Abstract: The method and apparatus is disclosed to reduce the size of weld flash located at the junction of two workpieces each having a cylindrical contour and which have been butt-welded together. This method and apparatus employ roller members which positively feed the butt-welded workpieces through a slot opening smaller in width than the original diameter of the weld flash. In the preferred embodiment, a roller is spaced apart from the stationary block member to establish the slot opening while the workpieces are rotated while being fed through the opening in order to exert sufficient mechanical force with the sides of the slot opening to reduce the diameter of the weld flash by compaction during passage therethrough.

Abstract: A hot strip mill having a final reducing stand and runout cooling means downstream of the reducing stand includes an incubator capable of coiling and decoiling the hot strip. The incubator is located intermediate the runout cooling means. In a preferred form the final reducing stand is a hot reversing mill. A second incubator and/or a temper mill and/or a slitter may be positioned downstream of the first incubator. The method of rolling includes isothermally treating the strip within a predetermined time and temperature range in the incubator prior to subsequent processing. The subsequent processing may include any one or more of the following: further deformation by cold rolling, temper rolling or cooling at a desired heat loss rate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coldworking of holes using a split mandrel. The apparatus uses a mandrel having a larger diameter end and radially directed slots to permit contraction of its outer diameter as it is fitted within a hole. The mandrel partially contains a pilot in its "at rest" state. After placing the mandrel and pilot within a hole to be coldworked, the pilot is pushed fully into the mandrel solidifying the mandrel. The pilot and mandrel are then withdrawn through the hole, thereby coldworking the hole. An air logic circuit accomplishes the pushing of the pilot within the mandrel and retraction of the pilot and mandrel.

Abstract: Corrugations are removed from the end of a helically corrugated pipe by compressing the end of the pipe between a plurality of radially movable die segments. By choosing appropriately-shaped die segments and die-actuating cams, the end of the pipe can be expanded, or shrunk to a diameter less than that of an imaginary cylinder defined by a surface of revolution contacting the innermost surfaces of the pipe. Products manufactured in accordance with the method of the invention have an end portion with an accurately controlled diameter; a minimum of pipe length is taken up by the modification.

Abstract: Apparatus for squeezing off pipe and then for rerounding the squeezed off pipe includes a frame having a fixed portion and a movable portion which utilize a pair of pins for squeezing off the pipe. A pair of rerounding fixtures are placed on the pins for rerounding the squeezed-off pipe. Both plastic and metal pipe may be squeezed off and rerounded with the apparatus. Hydraulic pressure is used for both the squeezing off and the rerounding forces.

Abstract: A simple, rugged, and conveniently front-adjustable gage stop having a gage finger capable of presenting a gage face in any of several angular orientations is disclosed. The gage stop comprises a gage finger adjustably and rotatably connected to a finger support which is in turn pivotally connected to a mounting member. In operation, a workpiece is butted against the gage face with the gage stop resting in a horizontal orientation, and some operation is performed on the workpiece. If this operation results in an upward force being applied to the gage stop, the stop swings upward in response, to a limiting position in which the center of gravity of the finger support/gage finger combination is forward of the pivot axis, and then returns by gravity to a horizontal position.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for reproducibly testing the resistance to wear and change in appearance as well as the soil resistance of construction units (4) in full size within the furniture field with associated environments, the construction unit (4) or parts thereof in its full construction being positioned secured on the inner side of a rotatable large drum (1) and subjected to stresses from various stress members (5) located in the drum (1). These stress members are activated by the rotation of the drum. The stress members (5) may for instance be leather balls (5) filled with water or sand and optionally provided with a facing of wearing members (15) of textile materials or another wearing material such as for instance emery cloth, whereafter the number of rotations of the drum are registered and compared with changes arising through natural use.

Abstract: A density meter includes a main body having a vertically elongated chamber to contain a test fluid. A passageway in the main body connects to the chamber near its bottom end. The passageway spans at least a bottom portion of the chamber and leads to the exterior of the main body. The chamber has in its lower end a liquid which is immiscible with and denser than the test fluid, the liquid also occupying at least part of the passageway. Access means are provided for admitting the test fluid to the chamber and evacuating it therefrom. Measuring means are provided for determining the location of the top surface of the liquid. The measuring means to determine the location of the liquid top is preferably ultrasonic.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for detecting the presence of very fine leaks through the walls of an enclosure which include a sniffer nozzle (1) open to the atmosphere, a vessel (5) having molecular sieves (4) therein for adsorbing substantially all gaseous products which have entered the sniffer nozzle (1) with the exception of the probe gas which has been pressurized within the enclosure being tested, a pump system (8, 9) for creating vacuum conditions within the system, a mass spectrometer (12) for detecting the presence of the probe gas, and a capillary tube (2) interconnecting the nozzle sniffer (1) and the molecular sieve assembly whereby the probe gas draw rate, and sensitivity of the apparatus of the present invention, are significantly increased.

