Abstract: A reciprocatory dry shaver comprises a stationary cutter, a movable cutter, and a permanent-magnet linear motor having a stator and a reciprocator which is driven by an electric current to reciprocate relative to the stator. The reciprocator carries the movable cutter to reciprocate it in shearing engagement with the stationary cutter. A power circuit is included to provided an electric power to the motor. The shaver includes a detector which detects a displacement of the movable cutter and give an output indicative of the detected displacement of the movable cutter. Also included in the shaver is a controller which varies the electric power being fed to the motor in a feedback manner based upon the output from the speed detector in order to keep an oscillation amplitude of the movable cutter at constant.

Abstract: A cable stripper for use with a cable anchor has an elongate cutter on a tubular body, the cutter having at one end thereof, an inwardly projecting transverse cutter blade. The cutter and the tubular body are connected so as to allow the cutter to move relative to the tubular body, which is insertable into said passage in the cable anchor, with the cable extending through the tubular body, so as to cause the frusto-conical internal surface to wedge the cutter blade into penetrating engagement with a sheath on the cable.

Abstract: A saber saw assembly includes a vice for clamping an object to be cut and a saber saw having a saw blade to be operated in reciprocating motion. The saber saw is arranged to cut the object with the reciprocating saw blade while the object is clamped by the vice. The vice is in the form of a pipe wrench. The pipe wrench clamps the object when rotated in a clamping direction while releases the object when rotated in a releasing direction opposite to the clamping direction. Accordingly, by using the pipe wrench for the vice, the clamping and releasing operations for the object are simplified to enhance the working efficiency for cutting the object.

Abstract: A hand tool comprising an angular handle, a circular blade and a hand guard permits efficient removal of caulking in window units.

Abstract: An archery bow sight is provided comprising a mounting block, a front sight attached to the mounting block, and a rear sight attached to the mounting block. Further provided are a means and a method of reducing torque and shock produced by an archery bow being shot. The archery bow sight of the present invention utilizes a plurality of corresponding adjustable yardage shooting pins adjustably mounted in a vertical and horizontal manner on the front sight and the rear sight, which front sight and rear sight are telescopically mounted on the mounting block to adjust the elements of the archery bow sight to the individual archer and the individual archery bow. The means of reducing torque and shock include a dead weight slidably mounted on the archery bow sight. The dead weight is slidably mounted on the pair of parallel tubular arms of the front sight support and adjustably attached to the front sight support block by a threaded bolt.

Abstract: An electronic compass is described for use in vehicles. The compass employs a magnetoresistive sensor for sensing the earth magnetic field and the sensor is operated in alternate set/reset bias modes. In a first embodiment, the compass is provided with deviation compensation by a closed loop system including measurement of the sensor output signals and an offset current strap for nullifying the vehicle deviation field. In a second embodiment, deviation compensation is provided by operation in an initial calibration mode and by operation in a normal calibration mode to adjust compensation, as needed, on a long term basis during normal operation of the compass. In the initial calibration mode, while the vehicle is being driven, the signal peak values are adjusted to a nominal earth field level by changing the offset current. Then, compensating signal reference values for each axis are determined as each peak for that axis is determined.

Abstract: An inductive sensor is comprised of a sealed housing; at least one current path disposed in the housing; means for applying current to the current path; variable low reluctance magnetic path about the current path; and means for sensing the output from the current path as a function of variations in the magnetic flux path. Alternative current path configurations include a differential transformer, comprised of a permanent magnet or one or more primary coils in conjunction with two secondary coils, or a voltage divider, comprised of two primary coils. The variable magnetic flux path includes ferromagnetic fluid disposed in the housing to a level at which all coils are at least partially submersed. Tilt or other displacement of the sensor results in a change in the amount of fluid contacting the coils and a resultant change in current output from the current path means. The change in sensed voltage is indicative of displacement and sustained output voltage is proportional to the degree of tilt of the sensor.

Abstract: A portable drafting device and learning tool for laying out perspective drawing lines to enhance the realism of standard 30 degree base line isometric drawings and other similar drawings with different base line angles. The device comprises a rectangular drawing board including a plurality of holes disposed linearly in the upper corner portions thereof for pivotally mounting a plurality of articulated arm members in functional relationship with the drawing surface. The articulated arms comprise upper arm portions which are pivotally coupled to straight-edge members, each being disposed at approximately thirty degrees to horizontal. Upper arm portions are provided with a plurality of adjustment holes for alternate placement of pivot pins, or a slot to effect vertical adjustment of the articulated arms in relation to the drawing surface. Straight-edge members may be pivoted at varying angles in relation to upper arm members to enable selective adjustment of the desired vanishing point distance.

