Abstract: A shoe, especially an athletic, leisure or rehabilitation shoe, with an upper part consisting, at least partially, of a flexible material which covers the ankle of the foot (3/4 mid-height) or rises above the ankle (high top) and which is provided with an instep cover coveting the instep of the foot (which is movable like a tongue or forms the tongue or a part of it) on which a central rotary closure is provided, with which at least the instep length of at least one tightening element can be shortened for closing the shoe and can be extended for opening it, and the tightening element is alternately guided respectively from a guide element on the upper side part to a guide element of the instep cover.

Abstract: A corrective foot insole for sufferers of an uncompensated forefoot varus, more commonly known as flexible flat foot. The corrective insole has a forefoot and a midfoot portion. The forefoot portion of the insole provides a lift for the two interior toes a distance back to, but not including the heel of the foot. The midfoot portion provides an additional lift to the metatarsal by use of a support arch which is located on top of the forefoot portion. The corrective foot insole allows the midfoot to rotate into supination. The entire first metatarsal and two interior toes are lifted into a position to compensate for the forefoot varus, and this insole also maintains the normal alignment position, motion and function of the entire foot during use of the corrective foot insole while maintaining the heel of the foot in its normal position.

Abstract: The functional forefoot orthotic of this invention comprises a shell plate that is conformed to the sole of the foot replica, a forefoot posting shim is applied to the upper surface of the shell plate. A stabilizing heel platform may also be applied to the bottom of the shell plate. The forefoot posting shim is applied at the level of the first to third metatarsals for a varum prescription. The shape, size and thickness of the posting shim is determined by the prescription. The forefoot posting shim will have a width that will be determined by the degree of deformity in the patient's forefoot. It will be wide enough to support at least the first metatarsal and may be wide enough to support two or all three of the first-to-third metatarsals. The forefoot posting shim will accommodate the patient's varum forefoot deformity so as to provide, in combination with the shell plate replica of the patient's foot, a stable forefoot platform for the patient's foot.

Abstract: An apparatus to position a quilting hoop organization relative to an individual's lap includes a base plate having telescoping first and second tubes extending from the base plate in an orthogonal relationship, with the second tube mounting positioning tubes in a manner to pivotally position the quilting hoops in a desired angulation relative to an individual's lap. The apparatus is arranged for ease of disassembly for transport and storage.

Abstract: A novelty item is disclosed comprising a solid block of material having an slug having a first and second finger. The slug is surrounded by the block and adapted to be retained by the block. The first finger has divergent walls cut at a first angle to the top surface of the block. The second finger has convergent walls cut at a second angle to the top surface of the block and the remainder of the slug has walls cut at substantially right angles to the top surface freeing the slug from the block, whereby the thickness of the cut is less than the ratio of the thickness of the block to the tangent of the greater of the first and second angle.

Abstract: A device and method for luring deer. The device includes first and second flexible strips. The first strip has first and second ends, and an absorbent middle portion. The second strip has first and second ends, and an absorbent middle portion. The first end of the first strip is attached to the first end of the second strip, and the second end of the first strip is attached to the second end of the second strip. A fragrant liquid having a scent which attracts deer is sealed in a brittle container, which is sandwiched between the absorbent portions of the strips. When the container is crushed, the liquid escapes and is absorbed by the strips, from which it emits a scent which lures deer to the site from which the scent is coming.

Abstract: To minimize injury during electrofishing while inducing a high degree of electrotaxis, a packet of DC pulses having sharp leading edges and preferably an exponential or square decay are transmitted under water between an anode electrode and a cathode electrode several times each second to stimulate contraction of the red muscle tissues and bring about electrotaxis without inducing epileptic seizure of the white muscle tissues of fish and thereby avoiding injury to the fish. The power level of transmission is reduced between the packets.

