Abstract: The present invention relates to a dial indication type measuring instrument in which a shift in position of a needle can be easily corrected.A driving pinion for driving the needle is biased by a spring provided on a dial indicating portion to be normally meshingly engaged with a rack provided in a main scale. Movably inserted through and held in a slider is a releasing pin, the forward end of which is engaged with said driving pinion. When this releasing pin is pushed in or pulled out, the driving pinion can be released from the rack against the biasing force of the spring, and, when the slider is moved in the above-described state, a shift in position of the needle can be corrected.

Abstract: A micrometer wherein two or more spindles are disposed on one and the same axis, a spindle in contact with a workpiece to be measured is made unrotatable and a thimble is reduced in diameter.This micrometer comprising a main body (1, 101), a first spindle (15) threadably coupled to the main body and integrally rotatably connected to the thimble (17) and a second spindle (46, 146) connected to the first spindle (15) through a connecting mechanism (70, 150), the connecting mechanism (70, 150) including a contact member (61, 161) and a bearing (53, 153) for transmitting only the axial movement of the first spindle (15) to the second spindle (46, 146).

Abstract: The device of the invention comprises a stationary member, a moveable member adjacent to said stationary member, indicator means attached to the moveable member for contacting a work piece, said indicator means being moveable through a substantially 360 degree arc in a plane substantially perpendicular to the center axis of the machine drive member, fixing means for alternatively permitting or preventing movement of the moveable member relative to the stationary member, and locating means on said moveable member and on said stationary member for indicating the relative position of the moveable member to the stationary member in each quadrant of that arc.The method of the invention comprises four steps in which the work piece is centered with respect to a machine tool drive member along two perpendicular axes.

Abstract: A probe for checking linear dimensions of mechanical parts comprises a support, a movable arm carrying a feeler adapted for contacting the part to be checked and an integral member coupled to the movable arm and the support. The member includes a first portion fixed to the movable arm a second portion fixed to the support and an intermediate portion having two sections with reduced thickness which define two axes of mutual rotation of the first and second portion. An electrical circuit closed under rest conditions comprises two pairs of electrical contacts which are opened in consequence of displacements of the movable arm along opposite directions or of an axial displacement of the arm.

Abstract: A system for producing precise angular measurements in order to accurately configure an object, such as a wing rib, to be fit within a cavity, such as a wing. This system includes a device for measuring the interior angular measurements of the sides of the cavity and a device for measuring the exterior angular measurements of the sides of the object to be fit therein. Once these angular measurements are made, the exterior angle measuring device is made to encompass the interior angle measuring device. Any difference in space therebetween is related to the difference in angular size between the sides of the object and the cavity into which it is fit. Appropriate size adjustment of the object can then be readily made.

Abstract: A universal dowel pin system (10) for properly aligning any one of a plurality of workpiece fixtures (12) relative to a machine tool table (14) comprises a dowel pin (20) which has a square-shaped base section (22) adapted to be dimensionally customized so that the width dimension thereof is substantially the same as the width dimension of the space defined between the sidewalls (18) of the machine tool table T-slot (16), while the upper pin section (24) of the dowel pin (20) has a diametrical dimension which is substantially the same as the uniform or standardized diametrical dimension of a bore (30) which may be defined within an insert (28) or directly defined within the particular workpiece fixture (12).

Abstract: A shaft alignment device for use in aligning two opposed, rotatable shafts connected by a shaft coupling is disclosed, having magnetic base portions adaptable for mounting on the shafts, hubs, or on auxiliary structures secured to the shafts or hubs. The device includes fixed bracket members with pivotally mounted swivel blocks therein. Extension beams project across the coupling from each swivel block to a reference surface on the facing bracket, and measurement indicators measure the degree of deflection of the swivel blocks. A leveling device indicates the relative position of the alignment devices for taking measurements at 0.degree., 90.degree., 180.degree., and 270.degree., and the coordinates obtained are used to plot the aligned positions of the shafts.

