Abstract: A closure strip adapted to be bonded to a substrate comprises a one-piece polymeric extrusion having a base surface essentially no wider than the profile portion of the strip and wherein a plane projected normal to and bisecting the base surface longitudinally into two parts also bisects the profile portion into two corresponding parts, a dormant but reactivatable adhesive layer adhering to and along the base surface on at least one side of the plane, so that the closure strip is adapted to be bonded to the substrate upon reactivation of the dormant adhesive.

Abstract: A seat belt buckle release guard apparatus has a box like device including first and second portions having recessed opposing ends and sides that are shelf hinged on one side, and bear a latch on a side opposing the hinged side. When the first and second portions are closed, opposing end apertures are formed for receiving a seat belt buckle segment and a tongue segment with the buckle sandwiched between the first and second portions. In one embodiment the latch bearing first portion side is recessed and a latching lug is formed within the recess; the latch bearing second portion side includes a latch for engaging the lug to close the box like device. When closed the recess forms a guide to the latch. The bottom of the recess is thickened to stiffen the latch bearing side and to position the seat belt buckle in the box like device.

Abstract: This invention relates to processes for making jewelry comprising one or more rows of precious stones set in a support made of precious metal. One or more rows of cylindrical housings extended by a conical seating and a counter-bore are machined in the support; the metal bridges separating, the housings are cut out with a rotating mill; a stone is placed in each housing and is set by means of a tool which is applied on the islets of metal remaining between the housings.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing a electrohydraulic valve, a solenoid operated valve assembly, formed of a ferromagnetic end stop section and body section, an orifice section and a sleeve section of low magnetically permeable material. The sleeve section has an inner chamber with a centrally disposed portion of reduced diameter. Each of the sections is completely finished before assembly so that no further finishing operations are required. Predetermined sections are selected and a valve assembly is assembled by threading one end of the sleeve section to the end stop section and the other end to the body section. The orifice section is threaded to the body section to form a completed valve assembly.

Abstract: A structural mounting for a heavy machinery with rotating parts being supported between a foundation surface and the heavy machinery is disclosed which includes an impermeable foundation surface supporting spaced apart columns of epoxy or similar grouting material with epoxy or similar grouting material chocks extending from the plurality of columns to the support frame of the heavy machinery or engine which provide a non-adherent support between the columns and the engine mounting frame. The columns surround but do not adhere to anchor bolts secured in the foundation. The epoxy chocks likewise do not adhere to the anchor bolts. The anchor bolts are protected with a shroud or wrapping of suitable material whereby post tensioning of the anchor bolts will not cause the columns or chocks to crack or fracture. Leveling screws threadedly engaged through the mounting flange of the machine may or may not extend through the chocks and seat upon leveling plates. The columns and chocks are formed in situ.

Abstract: A pair of fixed parallel transport rails for the outrigger box of a mobile crane are installed at the bottom of the crane chassis frame. The outrigger box is held on the chassis frame by four removable tapered pins. One jack cylinder on the outrigger box is trunnion mounted so that it can be tilted to clear the bottom of the chassis frame during removal and installation of the outrigger box. The outrigger box is equpped with transport track engaging rollers. To remove the outrigger box from the crane chassis, the box is unweighted to allow ready removal of the tapered pins. The outrigger box is then lowered until its rollers are resting on the two transport rails. A collar which retains the trunnion mounted jack cylinder of the outrigger box upright is released, and that jack cylinder is lowered to a stabilized inclined position where it can pass under the chassis frame.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated staple gun with an adjustably spaced away elongate guide shoe allows control, with fine adjustment, of depth of penetration of staples, when stapling, through nailing slots of vinyl siding, into thick low density insulating boards. Shoe includes slot locating means in one embodiment.

Abstract: A corner protector for a tabletop or the like includes a rigid protective body having a platen portion adapted to be received by a recessed region of a tabletop corner and a flange portion which extends generally to one side of the platen portion so as to depend generally downwardly over the tabletop edges at the tabletop corner when the protective body is operatively positioned upon the tabletop. The platen portion defines a plurality of countersunk apertures for the purpose of fixedly securing the protective body to the table with headed fasteners. Each countersunk apertures are sized to accept the head of a flat-headed fastener so that when the protective body is operatively attached to the table corner with the fasteners, the heads of the fasteners do not protrude above the platen portion. The shape of the platen portion is such that the conforming of the shape of the tabletop corner to the shape of a corner of the protective body intended to overlie the table corner is facilitated.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a moving coil force motor particularly adapted for utilization with a hydraulic servovalve. The method includes aligning a flexure spring with respect to the permanent magnet structure and thereafter securing the permanent magnet structure and flexure spring within a case for the force motor. Subsequently, the coil structure is aligned with respect to the gap provided in the permanent magnet pole pieces by relatively moving the motorcase with respect to the coil until the appropriate position is attained and thereafter securing the case against further movements.