Abstract: A viscometer for measuring the viscosity of volatile liquids or liquids that are easily contaminated in the air, is disclosed. The viscometer is of the capillary type and includes a U-shaped tube with a capillary adjacent the bight in one arm and a collector adjacent the bight in the other arm. In addition, the arm containing the capillary has two bulbs in series above the capillary and a stopcock adjacent the upper end. The other arm is equipped with a reservoir for a liquid sample to be tested, a branch passage adjacent the top and a plug valve for closing off the arm below the branch passage. The two arms are joined by a bypass above the reservoir and the bulbs. A stopcock is included in the bypass.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing an indication of the level of contaminant in a fluid includes a pervious barrier (12) disposed across a fluid path (11) so that the barrier (12) will be progressively blocked by contaminant in the fluid. Monitoring means responsive to the rate of blocking of the barrier provides an indication of the level of contaminant in the fluid. The monitoring means may be means for sensing measurements representing the rate at which the pressure of the fluid upstream of the barrier (12) rises. Alternatively the monitering means senses measurements representing the rate at which the flow rate of fluid through the barrier (12) falls. The provision of an indication conveniently completes a measurement cycle and there is means for renewing the barrier, either by back-flushing the barrier (12) or alternatively by exchanging one barrier for another.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of geophysical exploration more particularly, a novel method for locating hydrocarbon-containing formations in a well borehole is provided. The method of the present invention is particularly adapted to providing indicia of hydrocarbon-containing formations for evaluating formations surrounding a cased well borehole for overlooked hydrocarbon-containing formations.

Abstract: In a sorter for data carriers, in which the data carriers, for testing, run past an arrangement of sensors located on both sides of the transport path, at least the sensors on one side of the transport path are arranged on a separate mounting plate. This mounting plate is pivoted so that the sensors located opposite each other can be moved apart, thus exposing the transport path.

Abstract: A precipitation gauge in which precipitation is absorbed by a suitable material having two pairs of grids also disposed therein to form two capacitances. An ac signal is applied to the grids to measure the impedance between the grids and hence the volume of precipitation absorbed.

Abstract: A flow meter including a housing having inlet and outlet ports, at least two associated pistons provided respectively in respective cylinders in the housing, metering chambers defined respectively on one sides of respective pistons, passages formed in the housing for communicating the metering chambers with inlet and outlet ports, and a valve mechanism provided in the housing and associated with the movement of pistons for communicating either of the metering chambers with the inlet port and communicating the other of metering chambers with the outlet port. A check valve is provided in a passage between the inlet port and the valve mechanism for permitting liquid flow from the inlet port to the valve mechanism and preventing the liquid flow in the reverse direction.

Abstract: At the point or points in a vessel (1) at which the liquid or agitated charge level is to be monitored, a heat stream is fed into or out of the interior of the vessel (1) via a heat-conducting element (2) which is in thermal contact with the interior of the vessel (1) on the one hand and with a heat source or cold source (4) on the other hand. In order to indicate the level, the change in the heat stream when the liquid or agitated charge comes into contact with the elements (2) is determined by measuring the temperature of the element in the region of contact by means of a temperature sensor (5).

Abstract: The output of a capacitance fuel sensor is supplied to two switches that are controlled by a switching control unit. The two switches are opened and closed in synchronism and antiphase with one another, and in quadrature with the drive voltage applied to the sensor. The output of one switch is supplied to the input of a first integrating current-to-voltage amplifier which in turn supplies a signal representative of fuel quantity to a fuel indicator. The output of the other switch is supplied to another integrating current-to-voltage amplifier which in turn supplies a signal representative of the quantity of contaminants to a contaminant indicator.

