Abstract: A dipstick guide to aid in the insertion of a dipstick into a dipstick tube when measuring the level of oil in the engine or replacing the dipstick in the dipstick tube comprising an upper frusto-conical body whose side converges into one end of a smaller central body or tube portion, the other end of which then diverges into a lower body or frusto-conical skirt, smaller than the upper body, the two opposed frusto-conical bodies having sides which diverge in opposite directions from each other, and a slot extending axially along the length of the guide from one end to the other to allow removal of the guide, sidewise, when the dipstick has been partially inserted into the dipstick tube. An upstanding handle on the upper body facilitates the positioning of the dipstick guide onto the dipstick tube, and allows for the dipstick guide to be manually removed from the dipstick tube, and then moved out of the way of the dipstick.

Abstract: A process for drying a moving web coated with a coating composition containing an inflammable organic solvent which comprises, drying said coated web by passing it through a closed-type oven filled with an inert gas and provided with planar heaters on the upper side and lower side of the path of the moving web, and separating said organic solvent from the exhaust gas of said oven by condensation. The process of the invention does not require air for dilution or an incinerator. Moreover, the recycle volume of inert gas is small, and the heat exchanger is compact. Accordingly, the whole apparatus can be made compact. The coated face of web is hardly affected by the movement of the surrounding atmosphere due to the drying by heaters as well as the small volume of inert gas introduced into the oven. Accordingly, a uniformly dried coating can be obtained.

Abstract: A subterranean cavern having gas impermeable walls is used to store grain. The cavern has a controlled atmosphere without oxygen and preferably has an atmosphere of nitrogen. Access is provided to the cavern from the surface for the loading and outloading of the grain stored in the cavern. The grain is loaded into the cavern by conveying the grain to the access and then either allowing the grain to fall through the access into the cavern or by pneumatically conveying the grain into the cavern. The grain is outloaded from the cavern by a pneumatic conveyance system.

Abstract: An improved, high efficiency rotary drum dryer and method is disclosed which achieves outstanding thermal efficiencies by provision of a multiple-pass rotary dryer designed so that the product to be dried is first conveyed through an outermost drum of relatively large cross-sectional area and then through succeeding internal drums of progressively smaller cross-sectional areas. In this way, the velocity of induced air currents traveling through the dryer increases from pass to pass, with the result that the net velocity of product through successive passes also increases. The preferred dryer also includes housing structure in surrounding relationship to the innermost drum permitting introduction of relatively low humidity ambient-derived air into the central drum so as to lower the partial pressure of moisture in the drying atmosphere, thus promoting the final stage of drying.

Abstract: A heating device incorporated in an article of clothing or a shoe, notably a ski boot, comprising a sealed enclosure (2) in contact with the area of the body to be heated, this enclosure containing a salt (5) which changes phase between solid and liquid and has a latent fusion heat close to the normal temperature of the area of the body, from 30.degree. to 40.degree. C., and in which the heating resistance (6) is in a heat exchange with the salt contained in the sealed enclosure (2) such that after heating of the salt, as it returns to its solid state, it progressively gives off heat for a long period of time, while maintaining a substantially constant comfortable temperature.

Abstract: An air-permeable shoe including a shoe constructed of an open-cell rubber foam. A base cloth is attached to the sole or insert therein. The sole of the shoe is exposed on a side surface of the sole of the shoe wherein a top side surface of the sole is in communication with the inside of the shoe and the ambient atmosphere. The open-cell rubber foam may be a rubber latex foam having a microstructure with a compression permanent set of less than 20%.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the encapsulation of a cellular insert, in the form of cellular components, formed of woven material fabricating such cellular components that present voids or cavities therein, or which may be formed from spirally or helically wound strands of a polymer having a hardness exceeding that of the foamed or other polymer composition in which the insert locates, as within the structure of a sole for an athletic shoe.

Abstract: This heel device is designed to cause a heel portion of a shoe to rebound when a person walks or jogs. Primarily, it consists of a base plate secured to the bottom of the heel portion of the shoe, and a leaf hinge is secured to the base plate and pivots. Projections are secured to the leaves of the hinge and include a pair of shafts that retain and support an endless rubber belt that provides the tension for the shoe to rebound.