Abstract: A method and a structure for mounting to a head carriage a magnetic head applicable to a magnetic recorder or reproducer in an electronic camera system wherein an object is electronically photographed and recorded into a rotating magnetic disc and an image is reproduced by a television system or a printer. In the method and structure, a pin is inserted through a through-bore in a head mount plate and is then brought into abutment with the head carriage. Adhesives are applied to clearances between the pin and the through-bore of the head mount plate as well as between the pin and the abutment surface of the head carriage to fill them up. In the method and structure, since the head mount plate is adhesively attached to the head carriage via the pin, the resultant adhesive layers are reduced in thickness, thereby preventing the magnetic head from shifting out of position when the adhesives are hardened.

Abstract: An interchangeable operating mechanism assembly for molded case circuit breakers having a detachable movable contact arm and trip unit assembly allows the same mechanism assembly to be employed across a wide range of breaker ratings. A snap-on common trip bar attachment further allows multiple-pole facility off the common interrupter mechanism assembly. The mechanism assembly is designed to maintain the operating handle in the "on" position upon the occurrence of a welded contact and prevents the mechanism from being reset.

Abstract: An apparatus for closing a succession of partly disengaged slide fastener coupling element chains with sliders mounted respectively thereon includes an element-engaging block assembly having a guide channel for constrictingly receiving a disengaged portion of each coupling element chain to close the same. The assembly includes a movable element-engaging block reciprocably movable toward and away from a stationary element-engaging block to selectively define therebetween the guide channel in timed relation to detection by a sensor of an element-free space between the successive chains and the slider.

Abstract: An automatic circuit element mounting apparatus includes a lead wire detection mechanism for detecting lead wires of a circuit element held on a mounting head by suction and a substrate mark detection mechanism for detecting a mounting reference mark of a printed circuit board on which the circuit element is mounted by means of the mounting head, so that the amount of movement of the mounting head may be corrected depending on a result of detection by each of the detection mechanisms to precisely mount the circuit element on the printed circuit board. Also, a method for mounting a circuit element on a printed circuit board is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus (44) for automatically inserting contact fingers (26) on an edge connector (14) into corresponding apertures (28) in a backplane (10) comprises a nest assembly (77) rotatably mounted to an end (74) of a transfer slide (73). The transfer slide (73) is mounted for movement along a path underlying a rotatable, multi-sided carousel (68), storing a stack of edge connectors on each side thereof, and a ram (49) overlying the backplane. When the transfer slide (73) is displaced to a side of the carousel (68), the nest assembly (77) will engage an endmost edge connector (14) stored on the carousel side. Upon displacement of the transfer slide (73) to the ram (49), the nest assembly (77) rotates to position the contact fingers (26) of the engaged edge connector for insertion in the apertures (28). The ram is then actuated to force the edge connector from the nest assembly towards the backplane to drive the contact fingers into the apertures.

Abstract: A method for mounting an electrical receptacle between a printed circuit board and a parallel spaced front panel. A molded thermosetting plastic connector body holds a pair of contact terminals which have lugs projecting from the rear of the connector body which are secured to a printed circuit board. A front cover for the connector body is made of resilient thermoplastic material and has resilient ears and fingers to engage both an opening on the front panel and the connector body. Thus the connector body can first be placed on the circuit board, the front panel put in position and then the front cover snapped in place to hold the whole assembly together. The circuit may be a portion of a larger board.

Abstract: Applicators for the electrophoretic and/or electro-osmotic deposition of a medicament across the skin and into the blood stream. The applicator includes a plurality of drug reservoir electrodes, a battery, a plurality of folded members each having an electrically conductive coating on a flexible, non-conductive substrate in electrical contact with the batttery and the drug reservoir electrodes, electrical current conditioning means, a cover adhesively secured to the applicator, and a release liner covering and protecting the drug reservoirs until use. A method of manufacturing the applicator is set forth.