Abstract: A carrying and storage case for fishing rods with attached reels and accessories is disclosed. The case is comprised of a durable fabric substantially rectangular in shape, the case has a plurality of adjacent elongate pockets which extend from one end of the case to the other end with the opening for each sequential pocket located on alternating ends of the case. The pockets are widest at the opening and narrow towards the opposite end of the pocket. The pocket and openings are sized to permit insertion of a fishing rod with attached reel into the pocket. Flaps on each end of the case fold over the openings of the pockets. The case has a plurality of straps with interlocking fabric extending from the top of the case whereby the case may be rolled up and secured by the straps in the rolled-up position with rods and attached reels in the pockets. The case has a handle and/or shoulder strap for carrying.

Abstract: A trolling lure includes multiple spoons or spinners attached in series along a flexible cable leader. The spoons or spinners may be of the same size or of different sizes, and the leader also includes several series of plastic or glass beads along the leader to provide color. Some of the beads may also serve as bearings for the rotational action of the spoons or spinners. Spacing of the spoons or spinners, beads, and other components is achieved by crimping or swaging sleeves onto the multiple strand cable leader at various points. The spoons or spinners are preferably of aluminum, to provide relatively light weight for slower trolling speeds, and are preferably provided with a somewhat porous surface by weathering, knurling, or abrading the surface. The porosity thus achieved provides a more realistic and less reflective surface, and further provides better retention of a fish attracting scent thereon.

Abstract: A fishing lure is provided which functions effectively in both horizontal and vertical directions of movement through water. The lure is built upon a stiff wire support, and has a buoyant member, spinner unit, weight member and lower attractor member disposed in sequence from top to bottom, respectively, upon the wire support. The relative effectiveness of the buoyant member is selected in association with the weight member and other components such that the lure, when falling through water, assumes a vertical attitude.

Abstract: A slip bobber for use in ice fishing is formed of a buoyant, water impervious, plastic material. The slip bobber is provided with an elongate vertical passage therethrough for accommodating a fishing line. The slip bobber also includes a transverse passage therein for receiving a locking element. The locking element has an opening therein through which the fishing line extends. The locking element is shiftable between a release position wherein the fishing line is freely movable through the bobber and locking position. The fishing bobber is locked to the fishing line in the locked position but is readily shiftable to the release position when the fishhook is set by the fisherman.

Abstract: A magnetic air tight animal trap assembly capable of converting an enclosure into an animal entrapment vehicle. The assembly is disposable or reusable offering optional methods for dealing with the animal. If the enclosure is air tight, as the assembly is, the animal will suffocate. If the enclosure is not sealed the animal will remain entrapped until released. The air tight assembly is composed of a flat, flexible, magnetic material. This material is available in thin sheets and is easily cut to any desired shape. The magnetic door and the magnetic door adapter overlap and provide an air tight seal when closed. The magnetic door is hinged to the magnetic door adapter and is held open by its magnetic attraction to a door support rod. The magnetic door adapter is capable of mounting the magnetic air tight animal trap assembly to any enclosure with an opening sized to the adapter by either magnetic or adhesive means.

Abstract: A trap for earthworms which comprises a capture chamber having a bottom, inwardly sloping sidewalls and pivotal louvers defining a horizontal top of the capture chamber. Earthworms leave their burrows at night, or when the burrows are soaked with water, and crawl onto the pivotal louvers which rotate, causing the earthworms to fall into the capture chamber. A canopy may be provided over the trap to shelter it from rain or water sprinklers.

Abstract: Our invention is directed to a semiochemical field trap for blood feeding arthropods which has the capability of causing determination of repellency and attractancy of semiochemicals against and for blood feeding arthropods. The field trap comprisesan upright vertically disposed hollow housing having arthropod-impenetrable vertical side wall, at least two horizontally-disposed separate sets of apertures, being gas transmission apertures containing a gas transmission means (e.g.

Abstract: A combined corner pot holder and railing apparatus for flush-mounting on the inside corner of a deck/porch railing having a substantial depth to conceal the pots from view a triangular box with horizontally extending flanges for resting on the top of the railing, the flower planter having a flower pot container section defined by three walls connected by a triangular base, the container having a pair of side walls including a first side wall and a second sidewall joined in angular relation, and a back wall. The sidewalls adapted to a butt side portions of the railing and with each sidewall having a horizontally extending support flange configured to extend to fit on the top horizontal surface of the railing keeping the container positioned in the corner of the railing.

