Abstract: A crankshaft having a high stress portion including a crankpin and an eccentric. The high stress portion is formed of a forged steel material having a first axial end. A reduced stress portion is formed from an unforged steel material and generally comprises a tubular cylindrical portion having a second axial end. The first axial end is secured to the second axial end by friction welding. A separate counterweight is attached to either the high stress portion or the reduced stress portion.

Abstract: A tappet for slide valves, in particular for pneumatic multi-way valves, is generally made of steel and has a basic cylindrical shape with control segments located on the basic cylindrical shape and with smaller-diameter intermediate segments, whereby control edges are formed at the transitions between the segments. To be able to manufacture a lightweight tappet using more economical methods, the tappet body is made of plastic and is hollow all the way through, the outer control segments and the smaller-diameter segments between the outer control segments have wall thicknesses which are equal for each type of segment, and the plastic comprise polyoxymethylene or polyamide with a proportion of fillers.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of adjusting backlash for a north-south transaxle. The method includes the steps of forming a case having a first passageway extending longitudinally and a second passageway spaced from the first passageway and being generally parallel to the first passageway and extending longitudinally and a cavity at one end of the second passageway having an opening generally perpendicular to the passageway. The method also includes disposing a transmission assembly in the first passageway and a transfer assembly in the second passageway and a differential assembly in the cavity and engaging the transfer assembly. The method further includes preloading the differential assembly, determining the amount of backlash between the differential assembly and transfer assembly, and adjusting the backlash between the differential assembly and transfer assembly.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved method for manufacturing wheels in a production line by: hot-shaping metal into wheel-shaped articles which are larger in some areas than the wheels to be formed and which have a plurality of complexly-curved inner and outer surfaces; cooling the wheel-shaped articles and removing excess metal from some areas of the wheel-shaped articles. The improvement comprises: inspecting at least some of the wheel-shaped articles at a plurality of points along a transverse plane through the inner and outer surfaces of each article being inspected and at a plurality of transverse plane locations about the perimeter of each such article with a contactless gauging system recently after the articles have been hot-shaped to determine whether the articles are within dimensional requirements to form a wheel therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a spacer, especially a spacer for use with a thrust roller bearing assembly. An internal radial lip projecting into the central aperture of the spacer provides for frictional retention on a shaft passing therethrough. Where the thrust bearing and spacer combination is to be installed in a bore, one or more external radial lips may be included to frictionally retain the spacer within the bore. The spacer element is adapted for coupling to one of the bearing elements. In one embodiment, the bearing and spacer may be bonded together. In another embodiment, the spacer and bearing are joined by mutually engageable circumferential locking surfaces. The spacer is selected from a plurality of spacers of differing axial dimension, each spacer being color coded according to its axial dimension.

Abstract: A method of sharpening the blades of a rotary shaver having rotating discs with a plurality of cutting blades consisting of the following steps. Firstly, substitute a cup shaped sharpening head for a comb-like shaving head on a rotary shaver. The cup shaped sharpening head has a flat abrasive bottom in communication with cutting blades on the rotating disc. Secondly, activate the drive motor whereby the disc rotates rapidly rubbing the cutting blades against the abrasive bottom of the cup shaped sharpening head.

Abstract: In a folding knife or hand tool having a handle and a blade pivotally connected to the handle, a spring loaded crossbolt 1 is fitted to the blade tang. One end of crossbolt 1 protrudes through an arcuate slot in the handle, crossbolt slot 32. A locking collar 19 on crossbolt 1 engages locking counterbores A 34 and B 36 located on the blade side of the opposite ends of crossbolt slot 32. When finger pressure is applied to the end of crossbolt 1, locking collar 19 is forced to disengage locking counterbore A 34 and retreat to a relieved area on the blade, collar relief 52. This permits the blade to be extended by forward finger pressure on crossbolt 1. When the blade is fully extended, spring pressure forces locking collar 19 into the opposite locking counterbore B 36, thus locking the blade. Reversing the sequence will close and lock the blade.

Abstract: A cutting head for a cord-type mower driven by an engine is disclosed. The cutting head includes a rotor capable of rotating about an axis and a bobbin with a cord wound on it. The bobbin can rotate relatively to the rotor about the axis in the rotor. The cutting head includes two types of cord feeding systems. The first cord feeding system automatically feeds a cord in response to cord wear. The second cord feeding system feeds a cord in response to a manual tapping operation executed during driving of the cutting head. The second cord feeding system disconnects one of the bobbin and rotor from the engine in response to the tapping operation.

