Abstract: A plant activator which is strip-shaped, and includes a silicon layer provided on one or both surfaces of the base sheet or within a base sheet and containing Si or SiO.sub.X (0<X <2) as a main component, wherein the silicon layer is provided by vapor-deposition or bonded by an adhesive. The plant activator is hung on or near the plants.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the germination of seed by immersing the seed in an aqueous solution including dissolved inert gas and sonicating the seed at a frequency preferably of between about 15 kHz and about 30 kHz and an energy density of between about 1 watt/cm.sup.2 and about 10 watts/cm.sup.2 for a period of between 1 minute and about 15 minutes. The sonicated seed exhibits enhanced germination by a reduction in the time required for germination, an increase in the percentage of total seeds that germinate, and an increase in the percentage of seeds that germinate at reduced temperatures. Plants grown from the treated seeds exhibit improved characteristics.

Abstract: For a plant potted in a conical pot, an oversized conical sleeve disposed in encircling relation about the conical pot and, in advance of a storm or similar plant-destroying weather condition, the sleeve is raised into an in-use position protecting the plant. The in-use raised position is maintained by a friction fit established between the difference sizes of conical pot and sleeve. During non-use of the sleeve, it is held in its encircling position by the weight of the conical pot and growing earth of the plant.

Abstract: A method for monitoring motion of a drive-operable door body between open d closed positions. To monitor movement as sensitively as possible, an actually occurring course of movement is compared with a previously fixed nominal course. A signal for interrupting movement is generated when the nominal course and the actual course, and/or one of the derivations of these, differ from one another by a previously fixed amount.

Abstract: A motor-driven window lifter for a motor vehicle with electronic means to protect against entrapment of body parts in the window opening with at least one spring in the line of force between the drive unit (such as an electric motor or gear) and the window pane is characterized in that the blocking force of the spring corresponds at a maximum to the sum of the displacement force anticipated and the admissible entrapment force and that the spring characteristic when an initial load is exceeded has a decreasing, preferably negative curve, such that the spring enables a relatively long path of the drive unit when the initial load is exceeded.

Abstract: A seal structure is provided for a vehicle having a removable roof member. Advantageously, the single integral seal structure seals between a front end of the roof member, an upper edge of a windshield, and a header rail. The seal structure includes a base retainer portion secured to the header rail and a windshield lip portion covering and sealing against the upper edge of the windshield. The windshield lip portion is integrally coupled to the base retainer portion. The seal structure also includes a weatherstrip portion integrally coupled with the windshield lip portion and the base retainer portion for sealably engaging the front end of the roof member. Preferably, the weatherstrip portion includes at least one hollow weatherstrip bulb for sealably engaging the forward end of the roof member.

Abstract: A device for sealing between two assembly parts that are movable relative to one another, especially between two damper blades or a damper blade and a stop of a flue gas armature. The device includes an elastic sealing element formed by a spring-steel strip, which contains two flat clamping edges arranged next to one another in a parallel fashion and pointing to the same side. The clamping edges are secured by a clamping device to one of the assembly parts. The spring-steel strip also has a sealing zone that is curved in an arc-shaped manner. The sealing element rests, with a resting surface located outside of the clamping edges, flat on the flat supporting surface of a supporting element. The supporting element is also securable by the clamping device to one of the assembly parts.

Abstract: An improved access lid assembly is provided for a subsurface chamber used to service aircraft. A lift assembly is provided for elevating the lid upwardly from an opening in a surrounding mounting frame disposed atop the subsurface chamber while maintaining the lid in a horizontal disposition. A hinge assembly connects the lift assembly to the lid at a peripheral location thereon on the underside of the lid, without any connection to the peripheral edge of the lid. The hinge assembly allows the lid to rotate about a horizontal axis to an open position through an arc of at least ninety degrees. By avoiding any connection to the peripheral edges of the lid, an elastomeric, annular seal can be mounted to completely encircle the lid and provide a water-tight barrier about the access opening. The seal is mounted between the upper and lower surfaces of the lid within a groove, preferably with a dovetail connection, to securely grip and hold the seal upon the edge of the lid.

Abstract: A synthetic resin tubular body is fitted into the pipe connecting hole of a handhole when used. The cut edge face at one open end side of the tubular body having square walls in cross section and circular walls in cross section which are alternately disposed in its axial direction is the boundary portion between a side wall portion forming the square wall in cross section and a peripheral wall portion forming the square wall in cross section, and is cut in the boundary portion on the side apart from the open end side or in the proximity thereof. The length of the tubular body is set greater than the wall thickness of the handhole. In addition to the tubular body, a block body for the tubular body is formed with square and circular recessed portions conforming to the outer peripheral face of the open end side portion of the tubular body.

