Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic rhythm performing apparatus which can generate both automatic rhythm sounds and manual rhythm sounds. In particular, the present invention relates to an apparatus which allows an operator to temporarily stop the generation of automatic rhythm, tones or to reduce the volume of automatic rhythm, tones at a predetermined point in the music; and to later produce a manual rhythm sound as the indication that the automatic rhythm sound should be resumed.

Abstract: An automatic or semi-automatic pistol is made substantially of polymer materials. The pistol includes polymer upper and lower receivers and a polymer barrel attached to the upper receiver. The operating mechanism includes a bolt, block and a hammer, slidably mounted in the fixed upper receiver with the bolt and block and the hammer being separately springloaded. A gas operated link is positioned to rotate the pistol block from a locked to an unlocked position when actuated by gas from a fired cartridge. A gas port extends from the end portion of the barrel to one end portion of the gas operated link to move the link responsive to the gas pressure to thereby unlock the block so that the block, bolt and hammer can be operated by reaction to the gasses still in the weapon barrel.

Abstract: A rail-type airborne missile launcher having a main launcher body for fixed attachment to an aircraft, and a sub-rail removably attachable to the underside of the launcher body to carry a missile, is further provided with individual hook modules that can be attached to the underside of the launcher body, when the sub-rail is removed, at selected locations along the launcher body to carry a variety of stores. Such hook modules can each carry a separate respective store or they can be employed as an oppositely-facing pair at a selected distance apart to both carry a single store. In the former case, the hooks will be operable separately, such as by electromagnetic means, for separate release of the stores; but in the latter case both hooks will be arranged to release simultaneously.

Abstract: A coil launcher having a barrel segmented into sections formed of sets of poly-phase energizable coils which are energized in succession by a power supply comprised of capacitors, with one capacitor coupled to a respective section of coils. A predetermined number of sections of coils disposed at the breech end of the barrel are merged, and the resultant merged section is coupled to a like number of pre-energized capacitors which are connected successively and cumulatively in series to that merged section of coils by way of switch circuits, whereby the number of capacitors connected in series increases over time to increase the level and resonant frequency of energy supplied to that merged section of coils.

Abstract: The magazine includes a clip magazine (22) above a drum magazine (11) and connectable to an automatic weapon. Door (15) is hinged at its lower edge to open downwardly from clip magazine (22). The torsion spring (21) can be wound by external crank (20), and the spring bias can be relieved by pushing latch plunger (60). The protrusion (102, 103) of the last round follower (85) moves progressively along the spiral path (81) of the drum magazine (11) and the last round follower (85) moves through the turn and into the clip magazine (22) to push the last round of ammunition to the weapon.

Abstract: Gun mounting apparatus is provided which includes a pivotable shoe for slidably engaging a mating bracket on a gun in order to support a substantial amount of the gun weight to facilitate movement of the gun and engagement of coaxial fittings along with quick release means for both engaging the coaxial gun fittings and enabling gun rotation in elevation thereabout.

Abstract: A member oscillates on a face and another member pivots on a bed of the first member. Passages are provided through the members to lead a lubrication fluid under pressure into a fluid pocket between the mentioned face and one of the members. The fluid pressure in the pocket carries a major portion of the load of one of the members on the face. The oscillation of the members has one stroke under higher load and one under less load. The pivotal movement of the other member controls the flow of fluid through the passages to provide high pressure in the fluid pocket at the stroke under higher load and lower pressure in the pocket at the stroke under less load. The arrangement is especially suitable to be provided on pistons and piston shoes of radial piston machines. But it can also serve to carry load on other members of machines or vehicles, wherein at least two movements are taking place and a source of supply of fluid under pressure is available.

Abstract: A pull rod assembly comprising a pull rod having three peripheral grooves, a piston device including an adaptor ring and a seal ring, said piston device being mounted on the pull rod by a split ring retainer situated in one groove and extending into an interior groove in the adaptor and a resilient split ring retained in another groove and positioned to engage the piston device and to retain the seal on its adaptor.

