Abstract: A retractor apparatus for attachment to a rail of a surgical table includes first, second and third support rods and first, second and third clamps. The first support rod is attached to the rail of the surgical table and permits movement about and along a vertical axis of the first rod. The second rod is attached to an upper section of the first rod with the second clamp. The second clamp permits movement of the second support rod about an axis of the first rod and about an axis of the second support rod and permits pivotal movement of the second rod with respect to the first rod about a pivotal axis of the second clamp. The third clamp clamps the third rod to the second rod and permits movement of the third rod along and about the axis of the second rod and about the axis of the third rod and permits movement about a pivotal axis of the third clamp.

Abstract: A method for production of patterned nonwoven fabric from a fibrous web which is subjected to high energy treatment with high velocity water streams not only for fiber entangling but also for patterning of said fibrous web, wherein the fiber entangling treatment is performed on a plurality of non-porous supports arranged in multistaged manner at regular intervals along the path of the fibrous web and the patterning treatment is performed on a separate non-porous support arranged downstream of the previously mentioned non-porous supports and provided on a peripheral surface with a relief pattern.

Abstract: A process for molding upholstered chair cushions comprising placing a sheet of upholstery fabric between two dies, one having sculptured effects thereon, the dies being movable toward each other to form a cavity between them. A cushion assembly having a thickness (with the upholstery) greater than the distances between the dies in the cavity is placed in the cavity after having been coated on at least one side adjacent the upholstery with an air permeable adhesive. The dies are urged together to compress the cushion in the cavity to force the fabric and the cushion to conform to the shape of the first die. Hot vapors are injected into the cavity to shape the cushion and the fabric generally to the sculpted configuration of the sculpted die.

Abstract: A transport roller made of plastics by extrusion and used for photomechanical apparatus for transporting film or X-ray cassettes or the like is formed as a sleeve having an internal recess, the surface of which is provided with a plurality of inwardly radially protruding ribs which ensure a stable and rigid structure of the roller without requiring a metallic core in the roller.

Abstract: A process is described for the production of bearings for sustaining high loads, the bearings having indentations filled with soft overlay alloy. The indentations are produced by peening or embossing. The peening is preferably performed with rounded ceramic shot of 0.25 to 0.5 mm diameter. Indentations should preferably be between 0.01 and 0.05 mm deep. In one embodiment a bearing is described having alloy comprising a steel-backed aluminium-based bearing alloy having a composition of, for example, Al-Sn2O-Cul and a soft Pb-Sn10 overlay there also being an interlayer of 3 to 5 .mu.m of nickel between the bearing alloy and the overlay. Bearing surfaces having a continuous overlay or a composite surface comprising randomly-shaped areas of bearing alloy and overlay may be produced.

Abstract: A filter assembly for an exhaust stack having a housing defining an interior chamber and an inlet and an outlet which are connected in series with the exhaust stack. A mounting frame is secured diagonally within the interior of the housing so that the mounting frame is interposed between the inlet and outlet of the housing. A plurality of filter elements are detachably secured to the mounting frame so that influent into the housing inlet passes through the filter elements prior to exhaust out through the housing outlet and to the atmosphere. The filter assembly is easily retrofitted to existing systems by severing and removing a portion of the stack and installing the filter assembly in its place.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting through and removing a strapping element applied in a loop around an object or a stack of objects, in which a plate provided with one cutting member of a pair of shears and a pressure area is first moved parallel to the plane of the loop towards the object or the stack, thereupon moved perpendicularly to said loop until it attains a position between the object and the loop and thereafter moved away from the object to bring said cutting member into cooperation with the other cutting member for cutting through the loop and the pressure area into cooperation with a driven roller for gripping and removing the strapping element of the cut through loop.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically tagging selected layers of multi-layered articles by the operation of a single switch that initiates the sequential stepped operation of a clamp for holding the selected layers in a tagging position while a tag is fed and tacked, as by a bar tack, to join the tag to the selected layers. When the tagging sequence is completed, the article is removed from the apparatus, thereby separating the joined bar tack and tag from the apparatus for similar subsequent automatic repetitive operations.