Abstract: A tridimensional electrostatic accelerometer comprises a cube-shaped test ight. On each of the six faces of the cube is a pair of conducting electrodes. A hollow cage accommodates the test weight and twelve electrodes on the cage to form, with the test weight electrodes, three sets of four capacitors C.sub.ij, where i varies from 1 to 4 and j is x, y and z respectively. Measurements are made for each value of j of the sums and differences of the capacities(C.sub.1 -C.sub.2).sub.j (C.sub.3 -C.sub.4).sub.j(C.sub.1 +C.sub.2).sub.j (C.sub.3 +C.sub.4).sub.jFrom these quantities voltages are derived for positioning the test weight. The voltages are applied selectively to the electrodes of the set of capacitors C.sub.ij.

Abstract: This invention is a fluorescent light testing device. It is difficult to determine which fluorescent light or lights may be weak or on the verge of failing when a plurality of lights are disposed in the same general area. This is particularly true when the lights are of the overhead type and the higher the ceiling, the greater the problem. The present invention is a listening device on an extended boom type member to allow the user therof to readily determine which fluorescent lamp is humming thus indicating weakness or imminent failure so that the same can be replaced both to reduce energy use and to keep the lighting system at peak performance.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing a composite noise signal containing sonic and ultrasonic components generally in a frequency range of about 20 Hz-100 KHz to make audible both components of the signal includes a heterodyne circuit operable in response to a rectangular wave local oscillator signal to produce output signals which are within the frequency range of human hearing.

Abstract: A method of accelerating tests for the delayed failure of coatings and coated substrates caused by degradation is provided wherein the coated substrate is subjected to a controlled level of strain during testing.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to determine the film forming properties of a paste, especially a paste of chewing gum or bubble gum, in order to evaluate its bubble-forming ability and a process for using this apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of measuring the flow parameters of a fluid, and to a device utilizing this method, in which the autocorrelation function of the signal transmitted back by a particle of the fluid in motion is calculated. The mean speed and the variance of the flow are calculated by calculating the derivations of orders 1 and 2 of this autocorrelation function.

Abstract: A timing means for determining the time of travel of ultrasonic pulses between a transmitter and a receiver immersed in a fluid. The first time instant is determined when the transmitter transmits an ultrasonic pulse in the fluid. A second time instant is determined when the ultrasonic wavelet has been detected, converted to electrical signal, and the zero crossing time of the electrical wavelet after a selected positive peak is determined. Timing means are provided to determine the time interval between the first and second time instants. This is done by having a coarse time clock and counter. The number of full clock periods before the second instant is determined, and a ramp of voltage is generated having a known rate of rise. The ramp is negatively biased and the bias voltage is varied until the ramp voltage reaches zero at the second instant. The transmitter upstream is fired, and the wavelet is detected at the downstream transducer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dynamically testing a rotational torque producing device (22) during calibration under conditions simulating actual operating conditions. The torque produced by the torque producing device under controlled (28) load conditions similar to actual operating conditions is converted by a transducer (12) to an electrical signal and monitored (26) to assure that the stall torque of torque producing device (22) is within an acceptable band.

Abstract: A variable-velocity drive is provided which serves to so control the periral velocity of a window cutter roller in an envelope machine working from the reel that, irrespective of the developed length of such roller, the velocity of the window cutter is the same as that of the paper web for the time that such cutter is operative on such web. To this end, the variable-velocity drive is basically devised from a number of universal joints interconnecting shafts whose axes intersect one another at an angle of up to approximately 45.degree.; the universal joints are so offset from one another in rotation that the variations or irregularities arising in the discrete joints are superimposed upon one another so as to have an amplifying effect. Since any one such universal joint arrangement passes through two velocity maxima and two velocity minima per revolution, gearing is provided on the input and output side to make the universal joint arrangement run at half the cycle speed.

Abstract: A gear system has two ring gears engaging a coupling member directly instead of through an intermediate coupling ring. For example, the ring gears are mounted adjacent to one another on a common axis and have respective helical running teeth which engage oppositely-handed arrays of helical teeth on planet gear wheels which, in turn, mesh with a sun gear wheel. The ring gears also have arrays of external spur coupling teeth offset towards one another from the centers of the running teeth, respectively. The arrays of external teeth mesh with internal spur coupling teeth on the annular coupling member. The ring gears have mutually opposed lubricated abutment surfaces whereby respective transverse forces arising effectively at the centers of the running teeth and acting parallel to the common axis are countered by oppositely acting respective reactions exerted by the ring gears mutually one upon the other.