Abstract: A ventilated work chamber, e.g., a paint booth, large enough to allow a worker to move about inside is improved by confining the zone (or path) of the fresh ventilating air to just a portion of the cross section of the chamber, and providing means for shifting the location of the ventilating air zone from one place to another in the chamber, as the worker changes his location.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing soy sauce comprises a sampling mechanism for sampling a portion of a prescribed amount of raw soy sauce stored in at least one storage tank, and an automatic multiple analyzer for receiving the portion of the prescribed amount of raw soy sauce from the sampling mechanism and simultaneously analyzing the concentrations of at least two ingredients of the sampled portion of the raw soy sauce. The apparatus also includes at least one control tank operatively communicating with the storage tank for supplying at least one controlling element to the raw soy sauce in the storage tank, and a contral mechanism for selectively opening and closing control valves coupled between the control tank and the storage tank according to analytic results from the automatic multiple analyzer thereby to add the controlling element to the raw soy sauce in the storage tank to adjust the concentrations of the at least two ingredients of the prescribed amount of raw soy sauce to target values.

Abstract: A structure to facilitate the stacking of a significant number of newspapers in a tidy manner and having means for facilitating the bundling of the newspapers stacked in the structure. In a preferred embodiment, the structure includes a framework having an open generally box-like configuration made of wire rod, a support for a supply of string or other filament, and a cutting implement to trim the string to required lengths. The framework is also provided with anchors to retain the string in an operative position ready for tying the newspapers or other paper stacked in the framework.

Abstract: In a compression device 100 (FIG. 1), two shafts 4,6 carry double lobed packers 5,101 which force crop through a throat formed by static elements 7,8 into a chamber 9. The packers are intermeshed and angularly displaced around their shafts to reduce the driving torque of the device.

Abstract: A safety, locking, pull ring for a munition which must be deformed and simultaneously rotated from a protecting locking recess and which must then be rotated 180 degrees from the recessed position in order to free one end of a pivotably attached bar. The bar must then be rotated 180 degrees, using the ring as a handle, to expose both a safety wire which must be removed to arm the munition, and expose an indicator light, which indicates the safe or unsafe condition of the munition, and finally to crush an ampule to release electrolyte to energize a battery which powers the munition electronic circuitry.

Abstract: An arrangement for drawing a braking parachute out of a front article of submunition of a submunition pair, including a withdrawing or pull line extending between the front and rear articles of submunition. Upon the articles of submunition distancing themselves from each other, there is opened a slip knot of the pull line, through which the latter is connected with the rear article of submunition.

Abstract: A safety fuze for a hand grenade comprises a fuze body, a delay case assembly, a detonator assembly, an initiator lever assembly, a cover assembly, and a pull ring assembly. The fuze body has a head, a stem, and a central portion, and a bore extending longitudinally therethrough. The delay case assembly comprises a delay case matingly received in the bore and having an upper primer portion containing a primer, a lower delay portion containing ignition, delay and penetration charges, a sealant separating the primer portion from the delay portion, and an air gap separating the primer portion from the ignition charge. The detonator assembly comprises a detonator case matingly receiving the fuze body stem at the top thereof and being in sealing engagement with the fuze body, and has an explosive detonator charge at the bottom thereof. A gap is provided between the fuze body bottom and the explosive charge.

Abstract: A computer controlled transport system for carrying materials, such as semiconductors, to various work stations at spaced apart locations within a common facility. The system comprises a routing controller, a monorail track extending past the work stations and consisting of a plurality of modular track sections. The track sections are interconnected to one another by at least one routing module, such as a turntable, transfer station, etc., to establish plural paths along the track. Plural cars are provided for supporting the materials and carrying them along the track. The cars are battery powered. The system also includes plural control modules located adjacent the track at spaced locations. Each car is individually identifiable and includes control circuitry and communication circuitry. Each of the control modules also includes control circuitry and communication circuitry. The control modules are connected to the routing controller by a local area network.

Abstract: A cable way for transporting suspended vehicles or cars includes a moving pulling cable and a guide element defining a long travel axis and formed at least in part as a support cable. The cable way at certain locations is adjustable in height and to both sides along the long travel axis. At the certain locations, the support cable is replaced by rigid rails. Each vehicle is supported on the guide element by a roller mechanism including a grip secured to the pulling cable with the grip connected by an articulated rocker member to travel rollers contacting the guide element. The rocker mechanism includes two guiding or steering elements pivotally displaceable relative to the long travel axis for effecting the adjustment at the certain locations. The grip generally engages the pulling cable from below and permits travel over diversion rollers located on both sides of the pulling cable.