Abstract: The apparatus is for terminating wires (W) to terminals (8) in a connector housing (4), for shearing from the housing (4), a cover (14) which is hinged thereto and for placing the cover (14) on the housing (4) to cover the connections. The connector housing (4) is conveyed by means of a first shuttle (50) to a cover shearing station (CS) at which the cover (14) is sheared from the housing (4) and is driven into a second shuttle (84). The first shuttle (50) is then moved to a terminating station (TS) at which wires are terminated to the terminals (8) by tooling (130) after which the second shuttle (84) is moved to the terminating station (TS) and the tooling (130) is operated to drive the severed cover (14) from the second shuttle (84) onto the connector housing (4).

Abstract: A terminal strip applicator includes a ram that carries a first die set mounted for reciprocation along a first path within a machine body and a track that automatically adjusts to accept a strip of terminals to limit the terminal strip to a second path which intersects the first path. A terminal feed mechanism sequentially resiliently advances the terminal strip along the second path until the terminal feed mechanism engages the shoulder of an interchangeable die set that precisely aligns the lead terminal carried by the terminal feed mechanism with the die sets of the applicator.

Abstract: A press tool having working parts constituted by stamps and dies and attachment parts such as blank-holders, punch-holders, die-holders, and stay blocks of the tool, wherein interchangeable stamps and dies, formed from metallic removable disc like elements are held by detachable die or stamp-holders, and cradles. The cradles are intended to receive and maintain in place the die or stamp-holder, and are provided with at least one recess presenting a form complementary to that of the holders for each of the die or stamp-holders, an adjustable clamp system is provided which cooperates with an associated cradle in order to render the holder radially and axially immovable.

Abstract: Apparatus for inserting components into a workpiece comprises a rotary disc cam having first and second communicating endless superposed, cam tracks for receiving a cam follower connected to a tool holder carrying a component insertion tool. Rotation of the disc cam drives to the tool through a component inserting stroke and a return stroke. Over tool driving lobes thereof, the cam tracks are offset from each other radially of the axis of rotation of the disc cam. The cam follower is carried by a slide in the tool holder, the slide being connected to a drive unit which is actuable selectively to move the slide between a first position in which the cam follower is engaged in one of the cam tracks and a second position in which it is engaged in the other. By virtue of the offset of the cam tracks, the component is inserted more deeply into workpiece in the second position of the slide than in the first.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cooling device for a printed circuit card and to its production process.It is constituted by a parallelepipedic copper frame, to one face of which is fixed the card. The frame is open on two opposite lateral faces orthogonal to the first face.Copper partitions, orthogonal to the first face, define passages through which the liquid or gaseous cooling fluid flows. Gaps can be made orthogonally to the first face for the passage of the fastening clips of the components.Application to printed circuit cards equipping airborne equipment.

Abstract: A wire guide device includes a base fixture to which a microelectronic component is fixedly attached such that solder pads on the component are exposed. A lacette consisting of a plurality of spaced, upstanding posts is positioned adjacent the microelectronic component such that the posts are aligned with the solder pads. Fine wire is directed around the posts over the solder pads to a wire guide. The wire guide holds each laced wire in position for soldering.

Abstract: A pick-up head for picking up elongate electrical connectors having contact tails depending therefrom and for placing the connectors on circuit boards to insert the contact tails through holes therein, comprises a framework having a vertical shaft for attachment to the Z-axis shaft of a pick-and-place robot. Connector clamping bars on the framework are movable vertically with respect thereto by means of a first drive unit and are also movable towards and away from each other by means of second drive units. A contact tail comb assembly on the framework is movable towards and away from the clamping bars by means of third drive units. The clamping bars are adapted not only to grip a connector to be picked up, but to straighten it out to correct warpage, and the comb assembly is adapted to straighten out the contact tails of a connector which has been gripped by the bars and lifted from a connector pick-up station.

Abstract: A high reliability low cost connector has flat retainers blanked from an electrically conductive sheel metal and inserted into opening in an electrically insulating body. Each retainer has a post at one end extending from an opening at one side of the body and has a pair of integral wings spaced from each other in a plane at its opposite end disposed in the opening at the opposite side of the body. Spring clips are blanked and formed from an electrically conductive sheet metal spring material and are inserted into the body openings so loop portions of the clips fit between the pairs of retainer wings in each opening and are biased into resilient electrical engagement with the retainer wings. Each clip preferably has two pairs of juxtaposed spring leaves integral with the loop spaced at 90.degree. relative to each other around a common axis to grip a terminal inserted between the spring leaves. The loops are also formed with interruptions in each loop in a common location between two adjacent spring leads.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus are provided for fabricating an electrical harness including a connector and a plurality of conductors. The connector has a plurality of terminals preloaded partially into a housing with a conductor-receiving terminal portion outside of the housing. One or more connectors are manually positioned within a frame of the electrical harness fabricating apparatus. An operational cycle of the electrical harness apparatus begins when a conductor is detected at a predetermined position within a conductor-guide channel. The conductors are sequentially terminated into the terminals outside of the housing and the previously terminated terminals are fully inserted into the housing.