Abstract: A lumber product for use in the cutting and assembling of lumber for the framing of a building, having a first and second end, and a face and back surface and opposite edges; and a plurality of visible marking lines stamped or imprinted on at least one surface of the lumber piece, extending generally the length of the lumber, and placed at selected intervals for framework measuring, cutting or assembly.

Abstract: A device of utility in precisely setting the angular relationship of a circular saw blade of a radial bench type power saw, which includes a special protractor defined by removing adjoining segments of the linear leg and the curved leg thereof, and a modified T-square including a head piece having a curvature matching that of the curved leg of the protractor and a connected ruler blade extending radially toward the center of said protractor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for final drying of harvested brine shrimp cysts preparatory to containerization, for subsequent storage and shipment. The device is portable, and may be installed upon the near shore of the shrimp bearing body of water, or upon shrimp harvesting vessels. A closed drying chamber contains a vertically arranged series of cyst drying trays, the cysts cascading downward from tray to tray by gravity assisted by vibration of the trays from top to bottom of the drying chamber. Conveying and lifting apparatus is associated with the chamber to permit the recirculation of the cysts until a sufficient degree of dryness is obtained. Heated air is introduced into the stationary drying chamber. The apparatus provides for final separation of any broken shrimp cysts still remaining.

Abstract: A bean roasting system (10) is provided for use on a barbecue grill (12). The system includes a housing member (22) generally formed as a cylindrical tubular member, formed from a metallic composition with a mesh or plurality of openings which will allow convective heat to pass within the housing member (22). The system includes a rotational mechanism (36) for rotating the housing member (22) about its longitudinal axis. The rotational mechanism includes a motor mechanism (44) coupled to an axially directed rod (48) which extends through and is coupled to housing member (22) for causing housing member (22) to rotate about its longitudinal axis. First and second bracket members (70 and 72), respectively, releasably coupled to opposing end walls of barbecue grill (12), rotatively support axially directed rod (48) so as to permit housing (22) to rotate over barbecue grill (12).

Abstract: Hot air, flowing from the register of a hot air heating system, is conducted through a piping system having vertical conduits communicating with the interior of wet or damp footwear to be dried. The tops of the vertical conduits are provided with 45.degree. elbows to direct the hot air into the toe regions of the footwear.

Abstract: In a spray drying and agglomerating process carried out in a spray drying chamber (1) having a conical lower section (3), in which chamber the liquid to be spray dried is atomized into a downward central stream of drying gas and the spent drying gas is withdrawn from non-central locations (5, 11) in the upper part of the drying chamber together with entrained fine particles, m the fine particles are recycled to the drying chamber by pneumatic injection thereof from a location in the lower part of the drying chamber and in one or more directions forming an angle of 0.degree.-90.degree. to the upward center axis of the chamber. An apparatus suitable for carrying out the process has the capability of performing the separation and recycling of the fine particles as specified.

Abstract: A drying section for a paper making machine. The drying section includes a plurality of single-tier dryer groups, optionally followed by one or more double-tier groups. To control curl in the final paper product, a moistening device extending over the width of the drying section is provided near the end of the single-tier dryer groups. The moistening device can be divided into various zones to control the profile of the paper. Alternatively, or in addition to the moistening device, a contact-less dryer such as a infrared dryer can be provided after the dryer section, upstream of a calender section of the paper making machine. The moistening device can be provided to moisten the bottom or, optionally, the top side of the paper web. Where a double-tier dryer group is provided, to control curl the upper drying cylinders and the lower cylinders can be provided with different steam pressures to control curl. Alternatively, each of the cylinders can be individually controlled.

Abstract: An apparatus for the production and/or treatment of particles has a gas circulation possessing a process chamber and a gas circulation device and at least one spray nozzle. The latter has a nozzle body with a liquid outlet and a gas passage surrounding the nozzle body at the liquid outlet and entering the process chamber. For the production and/or treatment of particles, the pressure in the gas circulation is reduced to a value below the ambient air pressure by a suction device and gas is circulated by the gas circulation device so that gas flows upward through the process chamber. In addition, a liquid is sprayed in the process chamber from time to time through the spray nozzle and at the same time gas is passed from a branch of the gas circulation to the gas passage of the spray nozzle and through the latter into the process chamber. This gas protects the spray nozzle from the adhesion of sprayed liquid without additional gas entering the gas circulation from outside.