Abstract: A watering device for a tree stand has a reservoir with an upper opening. A cover having a port is mounted on the upper opening of the reservoir. The cover encloses closes the reservoir. A shelf is mounted in the reservoir below the cover and is shaped to allow water to bypass the shelf. A length of tube communicating with the reservoir supplies water to the reservoir below the shelf. A valve is reciprocatively mounted between the shelf and the cover for controlling water flow through the port. A float is attached atop the valve means and above the cover for floating and operating the valve means to seal the port of the cover. Thus, water flowing out of the reservoir and into the tree stand is regulated by the floating and the operation of the valve.

Abstract: An improved support for potted plants comprising a vertical post formed of one or more hollow sections secured to a horizontal apertured anchor plate. The anchor plate, which rests on the bottom of the pot, is held in place by the weight of the soil in the pot. The vertical post is extendable in length by the addition of post segments. The section of the post in the pot is apertured to provide feeding ports for the plant and the sections are interconnected by a coupling having tabs extending laterally thereof for anchoring plant ties.

Abstract: A plant root growth training device in the form of a plant pot, particularly suited to the early development of juvenile trees or shrubs. The pot is designed so as to have four hollow legs 11, 12, 13 and 14 which define generally pyramid shaped root growth passages to confine lower root growth to four separate regions of the pot. The pot includes upstanding root growth training means in the form of ridges 15 disposed inside the pot about midposition so that a plant planted generally centrally within the pot will have its root growth influenced to form a root structure having clumps of roots. These clumps are confined to the legs 11, 12, 13 and 14 so that on removal of the juvenile plant from the pot 10, the root structure of the plant will have a divergent root pattern.

Abstract: A fastening device for securing a sensing edge to a door edge includes a mounting plate having a first surface facing the door edge and a second surface facing the sensing edge. At least three elongated clamping members are spaced from each other and extend from the mounting plate. At least two of the clamping members are detachable at notches provided to facilitate such detachment. Thus, the fastening device is adaptable to receive one of a plurality of different thickness door edges facing the first surface. The sensing edge detects objects in proximity to the door edge and includes a switch for activating an electrical device upon compression of an elongated outer sheath. The sensing edge is releasably mounted to the second surface of the mounting plate by male and female interconnecting members. Alternatively, the sensing edge is permanently mounted directly to the second surface of the mounting plate.

Abstract: A guide rail device is provided for hanging doors. The device is effective to accurately guide the hanging door without deviation, yet does not project up from the floor when the doors are open, as is the case with a guide rail or a groove-rail mounted on the floor surface. When the hanging doors are open, guides of the device are retracted into a guide rail in the floor surface and thus do not project from the floor surface. When the hanging doors are closed, the guides are projected from the floor surface and are fitted in a long groove from in a bottom end surface of the hanging doors, such that the hanging doors are prevented from deviating while being moved.

Abstract: An access panel assembly for providing access to the interior of a wall is disclosed. The panel is made of a molded plastic, such as a styrene polymer. The door is press-fit and is held in the frame by grooves in the frame which align with resilient proturbences on the door panel. A hidden hinge, which allows the door to be hinged or removed from the frame, is provided. A pair of eccentric cavities serves to provide pivot points for the hinge and engage with hinge pivots on the access door. In this hinge, the pivot point may vary, thereby preventing jamming of the door. A notch is formed in the eccentric cavity to allow removal of the door. Pry holes are provided to assist in removal of the door. An embodiment is disclosed which permits the hinged door to be flush mounted from either side of the frame.

Abstract: A modular front panel of a computer housing includes a one-piece panel frame and rectangular first and second wall units. The panel frame is formed as a rectangular looped frame which confines a rectangular opening. The first wall unit is received fittingly in a first portion of the rectangular opening. The second wall unit is formed with a number of function key openings and is received fittingly in a second portion of the rectangular opening. The first and second wall units are secured detachably to the panel frame in the first and second portions of the rectangular opening. The remaining portion of the rectangular opening is allocated for disk drives.