Abstract: In a cable length measurement system, two tangential measuring wheels engage the outer surface or an armored electrical cable and a magnetic mark detector is used for detecting magnetic marks located at a predetermined spacing on the cable while a tension load cell is connected to a cable sheave to measure tension on the cable; the detector in a system which utilizes a "window" period or span which is operated each 98 to 102 feet from a previous magnetic mark to detect valid magnetic marks on the cable which allows detection of magnetic marks substantially independent of the degree of wheel wear, slippage and/or damage; also in the detector system, the constant parameters for the cable, temperatures and coefficients are input to a CPU summation means which also receives measured data inputs of length and tension and the net change of cable length is determined; the net change of cable length is used to constantly correct the cable length measurements sent to a recorder so the log depth is corrected for change

Abstract: A first measuring contact is displaced along a gauge distance measuring axis to measure the distance to a second reference contact. Both contacts pivot about axes that lie on the gauge measuring axis and on the respective contact surfaces. When the contacts abut, the pivot axes are coextensive. Both contacts can engage a contoured wall regardless its angle to the gauge measuring axis and accurately measure the wall thickness along the gauge measuring axis.

Abstract: A vertical alignment apparatus has a light and a light fixture attached to a cable to be lowered into the cylinder to be aligned. A disk mounted on top of the light fixture and centered about the light fixture and the cable causes the light emitted from the light fixture to form a halo between the disk and the wall of the cylinder. A tripod on top of the cylinder movingly centers the light, light fixture and disk in the cylinder. The method of the invention involves lowering the apparatus into the cylinder. The light fixture is activated to create a halo of light around the disk. The light fixture is then raised up the casing, and the casing is adjusted until the halo has circular consistency.

Abstract: A levelling system with a rotating laser beam and an optoelectronic stadia is proposed, in which the height of the laser beam is varied. Several individual measurements are made during a measuring cycle and as a result of the height variation of the laser beam these give different height values. Thus, for example, 20 individual measurements can be used for determining the arithmetic mean, which considerably increases the precision of measurement.

Abstract: A gage for determining alignment of a turbine rotor blade in an assembly position on a turbine rotor. The gage includes a precision base for positioning on the rotor surface adjacent a blade to establish a tangent line perpendicular to a rotor radial line through the center of a slot in which a blade is disposed. A standard extends from the base and carries a first contact for positioning against a low portion of the blade and a second measuring contact for positioning against an upper portion of the blade. The measuring contact provides an indication of blade misalignment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for high-precision straightness and flatness measurement of objects which are so large that available measuring rulers do not cover the distance to be measured. According to the invention, the measurements are carried out in stages through the use of a measuring ruler which rests on freely adjustable feet and which is used as a base for a measuring instrument with independent reference points relative to the actual surface or edge.

Abstract: A template for cutting and folding furs is disclosed. The template is symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal seam of the skins or furs. The template has a removable central portion defined laterally by two segments or sides that are parallel to each other and parallel to the longitudinal seam between the skins, and transversely by segments or sides, one of which faces the tail of the skin which is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the template, along a cutting line having a curvature. The barycentre of the removable central portion is almost aligned with the transverse seam lines of the skins.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for checking for tool breakage in machine tools having a sensor for sensing a clamped tool before and after a machining operation and an electronic device for evaluation of the measurement detected by the sensor. According to the invention the sensor is constructed as a moveable feeler rod (5) and in each measuring operation is pressed against the tool tip with an adjustable force independent of the length of the tool (7) concerned. A device for determining the respective measuring position of the feeler rod (5) provides the data for the evaluation.

Abstract: The method enables the manufacture of dry-charged batteries, the plates whereof are constituted by pasted grids, intercalated with separators and assembled in an insulating container closed by a lid provided with gas vents. The pasted grids and the separators are assembled in the container before the forming process, and the plates are subjected to the forming process and to subsequent washing in the container itself. The completed battery, fitted with its lid, is then dried by microwave heating in an environment containing a hot inert gas.