Abstract: The present invention is a latch face template which is used to guide a hand-held router in order to cut an opening for a latch face in the side of a door. The latch face template includes a rectangular base which has a top surface and a bottom surface and which also has a rectangular slot. A width varying mechanism varies the width of the rectangular slot and is mechanically coupled to the rectangular base. A guide stop controls the length of the opening for the latch face. A position varying mechanism varies the position of the latch face template on the side of the door. A securing mechanism secures the rectangular base to the door.

Abstract: A thread gauge which attaches to a vernier caliper to measure the thread pitch diameter of both externally threaded and internally threaded parts. A pair of anvils are externally threaded with threads having the same pitch as those of the threaded part. Each anvil is mounted on a stem having a ball on which the anvil can rotate to properly mate with the parts to which the anvils are applied. The stems are detachably secured to the caliper blades by attachment collars having keyhole openings for receiving the stems and caliper blades. A set screw is used to secure each collar on its caliper blade.

Abstract: An archery bow adjustable scope mount having a pivot for a mounting and arm on a bow and thereby positioning the scope on the arm in either an operative or a storage position. The scope is adjustable in both the vertical plane, for accommodating various preferences or sizes of archers, and it is adjustable in its focal aspects. Once the adjustments are made, the arm and scope can be swung between the operative and inoperative positions without further adjustments. The scope itself can be focally adjusted by means of a fast lead screw and without the requirement for visually observing the adjustment procedure which can be made by feel or sound.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with an apparatus for generating steam and ozone, i.e. ozonized steam in a controllable quantity for the treatment of both skin and hair, wherein the steam generating boiler communicates at least by means of a nozzle with a mixing ozoning chamber wherein an ozone generating lamp is positioned. In addition to the steam and ozone generation, the apparatus is provided with means for generating a cold and hot air flow, to be connected and controlled independently from the steam and ozone generation.The above apparatus is used in combination with a hair-dryer to be used for hair treatments, in the inside thereof means are provided for supplying and spreading in a suitable manner, the steam and ozone mixture generated by the above mentioned apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing device in a cylinder drier, intended for incorporation in a paper machine and including a plurality of cylinders arranged in two substantially parallel rows (1a,1b), the paper web (2) being trained serpentine about said cylinder during drying, said web being carried by an endless porous Fourdrinier drier (3) adapted for pressing the web against the cylinder surfaces in one row of cylinders and situated between the paper web and the cylinder surfaces in the other row. Two shielding members (7,15) being disposed in the space restricted by the wire and an intermediate cylinder surface on that cylinder which the wire and the web come onto and leave. Said shielding members facing the wire and extending substantially in parallel with and close to the wire and over the entire width of the web.

Abstract: Apparatus for the heat treatment of lasted shoe uppers, e.g. for use in the curing of moisture-curable adhesive applied to the periphery of a shoe bottom. The apparatus comprises a treatment station (2), a conveyor belt (4) and drive means therefor, the belt being adapted to progressively present portions of lasted shoe uppers to the treatment station, and support means for the belt. The conveyor belt (4) comprises one or more rows of slots (10) extending in the direction of movement of the conveyor belt, each slot (10) being so dimensioned that a lasted shoe upper can be supported bottom up by the conveyor belt (4) with the last cone projecting into the slot. The support means preferably comprises two portions, the first portion comprising lands (16) by which the belt (4) is supported adjacent the or each row of slots (10) and a trough aligned with said path of movement, and the second portion comprising a continuous support surface (20).

Abstract: An athletic shoe with an adjustable width, adjustable tension "speedlace" closure system is disclosed. The system comprises a serpentine closure element body with relatively wide shoelace openings at different widths across the throat of the shoe, shoelace holes which frictionally grip a shoelace threaded therethrough, and a guide ridge on the shoelace openings.