Abstract: A flexible extrusion molded flange for securing bathtubs and the like to surrounding walls while simultaneously providing a moisture barrier therebetween. The flange snaps on to the vertical edge and horizontal deck of the tub. The flange includes a vertical back strip for securing the flange to a stud wall, a drywall sealing lip forming a moisture barrier between the tub and the drywall, a finish wall sealing strip for sealing and aligning the finish wall, and a tub edge securing strip for receiving the edge of the tub. Miter cut corners and silicone sealants enhance the flange's moisture barrier properties.

Abstract: A furniture system for fitting-out a building room of the type having a generally open plan and having an associated floor surface includes an overhead framework including a plurality of horizontal beam segments interconnected to form a rigid structure configured to be spaced above the floor surface. A plurality of support columns, each has an upper portion connected with the overhead framework, and a lower portion shaped to abut the floor surface to support the overhead framework in a freestanding fashion at a predetermined elevation above average user height. Each of the support columns further includes at least three vertical edges defining substantially planar faces therebetween. At least two of the vertical edges have a plurality of slots therein for supporting office furniture items and office accessories. A shelf is mounted to one of the support columns and is supported thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for sheltering and/or launching devices such as projectiles or a tracking device. The apparatus preferably includes a main body having a bottom, a plurality of walls connected to and extending upwardly from the bottom, and an inner chamber defined by the inner confines of the bottom and the plurality of walls. An inner chamber cover is connected to the main body for covering the inner chamber of the main body when in a closed position and for accessing the inner chamber when in an open position. A sheltered device mount preferably is positioned in the inner chamber and connected to the main body for mounting a device to be sheltered thereto.

Abstract: A transportable structure kit which is readily transportable within a container. The container has exterior container panel sections adapted to attach together to form a completely enclosed transportable container. A number of interior panel sections are placed within the enclosed transportable container. Lugs are placed on corners of the completely enclosed transportable container to allow the container to be lifted and moved. The exterior container panel sections detachably attached together to form the enclosed transportable container in a transportation mode. The exterior panel sections not used to form the floor, namely are used to form a second story floor of the assembled structure. The transportable structure kit further includes telescoping footing sections to permanently yet adjustable adjust the height of the floor relative to a foundation.

Abstract: A building structure formed from transportable prefabricated panel frame section is disclosed. The building structure includes wall and/or floor and/or roof frames. Each wall frame is formed from a plurality of similar wall panel frame sections having frame side members. The wall panel frame sections are arranged in the wall frame with the frame side members of adjacent wall panel frame sections spaced apart. A joining member is located between adjacent frame side members and rigidly fastens the frame side members to one another. Each joining member extends vertically beyond the side frame members for interconnecting the side frame members therebelow to a floor frame and/or a roof frame and/or another wall frame thereabove.

Abstract: A fascia and soffit member is roll-formed from sheet metal, such as sheet aluminum, so as to have two unitary panels meeting at a juncture. One such panel, a fascia panel, extends vertically and upwardly from the juncture when the member is installed. The other panel, a soffit panel, extends horizontally from the juncture when the member is installed. The soffit panel has a distal portion spaced from the juncture and defining plural, elongate, preferential bending regions, along a selected one of which the distal portion is so as to form a wall flange that extends vertically, either upwardly or downwardly, when said member is installed. Preferably, the distal portion has a series of spaced ridges defining a series of spaced grooves, each ridge defining one of the preferential bending regions and each groove defining another of the preferential bending regions, and the ridges and the grooves collectively have a corrugated profile. In a simplified embodiment, the fascia panel is omitted.

Abstract: A fire proofing assembly with friction sliding surfaces to accommodate wide horizontal seismic isolator movements placed around seismic isolators and in partitions at the perimeter of isolation spaces. Heat reflecting, insulating and intumescent layers may be interposed at friction surfaces. Normal force to friction may be maintained by spring. Temporary, partial dissembling arrangement provided for isolation bearing inspection. Elastomeric curtain may be provided for fire hose test.

Abstract: A deck structure adapted for assembly with a supporting frame. The deck structure includes a plurality of clip members adapted to be secured to the supporting frame and a plurality of planks adapted to be assembled with the clip members. The clip members having an elongated base portion and plank receiving portions attached to said base portion for engaging and securely retaining the planks in engagement with the clip members. Each elongated base portion of the clip members having a first and a second end, the first end of the elongated base portions being adapted to be engaged with the second end of the elongated base portions of another clip member.