Abstract: A device for condensate removal from a steam-heated rotatable drying cylinder having a condensate suction pipe rotating with the drying cylinder and featuring a suction mouthpiece on the inside surface of the cylinder shell. A steam blowing line extends from the area of the axis of rotation of the drying cylinder into the interior of the suction mouthpiece. The mouth of the steam blowing line located there is arranged a maximally short distance from the inside surface of the cylinder shell and is directed and/or aligned on the condensate suction pipe.

Abstract: A gas nozzle for a dryer apparatus for use with moving webs includes a planar pressure plate with an upstream end portion and a downstream terminus portion and a gas discharge nozzle disposed at the upstream portion of the pressure plate to define a slot for gas flow parallel to the pressure plate. The nozzle includes a first jet forming plate which engages the upstream end portion of the pressure plate and at obtuse angle and which includes a vortex forming step. The nozzle also includes a second jet forming plate located a distance from the first jet forming plate. The two jet forming plates and the step define a passageway for gas flow parallel to the pressure plate.

Abstract: A relatively rigid cap is made of a material which is deformable at moderately elevated temperatures. A flexible blank contoured to fit a person's foot is placed against the cap which is at the elevated temperature, and these two are placed against the plantar surface of the foot. A plastic bag is placed around the cap, the blank and the foot, and a blank is applied to conform the cap and the blank to the person's foot so as to make a custom fit orthotic. Upon cooling, the cap remains properly contoured relative to the plantar surface of the foot.

Abstract: A ski boot having a shell and a leg portion (3) which is pivotable in the longitudinal direction relative to said shell. To permit entry into the boot from the rear, the leg portion may comprise a sleeve, which is to surround the front, lower portion of the user's shin bone and is open towards the heel, and a cover which is forwardly-upwardly and rearwardly-downwardly pivotable relative to said sleeve and, when the boot has been put on, the cover is securable on the sleeve by its closing means. The leg portion, or respectively the sleeve, has in its front region at least one slot which extends downwardly from its upper edge. In the instep region of the leg portion (3), this ski boot has two leg portion flaps (18,18') which are interconnected by means of at least one pivot member (21, 21a), so that they are vertically displaced in opposite directions relative to each other.

Abstract: This binding device comprises a slide guided slidingly on and adjustably attached to the bearing structure of a sporting implement in a longitudinal direction to the slide; a strap is arranged arcuately across the bearing structure and has juxtaposed end portions associated adjustably with the structure and throughgoing seats are provided to prevent the strap from being shifted in the longitudinal direction. Formed in the slide are cam-like guides at an angle to the longitudinal direction, in engagement with respective counter-guides formed on the end portions of the strap.This binding device is useful with many sporting implements, such as ski boots, skates, bicycle pedals, etc.

Abstract: A trench digging device (1) for attachment to the three point linkages of a tractor, comprising a frame (2), a downwardly and forwardly directed elongate chisel (3) mounted for longitudinal movement with respect to the frame (2), chisel adjustment means connected with the frame (2) and the chisel (3) to adjustably position the chisel (3) relative to the frame (2), and spoil displacement means (4) mounted to the frame (2) to move spoil displaced from a trench by the chisel (3) away from the trench.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a snow tiller for rearmounting on a track maintenance vehicle. The snow tiller comprises a transmission for driving at least one tiller shaft, a carrier frame for mounting the snow tiller on the track maintenance vehicle, and a baffle body of trapezoidal cross-section extending over the width of the snow tiller. A levelling attachment is secured to the underside of the baffle body facing the track surface.With a view to facilitating repair and maintenance operations and replacement of wear components, the baffle body is formed as a tubular profile member forming a central tiller frame. The transmission is mounted at the center of the tiller frame and drives to tiller shafts laterally connected to the transmission. The ends of the tiller shafts facing away from the transmission are mounted in outer bearings secured to the ends of the tiller frame.

Abstract: A frame formed by frame sections joined end to end; each frame section having an elongated channel with a rear wall, spaced apart lips opposite the rear wall and defining a longitudinally directed slot and a side wall joining inner edges of each of the lips to a different edge of the rear wall. Securing adjacent pairs of the sections is a bracket having a pair of legs disposed at an angle substantially identical to the angle made by the frame sections, the legs fitting within the channels of said frame sections at their corner junction and having a width greater than the width of the slots so as to retain the bracket within the channels. A screw with an externally threaded shank is received by a threaded hole in each bracket leg.

