of membrane (10) laid on a roof deck (14) with at least one side edge of each strip secured to the deck by mechanical fasteners (16), the side edges of contiguous strips being bonded together, each strip having transverse membrane flaps (11) secured to its undersurface at longitudinal intervals and the flaps being secured to the deck by mechanical fasteners (16).

Abstract: An inexpensive, modular, partition system is provided by panels which include a generally rectangular body and connector members on opposed sides of the body and integral therewith. Each connector member includes female and male elements joined together by a stop element which is generally perpendicular to the body. The panels may be connected to one another to form a wall by either an abutting type or overlapping type connection. In the abutting type connection, one connector member of one panel interlocks with a connector member of the other panel and the female and male elements come into mating engagement with each other, with the stop elements of each member abutting each other. In the overlapping type connection, the ends of adjacent panels overlap each other and the male elements of each connector member are secured to the body of an opposing panel.

Abstract: A truss system component comprising upper and lower chord members, a plurality of first strut members extending between the chord members for maintaining the chords in vertically spaced apart relation, the upper and lower chord members providing pin connections for pivotally connecting said first strut member to the lower chord at substantially equally spaced points along the chord, and a plurality of second strut members extending between the chord members for maintaining the chords in vertically spaced apart relation, each of the second struts being at its lower end pivotally connected to one of the first strut members at each of the first points along the lower chord and at its upper end being pivotally connected to the upper chord member at substantially equally spaced second points therealong.

Abstract: Apparatus for sealing a liquid package made of paper coated with plastic on at least one surface including a pair of extending fingers that can be inserted in the open end of the package to flatten the top edges thereof into a single strip; a pair of welding jaws to seal the top folded seam strip; and drive mechanisms to operate the fingers and jaws. Each extending finger is flat at its engaging end with the package, the narrow edges of which are rounded in cross section, with its longitudinal axis initially perpendicular to the top of the folded seam strip. The fingers are driven down and out to flatten the top edges and form an elongated seam strip whereafter the welding jaws, driven synchronously with the movement of the fingers, seal and strip the seam strip off the extending fingers.

Abstract: A method of forming and holding a stack of bags where the bags are of a type and filled with a material to be vulnerable to dislodgement if the stack is too high the method including the steps of confining the stack during the building of the stack by leaves projecting vertically up each side of the stack, tightening the sleeve around the stack thus built including the leaves, and then withdrawing the leaves.There are further features of one of the leaves being dismountable in sections to assist in building the stack and the further step in the method for holding the leaves together by disposable cords to resist upper spreading of the leaves during the building of the stack.

Abstract: A machine and method for loading irregularly shaped articles into cartons. The packages are collected from an input conveyor into partial carton loads which are combined into a complete carton load which is moved into an inverted opened carton which is then turned over and moved to further machinery for flap closing and sealing.

Abstract: Articles to be packaged are introduced at a constant rate into a continuous length of heat sealable film which is being folded into approximately tubular shape while being fed at a speed selected in accordance with the size of the articles. The side edges of the folded film are heat sealed over the successive articles received therein at longitudinal spacings. A package conveyor receives the side sealed film, together with the articles contained therein, for transporting the same along a linear track between an upper sealer conveyor carrying a series of heater bar assemblies and a lower sealer conveyor carrying a series of anvil bar and cutter assemblies. The heater bar assemblies and the anvil bar and cutter assemblies coact to engage therebetween the side sealed film, at points intermediate the articles received therein, and to cut the film, at the entrance end of the package conveyor.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for controlling a bag forming, filling and sealing machine by monitoring the machine cycle and controlling the jaw closure mechanism based on a previously determined jaw closed point. If the jaw closed indication is received prior to the previous value plus offset, the sealing cycle continues normally and all functions interlocked to jaw closed position such as knife, impulse, etc. are allowed to function normally. If the jaw closed signal is not received prior to the previous value plus offset the jaw close function is inhibited signifying a jam condition and the interlocked functions such as knife, impulse, etc. are inhibited. This function is independent of any external adjustment and serves as a safety device in all modes.

Abstract: Apparatus having a plurality of controlled overlapping chain drives, each chain drive containing a plurality of raised members for receiving collated stacks of mailing literature and conveying the literature over their successive paths in synchrony with a collating assembly to a film wrapping assembly coupled at the opposite end thereof. Independently hinged overlying hold-down assemblies prevent the collating material from curling or otherwise becoming disassembled before wrapping in a film wrapper or in a paper wrapper.