Abstract: A kit including a full door piano hinge and frame mount for one lateral edge of a door is disclosed. Door edge trim for mounting on the closing side of the door may be optionally employed. While the hinge and frame mount are integral, they are reversible and hence can be positioned on either side of a door prior to mounting in the door jamb and frame. The latch assembly is then applied to either the left or the right-hand side depending upon how the door is hinged and hung. More specifically the hinge is provided with a plurality of holes in one of its leaves which permits the same to be secured to one lateral edge of the door with screws already in place awaiting the placement of the hinge. In one embodiment of the method, taken in conjunction with the door of U.S. Pat. No. 4,311,183, the lateral edge screws are relieved by one to two turns from the hinge side. The hinge leaf mounting surface is provided with keyhole slots which are positioned against the shank of the relieved screw.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electric drill characterized by a set of grinding equipments accommodated in an extended rear compartment of a housing of the electric drill. The set of grinding equipments mainly consists of a grinding wheel, a side cover having a through hole and an arcuate slot separately formed at proper positions, a cam capable of up-and-down and back-and-forth motion at some predetermined angles, a jig holder having a member to sequentially pass through a through hole of the cam and the through hole on the side cover and thereby becomes firmly associated with the cam and the side cover, and a drill jig being securely positioned and retained within retaining holes of the jig holder.

Abstract: A chamfering width maintaining and glass plate shape sensing apparatus for use in a glass plate chamfering machine is disclosed. Two chamfering width maintaining and glass plate shape sensing rollers are provided so that they serve as function sharing rollers for sharing the function of changing the chamfering direction in accordance with the shape of the glass plate, when chamfering a glass plate in a chamfering machine. The provision of such function sharing rollers improves the contact state of the glass plate. Further, there is also provided a horizontally maintaining roller for supporting the glass plate during a chamfering, and such a provision makes it easier to chamfer or side-finish the glass plate.

Abstract: A grinding apparatus includes an upright casing with a plurality of horizontal mounting frames and a worm journalled between a top and bottom of the upright casing. Several grinding devices are respectively mounted on each of the mounting frames and can perform different grinding operations. Each of the grinding devices is connected to the worm via transmission devices. Axial rotation of the worm correspondingly moves the grinding devices in order to complement with a radius of curvature of the curved plate that is fed to the apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed is a jacket worn on the thumb or finger for abrading a work piece and enhancing the ability of the thumb or finger to tractively grip the work piece. The jacket comprises an elongate sleeve open at one end, a deformable nonplanar region on the sleeve and abrasive elements on the nonplanar region. The abrasive elements include a layer of abrasive material which defines a primary digging edge. The abrasive elements also include an underlying substrate layer stiffer than the deformable nonplanar region.

Abstract: This invention relates to the construction of a gutter 10 for the draining of fluid, where a portion of the gutter is formed from continuous lengths of polymeric strip-like material 11. The strip like material comprises a continuously extruded thin strip of polymeric material 11 which is sufficiently resilient to allow flexing of the strip 11 about its longitudinal axis to form a substantially U shaped cross-section along its length. A plurality of brackets 18 are provided for holding a length of the flexed strip 11. The brackets 18 secure the gutter 10 to a structure and comprise a first portion 20 for securing the bracket 18 to a structure, a recess 23 for location of the flexed strip 11 therein and means 26, 27 for securing the flexed strip 11 within the recess of the bracket 18. The invention provides a convenient means of installing continuous lengths of gutter to a roof while minimizing material wastage and construction time.

Abstract: The present invention provides a frame constructing method and an erection workbench for constructing frames for reducing the cost for assembling frames, for making it possible to execute the construction works under any weather conditions, further for shortening the term of works, and for enabling to improve safety in the executions, to automate the executions and to save labor.