Abstract: This invention pertains to induced vibration and the dampening of these vibrations in the motor means. Vibration induced by rotating a shaft having eccentric weight thereon has been used to produce all kinds of shaking apparatus including large car shakers in which the induced force may be as much as eight thousand two hundred pounds. These vibrations can be as much as five thousand six hundred vibrations per minute and can be used for huge bins and hoppers in which the capacity may be as much as one hundred fifty thousand pounds. Vibrators using air, electric or hydraulic motors can be tuned or adjusted to provide the desired results. Most of these vibrators using a tuned motor may be temporarily or permanently attached. Motor driven vibrators, as far as is known, transmits the vibrational force into the shaft of the motor. Said motors, which are usually standard off-the-shelf units have their rotor bearings designed for rotary motion rather than combined with or added vibratory force.

Abstract: A device for driving a rotary sieve device, which device comprises at least one drive set that is connected through a transmission with one or more rotatable sieve surfaces which are placed in a housing.The novelty is the pneumatic tire mounted on a wheel that is fastened to a bushing mounted on the outgoing shaft of the drive set. The running surface of the pneumatic tire contacts a drive surface on the outside of the housing, which is connected by means of a horizontal leg to a vertical ring fastened below the sieve surface.This arrangement provides for the slippage and/or elastic deformation of the pneumatic tire in case of shocks or impact loads on the sieve surface by sudden amounts of material to be sieved through the sieve surfaces.

Abstract: A speed-reduction transmission for a reciprocating piston aircraft engine, in which the oil-collecting space of the speed-reduction transmission housing arranged between the piston engine and the propeller is connected with the oil-collecting space of the crankcase of the engine by way of an overflow pipe; the upper part of the speed-reduction transmission housing is in communication with the air space of the crankcase by way of a vent pipe; the vent pipe and the overflow pipe are so arranged that their functions are interchanged during upside-down flights of the aircraft and the oil volume disposed in the bottom of the transmission housing remains constant.

Abstract: In a remote shifter for a vehicle transmission, a transmitter unit is located near the vehicle operator while a receiver unit is mounted on the transmission. The transmitter and receiver are coupled by flexible push-pull cables that transfer the motion of a gearshift lever operated by the vehicle operator to the transmission to select and engage the desired gears in the transmission. The shift lever is operable in two independent modes of pivotal motion about orthogonal axes. Motion in a first mode controls gear rail selection in the transmission and motion in a second mode controls gear engagement. The transmitter couples the gearshift lever to the cables so that pivotal motion of the gearshift lever in a transverse plane is translated to linear motion of the select control cable while pivotal motion of the gearshift lever in the fore/aft plane is translated to linear motion of the shift control cable. The transmitter maintains the motion of the two cables independent of one another.

Abstract: A selecting mechanism for a vehicular transmission operating apparatus having an interlock plate rotatably mounted to a mounting base plate. A selection shaft fixed at one end to the interlock plate is directly connected to the shift rod so as to transmit rotation of the shift rod directly to the interlock plate. A selection snugness arm is rotatably mounted to the mounting base plate and interacts with the selection shaft. A torsion spring retains the snugness arm in its non-rotated position. A snugging mechanism is connected to the snugness arm and has a spring loaded snugging member which rides on a variable heighth cam face so as to impart a variable resistance upon rotation of the shift rod.

Abstract: A handwheel is assembled to a sewing machine arm shaft with a conical screw in association with a torque transmitting handwheel clip-on member having wings thereon which are disposed in line contact with the screw, and which include planar surfaces that are caused to engage planar surfaces on radially extending ribs of the handwheel.

Abstract: A handwheel actuated machine tool mechanism is disclosed in which a planetary gear arrangement is utilized to effectuate a mechanical advantage in the actuation of the machine tool when desirable, together with a clutch means to cease propulsion of the machine tool when it encounters an obstruction.

Abstract: A powered adjuster for a three-point hitch upper arm includes a housing adapted for rotatably supporting a drive hub having opposite ends with oppositely threaded openings for receiving the oppositely threaded connection members of a three-point hitch upper arm. A motor is supported on the housing and a drive connection is provided for rotating the drive hub in response to actuation of the motor. Finally, a coacting guide mechanism is provided on the housing and one of the connections members for preventing relative rotation between the housing and connection member while permitting relative axial sliding movement therebetween to accommodate powered extension and retraction of the upper arm by the adjuster of the invention.