Abstract: An automatic ironing press comprising a bedplate (2), a fixed ironing plate (3) fastened to said bedplate, a pressing arm (4) swingably mounted onto said bedplate (2), and an ironing plate (6), heated and pivotally mounted to the arm (4), wherein an assembly of toggle levers (13, 14, 16) cooperating with a toothed sector (7) driven by motor means, is provided. The toggle assembly is provided with spring means (18) and causes the arm (4) to be closed with a constant pressing force, independently from the thickness of the material undergoing the ironing operation.

Abstract: A multiframe apparatus includes a main frame for displaying four subframes in an attractive grouping. Each subframe is capable of standing independently supported by a removable stand. A collector plate or other similar item is framed within the subframe field. The four subframes include locking grooves in their sides and are arrangeable in a square pattern in the display field of the main frame. A slidable locking key passes through an aperture in the bottom of the main frame and engages the grooves in the four subframes so that they are locked securely in the main frame. The main frame includes a removable stand so that the multiframe apparatus can stand by itself. Alternatively the apparatus can be hung by a bracket from a wall. The multiframe apparatus allows the user to easily and selectively choose between displaying small items individually in the subframes or displaying the items as a collection by displaying all the subframes in the main frame.

Abstract: A display letter mounting arrangement for use in an open face sign having a flat forward, or display, surface is disclosed. Each letter, or alphanumeric character, is provided on an individual flat panel which is inserted between generally horizontally oriented, parallel, upper and lower tracks. A high contrast, or illuminated, background screen is provided aft of the planar arrangement of letter panels which are positioned immediately adjacent one another. Each panel includes an opaque partition secured to a lateral edge of the panel along the length thereof so as to be positioned between immediately adjacent panels on the sign in an overlapping manner. Each partition, or inter-panel strip, has a cross section in the form of an "h", with the recessed portion thereof securely attached to the lateral edge of a panel permitting the extended portion of the partition to engage and overlap the proximal edge portion of an immediately adjacent panel.

Abstract: A poster display, subject to out-of-door wind forces that will develop substantial overturning forces against the poster display, is provided with a self-righting feature by using a hollow support base, with a convex support side, that is ballasted by a flowable ballast material such as water, and upon which base, an upright, wind-catching, panel is mounted to project away from said convex support side. The base and panel are molded of inexpensive plastics. The base and panel may be formed as separate parts, or as an integral assemblage. In one preferred construction the base and panel are separate parts, have interfitting tongue and socket means provided on adjacent portions of the two parts. The panel is preferably provided with transverse edge flange means that bound the region adapted to receive a removable display sheet thereonto.

Abstract: A trigger actuator is used to reduce the pulling force required to fire a gun. A fulcrum is mounted to the trigger guard just below and forwardly of the tip of the trigger, and a lever, pivoted either on the fulcrum or onto an attachment connected to the trigger itself, can be pulled to fire the gun, requiring a small fraction of the force required to pull the trigger directly.

Abstract: A fishing lure having a container with a cavity for containing bait which can be seen and smelled by fish from the exterior thereof, the container having a sliding door which can be slid open for inserting the bait and having a swivel hook with an upper portion connected to the container and with a lower portion with a barbed leg for catching the fish and with a swivel connection for connecting the lower portion to the upper portion to prevent twisting thereof.

Abstract: A mousetrap includes a liquid-containing tank and a housing removably positioned on the tank, the housing defining two trap chambers having drop floor sections. A gate which is movable by a motor is movably positioned to cover the opening into one or the other of the trap chambers. When a mouse enters the open trap chamber to eat bait and contacts a sensor of a microswitch, the motor causes the gate to move and trap the mouse in the trap chamber, concurrently causing the drop floor section to be released. The weight of the mouse causes the drop floor to pivot downwardly, resulting in the mouse being dropped in the tank therebelow and drowning. The other trap chamber is in the meantime opened for trapping another mouse and causing it to become drowned.