Abstract: A transfer pad cover includes a frame structure covered by a water-proof sheet material. The frame structure is supported by bar joists that are mounted for movement along tracks. The entire structure is moved by hand or motor or by a truck from which a liquid transfer will be made to a position adjacent the transfer pad during the transfer operation. When the material and frame structure are sufficiently weighted down so that it is unsafe to move the cover, the joists will rest on a ground surface, preventing movement of the cover. In an alternate embodiment, the rails are sloped and the truck pushes the cover off of the pad. When the truck leaves the pad, the slope of the rails causes the cover to automatically return to protect the pad under the influence of gravity. Other embodiments of the transfer pad cover include covers that fold or pivot vertically to expose the pad. These other embodiments have several additional advantages such as decreased space requirements for the operation of the cover.

Abstract: A device to control vertical vibration of a building caused by seismic disturbance. Air springs are positioned and secured between the building foundation and the building superstructure to attenuate vertical vibration of the building. Vertical support rails are secured to the foundation and/or to the building superstructure on opposite sides of, and adjacent to, the air springs. Horizontal connecting brackets are rigidly secured to the air springs and slidably secured to the adjacent rails. The brackets restrain horizontal deflection of the air springs without interfering with vertical reciprocation of the air springs.

Abstract: A sealing device for sealing a joint disposed between two concreting sections, having an impermeable profile preferably fabricated from a synthetic material and constructed in a hood form to be open in cross section. The profile is mounted with the free longitudinal edges of its side portions adjacent to a concrete surface, so that a flow channel is formed therein for receiving a sealing medium between the profile and the concrete surface, where the sealing medium can emerge from between the free longitudinal edges of the profile and the concrete surface. A further sealing device is a body fabricated from a foam material or a foam material band, having a rectangular cross section provided with passage pores, the body being mounted to rest on the concrete surface, so that the flow channel for receiving the sealing medium is formed by the body itself, where the sealing medium emerges from the passage pores into the joint area.

Abstract: A building structure comprising a tubular member made from cardboard having an applied covering layer of urethane foam that is formed into a desired shape. An internal load bearing member of reinforced concrete is installed within the interior of the tubular member to complete the structure. In addition, a method of making a decorative building structure is provided comprising the steps of: applying a covering layer to the exterior of a tubular member, sculpting the covering layer to a desired form, and installing a load bearing member within the interior of the tubular member.

Abstract: A first structural frame member (11) has two tabs (15) projecting from one end and may be secured to a second structural frame member (21) having two slots (25) piercing it intermediate its ends by insertion of the tabs through the respective slots N"Z and subsequent deformation of the tabs to prevent their withdrawal from the slots. Each tab tapers from a tab base (15A) to a tab tip (15B) which is narrower than the tab base, and each slot is defined by two opposed, short, end faces (26) and two opposed, elongate "Z side faces, said side faces comprising opposed center parts (27), each at least as long as the width of the tab tip, and opposed flanking parts (28) on either side of the center parts extending from the center parts to the respective end faces.

Abstract: A concrete anchoring device for a standard nut or bolt, comprising: at least one pair of identical wedge-shaped members aligned in mirror image relationship with their thinnest tapered edges in juxtaposition separated by a distance Y; and adhesive tape spanning distance Y and removably adhered to a substantial portion of the top surfaces of each pair of identical wedge-shaped members; and a method of using the concrete anchoring device to anchor a standard bolt head or bolt nut within a pre-drilled hole.

Abstract: An improved chuck for a bottle capper having a torque trigger with vertically set trigger pins capable of withstanding high torques prior to shearing. Further an apparatus to precisely set the application torque of the capping chuck is provided. This apparatus uses a stem head about which a clamp collar and a scale collar are placed. The clamp collar rides below the scale collar and receives the spring. The scale collar is situated above the clamp collar and provides index markings by which to adjust the clamp collar rotationally around the stem head thereby increasing or decreasing the application torque.