Abstract: A modular floor tile has a two piece construction including a top member and a support member. The top member is made of a relatively hard material that is resistant to scuffing and which accepts paints. The support member is made of a resilient, impact-absorbing material and is secured to the underside of the top member. The material of the support member is selected to give the desired impact-absorbing characteristics. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of support nodes extend downward from a bottom surface of the support member. The support nodes are spaced from one another so as to define an air circulation space between the bottom surface of the support member and the underlying support surface. The modular floor tiles also include interlocking members for interlocking adjacent tiles with one another.

Abstract: A window frame includes a plurality of horizontal and vertical frame members each having glazing legs with angled exteriorly facing sides that overlap at the corners and substantially flat planar inwardly facing glazing surfaces against which a glazing element is set in place, with bedding compound between the glazing element and glazing surfaces to adhere the glazing element to the glazing legs. Pockets extending substantially the entire length of the glazing surfaces provide for the positive, accurate location of a continuous bead of bedding compound on the glazing surfaces and control the amount of the glazing compound that is squeezed out between the glazing element and glazing surfaces when the glazing element is set in place to insure a watertight seal around the entire perimeter of the glazing element.

Abstract: A rectangular steel frame has a wide peripheral flange integrally connected to a narrow peripheral flange by a web, and a set of spacer bars of predetermined thickness are welded to the narrow flange around the frame. A multiple layer glass unit is positioned within the frame, and a set of trim base strips are secured by peripherally spaced screws to the wide flange and to the spacer bars around the frame for capturing a peripheral portion of the glass unit. Steel reinforcing strips are secured to either or both sets of trim base strips by the screws, and corresponding sets of aluminum trim channels snap-fit onto the base strips around the frame for enclosing the steel reinforcing strips and to provide a neat decorative appearance. The above structure is also used to form a mullion within the window unit or a window frame assembly for a stepped opening in a building wall. Glazing materials extend between each set of trim base strips and the peripheral portion of the window unit.

Abstract: A device is positioned for passing a lengthy object through an opening in a wall to which a flat plate made of a stable material is attached. The plate has a hole that corresponds to and is aligned with the opening. A one-piece rubber sleeve that surrounds the lengthy object is provided for its moisture-proof insertion, and has a lengthwise separation which can be closed. A circumferential groove is provided on the inside of the rubber sleeve and is designed to lay against the lengthy object; this groove contains a ring-shaped insert made of a flexible material. In addition, the rubber sleeve has an outwardly open circumferential recess at one outer axial end, to seal the edge that limits the hole in the plate.

Abstract: A method of making a flat-skinned door which simulates a three-dimensional molded skin door, and corresponding product, are disclosed. The method includes the steps of applying a basecoat(s) to the door skin, applying a woodgrain puff-ink to the skin over the basecoat in order to simulate woodgrain patterning, utilizing a printing roll(s) to print a photographic image on the door which simulates a three-dimension molded door skin, and forming a hardened non-stainable polymerized coating over the image applied by the printing roll(s). In such a manner, a flat skinned door may be made which simulates a three dimensional molded skin door.

Abstract: A sealing system and method for a metal roof having a plurality of sheet metal panels attached to a roof deck covered by a layer of insulation, such as polystyrene. The joints and seams formed at junctions of adjacent plates are sealed with a nonflammable or low combustible, char forming, non absorbent layer of material which is applied over the seams in a liquid or slurry form, which subsequently hardens to form a liquid proof seal to reduce the flow of molten polystyrene from melting of the adjacent layer of insulation, into the fire below.

Abstract: A sheet metal ventilation louver is fabricated out of two types of blades, a center and a top/bottom blade, that are shaped in a manner that permits their slidable engagement with an outer support frame. The side panels making up the outer frame are fabricated out of sheet metal rectangles that have been bent, with slots formed in the bent areas at locations enabling the slidable receipt of the blades within the side panel slots. An outer frame then fits around the side panels, retaining both the side panels and their received blades in position, completing the ventilation louver.

Abstract: A seismic and fire-resistant vertical shaft wall structure is formed by employing a uniquely configured connector above wallboard panels forming the shaft wall at each vertical section of the shaft wall structure. The connectors are formed of strips of sheet metal configured in a manner to seat wallboard panels positioned atop them and receive wallboard panels projecting up from beneath them. The connectors also receive strips of resiliently compressible fire insulation material that fill the gaps between the wallboard panels and the connector at each level of the vertical shaft wall. Interior vertical shafts within buildings, such as elevator shafts, stairwells, and other shafts can be made not only fire resistant but resistant to seismic stresses as well. The system also provides a new method of constructing a superior vertical shaft wall totally from within the structure of the building, without requiring any steps to be performed from within the shaft.