Abstract: A chainwheel is supported on a pedal crank in a bicycle, in which lost motion is provided about the axis of the crank in order to prevent lock up when using a pedal crankshaft operated brake, by supporting the inner periphery and one side of the chain wheel on a chain wheel carrier, and taking up play on the other side of the chain wheel by using a nut to deform a resilient washer into a cone to prevent movement of the chain wheel relative to the crank other than about its axis. The nut may be an inner race of a crankshaft bearing if the pedal crank is integral with a pedal crankshaft. A spring controlling relative movement of the chain wheel about the crank is made progressive by causing it to wrap onto a cylindrical surface concentric with the crankshaft axis.

Abstract: An infinitely variable transmission mechanism comprising an adjustable driving sheave assembly, an adjustable driven sheave assembly, a ratio controlling servo for adjusting the pitch diameter of said driving sheave assembly and the pitch diameter of said driven sheave assembly, said sheave assemblies being connected by a driving belt, fluid pressure operated servo means for adjustably positioning the pitch diameter of said driving sheave assembly, fluid pressure operated servo means for adjustably positioning the pitch diameter of said driven sheave assembly, a fluid pressure operated starting clutch, a pump for establishing a control pressure, a drive shaft for said pump extending through said first sheave assembly, a first overrunning coupling means for delivering torque from said first sheave assembly to said drive shaft and a second overrunning coupling means for delivering torque from said torque input shaft to said drive shaft whereby said pump is driven and capable of maintaining a control pressure re

Abstract: A limited slip differential comprises a differential gear housing in which a differential bevel gear is mounted and which has a journal supported by a rolling contact bearing arrangement in a bearing opening of an axle casing. A locking clutch which operatively connects a half-shaft bevel gear meshing with the differential bevel gear to the differential gear housing, and which lies between an axial abutment immovable relative to the differential gear housing and an axially movable pressure disc, is engaged by means of a pin type pressure member which is adapted to be operated, with the aid of a rolling contact bearing, by an actuator of the axial piston-cylinder type. A half-shaft part is rotationally fixed to the half-shaft bevel gear and passes through the journal.

Abstract: A driving mechanism, specially for use as tractor motor or servomotor, is made specially compact and makes possible the use of a simple, flat main wheel such as a sprocket. The compact construction is obtained by a few structural parts mostly made of one piece such as a hollow wheel for torque delivery and assembly of the main wheel driven by the mechanism and a hub support for carrying the hollow wheel and gear cap with simultaneous support for part of the gearing. A sound-insulated hydromotor is accommodated in the interior of the driving mechanism, a safety brake surrounds part of the hydromotor so as to result in a space-saving construction. Since the driving mechanism is axially not longer than the width of a tractor chain, it remains well protected when it serves as driving motor in a caterpillar vehicle.

Abstract: Continuous torque transmission, particularly for motor vehicles, comprising a manual transmission (3), driven by a combustion engine (1) by a torque converter (2). This torque transmission comprises a double clutch (4) whose movement inputs are connected to the turbine (9) of said torque converter (2), and whose first movement output is connected to the input of the transmission (3), and whose second movement output is connected to any point of the kinematic chain of said torque transmission, while remaining downstream from the input shaft of the transmission.

Abstract: A planetary gear arrangement including a driven shaft, a planetary gear change connecting the driven shaft with a hub and wherein the planetary gear train has two ratios selected by means of longitudinal movement of the planetary gear train longitudinally of the shaft in order to hold either a sun gear or a ring gear stationary with respect to the planetary gears.

Abstract: The invention provides a modification to a wheel hub of the kind comprising hollow body housing a wheel speed reducer having a pinion carrier which is locked for rotation with the hollow body. According to the invention, splined mounting means is provided between the pinion carrier and the hollow body for locking the pinion carrier in rotation with the hollow body. Mounting means of this kind require only a small radial space, and the radial bulk of the assembly can therefore be reduced with this arrangement. The invention is particularly applicable to the hubs of driving wheels for industrial vehicles, agricultural machines, public works machines and load-handling machines.