Abstract: A rail car moving system including a double truck assembly which is operative in a guide track alongside the rail track for applying a pushing force to a rail car. The double truck assembly includes pusher arms which are movable from a recessed position to a raised position in order to apply a force onto the side frame of a rail car. The pusher arms are spring loaded for raising the arms and a hydraulic cylinder-piston is provided to lower the pusher arms. A cable-winch is used for applying the moving force.

Abstract: This invention applies the linkage connected between the interaxle yokes of a truck and a railroad vehicle car body so as to create radially steered alignment of wheelsets on circular curves without reference to the truck frame. Forces exchanged between the wheelsets and the car body are essentially longitudinal and no significant lateral forces are created on the truck frame or car body from the steering action. The steering linkage utilizes the longitudinal component of relative motion of a point on the car body with reference to the vehicle truck to cause relative pivotal movement of the interaxle yokes thereby guiding the wheelsets to a radial alignment. Radial alignment is achieved by suitable proportioning of the links of the mechanism.

Abstract: An improved railway truck is provided having an elastic and internal grounding connection for creating an electrical path from the side frame, around the elastomeric suspension pad, to the bearing adapter allowing the static electricity of the railway vehicle to be discharged at the rail.

Abstract: A foldable playtray is provided having a table top supported by a pair of legs hinged to the table top in one embodiment in such a way that both surfaces fo the table may be used. One surface of the table is provided with a Lego-type play surface so a child playing with Lego-type toys can detachably secure them to the table. The other surface of the table is flat, for use for games, arts and crafts. The legs can be rotated so they support the table with either its Lego-type play surface or its flat surface on top. In addition, the legs are provided with a Lego-type play surface and can be rotated to be coplanar with the table to provide an extended Lego-type play surface. The legs are also equipped with covered storage compartments for small objects.

Abstract: Disclosed as the present invention is household furniture, particularly furniture which is very easily assembled and disassembled. The present invention is specifically directed to furniture which is scaled in size and in assembly complexity for children. A particular embodiment is disclosed in which the furniture package is provided with full child-size parts and with a smaller sized set of paper or cardboard parts matching the child-size parts, thus enabling the child to visualize the completed furniture pieces as well as the assembly process.

Abstract: A self leveling table for holding articles on the table at a constant level regardless of the number of articles on the top of the table with the self leveling table including a pair of scissor arms that are restrained from closing by a set of springs whose compression force can be adjusted, the scissor arms pivotally mounted in the table with one end of the springs including a cam bar with a pair of cam followers for engaging cam surfaces on the scissors arms to smoothly control the raising and lowering of the self leveling table when materials are added or removed from the table and spaced lifting surfaces on the self leveling table, to permit an operator with a forklift to move the self leveling table.

Abstract: The armor comprises a plate of refractory steel (1) resistant to cracking by means of a known torch. One or more inserts (2) of refractory material resistant to an added metal torch are encased in the refractory steel (1), the structure and distribution in the interior of the steel of this insert or of these inserts (2) being such that the plate comprises a series of zones, distributed over the whole of the plate, which are separated by zones in which the thickness of the steel is different. Application particularly to safes.

Abstract: A relatively lightweight safe is provided in two embodiments with both embodiments being structured using nearly identical principles. The first embodiment is trapezoidal in shape to take advantage of the trapezoidal shaped space behind the hinged, bench-style seats of pickup trucks. The second embodiment is generally rectangular in shape and is adapted to be hidden underneath a removable dining bench-style seat or a bed of a recreational vehicle. The box-like housings of both embodiments are manufactured of a 12 gauge thick steel sheet metal. Around the hinged access door of each embodiment is a framework of steel tubing serving to provide a reinforced location to mount the door hinge and to provide reinforcement around the locked door. Each door and hinge is slightly recessed below the front surface of the steel tubing. Both embodiments use a combination lock mounted on the door for locking a door mounted lock handle assembly stationary.

Abstract: A charcoal manufacturing device includes at least two bottomless furnaces of which, in operation, at least one is in a carbonization phase and at least one other is charged with wet wood to be dried. An incinerator is provided for burning the gas produced during the carbonization phase, connected to the at least one furnace. A first hot gas diluter is connected to this incinerator and an extractor is connected to the first diluter. An optional washing device is connected to the extractor. Hot gas produced by the at least one furnace during the carbonization phase is drawn off upstream of the extractor and conveyed to the at least one other furnace by a system that includes a second hot gas diluter. This second diluter renders the temperature of the hot gas compatible with the wet wood to be dried.