Abstract: The apparatus includes an elongated hollow body with exposed portions of wick extending along the body and having inner portions extending into the body through openings of the body. Each end of an exposed portion is peripherally sealed with respect to the body opening through which it extends, and inner portions of the wick communicate with a chemical in the body. Exposed portions of the wick span the length of the body and the chemical is applied by moving the body horizontally across a field in a direction transverse to its length. The wick material can be braided nylon rope, and the body can be made of any selected length for multi-row application of the chemical.

Abstract: Method of treating a soil particularly for maintaining or increasing the percentage of organic matter therein. This method which is carried out by simple surface composting, after spreading shredded forest residue and animal manure, is very interesting in that it associates the use of an agricultural technique known for its simplicity and low cost with the use of two basic materials produced each year in enormous quantities as industrial by-products for which no disposal means have been found.

Abstract: A plant container including a main container (10) and a reservoir tray (12) for receiving fluids. The main container (10) has a plurality of orifices (14) disposed in the bottom thereof. The reservoir tray (12) is rotatable about a member (16) and has a plurality of conduit members (22) disposed thereon. When the conduit members (22) are aligned with the orifices (14), fluid is allowed to pass from the main container (10) through conduits (24) to the exterior thereof. By rotating the reservoir tray (12) to either alignment with the orifices (14) or to a position in alignment with concave depressions (26), fluid can be either drained from the soil or stored in the reservoir tray (12).

Abstract: A latch for a pivotal window sash used in a double-hung window assembly. The latch is mounted internally in a sash frame member with its latch bolt protruding from the sash to engage in the guide rail of the master frame jamb of the window assembly. There is a finger manipulative control button external of the sash frame for releasing the bolt from said guide rail so that the window sash can be pivoted. The latch bolt is mounted under spring tension to maintain the bolt normally in a locked position.

Abstract: A guide device for sliding windows of motor vehicles includes a channel-shaped weather strip fixed to the body of the motor vehicle along one side of the window and provided with a rigid core and a pair of converging lips which cooperate with the opposite surface of the glass. A runner is fixed to the edge of glass and cooperates slidingly with the rigid core of the weather strip. The rigid core is at least partially embedded in the body of the weather strip and has first and second limbs extending respectively in correspondence with the base wall of the weather strip and that side wall of the weather strip facing inwardly of the motor vehicle. The second limb also has a bent appendage the end of which lies approximately in the median longitudinal plane of the weather strip. The zone of convergence of the lips of the weather strip lies in an intermediate plane between the longitudinal median plane and the side wall of the weather strip facing outwardly of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: Grinding control methods and apparatus pertaining generally to maintaining the shape and sharpness of a grinding wheel, despite the tendency of the wheel face to deteriorate from the desired shape and sharpness, as grinding of a given workpiece or a succession of workpieces proceeds. Generally, as a common denominator of the novel features disclosed, a "conditioning element" is brought into rubbing contact with the face of the grinding element under specially controlled and unique conditions to (i) restore the desired shape (conventionally called truing), or (ii) to establish the desired degree of sharpness (conventionally called "dressing") or to accomplish both (i) and (ii) simultaneously. The methods and apparatus disclosed include creating the aforesaid controlled rubbing contact either while the grinding wheel is free of grinding contact with a workpiece or simultaneously while grinding is occurring, and then either continuously or intermittently.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement for a rainwater gutter assembly is disclosed which acts to substantially prevent the passage of water between a gutter of the assembly and its generally adjacent supporting surface. The sealing arrangement comprises a unitary, elongated sealing strip including a flexible sealing lip portion adapted to sealingly engage the associated surface, and a joining portion adapted to receive an upper edge portion of the gutter. Notably, the sealing strip preferably comprises a co-extrusion of materials exhibiting differing flexibility. In this manner, the sealing lip of the strip is formed of a relatively flexible material, while the joining portion of the strip preferably comprises a relatively rigid material.