Abstract: A mobile erectable stage. In one preferred embodiment, in a stored condition, the stage has the form of a trailer which can be transported from one location to another. At least one bell crank assembly is used to erect the stage by raising at least one side wall panel and the interconnected roof panel, so that a stage with a sloped roof canopy which overhangs the stage floor is deployed. The stage floor can be enlarged by adding floor panels. The stage contains a powered light truss which extends out beyond the stage floor toward the audience to shine light back onto the stage. Further, the stage contains reversible acoustic panels, one side of which is used when the stage performers are using microphones to deflect audio waves to reduce possible echoing through the microphones and the other side of which is used when the stage performers are not using sound amplification.

Abstract: A building is constructed substantially entirely from flat panel modules including a plurality of planar wall modules supported on a base and having at least one vertical load bearing member internal thereto extending from a bottom portion of the wall module to a top portion of the wall module in order to transmit the weight of a load above the module to the base. The load bearing member includes a conduit strut positioned between inner and outer surface members and free-standing conduit struts joining adjacent wall modules. The floor, ceiling and roof are each defined by a plurality of generally horizontal modules, each of which has either an upper or lower surface member, which is appropriately finished and at least one generally horizontal beam extending substantially the entire length of one module edge and positioned to support an unsupported edge of the adjacent module.

Abstract: A collapsible modular display tower assembly has a three-dimensional, collapsible display panel structure having two opposing pairs of pivotally-connective links with upper and lower ends arranged to form four side faces when erect. A plurality of upper and lower hub assemblies are pivotally connecting the adjacent ends of the links of adjacent side faces. Four vertically-oriented expansible support and attachment braces are provided with each brace being connected to one pair of the vertically-aligned upper and lower hub assemblies. The braces permit the attachment of graphic representations and display accessories to the tower assembly. Releasable hub-connecting means in the form of male and female connectors are provided on the upper and lower hub assemblies for releasably interlocking a multiplicity of display panel structures into a vertical display tower.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting material into an envelope in which a first conveyor supplies insert material and a second conveyor supplies envelopes to an insert station. The flap of the envelope is opened while being carried by the second conveyor to the insert station. The insert station includes a kicker or pusher to move the insert material into the envelope. The second conveyor removes the envelope containing inserted material from the insert station and carries it to a flap moistener, a flap closer, and finally to a receptacle or chute.

Abstract: In a machine for wrapping articles such as cigarette packets, feed rolls deliver a wrapper web onto a suction drum at a controlled speed which is less than the peripheral speed of the drum. The drum carries a cutter blade which cooperates with a fixed blade to sever successive leading sections of the web which are conveyed from the drum by a delivery conveyor moving at the same speed as the drum. Eccentric pinch rollers momentarily grip each wrapper section to assist separation from the web. The delivery conveyor transfers the wrapper sections to a further conveyor which conveys successive sections across the path of articles to be wrapped. The further conveyor has a lower run for diverting the leading portion of each wrapper section away from the article conveyor.

Abstract: A method for assembling a vacuum insulation panel is provided which includes the steps of: loading a quantity of microporous powder into a gas permeable pouch; pressing the pouch into a desired form; sealing the pouch; heating the powder to a temperature elevated above standard room temperature; inserting the pouch into a gas impermeable bag while the pouch and powder remain at the elevated temperature; evacuating gases from the powder pouch while it is at the elevated temperature; evacuating gases from the bag; and sealing the gas evacuated bag with the gas evacuated pouch therein to form a vacuum insulation panel. The heating of the powder may occur only just before insertion of the pouch into the bag, or may occur both before the powder is loaded into the pouch as well as just before insertion of the pouch into the bag. Further, a trace amount of Helium (at a pressure of approximately 1 mm Hg) may be put into the bag before it is sealed in order to permit testing of the sealed panel for leaks.

Abstract: In a method of packaging sliced loafs into bags, each loaf is supplied from a slicing machine and is pushed into an opened bag by pusher means. The bags are supplied laterally connected within a strip of bags and each loaf is then pushed transverse to its direction of supply into the laterally held opened bag by the pusher means. The pusher means is circulated within a closed path. The invention also includes an apparatus for performing this method and a foil strip of bags for use in the apparatus.