Abstract: Gaseous discharge from a pelletizing drier used in the treatment of sewage sludge is partially directed back to a combustion chamber that generates an effluent which is fed to the drier. Volumetric requirements of a gas scrubber and an afterburner are reduced to the volume of gaseous discharge not recycled back to the combustion chamber. A concentrated stream of sewage sludge is mixed with a quantity of dehydrated particulate matter and supplied to a rotary pelletizing drier. Fuel and air undergo a combustion process and are mixed with additional air and part of the gaseous discharge in the combustion chamber which generates a hot gaseous effluent that is directed through the drier. The effluent removes moisture from the mixture of concentrated sludge and dehydrated particulate matter to provide dehydrated particulate sludge and the gaseous discharge. Entrained materials are initially separated from the gaseous discharge by cyclone separators.

Abstract: A furnace system is provided with exhaust gas recirculation via a recirculation tube having an inlet mounted downstream of the furnace firing area and an inlet disposed in juxtaposition to the blower fan wheel of the furnace blower. The recirculated gases can enter the tube from either the stack or the firebox. The inlet penetrates the air intake plenum either axially thereof or at an angle thereto through a sidewall. The furnace includes both an air intake throttle and an air intake butterfly control valve. An exhaust gas recirculation control valve can be linked to the air intake control butterfly valve for their operation in concert. The air intake throttle is either a rigid baffle or a pivotable flap.

Abstract: Addition of a readily fluidizable, 100-400 micron average diameter particular CO combustion promoter to a circulating fluid bed (CFB) combustion unit improves the efficiency of CO burning, reduces emissions of CO and improves the efficiency of the unit.

Abstract: A no-till drill mounts a seed distribution assembly on the upper portion of the back side of a chisel blade that cuts a furrow in the soil being planted. The seed distribution assembly includes a horizontal seed distribution plate having an upturned lip at its rear edge and side walls which extend upwardly from each of its sides. The side walls are joined to the blade at one of their ends and their other ends are separated from the upturned lip of the seed distribution plate. Thus, seed which is deposited onto the seed distribution plate from a seed supply tube falls off of the rear portion of the plate between the ends of the side walls and the upturned lip. The seed distribution assembly is wider than the blade and is positioned to extend partially into the furrow made by the blade and widen the upper portion of the furrow.

Abstract: A special seed spreading machine, lawn care apparatus and process are provided to transport, meter, and disperse different types of grass seeds evenly and uniformly over a lawn, turf, or soil. Advantageously, the novel seed spreading machine, lawn care apparatus and process can accurately control, mix, meter, and spread different amounts (proportions) of various types of grass seeds and/or other materials, and can dispense different types of grass seed in separate bins simultaneously at different speeds and flow rates. The seed spreading machine and lawn care apparatus preferably comprise of a ground driven disc, dual hopper assembly with double friction wheels which drives tumblers in the hopper assembly through a chain and sprocket arrangement.

Abstract: In an automatic sewing device the sewing head has, for producing a tangential path of the needle relative to the seam to be produced, a rotary housing which receives the needle bar and a likewise rotatable hook bearing which receives the hook and which can be tilt driven by an adjusting shaft at the same angle of rotation as the rotary housing. A drive shaft is provided for driving the needle bar and the hook. To enable even pivoting movements of the rotary housing in a simple embodiment without a change in the height of the needle bar occurring, there are provided a device for the drive-like connection of the adjusting shaft and the drive shaft and a device for the disengagement of the drive motor from the drive shaft.

Abstract: A zigzag sewing machine includes a needle hole member having a round needle hole of a diameter slightly larger than that of a stitching needle. The needle hole member engages a laterally elongated hole in a needle plate and is swingable along the latter. A base member is mounted coaxially with a loop taker and is rotatable relative to the loop taker. The needle hole member is pivoted to the base member for relative vertically swinging movement. A lever swingably mounted on the machine housing engages with the needle hole member, and a cam rotated in synchronism with the vertical reciprocation of the needle is in engagement with the swinging lever. A stepping motor is operatively connected to the needle to reciprocate the needle laterally in the elongated needle plate hole, and the motor is also operatively connected to the base member to reciprocate the base member.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for both reducing and increasing water-side drag of marine vessels are disclosed, to enhance vessel operation and control. The hull of a marine vessel employing the invention would be sectionally constructed, to form a rigid structure. A short central bow section terminating in a primary lateral hydrodynamic step and a longer adjacent aft central hull section are disposed between narrow outboard hull sponsons having large length-to-width aspect ratios which provide substantial buoyant support for the vessel, enclosing an open-channel conduit under the vessel's aft central hull section. Outer water-side surfaces of the elongate outboard hull sponsons are contoured similarly to common racing shells and finished smooth, to delay or prevent flow separation and pressure drag. A shallow-draft aft central hull section having a shingled multi-step bottom surface abuts the central bow section adjacent the primary lateral step.