Abstract: An insole for a shoe made of foam resin containing fine bubbles, the thickness of which increases from the portion corresponding to the arch of the foot to the trailing end of the heel to give a slope on said insole, the bottom edge or corner of the heel is cut to provide cavities between the cut surface of the insole and the inner surface of the shoe to allow the insole to be deformed into said cavity due to the load on the insole for guarantee of cushion.

Abstract: A shoe including an upper and a sole portion and defining a foot support surface interior of the shoe and an engagement surface exterior of the shoe, the foot support surface being shaped to align the hindfoot in varus with respect to the tibia axis.

Abstract: Sport boot incorporating a shell base (1) surmounted by an upper (2) adjustable on the wearer's lower leg and comprising an immobilization device (4) functioning in and in relation to the upper (2). The immobilization device (4) comprises a rotating shim (6) on a pin (7), this shim extending on the inner wall (16) of the upper (2) and in proximity to the upper edge (12) thereof. The shim (6) is provided with a projection (8) which, depending on the angular position thereof, retracts into a recess (14) in the upper (2) or protrudes onto the wall (16) of the latter. The immobilization device (4) makes possible the effective adaptation of the upper (2) to the morphology of the wearer's lower leg.

Abstract: A snow tiller for ski slopes having rotating cutter bars with outstanding teeth. The cutter bar is installed beneath a cover which directs the snow rearwardly to a snow smoothing comb. The cover is adjustable in geometry to provide either greater or less angle of entry of the snow beneath the snow comb, and the change of angle is coordinated with changes in depth of snow cutting by the cutter bar teeth.

Abstract: An undulating display includes a rigid track, a pair of linking members secured to the track, a first pivot member having first pivot axis and a second pivot axis, and a second pivot member pivotally supported on the second pivot axis of the first pivot member. The pair of linking members is secured to the second pivot member. The display also includes an drive mechanism for pivoting simultaneously the second pivot member about the second pivot axis and the first pivot member about the first pivot axis thereby to produce undulating motion of the track.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a firearm part and the part so manufactured in which the part is molded in a mold having secured therein an insert unit and after demolding a portion of such insert unit is removed to create an identification surface.

Abstract: A muzzle loading firearm includes a receiver, a flash plate adjacent the rear end of the barrel, a downward extending then forward extending exhaust channel and a nipple across the exhaust passageway from the flash plate. The nipple has an ignition passageway which terminates in an output port which is not coaxially aligned with the rear port of the flash passage of the flash plate to prevent backflash from returning through the nipple. The nipple has a forward face which defines a concave arcuate surface in the exhaust channel for further directing the backflash away from the ignition passageway and into the exhaust channel. An exhaust tube, extending forwardly from the receiver for venting the exhaust gases in a safe direction. The exhaust channel and exhaust tube are formed of a material having a high convection coefficient for quickly cooling the exhaust gases.

Abstract: A deer decoy particularly adapted for luring a deer confrontagion ritual. This decoy has an inclined support mounted on a tree trunk or picket and a deer head artifact pivotably mounted on the support. A cord is used for pulling one side of the deer head artifact so that the deer head pivots about the inclined support in a first direction. A spring is attached to the deer head and to a rod fixed to the trunk so that, after pulling on the cord, the deer head pivots in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A fastening arrangement for securing a fishing reel to a fishing wherein the fastening arrangement includes a bulge to enhance controllability of the fishing rod, and a constriction receiving one of the angler's fingers to enable precision manipulation of the fishing rod.

Abstract: A fishing rod holder for attachment to a dock or pier having horizontal planks spaced a first distance apart from each other includes an externally threaded shaft having a bar fixedly connected to a first end of the shaft. The bar defines; a width less than the first distance and a length greater than the first distance, and a nut is rotatably mounted on the shaft. The nut defines length and width dimensions greater than the first distance, and a handle is mounted on the shaft between the nut and a second end of the shaft. A rod holding device is mounted on the shaft between the handle and the second end of the shaft for adjustably receiving and holding a fishing rod.