Abstract: A unitary opener device for tab-type cans, which is extremely inexpensive to fabricate, simple to use and reliable in operation. A first embodiment comprises a unitary member having a handle portion adapted to be gripped by a user, and a working end portion having a pair of relatively inflexible nose portions, the nose portions being separated by a slot dimensioned to receive the exposed portion of the can opening tab. One of the nose portions has a shorter length than the other, while each of the nose portions is provided with an external convex fulcrum surface adapted to engage the can surface bearing the tab to assist in raising the exposed portion of the tab away from the can surface and rupturing the seal between the tab and the can surface.

Abstract: There is disclosed a retaining ring for sockets which are attached to the shaft of a power driver, such as the pneumatic air tools, which is a molded elastomer ring with a diametric, integrally molded pin with a metal sleeve surrounding a portion of the pin. The sockets are provided with a receptacle which receives the shaft end of the driver and flats are provided on the shaft and receptacle to transmit torque. A transverse bore is provided in the shaft end and this receives the pin of the retaining ring. The specific improvement of this invention is a metal sleeve about the portion of the pin which extends across a boundry interface between the shaft end of the driver and the inside wall of the socket member to provide reinforcement to the pin, resisting shearing and abrasive wear.

Abstract: An improved self-sharpening refractory metal cutting tool presenting an overhanging cutting element of width about equal to the depth of the cut to be taken and of maximum thickness equal to tolerable tool flank wear is provided with a thin, chemically stable, chemically inert refractory coating metallurgically bonded to the rake face of the tool, at least on the rake face of the cutting element.

Abstract: Tooling holds a workpiece for the performance of a work step thereon or thereby, which supercenters the workpiece relative to a concentrically rotatable cylinder of an apparatus. A method of supercentering a workpiece utiliezs the tooling of the invention. The tooling has a workpiece clamping subassembly which is substantially centerable with respect to a centering member and then secured thereto forming a centering subassembly. The centering member has a centering projection which is supercenterable with respect to a holder by means of several axially normal adjustment screws engaging side surfaces of the centering projection. The holder has a cylindrical arm to be clamped in a collet chuck of the rotatable cylinder of the apparatus. The method utilizes slowly rotating the cylinder, thereby rotating the tooling and the clamped workpiece, and determining eccentricity of rotation thereof, and making appropriate incremental adjustments using the adjustment screws.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a turning operation in which a workpiece, rotated by a spindle, is cut by a cutting tool transported axially of the spindle in synchronization with the rotation thereof. The rotational speed of the spindle is sensed prior to the start of cutting, and the tool position axially of the spindle is corrected prior to the start of cutting based on the sensed rotational speed. Alternatively, once the rotational speed of the spindle has been sensed, a correction based on the sensed speed can be effected in the position at which a signal indicative of one spindle revolution is generated. The signal acts as a start signal to initiate cutting of the workpiece.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an adjustable tool holder for a lathes or the like. A base block is secured to the lathe slide by a through bolt engaging a clamping bar in a Tee slot therein. A tool holding block is slideably mounted on the base block and also has a through-bolt extending through it and the base block and engaging the clamping bar. By loosening the second through-bolt and manipulating a micrometer adjustment screw, the cutting tool may be adjusted with great precision. The second through-bolt is then retightened to clamp the movable tool-holding block securely to the cross slide of the machine tool.

Abstract: A machine for slicing slabs of cheese, sausage or the like comprises a feeding mechanism which supports the slab, feeds it intermittently at an inclination to the horizontal and includes a slab-supporting conveyor belt and gripping claws for holding the back of the slab. The conveyor belt runs over freely rotatable direction-changing rollers and on both sides of the conveyor belt parallel to the upper run thereof and displaceable above same the gripping claws are secured on parallel shafts which are provided with pivoting drives and are mounted in support members to be projectable above the upper run and retractable therefrom. The support members are provided with drives for stepwise advance with fast forward and reverse gears. A mechanism for catching the slices is disposed below the front end of the conveyor belt.

Abstract: Apparatus for longitudinally and transversely trimming articles moldingly formed on plastic sheet which is brought by means of a pair of clamp chains between longitudinally movable pointed tip knives and longitudinally extended holder members as well as transversely movable pointed tip knives and transversely extended holder members respectively held in retracted position and then trimmed by moving said knives and holder members to forwarded position and by moving said knives. Trimmed articles fall down by gravity and the waste portion is kept in one piece and brought out by said clamp chains to be collected.