Abstract: An emergency paddle kit for sailboards is disclosed. The kit comprises at least one shaft which has a paddle blade attached to one end, which shaft is releasably attached to the boom of a sailboard. When the sail of the sailboard is not used to propel the sailboard through the water, the shaft may be released from the boom and the paddle may be used to propel the sailboard through the water. The emergency kit may further comprise a second shaft which has a second paddle blade attached to one end, which second shaft is also releasably attached to the boom of the sailboard. The first and second shafts may be connected together to form a kayak-type paddle which may then be utilized to propel the sailboard through the water. The emergency kit may further comprise a number of attachments, such as shaft extensions and a paddle handle which may be attached to the shaft and/or to each other.

Abstract: A sea-going craft has a main central body with two wings affixed to the body and extending horizontally away to either side. A catamaran-type hull is attached to each wing end, and provides flotation. The rearward edge of each wing is generally closer to the water than the forward edge when the craft is under power, thus adding lift due to the ground-effect phenomenon. A hydrofoil is affixed to each hull and extends downwardly, and a third hydrofoil is affixed to the central body, extending downwardly. The craft includes propulsion apparatus.

Abstract: A wind propelled apparatus is disclosed which includes a surfboard having a wind-propulsion sail adapted to receive wind for motive power, and a training sleeve which surrounds a substantial portion of the surfboard and includes side pontoons or stabilizer tanks filled with air under pressure to stabilize the surfboard with respect to a longitudinal axis. The training sleeve is preferably of a woven fabric which is maintained in tension and snugly against the board and has a relatively non-skid surface for stepping by an operator. This function is useful in combination with the stabilizer tanks particularly as a training aid for novice operators, but may also be used as desired by experienced operators under extreme conditions.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for use under water, particularly for cleaning vertical surfaces which are fouled by marine organisms. One or more nozzles (19a-c) for spraying water at high pressure at a surface to be cleaned are arranged on a rotary disc-shaped unit (14)where the rotation axis is intended to be generally perpendicular to the surface which is to be cleaned. The nozzles are obliquely located in a circular plane so that the rotating unit (14) can rotate. Beyond the periphery of the rotating unit (14) there is a casing (12) which forms an annular chamber (13) with an outlet which is at least partly directed away from the surface which is to be cleaned. The annular chamber (13) is formed from two generally cylindrical or truncated conical casing units (20, 30) which are positioned at a radial distance from each other with their internal ends concentric with respect to the nozzle holder (11).

Abstract: Vertically adjustable floating dock units for mooring boats are adapted to be vertically adjustable relative to the water line. The floating dock unit contains a detachable pontoon mounting assembly to which pontoons are secured and the assembly is removably secured to the dock understructure at variable vertical height adjustments.

Abstract: An aquatic wheelchair having a main flotation body of thermoplastic material of closed cell construction including a seat portion and an integral backrest portion. Flotation paddle wheels are connected to the seat portion and a flotation stabilizer wheel assembly is detachably connected to the backrest portion. The flotation paddle wheels are constructed and arranged to facilitate the grasping thereof by the user for manually propelling the wheelchair not only on soft terrain but also in water.

Abstract: A high speed planing watercraft includes a pitch stabilization system having variable pitch canard airfoils controlled by a control system incorporating a gyroscope for accommodating constantly changing hydrodynamic forces on the hull.

Abstract: The marine anchor has two symmetrical flukes, each one of them fitted with a pair of symmetrical ledges. Between the flukes, a shank is capable of pivoting around a transverse shaft that joins the two flukes, so as to form, relative to the shaft, a fore arm and a rear arm. The free end of the rear arm carries transverse stop-pins. An oblong aperture is provided in the shank, for the passage of a shaft that joins the flukes. The stop-pins come into abutment against the ledges of the flukes when the shaft is in the rear part of the aperture. The stop-pins are released from the ledges when the shaft is in the fore part of the aperture. The aperture has the general shape of a truncated triangle, the axis of symmetry of which is one and the same with the longitudinal axis of the shank, the long base of the truncated triangle being in the fore. Under normal conditions, elastic or breakable lug pieces limit the movements of the stop-pins when they are released from the ledges.