Abstract: A fishing tackle organizer for securing and arranging fishing baits and lures is provided that includes a flexible nylon casing member having attached binder rings, a plurality of plastic serf-sealing storage bags attachable to the rings, and a carrying handle attached to the rings. Each plastic storage bag has a extended strip on a bottom end with two pre-punched holes for securing the bag to the rings. Optionally, a pocket for holding bait jars is also provided, either as an integral part of the organizer or as a removable attachment. A replacement device having adhesive tabs for holding conventional storage bags to the binder rings is also provided.

Abstract: A collapsible fish or crustacean trap comprising a framework enclosed by a net. The framework having top and bottom portions spaced by supports pivotally mounted on one and engaging abutments on the other.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method and apparatus for controlling fire ants using electrical and mechanical stimulus methods. A stimulating source is provided, that when activated, attracts the fire ants, causes the fire ants to cluster around the stimulating source, and agitates the fire ants to the point that ants from a common colony attack each other. An AC voltage may be used as the stimulating source. A conical shaped container that extends downward to an apex may be used to force the stimulated fire ants closer together and thereby exacerbate the attack reaction. Periodic or continuous vibration applied in an area proximate to the stimulating source may be used to attract additional fire ants and may be interrupted by the detection of frequency or amplitude variations in the stimulating source output caused by the fire ants proximate to the stimulating source.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for delinting cottonseed using hydrogen chloride gas derived from hydrogen chloride stored at high pressure. The hydrogen chloride gas is expanded and reduced to a pressure in the range of but above atmospheric pressure, then heated in a heat exchanger, passed through a flow meter for regulating the flow rate and controlling the amount hydrogen gas introduced for processing a batch of fuzzy cottonseed, and then introduced into a rotating drum reaction chamber along with a measured quantity of fuzzy seed to be delinted. The expansion process and heat exchange processes are controlled to produce a gas pressure and temperature range at the inlet to the drum reaction chamber which substantially increases yields over the prior art systems, provides substantially complete absorption of the gas by the seed thereby avoiding gas leakage from the system when the treated seed is removed from the reaction chamber and further avoids the need for further treatment of the seed with anhydrous ammonia.

Abstract: A sash balance brake assembly for a sash window system is disclosed. The sash window system includes a window frame having a pair of generally parallel tracks. Each of the tracks has an outer wall, front and back intermediate walls and front and back inner walls collectively defining a channel. A sash window is transversely disposed between the tracks and is adapted for slidable movement along the tracks. A pair of sash balance assemblies provide a generally upward bias on transverse sides of the sash window. The sash balance brake assembly comprises a rotor rotatable about a rotor axis, a bolt having a generally planar engaging surface, a slider body for placement in a respective one of the channels and for coupling to a respective one of the sash balance assemblies. The slider body includes an aperture for rotatably supporting the rotor adjacent the bolt.

Abstract: An improved window assembly of the type having sliding, pivoting sashes, includes a window frame having a pair of jambs, a jamb liner secured to each of the jambs, a sash which is slidable within the jambs, and a frictional positioner shoe disposed within a channel in the jamb liner. The frictional positioner shoe provides frictional engagement between the sash and the jamb liners to securely hold the window in a raised position, and providing additional restraint against vertical movement of the shoe and rotational movement of the sash when it is tilted away from the plane of the window opening. Also provided is an improved window of the type having sliding, pivoting sashes, which include an elongate slidable member disposed within a channel in the jamb liner, and a rotatable member having an integrally attached brake member disposed within a bore passing through the elongate slidable member.

Abstract: A vehicle door arrangement suitable for closing an opening in a container or containment structure provides for at least one door to be slidably guided by a single rail provided in the vehicle side near the top of the door. Guidance to the door between a closing position and an open position is provided by an arm located at the top of the door and carrying a wheel and a guide lug which are respectively supported and guided by the rail. A mechanism including a levered shaft is provided at the side of the opening near the bottom of the door and is operable to engage with the door thereat to hold it in a closed position relative to the opening.

Abstract: A powered vehicle door closing system for producing an auto-closing action to automatically move a latch member from a half-latched position to a fully-latched position, comprises a reversible motor mechanically linked through a linkage to the latch member for powering a final, low-displacement/high-force movement of a vehicle door, a half-latch detection switch such as a limit switch, and a controller for controlling the motor. The controller comprises a full-latch detection section for detecting the fully-latched position of the latch member and a stand-by position detection section for detecting the stand-by position of the linkage. To detect the fully-latched position and the stand-by position, the full-latch detection section and the stand-by position detection section respectively utilize changes in load imparted to the motor.