Abstract: A cutting head for a cord-type mower driven by an engine is disclosed. The cutting head includes a rotor capable of rotating about an axis and a bobbin with a cord wound on it. The bobbin can rotate relatively to the rotor about the axis in the rotor. The cutting head includes two types of cord feeding systems. The first cord feeding system automatically feeds a cord in response to cord wear. The second cord feeding system feeds a cord in response to a manual tapping operation executed during driving of the cutting head. The second cord feeding system disconnects one of the bobbin and rotor from the engine in response to the tapping operation.

Abstract: A method for determining the size of the open area of a vacuum valve for use in a die casting operation is disclosed. The invention determines the size primarily as a function of the total length of the exterior parting lines of the die. Apparatus for producing die castings is disclosed which has a vacuum valve with a specified open flow area.

Abstract: The devices disclosed herein are designed for the purpose of properly spacing tile from each other to provide the desired width of space between tiles to give the desired grout line. The first device has a length sufficient to span the length or width of at least three tiles and likewise has a lip extending downward from a linear edge thereof. The second device has a lip extending downward from a flat rectangular plate having a length shorter than the length of the individual tiles. Both of these lips have identical thicknesses to give the desired grouting space between individual tiles. In preferred modifications of these first and second devices a second lip extends upwardly at the opposite parallel edge from the edge having the first lip. By having the thickness of this second lip of a different thickness from that of the first lip, the second lip can be converted to a downwardly extending lip by inverting the devices and used to give a different dimension to the width of the grout line.

Abstract: The present invention instrument measures the differential distances between two adjacent surfaces. To accomplish this end, the instrument has a main body to which there is pivotally coupled a U frame whose arms extend at an angle from its base, so that as the former is pivoted in one direction, the latter will correspondingly pivot in an opposite direction. Contact points are provided to the arms and the bottom surface of the body, and the base of the U frame is biased by a spring loaded slidable element within the body which in turn is connected to a transducer. Thus, as the instrument is moved between two adjacent surfaces, the lower and upper contacts having previously been adjusted to maintain contact with the respective lower and upper surfaces, any deviation in the space between the two being measured adjacent surfaces would cause the U frame to pivotally move.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dehydrating sewage sludge is described. Sewage sludge is placed into a dehydration chamber. The sewage sludge is heated to convert moisture in the sewage sludge to steam and cause gasification. Steam and gases are drawn from the dehydration chamber into a condenser, where the steam is condensed to form hot water. Gases are drawn from the condenser to a burner.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vacuum drying apparatus for continuously drying treated articles subjected to washing treatment with water such as electronic components. A plurality of vacuum tanks each incorporating therein heaters are disposed concyclically on a rotary table, and a carry-in apparatus for carrying in treated articles washed with water and a carry-out apparatus for carrying out dried treated articles are disposed in a carry-in/out zone of the treated articles. Furthermore, hot air heating devices for blowing hot air to the treated articles subjected to water washing treatment are disposed in the carry-in apparatus.

Abstract: To provide for temporary storage of freshly printed signatures (6), transported by a continuously moving product transport gripper chain (4, 5), a plurality of pocket structures (12), each of which includes a plurality of connected sheet-like elements (16,17) which, between each other, define pockets (15), are provided. The sheet-like elements are arranged for pivotable movement about an end portion to permit fan-like spreading out of the elements for reception in the pockets of, for example, one product or signature delivered by the transport system. Storage units are provided to store empty pocket structures and to receive pocket structures which are filled with signatures.

Abstract: An apparatus for guiding a coated material strip through a dryer has a plurality of guide elements disposed in the dryer so that the plurality of guide elements are equally-spaced. The plurality of guide elements each have a gas-permeable guide face which faces an underside of the coated material strip. A device for supplying a gas to the plurality of guide elements is provided so that a gas stream passes through each of the gas-permeable guide faces and supports the coated material.