Abstract: A board is vertically mountable to a wall or door and features an upwards extending support structure to which a garment hanger support bracket is attached. The garment hanger support bracket is itself vertically adjustable to permit hangers to be supported relatively higher or lower with respect to the board. A vertical adjustment of the bracket consequently allows respectively longer or shorter garments to be hung in a substantially centered position in front of the board. In addition the garment hanger support bracket features a plurality of vertically spaced hanger support recesses which allow a garment to be vertically relocated during a steaming operation without the need to vertically readjust the garment hanger support bracket itself. This latter feature permits a garment to be vertically shifted to bring wrinkles in upper and lower portions of the garment to a convenient working height.

Abstract: System for the simulation of human movements of a puppet as used in a programmable puppet show, which puppet is provided with mutually hingeable parts of the body, in which a number of cam disks to be driven synchronously by a motor (3) are present, each of which can be followed by a roll (4) attached to one end of a lever (6), while the other end of the lever (6) is connected to a Bowden cable (11) capable of transmitting the movement of the lever (6) to a mechanical construction which can make a part of the body perform a desired movement.

Abstract: A stake for holding a sign upright and comprising at least two parallel and spaced-apart elongate legs, one end of which legs for being driven into the ground and the other end of which legs for supporting a sign above the ground, and at least two longitudinally spaced-apart cross-members secured to and connecting the legs together. At least one of the cross-members comprises a step for being used to drive the two legs into the ground for supporting a sign on the other end. The other end of the legs comprises thin wire-like members for extending into the open areas of a corrugated sign or for holding a fiberboard sign. The other cross-member supports the sign at a predetermined distance above the cross-member which comprises the step.

Abstract: A firing pin force transducer for use with firearms is disclosed. Impact of he firing pin on a simulated primer housed in a cartridge facsimile is transduced into an electrical signal by a foil strain gage and fed into a signal conditioner. The amplified signal is recorded by a digital oscilloscope allowing the operator to determine the force and energy expended by the firing pin.

Abstract: A revolver has a cylinder mounted so that actuation of the hammer will cause the hammer to strike one end of a cartridge in a chamber of the cylinder. The cylinder is mounted for rotation about a center pin, and a bolt having a projection at one end is aligned with the center pin to release it for lateral swinging movement of the cylinder away from the recess. A first spring member is associated with the center pin for urging it rearwardly, and the bolt has an abutment slidable into and out of the path of pivotal movement of the hammer. The revolver is modified by a second spring member associated with the abutment which overcomes the first spring member to urge the abutment into a position in the path of the hammer. A manually engageable slide is engageable with the bolt and movable in a first direction causing the projection to engage the center pin to release it from the frame and further movable in a second direction causing the abutment to slide out of the path of pivotal movement of the hammer.

Abstract: An improvement in spearguns. A light is incorporated inside the speargun barrel to improve the field of sight for the spearfisherman. The light focuses on the area the spear is aiming at without interferring with the shot or increasing the drag through the water. The controls for the light are in close proximity to the trigger mechanism so it is easy to use. Despite being housed in the speargun barrel, the components are easy to service such as replacing the bulb or batteries.

Abstract: A mounting device for detachably securing a flashlight or the like to the barrel of a firearm. The mounting device includes a first portion for detachably securing the mounting device to the firearm barrel, defined by a pair of spaced sidewalls which flex outwardly during mounting thereof to the firearm barrel by application of a force in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the firearm barrel. The mounting device includes a second portion for receiving the barrel of a flashlight or the like, including a passage within which the flashlight barrel is mounted. The passage is provided with resilient means for engaging the outer surface of the flashlight barrel for securely retaining the flashlight barrel thereon, and for accommodating varying flashlight barrel sizes.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated device for collecting biological specimens under water in a receiving chamber and employing a pneumatically operated plunger for creating suction at an intake to the receiving chamber is provided with a nozzle having a movable end remote from the intake. A pneumatic nozzle activator is operated in tandem with the plunger to extend the movable end of the nozzle away from the intake and toward a live biological specimen to be trapped. Concurrent retraction of the plunger and extension of the movable nozzle end toward the specimen, enhances the likelihood of a successful capture. A specimen collecting container may be coupled to the receiving chamber, and flapper valves within the nozzle, at the receiving chamber intake, and at a specimen collecting port leading to the collecting container facilitate the direction of the specimen into the collection container while reducing the likelihood that the specimen will escape.