Abstract: An adjusting device for a door window pane of a motor vehicle, preferably made frameless and cooperating with a window lifter, includes at least one upright guide rail running inside a door body for the window lifter, with the guide rail being pivotable around an upper pivot point in the direction transverse to the vehicle and being lockable by the adjusting device engaging in the lower area of the guide rail in a position such that the door window pane abuts an adjoining sealing means in the car body with pretensioning in the marginal area. To permit rapid, simple adjustment of the door window pane without removing the door trim, provision is made such that the guide rail is adjustable by its lower end in the transverse direction with respect to the door window pane in a displacement guide and is lockable by fastening elements that are accessible from the underside of the door body.

Abstract: A pumpable, thermoplastic desiccated mastic capable of desiccating a sealed insulating glass unit.

Abstract: A decking plank for attachment to a support structure, such as wood deck joists, said decking plank comprising a unitary, elongated steel member including an upper panel, first and second generally upstanding walls for supporting the upper panel, and first and second mounting flanges for mounting the decking plank to the support structure, and wherein an outer surface of the upper panel is provided with a non-slip coating, and wherein the generally upstanding walls are spaced a selected distance from one another and the upper panel has a width exceeding the selected distance so as to create an overhang adjacent each generally upstanding wall for at least partly concealing the mounting flanges upon the installation of multiple ones of the decking plank in adjacent, side-by-side relationship. In another preferred form the invention comprises a method of manufacturing a steel decking plank for attachment to a support structure, such as to wood deck joists.

Abstract: A circular stairway and method of making same, including a helical newel formed by installing a cylindrical tube or pipe with its longitudinal axis concentric with the vertical axis about which the circular staircase is to wind. The treads are then affixed to the tube in either cantilever fashion or are bridged between the tube and an outer wall. The tube is subsequently cut along helically extending lines disposed beneath the tread line and at approximately the handrail elevation. The tube material between these lines is then removed to leave a helically extending ribbon of tube material forming the tread supporting helical newel. As an alternative, the several components of the stairway can be pre-fabricated and transported to a site for assembly.

Abstract: A curtain wall 2 in which attachment portions 12, 13 are arranged near an interior surface 11A and an exterior surface 11B to form mullions 10 and transoms 30 as structural member, and toward the attachment portions 12, 13, a supporting member 15 supporting a glass panel 4 and a facing member 14 covering the interior surface 11A are attached.

Abstract: A system, panel and method are provided for constructing confinement cells such as jail and prison cells. The panels have a face plate and a corrugated sheet having holes for fluid concrete flow therethrough. The panels are designed to be interconnected to act as concrete forms, and the face plates have flanged side edges to minimize the presence of recesses therein. The face plates are preferably chemically treated to promote adherence to of the concrete thereto.

Abstract: A wall frame has C-shaped vertical studs each with a leg having sets of openings therein. Each set of openings comprises a pair of side-by-side openings above a further opening. A wall panel support has a central mounting portion with a pair of side-by-side hooks above a projecting tongue; a wing extends from either side of the central mounting portion. In order to attach the panel support to one of the sets of openings, the hooks of the central mounting portion are received within the side-by-side openings of a set of openings and the tongue is snap fit into the remaining opening. A wall panel having gang nail clips may then be placed against the stud and lowered so that the clips rest on the top edges of the wings of the panel support.

Abstract: A unitary suspension clip for suspending gypsum board panels from the horizontal support member of a vertical support structure. The plate portion of the clip has panel-piercing members projecting rearwardly to affix the plate to the panel. A transverse line of weakness extends substantially across the width of the plate such that when the panel is suspended from the support member, the load applied between the support member and the plate causes the plate to bend therealong to prevent the pulling of the panel-piercing members out of the panel. A wing is formed along the edge of the plate and extends outwardly therefrom with a second line of weakness running in the same direction as the edge of the plate between the wing and the plate.

Abstract: A joint device enables to join a brace member, into which regulated pretension is exactly introduced, to unmovable connector nodes, comprising a steel rod 1 having a swelled portion 1A and a threaded connector portion 1B formed on the end thereof, respectively, one sleeve 3 providing an external threaded part 3A joined to one node 2M, which contacts a swelled portion 1A: and another sleeve 4 providing an external threaded part 4A joined to node 2N, which engages threaded connector portion 1B. The length from a node-contact face 3c of sleeve 3 to a node-contact face 4c of sleeve 4 is selected equal to difference of length between both nodes 2, 2 from length for generating a preferable elongation enough to introduce regulated pretension into steel rod 1.