Abstract: A nail clipper having a pair of resilient elongated members in which the sides of the elongated members are enclosed by a flexible material that permits the elongated members to be moved together to clip the nail but simultaneously forms an enclosure which traps the nail clippings. The nail clippings may then be shaken out of the clipper through the space between the cutting edges.

Abstract: A cutting tool for preparing an end of semi-rigid coaxial cable for connector attachment includes interengageable piloting clamp and cutter head assemblies. The piloting clamp is provided with a bore for receiving the cable end, a coaxial shank portion from which the cable end is located to project a selected distance and a securement member for retaining the cable end in the piloting clamp. The cutter head includes a bore for receiving the piloting clamp shank portion and projecting cable end slidably and coaxially advanced therein, a cutter blade for cutting the insulating material and outer conductor of the cable away from its center conductor, and a stop for stopping advance of the shank portion in the cutter head so as to leave a predetermined length of the center conductor exposed.

Abstract: An apparatus for punching a plurality of predetermined spaced mounting holes in a building roof panel support member includes an elongated housing having an oil sump therewithin, a hydraulic pump together with an electric motor for actuation thereof mounted on the housing, guide structure which can be opened and closed for temporarily mounting the housing upon a roof panel support member, an adjustable gauge pin mounted on the housing near one end thereof, the gauge pin being supported on a mount which is adjustable along both the length and the width of the housing, and a hydraulic punch adjustably mounted near the other end of the housing from the gauge pin for punching holes in the support member.The method of punching holes in a roof panel support member as disclosed herein is also part of this invention.

Abstract: An enclosed measuring device for measuring the relative position of two objects which are movable relative to each other includes a housing provided with a longitudinal slot. The slot is closed by means of cover members mounted in a chamber of the housing. The cover members are comb-shaped in transverse cross-section and are arranged so as to mesh with each other, resulting in a labyrinth-type line of contact between the cover members. A carrying member providing the connection between the interior of the housing and one of the objects has a meander-like shape conforming to the labyrinth-type line of contact between the two cover members, so that an effective sealing action is ensured even at the location where the carrying member extends through the cover members.

Abstract: An improved caliper apparatus comprises a host caliper including a jaw assembly having two opposing, flat reference edges for measuring edge-to-edge and point-to-point distances; and further includes removable, reference off-setting assemblies which are removably attached to the jaw elements of the host caliper; and which reference off-setting assemblies reposition the reference points of the caliper to provide hole-to-hole and edge-to-hole measurements while maintaining the integrity of the direct reading off the caliper scale.

Abstract: In order to enable extremely accurate length dimensions of working gauges, a method and measuring system is provided which includes both special standard gauge blocks and special working gauge members, as well as an associated specialized measuring device by which a working gauge may be produced through a simple length adjustment of two mutually fixable displaceable elements. The adjustment is effected in the measuring device by comparison with the dimension of a pre-measured standard gauge block. The gauge blocks and working gauges may be similarly shaped and include, for example, a cylindrical body and a measurement defining pin projecting therefrom, thereby resulting in an inexpensive manufacturing of the gauge blocks and an easy adjustability of the working gauges.

Abstract: A chalkline device situated on a protractor in such a manner which permits the chalkline string to extend from the centerpoint of the protractor's radius past the degree markings on the protractor. By placing the centerpoint side of the protractor on any straight surface and extending the chalkline string past the degree markings any angle measurement can, by the chalkline string, be determined and marked in the same process. The chalkline string serves as both the hand of a dial and a medium for conveyance of the chalk to the surface being marked or measured.

Abstract: Metrological apparatus is provided with a turntable (4) which is movable horizontally and pivotally for centering and levelling. The turntable (4) is supported at three points (A,B,P), one (P) of which is fixed and the other two (A,B) of which are vertically movable by motorized jacks. Centering and levelling is achieved automatically by means of a computer (72) which calculates the required horizontal and pivotal movements of the turntable (4) from data obtained by sensing the workpiece surface with a transducer (12).

Abstract: A contour and outline transducer gage assembly for selectively making outline (gap) and contour checks of parts positioned proximate thereto is provided with a slidably movable carrier arm within the gage housing in selective spring biased operative engagement with a linear potentiometer fixedly provided within the gage housing. Selective movement of the carrier arm in relation to the linear potentiometer causes a gaging electrical signal to be generated for read-out on associated data collector means. A movable cover plate is provided externally of the gage housing in fixed actuating engagement with the movable carrier arm. An adjustable contour check pin support assembly is provided on the movable cover plate so as to provide selective horizontal, vertical and angularity adjustment of a part-engaging contour check pin mounted on the contour check pin support assembly.