Abstract: A system for drying a large quantity of wood efficiently, which includes: a wood drying room capable of being sealed; a combustion-gas generator provided with an air-inlet conduit for introducing fresh air for combustion use into a combustion chamber provided in a lower area of the combustion-gas generator; a combustion-gas supplying passage extending from an upper area of the combustion-gas generator to an upper area of the wood drying room; an exhaust-gas discharging conduit extending from a bottom area of the wood drying room to a chimney; a combustion-gas recovery conduit extending from the bottom area of the wood drying room to the combustion-gas generator; and a gas flow-rate control unit provided in at least one of the exhaust-gas discharging conduit and the combustion-gas recovery conduit.

Abstract: Footwear which is adaptable for athletic events requiring different sole configurations for different playing surfaces, for example artificial turf and natural turf, by providing the soles of shoes with a prescribed pattern of protuberances which are suitable for one type of event, and altering the pattern to adapt the shoes for another and different type of event. In particular the sole of each shoe can have removable conical cleats for playing on natural turf, and removable stud or square cleats for playing on artificial turf.

Abstract: A ski boot having a boot body having a bottom surface and boot soles attached to the bottom surface of the boot body. The soles and boot bottom surface include attaching members for changing the attaching position of the soles with respect to the boot body in a foot-width direction. The repositioning of the sole with respect to the boot body is used for selectively altering the lateral position and/or longitudinal alignment and/or the cant orientation of the ski boot and skier's foot with respect to the ski board.

Abstract: A frame for use in making a membrane lined with a gel layer includes two spaced apart bars to which opposite edges of a membrane can be connected and which are connected by two pairs of elastic strips. Cam elements are positioned between the strips of each pair of elastic strips to move the strips apart or allow them to come together, thereby causing the bars to move together for attachment of the membrane, or apart to stretch and tension the membrane after a gel has been cast thereon.

Abstract: A portable crafting frame includes carding strips to releasable support fabric while stretched across a window opening to allow access to opposite sides of the cloth. Front and back pairs of legs are pivotally supported by notches in upstanding walls in a hollow interior of the crafting frame at the underside and facing toward a base where the legs snap in notches formed in walls. The crafting frame is restrained against forward and aft movement by abutment walls in the frames and base that engage the legs in an operative positions. The legs can be released from the base pivoted against the bottom of the crafting frame to allow storage of the crafting frame in the base.

Abstract: A portable display device for displaying educational material or student's work comprising a plurality of panels, each panel separated from the next adjacent panel by a score line to permit relative movement between adjacent panels, each panel comprising a base portion including a first and second corrugated substantially rigid section separated by a substantially rigid member and a writing surface adhered to the outer surface of the first corrugated substantially rigid section, the score line formed between adjacent panels extending entirely through the second corrugated substantially rigid section and a portion of the first corrugated substantially rigid section such that adjacent panels may be folded relative to each other for storage and transport or extended relative to each other for display.

Abstract: A folded card-like promotional display device includes first and second panels pivotally movable between a first, closed condition of the device and a second, relatively open condition, and a third panel located between and depending from one of the first and second panels. A first image carried on a first face of the third panel is viewable in the closed condition of the device through a window defined in the first panel. A second image carried on a second, opposite face of the third panel is viewable only in the second, open condition of the device in which both the second image and a reflected image of the first image--the reflected image being seen in a reflective surface carried on the inner face of the first panel--are concurrently viewable. The second image is not viewable through the window or otherwise in the first condition of the device.

Abstract: A self-inflatable balloon and motor-driven turbine assembly has a communication discernible on a surface of the balloon and has a pneumatically sealed enclosure for the turbine. The sealed enclosure has an outlet port and which, together with the inlet port, are positioned in relation to the turbine to permit efficient flow of air or other gas into the balloon when it is desired to inflate the balloon. The outlet port or the inlet port, depending upon the embodiment, seals an enclosure when selectively operated to a closed position to prevent leaking of the gas from the inflated balloon.

Abstract: A frame/handgrip assembly is provided for autoloading handguns of the Model 1911 A1 type which incorporates a gripless preferably metal frame structure having guide rails for receiving a conventional slide and having a configuration for receiving other standard 1911 A1 components. The frame structure defines opposed handgrip seats including one or more keyways. An integral handgrip structure is provided having spaced connector elements having one or more internal keys for establishing mating, interlocked structural relationship with the handgrip seats. The handgrip structure incorporates an integral trigger guard and both the trigger guard and the connecting elements of the handgrip are physically interlocked with the frame structure by means of screws, pins, etc. The frame and handgrip structures may cooperatively define a wide internal cartridge magazine receptacle for receiving a wide, staggered row, enhanced volume cartridge magazine.