Abstract: A mechanically driven brailer for fish from the bunt of a net includes a handle, a brailer hoop, and brail net attached to the hoop. The brailer hoop is hinged to the handle such that it maintains a coplanar relationship with the handle as both are driven downward into the fish. Release of a latch means allows the hoop to change positions relative to the handle so that the volume of the bunt swept by the hoop is maximized.

Abstract: An apparatus having a curved member in a substantially closed configuration so as to define an ovate shaped confinement area wherein the curved member is formed from a material having a first hardness. A cross piece is connected to the curved member within the confinement area. A snap release mechanism disposed upon the curved member is movable between a first position for opening the configuration and a second position for closing the configuration. The curved member has a line engaging surface facing the confinement area having a material deposit thereon. The material deposit has a second hardness relatively greater than the first hardness.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fishing lure and more particularly to a lure that has a definite dividing region along its longitudinal axis extending centrally along its length, adding to the lure's oscillatory effect. Two concave portions meet about the longitudinal axis, forming the spoon shape. The lure can be adjusted by the fisherman to provide a faster wobble by bending forward its leading edge. Because the lure tapers toward the leading edge and is made from brass, the lure is easily bendable to allow for such adjustment of the wobble action.

Abstract: An otter board comprising a front board member and rear board member. The rear board member is connected to the front board member through variable connecting mechanism, so that the relative positions of both the front and rear board members may be freely adjusted.

Abstract: An insect feeding station having a central poison area, guide walls leading from the periphery of the station to the central poison area and a cover, optionally having transparent means to view said poison area. When the cover is transparent, or a portion or sections, thereof is transparent, the poison compartment may have a contrasting and luminous color under the poison to make removal of poison easily detectable.

Abstract: A hand-held liquid applicator for wipingly applying liquid herbicide to undesired vegetation. The applicator includes an elongated tubular handle and a removable wiper head. The tubular handle serves as a reservoir for containing liquid herbicide and as a conduit for supplying the herbicide to the applicator head. The applicator head is made of porous, bonded crumb-rubber irrigation piping, sealed at one end. Internally disposed inside the applicator head is a bendable wire stiffener which allows the applicator head to be conformed to a desired shape.

Abstract: A holder for Christmas trees which includes a container supported above ground level, legs to support the weight of the tree attached to the container, and holding members extending from the legs. The container is provided with sharpened points or a spike upon which the tree base rests, and can hold a reservoir of water. The legs are mounted to the container so that as the weight of the tree depresses the container, the legs spread on the floor and the holding members are forced to engage the tree trunk and hold it in place. Springs are provided at the point at which the legs are attached to the container so that the container may set above ground level at rest position with the holding members spread wide enough to accommodate various tree trunck sizes.Alternatively, a resilient stabilizing member integral with the legs and extending over the rim and into the container is provided which acts similarly to the springs of the first embodiment to hold the legs open prior to tree insertion.

Abstract: A method for positioning and supporting a tree having a tree stem and a rootball is disclosed wherein a hole is formed in a ground surface. Anchors are positioned within the hole. Block fragments are positioned around the tree stem. A securing member is disposed around the block fragments and the tree stem for securing the block fragments to the tree stem. The rootball is positioned within the hole. A tension member is connected to the securing member and the anchors. A tightening member is connected to the tension member for adjusting the tension of the tension member for retaining and tree within the hole. Thereafter, the rootball positioned within the hole is buried.

Abstract: A plant cage apparatus is set forth wherein a matrix of interconnected vertical and horizontal arcuate rod members are interconnected at junctures by connector members wherein the connector members slidingly accept ends of respective horizontal and vertical members to enable expansion or contraction of the cage apparatus to accommodate plant growth. Terminal ends of respective horizontal members defining terminal junctions of a respective cage structure along one vertical perimeter are formed with projecting tapered ends at the cage and connector members are formed at the other vertical perimeter side of the cage. The connector members accommodate the tapered end portions for joinder of two respective semi-cylindrical cage structures to form a continuous cage apparatus.