Abstract: In the enclosure inserting apparatus comprising structure for conveying an envelope along a flap unfolding path to an enclosure inserting location, structure for unfolding the flap of the envelope as the envelope is conveyed along the flap unfolding path to the enclosure inserting location, structure for holding the flap-unfolded envelope open at the enclosure inserting location, and structure for moving an enclosure along an enclosure feed path to the held-open envelope and inserting the enclosure into the held-open envelope, wherein the flap unfolding structure comprises structure for engaging the flap of an envelope moved therepast, and the flap unfolding path includes a gap having a width determined by a distance between the envelope conveying structure and the engaging structure, the improvement comprises a flapper blade adjustably mounted to the engaging structure for adjusting the width of the gap.

Abstract: In machine, optionally an attachment for a packing machine, for packing bales of straw fodder of a "rectangular" form, plastic sheeting is deposited in layers or overlapping around the straw fodder bale. The packing machine has two drive rollers which rotate the bale around a substantially horizontal axis. Each drive roller is connected operationally to two auxiliary rollers, both of which are able to engage with the fodder bale. The three rollers are mounted in a roller unit in such a way that each roller is in a predetermined spaced relationship to the others. The roller units are mounted on the center axis of the drive roller so as to be revolvable, and two such spaced apart roller units when in operation are able to turn a rectangular bale of straw fodder through 360.degree. around the horizontal axis.

Abstract: The crop testing and evaluation system includes a plurality of measuring and testing devices that measure the weight, moisture content, and test weight of a crop. Other measuring devices that test the crop for characteristics such as protein content, sugar content, oil content and color may also be included. Mounting accessories are included in the system for attaching the measuring devices to the crop gathering compartment of a harvesting vehicle. As the crop is harvested and fed to the compartment, periodic readings of the measuring devices are taken by a microprocessor and supplied to a computer for analysis and evaluation. Preferably, the microprocessor and computer are positioned in the cab of the harvesting vehicle within reach of the harvest operator. The present invention also provides an efficient method of evaluating research products, such as plant hybrids and varieties.

Abstract: A flotation mechanism for use on a crop harvesting machine having a header suspended from the frame thereof by flotation springs is disclosed wherein a hydraulic cylinder interconnects the frame and at least one of the springs to allow selective adjustment of the weight of the header supported from the frame. The extensible hydraulic cylinder is operable to vary the length of at least one of the flotation springs while the crop harvesting machine is in operation and movable over the ground.

Abstract: A mulching blade for a lawn mower including in combination a diagonal flange on the blade tip upwardly extending at a 20.degree., a neighboring cutout in the back of the blade, and a spaced downwardly extending flange section. These elements cooperate to recirculate the grass clippings in a circular manner through the region of the cutting edge so as to provide for a low inertia improved efficiency multi-purpose blade.

Abstract: An agricultural baler for making square bales of crop material having a bale case, a feed platform adjacent the bale case and a pickup in front of the platform for lifting crop material from the to the platform. A first feed mechanism, including a first set of crop engaging tines, is provided for urging crop material across the feed platform toward the bale case. Intermediate the first feed mechanism and the bale case is a second feeding mechanism having a second set of crop engaging tines for urging the crop material across the platform from said first feed mechanism into the crop inlet. The first and second sets of crop engaging tines are driven through endless paths each having arcuate portions in the vicinity of the feed platform and along which the tines travel in the general direction of the bale case. The paths of the second set of tines pass through said inlet into the bale case and are offset from the first set transversely relative to the general direction crop is being urged across the platform.

Abstract: In a textile spinning apparatus a yarn joining device (12) begins to work to join the end of a newly spun yarn with a retrieved yarn end after the breakage of a yarn (2). During the joining process draw-off rollers (3) continue, to supply the yarn (2) such that yarn storage members (4, 11) have to be implemented during the joining process. In order to draw the yarn (2) into the interior of the yarn storage members (4, 11), air suction is applied in a known manner. After the yarn (2) joining process is completed in the yarn joining device (12), the yarn storage members (4, 11) are successively emptied by use of an acceleration in yarn draw off speed effected by a yarn storage draw-off roller (7) and an auxiliary friction roller (14).