Abstract: A modular solar generating system is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of self-contained solar modules which are interconnectedly disposed in an array about the perimeter of a rigid framework housing a sign, light, or other load means necessitating electrical power during the night time hours. The modules themselves consist of a photovoltaic plate sandwiched between two suitable cover plates, including in this arrangement one or more continuous conductors. The modules are linked together by way of male and female plug connectors whereby the array may then be electrically connected to a battery. When the modular system is arranged in this fashion and exposed to incident sunlight for an appropriate period of time, power may be provided to a sign, light or other electrical apparatus for nighttime use.

Abstract: Articulated connection between the break-open action and the at least one barrel of a rifle with two coaxial pairs of articulation members, the two articulation members (1a and 2a) of each pair complementing each other, and respectively one articulation member being provided at the break-open action (1) and, respectively, at the corresponding sidewall of the barrel (20). These articulation members (1a and 2a) exhibit a coupling profile (P1 and P2, respectively) ensuring a shape-mating connection between the break-open action (1) and the barrel (20) also transversely to the firing direction, this coupling profile permitting utilization of the axial pressure (S) produced during firing for generating a component force that is perpendicular to the aforementioned axial pressure (S) and counteracts the spreading apart of the sidewalls (1b) of the break-open action (1).

Abstract: A rifle or similar weapon having a mechanical trigger is provided with a mechanism to discharge it by remote command without interfering with the normal trigger action of the weapon. The weapon operator remains in control of his weapon and is able to discharge it at will. A push-type solenoid is arranged to move the trigger in response to an electrical fire command signal from a source external to the weapon and firing circuit is provided to accept the command signal and activate the solenoid. The firing circuit is arranged to prevent discharge of the weapon by external signal except when it is in an aimed, fire-ready position as signaled by the weapon operator.

Abstract: A device for removing particles of ice from an ice fishing hole which includes a collapsible basket comprised of a plurality of flexible vanes mounted on the end of a rod and a sleeve slidably mounted on the rod having an expander disk mounted thereto for expanding and contracting the basket to adjust to ice fishing holes of various diameters.

Abstract: A fishing spear tip for mounting on a fishing spear shaft has a first, second, and third spear prong mounted in a prong holder having a central longitudinally extending straight bore extending rearwardly from the forward end thereof and adapted to receive the proximal end portions of the first, second, and third prongs therein. An adapter is operatively associated with the prong holder for attaching the prong holder to a spear shaft. Matrix material is positioned in the straight bore in the prong holder in fixed bonding relationship therewith and in fixedly holding, engaging contact with proximal end portions of the first, second, and third prongs. The central longitudinal axes of the first, second, and third prongs, and the central longitudinal axis of the prong holder all are positioned in nonparallel, nonintersecting relationship.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ice fishing rig comprising a rotatable reel, an electrical alarm device, a battery for operating the alarm device and a support stand for the reel, alarm device and battery. An electrical circuit is formed from the battery through the support stand and reel to the alarm device, and includes a circuit breaker located in a reel set-up position away from which the reel rotates for closing the circuit and activating the alarm to indicate the presence of a fish.

Abstract: An artificial fishing lure is disclosed including first and second rearwardly diverging frame members that are connected by an eye means for attaching a fishing line. A weight and fish hook are carried by the first frame member, and a unique movable or pivotable arm member is connected to the trailing end portion of the second frame member. One or more buzz blades or spinner blades are mounted on the arm member or attached to the trailing end thereof. The arm member is free to move or pivot back and forth and up and down at the point of attachment at its leading end portion, but the trailing end portion and the buzz blades and/or spinner blades carried thereby are prevented from moving toward the first frame member a distance sufficient to foul any part of the lure. The lure is very versatile and is further characterized by markedly increased sound and action. The arm member and blades assume a vertical position in a free fall and the blades imitate an injured bait fish.

Abstract: A conduit assembly is provided including a "field" of prearranged conduit sections or runs and the conduit assembly includes inlet and outlet ends. The conduit assembly is designed to be supported adjacent the bottom of a shallow pond and includes a partially submerged mesh sump into whose lower portion the inlet end of the conduit assembly opens and the outlet end of the conduit assembly 18 discharges downwardly into the sump, the sump being adapted to receive ground or finely cut-up bait. A pump is serially connected in the inlet end and the conduit sections comprising the "field" include a plurality of lateral branches opening into the runs and mounted therefrom for annular displacement thereabout between lower generally horizontal positions and upstanding upright positions projecting above the pond water level. The free ends of the lateral branches include marine life trap structures and structure is provided for simultaneously raising and lowering the lateral branches.