Abstract: A movable door incorporates a proximity detection system for sensing obstructions in the path of the door. The system comprises an array of transmitter/receiver pairs, each pair comprising a transmitter for tranmitting an energy pulse, a receiver located adjacent the transmitter and directed to receive any reflected transmitter pulses, and a shielding for shielding the receiver from receiving energy pulses directly from the transmitter. At least two transmitter/receiver pairs are mounted on a leading edge or face of the door to transmit energy pulses in a direction which is not at right angles to the leading surface or edge of the door, to monitor for obstructions in the path of the door. Another two transmitter/receiver pairs are mounted on the leading edge or surface of the door to transmit energy pulses at right angles to the surface or edge of the door. Different transmitter/receiver pairs may transmit on different frequencies, and means for suppressing unwanted reflected signals is provided.

Abstract: A door glass run for a motor vehicle provided with a door mirror, has straight extruded door glass runs to be respectively mounted in an inclined front frame and a vertically extending frame supporting the door mirror bracket, and a molded door glass run in the form of a corner, which connects the straight extruded door glass runs to each other. A flange-shaped sealing wall is formed in an outer periphery of the molded door glass run for sealing a space between the molded door glass run and the opposed inclined front frame thereby preventing the occurance of wind noise due to the high speed blowing of air through the space during running of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A weather strip to be attached along a door frame and a door west line of a vehicle has extruded weather strips extending along the door frame and the door west line, respectively, and an L-shaped molded corner member connecting ends of respective extruded weather strips. The extruded weather strip extending along the door west line is composed of an outer weather strip and an inner weather strip, each being provided with a flocked seal lip to come in sliding contact with respective surfaces of a window glass. The L-shaped molded corner member is composed of an outer corner portion and an inner corner portion, each having an extruded and flocked extension seal lip integrally formed with the flocked seal lip of each of the outer weather strip and the inner weather strip. The extruded and flocked extension seal lip is fitted in each of opposed surfaces of the outer corner portion and the inner corner portion of the L-shaped molded corner member.

Abstract: A framing member of general U-shape includes spaced legs having inner generally parallel flanges each of which terminates in an inner penetrating edge. Each of the inner flanges and the joined leg portion defines an S-shape. Internal clamping members urge the inner flanges toward one another, causing the inner penetrating edges to penetrate into a protruding member so that the framing member encloses the protruding member with the penetrating edges hidden from view.

Abstract: In an apparatus and a method for slicing a cylindrical semiconductor ingot into thin wafer pieces using an inner peripheral sliding blade, a grind stone shaft with a grind stone mounted to the tip end thereof is located movably axially within a rotor provided with the inner perpheral sliding blade so that the grind stone shaft and rotor can be rotated integrally but axially movable relative to each other. the grind stone and slicing blade are arranged effieciently so that, after the semiconductor ingot is sliced with the slicing blade, the grind stone approaches the end face of the ingot to grind it. This can save a lapping step, thereby improving working efficiency.

Abstract: In a machine tool for abrasive machining of planar surfaces having a bed (1) supporting a workhead (28), a faceplate (9) carrying an abrasive tool (11), which is mounted for rotation by means of a thrust bearing (13) on an annular support (12) attached to the bed (1) and which is rotated by a coaxial drive shaft (3) journalled in antifriction bearings (16), and an adjustable means for pressing the faceplate (9) against the annular support (12), comprising an air-powered diaphragm (21) having a hollow rod (15) through which extends the drive shaft (3), according to the invention, the annular support (12) has a coaxial bushing (14) in which the hollow rod (15) is mounted for axial movement and to which a casing (22) of the air-powered diaphragm (21) is attached, the antifriction bearings (16) of the drive shaft (3) being mounted in the hollow rod (15) and the drive shaft (3) being coupled to the faceplate (9) by means of an elastic member (8).

Abstract: An apparatus for scraping off burrs at resin outer layer of a golf ball. According to this method and apparatus, even if some errors exist in the diameter of golf balls of resin outer layer, only burrs can be scraped off automatically at high efficiency, without impairing the degree of true circle of golf balls and without generating deformation of golf balls.

Abstract: A surface is treated by rotating a blast wheel to direct shot at the surface. The blast wheel is enclosed by a blast head mounted on a frame supported on the surface by a plurality of wheels. At least two of the wheels are driven by hydraulically actuated motors supplied from a reservoir by a first hydraulic pump. A second hydraulic pump is also connected to the reservoir for actuating a fan motor to drive a fan and create suction to draw the shot and loosened contaminants through a filtering system with an automatic purge control.