Abstract: A decoy is described using a photographic decoy image on at least one surface of a relatively flat decoy body. The photographic image includes a low glare coating to minimize reflection. The body is preferably formed of a weatherproof plastic material. The preferred material is polyethylene and an alternate material is ABS plastic. Either the preferred or alternate material may be co-extruded with a darkened core layer of recycled, reground material and light colored surface areas of virgin material. The surfaces are treated, preferably by a corona discharge treating system, to produce a printable surface area. A four color printing process is used to transfer the photographic images of the animals onto the treated surface. Ultraviolet inks are used for this purpose. A fifth coat of transparent ultraviolet ink mixed with fine silica is used to produce an extremely low reflective surface on the image. A stake is fitted through appropriate stake receiving apertures for upright forms of the present decoy body.

Abstract: A strike indicator for use on a fishing pole and having an elongated probe, a ring circumscribing one end of the probe, a circuit having a light and battery for energizing the light when the probe contacts the ring, and clamps for adjustably mounting the probe, circuit and ring along the length of the fishing pole. The probe is mounted on a spring. The ring may be pivoted.

Abstract: An elongate flexible tube having an entrance opening is arranged to receive a fishing rod therewithin, with the entrance opening including a drawstring to effect securement of the fishing rod cover to the associated fishing rod. A closed second end spaced from the opened first end includes an annular array of rigid support loops rotatably mounted through the wall of the tube to support fishing components therewithin, with a pocket member mounted between the first end and second end arranged for securement of fishing accessories. Overlying flexible flaps receive and secure fishing rod hooks in a secure relationship preventing their access to individuals but convenient for use as required.

Abstract: A remote control fishing tackle having a main controller (10) and a separate float unit (30) for operating remotely from the main controller and connected thereto by a primary fishing line (351). A secondary fishing line (352) is suspended from the float unit and has a fish hook (353) thereon. The main controller has a radio transmitter (21) with an electric power source (23) and a reel (22) for the fishing line for unreeling and reeling in the float unit. The float unit has a receiver (31), batteries (60), two electric motor units (40, 41) driving separate propellers (44, 45) in two water channels (50, 51), or a common water channel (70), and electronic speed controllers (30, 33) operated by the receiver in response to signals from the transmitter controlled by separate control elements (11, 12) so that the float unit can be propelled forward and backward and turned. The reel is operated selectively by a power drive or manually (15).

Abstract: A device for supporting cut flowers. The device is in the form of a hollow tube with a longitudinal opening formed therein. The edges of the tube at the opening carry flanges, disposed at an angle with respect to one another of at least 30.degree. and flaring outwardly from the tube. The interior surface of the tube has longitudinal ridges, preferably three ridges, that engage the flower stem and add stiffening to the tube for better support. The ridges also define channels between the stem and the interior surface of the tube for air to circulate and the stem to breathe. The device is fitted to the stem of a cut flower, just below the base of the flower head, to prevent drooping and wilting. It can be installed on a variety of cut flowers without damaging the stem.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning sod being transported on a perforate conveyor belt which includes at least one vibratory position and a powered brush position for removing the earth from the sod. This method and apparatus may be attached to a farm vehicle at the sod harvesting site or free-standing at a remote location. This present invention removes the earth in a substantially dry condition so that the earth may be returned directly to the harvest site or conveyed to another location. A subsequent water bath stage is disclosed for the removal of unwanted dust on the sod.

Abstract: The present invention is a reversible dual-purpose self-standing pot cover for covering a flowerpot or a plant pot. It first side is wrapped by a fabric material with decoration and the second side is wrapped by a fabric material with an uncovered central area used as a writing surface for writing messages. The reversible dual-purpose self-standing pot cover is placed around a flowerpot to enhance the pot image or it can be reversed to send a message to someone.

Abstract: A gate bar for a toll gate apparatus includes a tubular member surrounded by a sleeve of resilient material. The sleeve is protected by a sheath which may be painted to improve the visibility of the bar.

Abstract: A method for removing a predetermined amount of material from the inner surface of a circular article which deviates from a true circular configuration. The outer surface of the article is touch probed to determine its true location in space, and the data are stored in a computer memory. These data are then compared to engineering design data to establish the location of the surface to which material removal is desired. A control computer compares the measured data with the design data, and sends commands to the machine control system, causing the machine to remove the excess material down to the desired dimension. Any deviations from circular are compensated for by moving the article radially relative to the cutting tool as the article moves circumferentially relative to the cutting tool.