Abstract: An adjustable mounting arrangement is disclosed which facilitates mounting of a rainwater gutter assembly in its proper horizontal disposition on a fascia board or like supporting surface which is inclined with respect to the vertical. The mounting arrangement is adapted to be positioned generally between the supporting surface and the associated gutter, and includes a base portion adapted to be affixed to the supporting surface. The arrangement further includes a pad portion adapted to abut and mate with the base portion in any one of a plurality of relative positions. For secure cooperation of the elements, the mating surfaces of the base and pad portions are preferably of complemental, arcuate configurations, with first and second interengagable teeth respectively provided on the base and pad portions for securely maintaining them in the selected one of their plurality of relative positions.

Abstract: A ground anchor for channel posts has an angle iron leg driven into the ground with a creased upright fin shroud strip or strap embracing the apex or corner of the angle iron at the trailing end of the leg and secured to the ends of the sides of the angle iron providing a V-shaped socket or barrel. The channel post straddles the angle iron with its side legs bottomed on the sides of the angle iron and a compression member bottomed on the strip forces the channel post against the angle iron to spread the legs of the post into tight gripping relation with the angle iron locking the post in the socket. The socket is open-ended and the post can slide over the angle iron leg to any desired depth so that a sign mounted on top of the post can be positioned at a selected height above the ground. The angle iron is driven into the ground to a depth sufficient to bury the shroud strip so that the post is the only portion of the assembly projecting above the ground.

Abstract: A prior art type of restaurant seating includes a longitudinal row of laterally extending consecutive seating stations delineated by and individually accessible from parallel longitudinal aisles. The invention herein discloses means for additionally employing such prior art restaurant seating in a condition where an individual seating station might be temporarily converted into a pair of laterally shorter seating zones to accommodate two small dining groups in a private and aesthetic setting. The convertible restaurant seating includes an upright partition extending medially longitudinally through the row of seating stations, the partition having a view-way in lateral registry with each consecutive dining table and which view-way can be temporarily closed-off with apt closure means.

Abstract: An awning window frame is disclosed which defines a supporting shelf positioned to support a rigid glazing pane, such as glass. The frame defines a ridge extending over the support surface in a spaced relationship thereto, and this ridge is shaped and configured to retain a beading strip. The beading strip fits between the ridge and the supporting shelf in order to conceal the junction between rigid glazing pane and the shelf. When it is desired to use the window frame with a flexible glazing sheet, such as a plastic sheet, the beading and pane are removed and the sheet is held in place on the window frame by means of a channel and spline arrangement. In some preferred embodiments, the channel is defined in the supporting shelf such that the window frame serves to support both the flexible glazing sheet and the rigid glazing pane in the same plane.

Abstract: This invention relates to an interior drainage formed in a channel extrusion for a door frame insert having a combination of glass and screen members wherein the interior of the upper frame structure drains downwardly and the bottom horizontal member of the frame has an interior tiered construction which receives the moisture from above and has mitred corners whereby the respective tiers drain downwardly and underlying the ends of the bottom tier hidden from view are drain passages to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A prefabricated building unit is formed as an integrally moulded body of fibre-reinforced concrete. The body has a wall, a beam extending along the top or bottom of the wall, and a floor or roof extending from the beam perpendicularly to the wall at the bottom or top thereof respectively. The beam is reinforced by reinforcing bars extending there along and an elongated reinforcing member extending helically around the reinforcing bars.

Abstract: An outside longitudinal corner construction of wallboard panels includes a framing member of the rectangular wooden stud or C-shaped sheet metal channel type, an edging member which is essentially T-shaped in cross-section or of a modified shape and a pair of wallboard panels fitted to the edging member and held to the framing member in such a way that a flap of covering fabric or sheet, as of a prefinished wallboard panel, or a part of the cover paper of such a panel, which cover material had the wallboard core and back removed from it, is wrapped around the edging member T cross-bar and held in position by the other wallboard panel. Thus, the edging member is concealed by the cover material, which is wrapped around it, and the corner construction matches in appearance the rest of the wallboard, with only one discontinuity along the length of the corner on one side thereof, and such is not conspicuous.