Abstract: A canopy assembly has an openable panel in a top or bottom wall to allow access to the interior without disturbing the front face member. This may be required e.g. to maintain light fittings or to tension a flexible sheet of the front face member. There may be a pair of upright rear girders and an assembly at the top and/or the bottom comprising a rear transverse member that bridges the girders and has a hinge channel at the front. Brackets project forwardly from the girders and carry a front transverse member. A lid is hingedly engaged in the hinge channel and extends to the front transverse member, which also supports the front face member, a displaceable screen, and a support for light fittings.

Abstract: A shelter for enclosing a walk-behind type lawn mower. The shelter includes a housing having a hollow interior for receiving the lawn mower and having an opening for allowing the lawn mower to be pushed into and pulled from the interior and includes a door for selectively closing the opening. The interior of the housing has a width slightly wider than the width of the lawn mower, has a length slightly longer than the length of the lawn mower, and has a height slightly higher than the height of the lawn mower.

Abstract: The subject structure comprises at least one assembly of premanufactured components. Each component comprises at least one beam with a fixture attached at each end. The fixtures are box shaped, having tops, bottoms, ends and side faces. The fixtures are longer (from end to end) than they are high (top to bottom) or thick (face to face) and the faces are perpendicular to the length of the beam. The fixtures are generally symmetrical about a plane perpendicular to and bisecting the faces. Each fixture has a flange extending from one end and a groove in the other. The components are pivotally connected to form an assembly, the pivotal connections being pins inserted through holes to hold the flange of one fixture in the groove of the next, the pin locations being near the tops of the fixtures. The fixtures are frusto-triangular in plan view, the tops being the bases of the triangles. Cables are threaded endwise through the fixtures near their bottoms.

Abstract: A building kit is provided for the assembly of a building structure. The kit includes a plurality of building members having selected lengths and configurations. Each building member occupies a designated position in a mating engagement with at least one other companion building member to form the building structure. The building members include coded sections to provide a visual indication of which building members are to be coupled in the mating engagement, thereby facilitating assembly of the building structure. A door frame assembly can be included with the building kit. The door frame assembly includes a plurality of building members having integral connector portions to couple adjacent building members to form the door frame.

Abstract: A building structure comprises first and second truss members having cross-members extending therebetween. Each truss member has a generally I-shaped cross-section, of generally constant cross-sectional dimensions, defining elongate longitudinal channels. The longitudinal channels are sized to appropriately receive and retain ends of cross-members extending between the truss members. Supports mounted in the longitudinal channels form receiving pockets which are engaged by the cross-members. A plurality of truss members, formed as parallel arches, may be utilized to form a load-bearing framing structure of a completed building, which may be enclosed by wall coverings such as panelling, siding, plywood or the like. The absence of load-bearing sidewalls permit doors, windows, deck units or the like to be easily introduced into sidewalls.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vibration restraining structure comprising a pair of wall members defining an inner space therebetween, separation walls separating the inner space into chambers, and a liquid retained in the chambers and having a free surface.The liquid retained in the chambers slosh as the building vibrates. Vibrational energy of the building is transferred to the liquid and generates sloshing thereof. As a result, vibration of the building is restrained. Vibration of the building is restrained most effectively when a natural frequency of the sloshing coincides with a natural frequency of the structure. In other words, the building and the liquid form a unitary oscillating system, and a fundamental vibration mode of the system is a mode wherein sloshing occurs together with a displacement of the building.The method for restraining vibration of a building comprises a step of providing the above-mentioned structures at locations where the model displacement of the building is significant.

Abstract: A fire stopping apparatus includes a metal casing having two side walls with co-extensive openings and an annular outer wall extending between the side walls outwardly from the openings, forming an inwardly open, annular channel. The casing has mounts for connecting the apparatus to a building structure. There is an intumescent material within the channel. A resilient gasket extends from the casing and has an annular inner wall extending inwardly beyond the intumescent material.

Abstract: A diaphragm for use in a building structure includes a fluted deck supported by horizontal support beams and includes a contoured shear resisting member disposed internally from an end of the fluted deck for stiffening the fluted deck against horizontal shear loads imposed upon the diaphragm. The bottom flutes of the fluted deck overlie at least one horizontal support beam with which the shear resisting member is associated. Both the shear resisting member and the associated support beam extend perpendicular to the flutes within the fluted deck. The shear resisting member includes a substantially planar horizontal flange which spans a number of the top flutes of the fluted deck, and a first series of welds secures the upper flange of the shear resisting member to the underlying top flutes. A series of spaced tabs extend downwardly from a side edge of the upper flanged, each spaced tab lying within a trough of the fluted deck.