Abstract: An improved measuring system for use in combination with vehicle repair equipment includes a pair of transverse bars mounted at a fixed position in space relative to the vehicle with a longitudinally extending and laterally movable bar assembly attached by sliding brackets to the transverse bars. Additional longitudinal bars are attached to the opposite ends of the transverse bars. Supplemental measuring equipment is attachable to all of the bars in order to effect point to point measurements on a vehicle in order that the point to point measurements may be compared with known standards.

Abstract: A process for the dry sluicing of sediment from pressurized systems, such as gasification processes, in which gravitationally conveyed sediments are cooled to below their release temperature before removal. The sediments are cooled via indirect heat exchange, such as radiation cooling, to below their release point in a first zone, and are then further cooled indirectly as well as directly via cool countercurrent gas in a second zone to temperatures below 300.degree. C., the sediment route in the second zone being lengthened by deflection of at least a part of the sediment, the sediment being removed via a sluice.

Abstract: An anaerobic, pasteurizing conditioning system for treating matter such as whole and ground grain and minerals to increase the rate of conversion during digestion and thus the nutritional value thereof. The system comprises a direct fired steam generator adapted for producing treatment fluid comprising steam and non-condensible gases, the gases containing insufficient oxygen for substantial aerobic bacterial growth. The steam and oxygen deficient non-condensible gases are discharged into the vessel for counter-current flow relative to matter passing therethrough. The operation of the direct fired steam generator is controlled for producing a sufficiently large volume of oxygen deficient gases and steam for purging the matter of other gases flowing therewith and maintaining the deficient oxygen level in the non-condensible gases for creating an anaerobic condition.

Abstract: In an athletic shoe, an external counter and cushion assembly includes a substantially rigid external counter extending medially to approximately the front flex line, and a rearfoot cushion member is mounted within the rigid counter. This assembly mounts externally to the heel and counter region of a lasted upper. The floor of the cushion member also extends forwardly toward the front-flex region of the shoe and is preferably wedge-shaped to serve as a heel-lift layer. The cushion walls are generally coextensive with the counter walls, insulating the upper from the rigid counter in this region. The external counter construction includes a base flange which mounts atop the midsole periphery on a plane substantially below the bottom surface of the foot.

Abstract: Adjusting device of the arch of the foot for the insole of shoes, boots and the like, formed by a deformable half-dome, shaped likewise the arch of the foot of a human foot, which is anchored to at least three slidable constraint points and is provided with height adjusting means, such as a wedge shaped element slidable inwardly and outwardly with respect to said half-dome.

Abstract: Method of excavating overburden from a mineral or coal deposit seam using a low wall winch component, a high wall which component and a hoe. The hoe is attached to the low wall winch component by one or more draglines and the hoe is attached to the high wall winch component by a tail line.The method includes the steps of:(i) moving the hoe by tensioning of the draglines by the low wall winch component through overburden created by preliminary drilling and blasting to move said overburden away from the mineral or coal deposit seams in one or more traverses wherein overburden is loaded onto the hoe and subsequently dumped onto a spoil bank; and(ii) moving the hoe at the end of the or each traverse back to the starting point of the traverse by untensioning of the draglines by the low wall winch component and tensioning of the tail line by the high wall winch component.There is also included dragline apparatus including the aforementioned low wall winch component, high wall winch component, and the hoe.

Abstract: A dozer blade of the present invention includes two curved blade sections that are joined at respective inner ends thereof. The blade sections are joined to form a unitary blade exhibiting a concave surface for scraping and removal of snow and the like. The blade sections converge forwardly at the top toward their central juncture such that a top portion of the central juncture is generally positioned forwardly of a bottom portion thereof. Additionally, the top portion of the central juncture is generally positioned lower than outer ends of respective top portions of the blade sections, presenting a winged profile from the front. A divider is positioned along the central juncture from a bottom scraping portion of the blade sections to the top. The divider serves to distribute material being dozed generally equally to either side.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus to assist in the proper maintenance of a plant which comprises a stake for insertion into a first container containing a plant, the first container being inserted into a second container; a flexible connecting means having two ends, one end connected to the stake and the other end to an attachment means, the attachment means for attaching the connecting means to the second container.