Abstract: A tangential grinding machine for railway rails has a rotating member, a plurality of abrasive sectors mounted on supports radially movable on the rotating member, elements which radially move the supports in order to move the abrasive sectors outwards by an extend which compensates their wear, and a plurality of sensors which when a predetermined degree of wear of the abrasive sectors is attained are activated to act under the control of an electronic unit on the radially movable supports, in order to restore the original grinding surface of the abrasive sectors which have undergone wear. In between the rotating member and the machine structure slidable on the rail there is interposed an articulated frame provided with a mechanism to cause the rotating member to undergo transverse oscillations about a longitudinal axis substantially coinciding with the axis of curvature of the corresponding band of the rail to be ground.

Abstract: A sewer chimney and method of forming a sewer chimney for connecting a surface branch sewer pipe to a deeply buried main sewer pipe having a fixture with an upwardly facing opening. The chimney is constructed of a plurality of precast concrete elements including a supporting base adjacent the main sewer pipe, one or more transitional sections on the supporting base and a cap block which rests on the upper most transitional section. An elongated vertical pipe extends from the fixture of the main sewer pipe to the cap block. Seals are provided between each of the concrete precast sections and seals are provided between the elongated vertical pipe and components of the construction.

Abstract: A modular support structure for a control room work station is disclosed which is capable of being used to support top surfaces of different shapes. The support structure includes a plurality of adjustable posts wherein each post comprises two elongated rectangular post flanges, each having a top edge for supporting the top surface, a bottom edge, an elongated outer edge and an elongated articulating edge opposing said outer edge, and hinge means for articulating said two rectangular post flanges with each other along said articulating edges. The hinged posts permit the attachment of panels at a variety of angles to accommodate the shape of the top surface. Also provided is a control room work station having the modular support structure of the present invention.

Abstract: A horizontal cable animal barrier for mounting on a cable to deter animal passage including a plurality of roller elements each having a central hole for rotatably mounting on a cable and a spacer element between each pair of roller elements and also having a central hole for rotatably mounting on the cable, in which the spacer elements are of a different size than the roller elements on either side to present an uneven, rotating barrier to animals on the cable to prevent the animals from passing.

Abstract: A construction unit (10) which is suitable for use in the fabrication of a stair stringer is provided. In one embodiment, the unit has three side members (12, 14, 16) which form a right triangle. The side member (16) forming the hypotenuse of the right triangle has a flat surface for locating the unit (10) against a flat support surface. The side members (12, 14) forming the other two sides of the right triangle are provided with channels (22) extending along their lengths, each for receiving the edge of a stair tread (28) or stair riser (30) forming sheet therein.

Abstract: A synthetic door frame includes an interior channel into which mounting members are fitted for securing the synthetic door frame to a building. The synthetic door frame further includes a cap which fits over the channel and covers the frame mounting members.

Abstract: An improved coupling assembly (10) mounted on a corrugated deck (30) and embedded in a concrete partition, such as floor (100), to provide an opening through the deck and the floor, is described. The coupling is comprised of an inner conduit (13) mounted inside of an outer sleeve (11). A flange portion (15) is provided at one end of the sleeve and includes openings (19) for fastening means, such as nails or screws (21) that serve to secure the coupling assembly in position on the deck. The conduit is mounted to the inside (11A) of the sleeve to position the opposed open ends (13B) and (13C) of the conduit extending beyond the sleeve means and through an opening (50) in the deck. The sleeve enables the contact point between the sleeve and the conduit to be adjusted along the length of the conduit. This is useful in those situations where the conduit has been mounted in an existing building construction or where the mounting position between the conduit and sleeve needs to be adjusted.

Abstract: A building structure requiring virtually no fasteners for its assembly, composed generally of a plurality of mutually interlocking floor panels which rest upon a plurality of floor stringers, a plurality of uprights interlocked with respect to the floor panels, a plurality of wall panels interlocked with respect to the uprights, a header rail on each left and right wall of the building structure fastened to adjoining uprights and interlocked with adjoining sidewall panels, a plurality of mutually interlocked roof trusses which are fastened to the header rails, and a plurality of roof panels interlocked with the roof trusses and adjoining rail header. The aforesaid interlocking relationships are provided by a male-female structural interrelationship between adjoining interlocking components. The building structure according to the present invention is further preferably provided with a self-leveling feature which connects with the floor stringers and floor panels.