Abstract: An improved belt weather strip retaining system is disclosed. The system includes weather stripping adapted to be secured on the flange of a vehicle. The weather stripping includes members for retaining the weather stripping onto the flange. One or more discontinuities are formed on the flange. The one or more discontinuities are coupled with the weather stripping retaining members for enhancing retention of the weather stripping on the flange.

Abstract: An improved insulating block form for use in the construction of concrete wall structures wherein the block form is formed from expandable polystyrene material to provide a lightweight, rigid, box-like structure having a pair of oppositely disposed side walls and end walls which together define a body cavity to receive concrete therein. A plurality of transverse strut members integrally support the side walls and further define a plurality of cells. Each end wall includes a pair of inserts which are adapted to be mounted to the transverse strut member when the elongated block form is required to be cut for a particular installation. The side and end walls are further provided with interlocking members whereby they are readily stacked one above the other and side-to-side in a secure interlocked arrangement.

Abstract: Each spacer comprises a foot portion of a polygonal cross section, which is rotatably lockable in a correspondingly profiled part of the plate. Each foot portion is topped by a star shaped surface and extended by a vertical rod or column terminated by a head portion which is hollow for passage of fastening means provided for maintaining the upper fixation element onto the head portion. The upper fixation elements are suitably stiffened by corrugation means and provided with a center hole for passage of the fastening means.

Abstract: Boards of lumber or the like which exhibit defects such as knots or knotholes are repaired by cutting a bore through the board at the site of the defect and by filling the bore with a plug of conforming shape. The width of the bore changes at a first location along its axis and undergoes a reverse change at another location in order to interlock the plug with the board. The plug may be formed by filling the bore with hardenable mastic or by fitting conforming pieces of wood or the like into opposite ends of the bore, the pieces being abutted and secured together by adhesive. The interlocking configuration of the bore and plug assures that the plug cannot be ejected from the board.

Abstract: A window assembly to be installed to an automotive vehicle body, and a production method of the same. The window assembly is comprised of a plastic molding securely formed at the peripheral section of a transparent glass plate such as a windshield glass of an automotive vehicle, along the whole periphery of the glass plate. The molding is integrally formed with a flange-section tightly cotractable with the surface of an outer panel of the vehicle body, and a projection securely fittable with the vehicle body outer panel when the window assembly is installed to the vehicle body. The molding is further formed with a depression for effectively retaining adhesive between the molding and the vehicle body outer panel.

Abstract: A reinforcing and mounting structure for frames, especially window frames, has an inner metal sectional insert fitting into a hollow channel frame member and frame cover elements surrounding the hollow channel frame member on at least three sides. The sectional insert is wedged into the hollow channel frame member and attached at its end faces by screws to frame elements of the frame such as a window frame. The improved mounting structure is less expensive to produce, easier to install, and achieves a considerably increased strength and loadability with the same cross-sectional dimensions relative to prior structures. The sectional insert includes two sectional insert halves (1a, 1b) arranged back-to-back in a mirror image fashion. Each sectional insert half (1a, 1b) essentially has a configuration with a U-shape cross-section with a base shank and two leg shanks.

Abstract: A structural panel for use in building construction and other applications has an internal rib structure with the ribs interlocked to form a two dimensional matrix. The ribs have tabs that are fitted into openings of facing sheets of the panels. This structure results in a strong prefabricated building panel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a tube and bag from a supply of thin thermoplastic film with the film being formed into tubular shape about a filling tube with the edges of the film brought together and joined solely by a zipper strip having reclosable pressure interlocking members thereon with the zipper strip preferably heat sealed to the film and the zipper strip having a web between the pressure interlocking members which provides a tamper-evident juncture between the edges of the film so that the web must be severed for access to the interior of a bag formed from the film, and individual bags formed from the continuous tube by filling the tube through the filling tube and cross-seaming and cutting individual bags from the continuous film tube.

Abstract: An automotive slicing machine includes a circuit for monitoring the operation of a card dispenser during the processing of a sliced product. In one embodiment, when the monitoring circuit detects that a card dispensing operation has not been performed for two consecutive drafts of a sliced product, the slicing operation is halted until an operator attends to the problem.