Abstract: Image bearing panels with interleaved strips are slidably carried by a sign base. A motor drives a crank and reciprocating arm with the arm end sequentially engageable with an abutment on each panel to shift the panel and expose the panel image. An obstruction is positionable at the completion of the last panel shifted which causes the arm to move out of its reciprocating path to engage and actuate linkage acting on the panels to collectively reposition the panels preparatory to the start of a viewing sequence.

Abstract: A compact sign is disclosed in which alternative messages are displayed, such as "OPEN" or "CLOSED". The signs use certain of the letters in each of the messages, for example "O" and "E" in the OPEN-CLOSED embodiment. The signs have three panels: a front panel with an aperture through which the other two panels may be viewed; a middle panel having one or more one space apertures through which information on the back panel may be viewed, as well as either blank spaces or information in other spaces; and a back panel with either blank spaces or information. The middle panel slides one space to reveal the alternate message.

Abstract: A bite indicator for use when fishing with a fishing rod. The indicator comprises a strain sensing element mounted to a support and electrically connected to an indicator. In one embodiment the support comprises a fishing rod support whereas in another embodiment it comprises the wall of the fishing rod. In both cases, movement of the fishing rod when a bite occurs is sensed by the sensing element and thereby actuates the indicator.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a fishing rod. The apparatus comprises a body member having a top surface for supporting the rod thereon, at least one shoulder member formed at one end of the body member to define a first channel, and a clasp member mountable to said body member at an opposite end to define a second channel. The first channel has an open side substantially parallel to the body member's top surface, and the second channel has an open side substantially perpendicular to the top surface. The second channel is configured to resist certain forces imposed on the rod tip. The rod is placed in the rod holder to extend between the first and second channels with the butt of the rod extending beyond the second channel. The body member may be pivotally mounted at one end thereof, with an arm mounted at this one end. Means may be connected between the arm and a point spaced from the pivotally mounted end of the body member for dampening movement of the body member.

Abstract: A fishing lure has a member or body which is at least partially covered with a first coating of a dark adhesive material, and the first coating is overlaid with a second coating of a binder combined with temperature sensitive encapsulated liquid crystals. The second coating is overlaid with a third coating of clear sealant material, and the third coating may be decorated or painted to simulate the eyes, scales or fins of a miniature fish.

Abstract: A composition which comprises a polymer and a nickel dialkyldithiocarbamate of the formula (R.sup.1 R.sup.2 NCSS).sub.2 Ni, wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are the same or different branched-chain C.sub.5-18 alkyl groups. Such a composition, which preferably additionally comprises a zinc dialkyldithiocarbamate, can be used, e.g. in film or sheet form, to protect flora at an agricultural or horticultural locus.

Abstract: An improved airtight closing sliding door with contact pressure and integrated one-hand operation which lowers itself in its closed position and thereby hermetically seals the door frame as well as the door sill by way of continuously effective contact pressure whose door leaf is suspended from the cam plate of a carrying shaft, and which is lowered from horizontally to vertically downwards position by turning the carrying shaft.

Abstract: A vehicle door structure having an exterior surface of a door window located flush with an exterior surface of a door frame. The door window is vertically displaced in the door frame with the aid of a slider which is fixed to the end portion of the door window. The slider has a vertically extending groove therein into which the end portion of the door window is located. An adhesive is provided between the end portion of the door window and the inside of the slider to fix the door window to the slider. The door window is firmly fixed onto the slider by alternative or conjunctive means such as an enlarged bottom portion of the slider which contacts an end portion of the door window, or a stopper integrally provided on at least one end of the slider and a plurality of ribs which are horizontally disposed at different vertical positions in the groove of the slider. These alternative/conjunctive means serve to absorb stresses which occur from exterior forces experienced by the vehicle door structure.

Abstract: A metal door frame for mounting onto an existing wood door frame of a building comprises side and top members that are to be secured onto respective side and top sections of the existing door frame. A threshold member is mounted onto or into the bottoms of the side members of the outer door frame, the threshold member being adjustable relative to the side members enabling the threshold member to engage and extend along the threshold of the existing frame regardless of the position of the existing threshold.