Abstract: A hollow composite interior door assembly includes a pair of sheet molding compound skins mounted on a rectangular frame. No spacer is used to provide the necessary rigidity to the structure. Rather, the skins are adhered to each other along opposed recesses crating a lattice structure framework that supports the assembly.

Abstract: A plate roofing material is divided into an exterior portion which is exposed when a roof is covered with a plate roofing material and an overlap portion which is concealed under an exterior portion of a plate roofing material superimposed on the overlap portion of the plate roofing material. At least one longitudinal groove is formed in the surface of the exterior portion. The longitudinal groove has wide side surface parts alternating with narrow side surface parts with sidewalls formed of a plurality of stepped portions. The longitudinal groove has a linear bottom part having an approximately constant depth and is approximately V-shaped in cross section.

Abstract: A modular building panel having an interlock mechanism for connecting building panels in series is disclosed, includes two metal sheets separated by an insulating foam core bonded to the sheets and a first interlocking member on one side and a second interlocking member on the other side. The male connector configuration as well as the female connector configuration in this invention are both formed of curvilinear surfaces. The male connector as well as the female connector extends outwardly from the side faces of the foam so that the foam is protected from damage. The male connector is formed by bending the metal edge almost back upon itself. The female connector includes a V-shaped valley to ultimately receive the male connectors when the male connectors are in a nested position. The male and female connectors provide a double gutter system to improve the prevention of leakage and condensation.

Abstract: A mechanism coupling a yoke and cutting unit to a push arm, and having an upright steering pivot mechanism which establishes a relatively large effective steering lever arm for decreasing scuffing of the turf by the rollers of the cutting units, and an inclined pivot mechanism having an axis which is directed generally toward the cutting unit to decrease the effective lever arm between the rollers and the pivot axis and thereby reduce turf scuffing during execution of turns during mowing operations.

Abstract: A crop gathering attachment for an agricultural harvester having a rotatable auger-like conveyor for transporting crop material, a stationary crank shaft mechanism enclosed in the conveyor and having a shaft portion disposed eccentrically and parallel to the rotational axis of the conveyor, and a retractable finger arrangement comprising a plurality of finger members pivotally connected at their inner ends to the shaft portion and projecting outwardly through guiding members provided in the peripheral wall of the conveyor. The finger arrangement is timed such that due to the eccentric disposition of the shaft portion, the finger members are reciprocated relative to the conveyor wall upon rotation of the conveyor, thereby protruding from the wall at one side of the conveyor for projecting into the crop material and being retracted relative to the wall at the generally diametrically opposed side of the conveyor for releasing the transported crop.

Abstract: A braking system for a rotary mower includes a brake element which is secured to an impeller and is urged by a spring normally into braking engagement with a fixed brake friction member. On start-up of a motor of the mower, rotation of the impeller causes axial movement of the brake element against the spring and out of braking engagement. Movement of the brake element may be assisted by mechanical means, for example by a multiple ball and ramp system or arrangement. In this embodiment, four equally spaced balls are normally located in ramped recesses formed in an upper face of an adaptor element, such that on start-up of the motor, the balls ramp up at least partially out of the recesses, and assist in urging a braking element and a friction element out of braking engagement with one another. This assist stops when the motor is turned off, the balls now moving back into their respective lowest positions in the recesses formed in the upper face of the adaptor element.

Abstract: A crop hold down arrangement for a pick-up comprises a roll supported by means of pivot arms from the frame so as to enable the arms to pivot vertically and guide the roll in the direction of crop being fed by a tined pick-up drum to a conveyor in response to an increase in the height of a crop windrow being picked up. A chain is provided between the frame and roll-support arm to limit the downward travel of the arm so as to keep the roll from interfering with the tined pick-up drum. A spring assembly is provided for counterbalancing at least a portion of the weight of the arm and roll assembly so that the roll will easily rise over a relatively light and fluffy crop windrow.

Abstract: A picker bar assembly for a defoliating tobacco harvester is configured to receive tobacco stalks and strip them on both its descending and ascending runs without damaging the stalks. An improved conveyor has a leaf deflector to prevent carryover and bunching of the leaves.