Abstract: A trap for flying insects, such as flies, comprises a watertight can having a bottom and an imperforate wall upstanding from the bottom, a cap having an opening therethrough and removably interengageable with the wall of the can, and a cylinder having a bottom end and a top end, the bottom end of the cylinder being in open communication with the cap opening, and the wall of the cylinder having a plurality of holes therethrough. Insects can enter the can by passing through the holes and then out the bottom end of the cylinder and through the opening, whereby with water and bait in the can, insects will be lured into the can to their death by drowning. A preferred bait is fish gut.

Abstract: A window sash support and movement lock assembly reciprocably disposed within an associated track element. The sash support and movement lock assembly includes a body with a center opening and guide surfaces on each end. A cam unit is received in the center opening and, upon cam rotation caused by tilting of an associated window sash, the guide surfaces are biased apart and into snug engagement with parts of the track element; one part of one of the guide surfaces also carries one or more pins which then engage an end wall of the track unit to provide a secure locking action.

Abstract: A first bracket which is threadably engaged into the recess of the door lock in the face of the door, having a lip portion for receiving a tab thereinto; a second bracket threadably mounted into the recess on the jamb portion of the door, the bracket having a tab portion extending outwardly therefrom. In the use of the apparatus, the door is then moved to the closed position with the tab on the second bracket slidingly engaged into a slot within the first bracket, so that when the tab is manually bent into a position substantially parallel with the door, the door is maintained in the closed position. Upon completion of installation, the tab is straightened to its original position and the door is free to open.

Abstract: For dressing a rotating grinding wheel which grinds a workpiece held in a chuck, there is mounted on an extension of the chuck, an annular dressing tool having an inner lining of diamond, for example. The dressing annular is accurately centered relative to the workpiece. The grinding wheel is moved through the short distance between the workpiece and the dressing annulus.

Abstract: A heavy duty modular blade strip grinding and honing machine is disclosed. The modular machine is constructed with a required number of grind and hone/strop stations, each having an A-frame base anchored to an underlying concrete mass having a coolant drainage system common to the several stations of the machine. Right and left hand grind stations and each hone/strop station include the same precision infeed mechanisms for the grinding wheels and the spiral interlocked honing wheels. Each grind station also includes a reciprocating diamond dressing wheel for the face of the grinding wheel at such station. Each hone station also includes a self compensating belt drive which eliminates all backlash and chatter in the honing wheels.

Abstract: The straight of undulate cutting edges of elongated knives on the rotary knife holder in a tobacco shredding machine are ground by a driven grinding wheel, whose axis makes a small acute angle with the axis of the holder, while the grinding wheel is rocked back and forth about an axis which is parallel to the axis of the grinding wheel and is located in a second plane parallel to a first plane which is tangential to the cylindrical path of the cutting edges. If the axial length of the grinding wheel is less than the length of the cutting edges, the grinding wheel is advanced stepwise in the axial direction of the holder.

Abstract: An orbital barrel finishing machine employs rotatable drums which are removable from the machine. A coupling member mounting a plurality of angularly spaced axially extending pins engages slots of a second coupling member to provide a rotational drive engagement for the removable drums. The drums are uncoupled from the drive engagement by axially displacing the drums. A releasable latch assembly is employed to secure the drums in the coupled drive position. The orbital barrel finishing machine is employed as a component of an integrated automatic finishing system wherein the rotatable drums may be automatically removed from the machine, unloaded, loaded and returned to the machine.

Abstract: A blade-sharpening sheath contains sharpening elements (31) resiliently mounted in a crossed arrangement so as to define between them a blade-sharpening cavity which extends above a line (P) of intersection of the sharpening profiles (34). The rest position of the sharpening elements (31) is defined by abutment shoulders (42c) in cooperating relation with the sharpening profiles beneath the line (P). The abutment shoulders (42c) are carried by ribs (42) and the inner edge (42b) of each rib serves to guide the knife blade (48). The distance (h) between the tip (52) and the back (49) of the blade is slightly shorter than the distance (H) between the line (P) and the bottom of a groove (43) for guiding the back of the blade. The cutting edge (51) of the knife blade is inclined with respect to the back (49) of the blade.