Abstract: Window frames and sashes are molded of fabricated fibrous wool impregnated with a binder and coated with a resin which soaks into the surface to form a strong protective skin.

Abstract: A ceiling panel support system in which framed panels are supported by slideable generally "U" shaped brackets at opposite sides of each panel, one leg of each bracket being generally hook-shaped to provide an undersupport for one edge of the panel by engagement with an overhanging portion of the frame extending above the panel and the other leg being arranged to make interlocking engagement with clips slideable in a track at the edge of the frame of an adjacent panel, the clips being moveably positioned on the frame of an adjacent panel for snap supporting engagement thereof. A panel is installed in the system by first hanging the panel vertically from two or more brackets aligned along the edge of the position in which it is to be installed whereupon it can be pivotally swung into installed position in clip-snapped engagement with brackets aligned above the opposite edge of the panel. In addition, the system allows support of panels in any of a wide range of orientations from vertical to horizontal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fixation devices, on a wall structure, and at a distance of said structure, of a facing made of the assembly of a number of modular plates.The plates are provided with two series of metallic hooking means rigidly connected with the plate along lines parallel to the top and bottom edges, the hooks of said means opening downwardly and supporting elements fixed to the wall and having two parallel horizontal hooking edges turned upwardly, the hooks of the metallic hooking means being conformed so as to cooperate with said hooking edges.

Abstract: A frame for a door or window with at least one brace, manufactured from hollow, preferably heat-insulated composite sections. A filler is positioned at the butt joint between a frame section and a brace section. The filler matches the contours of a groove in the frame section. The filler extends into the brace section. The filler has an intermediate filler slot that extends parallel to the axis of the brace section. The filler also has a filler bore that extends parallel to the axis of the frame section and empties into the filler slot. Putty is forced into the filler bore and slot to seal off the butt joint from the front of the frame.

Abstract: In a horizontal packaging machine for wrapping and sealing articles with flexible films, a servo control system for maintaining synchronism between the finwheel drive, the in-feed conveyer and the cut-off knife assembly so that proper registration of the graphic art work on the packaged article is achieved. The finwheels are driven by a D.C. motor whose armature windings are connected to the output of a servo amplifier. A master tachometer driven by the horizontal wrapper's drive motor provides a voltage which is directly proportional to the angular velocity of that drive motor. The output from the master tachometer is passed through a calibrating network and into a first input of the servo amplifier circuit. A second tachometer is coupled to the finwheel shaft and produces a feedback signal proportional to the angular velocity of the finwheels. The feedback signal is applied to the second input of the servo amplifier and functions to control the D.C. current driving the finwheel drive motor.

Abstract: An automatic X-ray film unloading and loading apparatus is actuated by sensing indicia on the cassette to perform various operations on the cassette and/or the film therein.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved folding and loading mechanism for small, limp, sheet-like articles. A pair of pivotal support trays are biased to form a horizontal platform, upon which each sheet-like article is placed and then folded by pivoting flippers. After folding, a propulsion mechanism moves from a rest position and pushes the support trays out of the way and further pushes the folded article into a carton residing below the platform. Upon return of the propulsion mechanism to a rest position, the biasing on the support trays returns them to again form the horizontal platform. The propulsion mechanism can be a separate stomper member positioned above the platform.

Abstract: A coin crimper for curling open end edges of packages with coins packed therein includes a package receiving opening, curling apparatus for curling the open end edges of the packages inserted in the opening and driving apparatus for rotatively driving the curling apparatus. According to the invention, the coin crimper comprises package receiving opening diameter changing apparatus for changing a diameter of the package receiving opening depending upon kinds of coins and hence packages of the coins, and curling position changing apparatus for changing a curling position where the open end edges of the packages are curled depending upon the coins, thereby enabling packages of coins having different diameters to be curled by the single coin crimper.