Abstract: A knife sharpener comprises an elongated blade holder with a clamping device for holding a blade at one end of the holder with the blade extending transversely the length of the holder, a post extending from the other end of the holder perpendicular to the plane in which the blade is gripped, and an elongated sharpening element having a sharpening surface extending over part of its length and a guide slot for receiving a ball at the top of the post extending along the remainder of its length. Engagement between the ball and the guide slot with the sharpening surface contacting an edge of the blade to be sharpened establishes the sharpening angle which is maintained throughout sharpening strokes of the sharpening element. The post may be adjustable in height to adjust the sharpening angle and may be replicated on opposite sides of the holder.

Abstract: In the method for introducing an operation for dressing a grinding wheel, actual differential value is formed from its infeed distance and the material removed from a workpiece, which value is compared with a desired differential value. As soon as the actual differential value is at least equal to the desired differential value, a signal for dressing the grinding wheel is generated. The grinding wheel can be used for the optimum length of time, because the actual degree of bluntness of the grinding wheel is taken into consideration in the measurement. The grinding wheel is seated on a feed carriage, the infeed distance of which is monitored by a measuring device. A further measuring device is provided for measuring the material removed from the workpiece. Both measuring devices are connected via a signal line respectively to a computer for a comparison of the desired value and actual value. The computer is provided with an output signal.

Abstract: Apparatus for coupling a rotary grinding tool to a rotary spindle has a long centering cone at the front end of the spindle for entry into a complementary conical hole in the main portion of a hub which separably holds the tool. The spindle transmits torque to the hub by means of two male torque transmitting elements provided on an axial extension of the hub and extending into complementary recesses provided on a ring-shaped member at the smaller-diameter end of the cone. The tool is held in a predetermined axial position by an end face of the extension which abuts an end face of the cone. A package of springs is installed in the cone to normally bias the extension of the hub axially of and away from the spindle so as to facilitate separation of the tool from the spindle by means of an automatic tool changer. The spring surrounds the shank of a screw or bolt which separably secures the extension of the hub to the cone of the spindle.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus according to the teachings of the present invention disclosure is shown in its most preferred form of a floor polishing machine having a polishing member rotatably mounted to a platform. The polishing member is raised off the floor surface by lift levers and lever extensions pivotally mounted to the chassis having their first ends pivotally mounted to the platform of the polishing member and their second ends pivotally attached to a vertically reciprocal rod biased by a spring. The polishing member automatically lowers due to the suction created by the polishing member forcing the air from underneath the center of the polishing member during rotation and against the bias of the spring. The rigid polishing member is allowed to follow the floor surface due to the pivotal mounting of the platform to the ends of the lift levers and to a parallelogram assembly.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a blade sharpening device formed from two mating longitudinal body portions. An opening is provided at one end of the sharpening device from which the apex of an equilateral triangular shaped cutting blade extends into the opening. The inside corners of the opening walls and the back wall of recesses in each body portion lock the cutter blade in position and prevent movement there of when in use for sharpening. The cutter blade can be rotated to provide a new cutting edge. Extra cutter blades can be stored within the mating body portions. A thumb guard may be included.

Abstract: A glass substrate for supporting an electroluminescent (EL) display element comprising two dielectric layers defining a thin film EL layer, and two electrode layers, attached to each of the two dielectric layers is characterized by being composed of barosilicic acid without hydrolytic products thereon. A method for preparing such a glass substrate comprises the steps of preparing a glass substrate composed of borosilic acid, grinding a surface of the glass substrate, and cleaning the surface of the glass substrate without soaking it in an acidic solution, so that the glass substrate is free from formed hydrolytic products on the surface.

Abstract: A vibratory apparatus is provided to dislodge and separate foreign matter from castings. A curved, bottom, supporting surface for the castings is inclined downwardly towards an outlet. Vibration imparting apparatus cause individual castings to travel up the curved portion and tumble over themselves as they simultaneously advance towards the outlet. Foreign matter, separated from the castings, is diverted away from the hopper as the castings progress continuously between the inlet and the outlet in a helical path.

Abstract: A molding strip assembly is provided for use in covering a support surface with a flexible material and is particularly adapted for retaining facing interior marginal edges of a pair of material panels within the interior of a framework which surrounds the area to be covered on the support surface. The molding strip assembly has a base wall to be positioned adjacent the support surface and first and second raised support walls along opposite lateral sides of the base wall. The support walls are oriented and supported in spaced relation above the support surface. Preferably, first and second interior side walls extend between the base wall and the first and second raised support walls, respectively, to define a U-shaped channel region; first and second outer side walls extend downwardly from the first and second raised support walls, respectively, and terminate in outwardly turned attachment flanges for securing the strip to the support surface.