Abstract: A wrapping material for wrapping a floral grouping comprising a plurality of sheets of material connected together into a pad of sheets of material via staggered strips of adhesive disposed on each sheet of material in the pad. The pad has a top sheet of material and a next sheet of material disposed thereunder, the other sheets of material being disposed under the next sheet of material. The floral grouping is placed on a sheet of the material, and the sheet of material is wrapped about a portion of the floral grouping and simultaneously disconnected from the pad of sheets of material, The sheets of material are secured about the floral grouping in a wrapped position by the staggered strips of adhesive on each sheet of material.

Abstract: A band applicator for applying a band about a sheet of material disposed about a pot to provide a decorative cover for the pot. The band applicator includes a pot frame having a pot opening and a band holder configured to releasably hold a plurality of bands. The sheet of material is extended about the outer peripheral surface of the pot, and the pot with the sheet of material disposed thereabout is disposed in a pot receiving space in the pot frame. The pot frame holds the sheet of material positioned about the pot. A band is removed from the band holder and disposed about the sheet of material and pot for cooperating to hold the sheet of material positioned about the pot.

Abstract: Packets containing a flowable material are provided with a draw-string or thread to squeeze the packet contents. The packet envelope is formed from a doubled-over web which gives the packet a folded-over edge and which encloses an intermediate portion of the thread close to the folded-over edge. The end portions of the web extend from the intermediate portion of the thread to extend through the opposite edge of the packet. The external ends of the thread are secured to a tag which is attached to the outer face of the envelope. The thread intermediate portion is retained close to said one edge by heat seal means. Apparatus is also described for producing the packets in a continuous or semi-continuous manner.

Abstract: The novel method of the present invention is directed to the continuous formation of a multi-layer, laminated package by in-line thermofusing of several separate films. A first roll of the first film having defined first properties is provided, along with at least a second roll of a second film having defined second properties. A tie layer may be disposed, as either a separate film disposed between, or co-extruded upon contacting surface of one of the first or second films. A tacking station is provided for continuous disposition of the first and second films at the tacking station. At the tacking station, where the first film is tacked to at least the second film. Such tacking is carried out by contacting the respective films and by applying a first pressure to at least a portion thereof to provide a continuous strip of pre-laminated film. The continuous strip of pre-laminated joint film is subjected to sufficient heat and a second pressure sufficient to laminate and to bond together (i.e.

Abstract: A method of preparing a package having a product enclosed between a support member and a multiple-film lid, comprising the steps of providing a support member supporting a product; providing a multiple-film lid over the product and the support member, the multiple-film lid having a first film for enclosing the product on the support member when sealed thereto and a second film over the first film, the first film and the second film defining a first space therebetween and the first film and the support member defining a second space therebetween; evacuating the first and second spaces; and sealing the multiple-film lid to the support member so as to form a sealed package.

Abstract: A machine for harvesting and decorticating ramie plants is shown in the form of a wheeled vehicle using an adjustable sickle bar or rotary blades located in the front of the machine for selecting the mature stalks. A series of entry points are provided for the plants, wherein the uniformly cut stalks travel back falling on an apron at a 45.degree. angle for the first decorticating butt drum. A leaf stripper strips any leaves left at the stalks just before the butt decorticator drum. The second decorticating drum has helically arrayed bars on its exterior surface, operably disposed adjacent a machined surface located on a first leg of a generally U-shaped breast plate, such that the interaction of the bars with the breast plate removes unusable portions of the plants adjacent the upper ends and frees the ramie fibers.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for winding resistance wire about a filament core. The apparatus includes a plurality of wire supply reels supported by a frame, each wire supply reel having an axial bore extending therethrough and carrying a length of the wire. A filament core is threaded through each of the wire supply reels with a mechanism for directing the filament core between the wire supply reels. The filament core extends through a winding station operable to rotate one of the wire supply reels about the filament core so that wire carried on the wire supply reel is wound about the filament core. The wire supply reel is formed from a cylinder having a flange at each end. The cylinder and flanges together have a continuous slot in communication with the axial bore to permit the threaded filament to exit from the axial bore when the wire supply is exhausted.