Abstract: A plant for wrapping a cylindrical article includes means (6,7) for carrying and rotating the article relative a supply (1) for a web (71) of wrapping material, means (5,6,10,17) for applying the end of the material web (71) to the article, and parting means (2,29,22) for parting the web (7) at the termination of a wrapping operation. An endless belt (5) runs over two end pulleys (6,10) and is in contact with the envelope surface of the article at a first end pulley (6) of the belt. The other end pulley (10) is arranged at a distance from the article. The supply unit (1) is arranged to carry the web-like material (71) in the form of a coil (8) and includes a clamp roll (17) for the material web, said roll being movable to and from the belt (5) and normally disposed at a distance from the belt. The parting means includes a knife (29) situated between the clamp roll (17) and the first end pulley (6) of the belt at a distance above the part of the belt (5) and facing towards the web (71).

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture is disclosed which involves capturing portions of thermosealing packaging material such as film, stretching the film portions over the article to define isolated annuluses of contacting film, and severing the captured film portions together in isolated areas of the film for providing an annular seal about the article thereby providing a packaged article with the film and the annular seal tightly stretched over and conforming to the shape of the article. If the article is a living article such as a grapefruit, the packaging material is a gas permeable film which minimizes moisture migration from the article and from the package while permitting gases to diffuse into and out of the package slowing down the catabolistic destruction of the living article and resulting in greatly extended shelf life of the article.

Abstract: A stretch wrapping apparatus and process for wrapping and sealing random-sized loads, in which the load is surrounded with a plurality of tube forming support members which extend along the length of the load. A conveyor directly beneath the load supports the load and preferably incorporates at least one upper and one lower endless belt, rotating so that the upper surface of the upper belt and the lower surface of the lower belt are both carried in the same downstream direction at the same speed. The tube forming support members converge to the load with skids which do not support the load, and preferably have endless conveyor belts with an outer surface circulating in the same downstream direction and at the same speed as the lower dual conveyor. A stretched film web is wrapped around the tube forming support members, conveyor, and load by a film dispenser, wrapping the load as well as space in front of and behind the load.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for loading parts from the end of a first conveyor to holding cavities in an insert in a receptacle travelling on a second conveyor and being indexed by the second conveyor to locate each row relative to a part-loading unit. The insert is located within the receptacle and the holding cavities in the insert are located and sized by expandable probes disposed in a row and introduced simultaneously each in a cavity of a row of the insert and held expanded in each cavity, while an already located and sized row of cavities is being loaded with parts, one cavity at a time.

Abstract: A vacuum packaging method and apparatus for packaging solid objects such as food products of various shapes automatically. A web of tubular plastic film is supplied from a roll and drawn over an opening core which opens the plastic film into a rectangular shape. The film is then drawn over the object to be packaged and cut to a predetermined length. In one embodiment, the front end of the film is then sealed and the object urged towards the sealed end. In another embodiment, both ends of the film are left open at this point. The object with the film positioned therearound is transferred to a vacuum chamber. Prior to the chamber being evacuated, tension is applied to the film so as to prevent the formation of creases.

Abstract: For producing transverse seams on tube bag machines, two conjointly, oppositely moving sealing tool jaws (15, 16) are provided, which are movable on a carriage (6) during the sealing process.For driving the sealing tool and selecting an appropriate stroke length, the frame (5) on which the carriage (6) rests is movable up and down by a pair of coupled cam-actuated levers (19). The axes of rotation (34) of two levers (19), and thus the distances travelled by their uncoupled, flapping ends, are adjustable along the lengths of the levers. This is accomplished by turning a spindle (3) bearing oppositely wound screw threads, which sets adjustment bodies (30) with sliding blocks (4) for the two-armed levers (19).Thus, packages of varying heights can be efficiently sealed, since the sealing mechanism always seals in the middle of the package height, regardless of stroke length selected.

Abstract: A cotton harvesting machine is provided with an on board cotton module maker. The module maker is capable of operating simultaneously with the harvesting of cotton by the harvesting machine.