Abstract: A sea anchor and apparatus for deploying the sea anchor into water and for storing it when not in use. An associated method provides for the deployment of the sea anchor into water and storing the sea anchor after use.

Abstract: A portable personal floatation device for water sports such as fishing and the like is constructed of a light material such as styrofoam and has a horizontal main panel with an opening for a user to fit through so the floatation device surrounds the user. The device is designed to be easily accessible for the user, with a door provided on a side panel. The central opening in the main panel of the device accommodates the occupant to carry the device and wade into the water, and as the device begins to float, the occupant may sit on the main panel of the device.

Abstract: A flat single piece windshield (10) which extends across the bow of the boat and is rotatably connected thereto by hinges (20,22). The windshield (10) includes two elongated support elements (48,50) which extend, respectively, from the top edge (14) of the windshield (10) downwardly to tracks which extend respectively along the gunwales of the boat. The lower ends of the support elements (48,50) are movable along the longitudinal tracks, thereby providing a capability for the windshield (10) to be raised and lowered through a large angle relative to the plane of the boat. A canopy (11) which includes a frame (67) and a cover (124) extends rearwardly from the top edge (14) of the windshield (10). The canopy (b 11) is supported by telescoping poles (82,84) which extend from the rear of the canopy (11) downwardly to the gunwales of the boat.

Abstract: A marine vehicle comprising a first generally vertical wall, a second generally vertical wall extending generally perpendicular to the first wall, a first seat bottom member, a second seat bottom member, a hinge mechanism supporting the first seat bottom member for movement between a first position wherein the first seat bottom member extends generally horizontally from the first wall and a second position wherein the first seat bottom member extends generally vertically against the first wall, and a hinge mechanism supporting the second seat bottom member for movement between an operating position wherein the second seat bottom member extends generally horizontally from the second wall and is generally coplanar with the first seat bottom member when the first seat bottom member is in the first position, and a storage position wherein the second seat bottom member extends generally vertically against the second wall.

Abstract: A pet deodorizer device is set forth provided with an elongate cylindrical canister formed with an integral elongate flexible hinge securing an overlying lid to enclose the canister. The canister is provided with a matrix of through-extending apertures with a solid bar of a deodorizing agent positionable and replaceable within the canister. The deodorizing agent is formed within a transparent flexible packaging material with a tear strip removably securable to the package whereupon removal of the tear strip releases the deodorizing agent through the slot created by the tear strip and ultimately through the apertures to the associated pet. The hinge securing the lid to the canister is provided with an annular spring ring of a diameter less than the lid and the canister to enable securement of the canister to an associated pet collar.

Abstract: A marker for golf courses and similar locations including an in-ground receptacle, a surface plate mounted on and in surrounding relationship with the top of the receptacle at ground level, and a tubular "stake" which fits into the receptacle. The plate and receptacle form a swivel bearing to permit the surface plate to lie flush with non-level ground while retaining the vertical orientation of the stake and receptacle. The plate is crowned to shed balls.

Abstract: The device includes two separately movable indicators for conveying different messages, such as "service needed" or "check please." The device includes first and second actuator pins for moving the first and second indicators relative to a vertical housing, which is mounted on a tray support placed on a table.

Abstract: Envelope flap moistening apparatus for use in a machine for feeding an envelope having a flap in a predetermined downstream path of travel, the apparatus comprising: an elongate horizontally-extending stripper blade including a trailing edge longitudinally-extending transverse to the path of travel, the stripper blade including a lower elongate hinge segment and an upper elongate hinge segment, each of the stripper blade hinge segments transversely-extending from the stripper blade trailing edge; an elongate applicator retainer including a leading edge longitudinally-extending transverse to the path of travel, the retainer including an upper elongate hinge segment and a lower elongate hinge segment, each of the retainer hinge segment transversely-extending from the retainer leading edge; and the upper hinge segments and lower hinge segments respectively cooperatively configured for engagement with one another and for maintaining the retainer in a predetermined position of alignment with the stripper blade.