Abstract: A wall construction for subdividing building space includes a pair of interconnected frames forming a rectangular arrangement, the interconnected frames having abutting vertical side edges and non-abutting vertical side edges, and a removable cover for covering a portion of the interconnected frames, the cover including cover vertical side edges, the cover being removably supported on the interconnected frames. In one form, the cover spans the abutting vertical side edges of the interconnected frames with at least one of the cover vertical side edges being located between the non-abutting vertical side edges. In another form, the cover vertical side edges are both located between the non-abutting vertical side edges of the interconnected frames, and further both are misaligned with the abutting vertical side edges.

Abstract: A shingle and a method of applying the same to a roof is disclosed, in which the shingles are wind-resistant, opposing being torn from a roof by wind or the like. The shingles each include a pair of vertically spaced-apart lines extending horizontally across the lower ends of butt portions of the shingles, with at least a lower-most line being a line of sealant, and defining between the vertically spaced-apart lines a fastener zone, which fastener zone may have fastening spots therein that, in turn, may define a fastening line. When shingles in accordance with this invention are applied to a roof, the line of adhesive connection between tab portions of shingles in an overlying course are secured to lower ends of butt portions of the shingles of a subjacent course, sufficiently low below the tab portions of shingles, as to preclude any significant engagement by wind or the like that may tend to lift the tab portion off the sealant line.

Abstract: A plate for flooring which easily may be laid out and taken up, e.g. for temporary covering of artificial grass indoors in gymnasiums, has rectangular form and comprises longitudinal; edges having upper lips and lower lips. The upper and lower lips are arranged sectionwise so that the longitudinal edges generally exhibit one upper lip on a section where their is no lower lip and vice versa, and that on the or those sections where one of the longitudinal edges has an upper lip the other longitudinal edge has a lower lip and vice versa.

Abstract: A pair of splines each in the form of a thin metal strip are inserted into respective grooves or slots adjacent the opposed facings of a pair of structural panels. Each panel further includes an insulating foam core disposed between and attached to the opposed pair of facings. An adhesive applied to the metal splines bonds the splines to each panel and securely connects the two panels along respective abutting edges. In one embodiment, each metal strip is provided with opposed turned-in edges which function as hooks for engaging each panel's foam core and preventing separation of the two panels, particularly during curing of the adhesive. In another embodiment, each spline further includes a foam insulating strip about which the spline's metal strip is substantially wrapped for providing a thermal barrier at the panel juncture.

Abstract: A pre-cast one-piece concrete building module including a concrete panel having a face with a plurality of weight-saving cavities formed therein and a concrete frame integral with the cavity forming face of the panel. The frame includes a longitudinally spaced apart main end beams spanned by a plurality of laterally spaced apart secondary beams. A plurality of concrete reinforcing ribs are disposed between the end beams and formed integrally with the cavity forming face of the panel and adjacent secondary beams. The reinforcing rib has a concave surface extending between the secondary beams and is preferably of a parabolic shape.

Abstract: A construction component for improved moisture, decay and insect resistance. The component preferably includes a plurality of members of which certain portions are comprised of materials resistant to moisture, decay and insects. The resistant member(s) are integrally connected to wood portion(s) to provide a single, low cost structure.

Abstract: Truss elements of a structure that are prefabricated, but hinged so that trusses may be reduced in size for transportation and storage. The hinge is made up of a sheet of flexible material which is affixed to elements of the truss by press fit plates. This press fit hinge can be installed on the truss simultaneously with the other press fit plates used to construct the truss, thereby dramatically reducing the number of steps required to construct the truss while still providing the desired feature of the hinge.

Abstract: Non-corrosive concrete reinforcing members are formed by pultruding reinforcing fibers through resin to produce an elongated core and a plurality of elongated flanges extending radially outward from the core. A slot is formed through a portion of the elongated core such that each flange has a free inner edge adjacent the slot. The reinforcing member is thereby bendable along the slot in a direction transverse to the elongated core.

Abstract: A constructed wall structure and method of fabrication that replicates a wall formed by nature. The structure has a plurality of discrete layers, with each layer constructed of concrete and a decorative additive. Every layer has an interface with an adjacent layer to thereby form a plurality of interfaces wherein at least one, and preferably most or all, of the interfaces are non-level. Non-limiting examples of decorative additives are rocks, sea shells, colorants, and mixtures thereof. Methodology for fabricating the wall structure includes pouring a first concrete mixture into a substantially vertical form which can be constructed as a channel within a generally elongate mound of a naturally occurring material and thereafter permitting a top surface of the concrete mixture to assume a non-level configuration. Preferably, a joint forming material is placed on the top surface of this first concrete mixture.

Abstract: A heat insulating structure comprising a vacuum insulator fixed to a surface on which the vacuum insulator is to be applied is provided for the purpose of improving the workability in fixing the vacuum insulator to the surface to be applied. A thermally adherable layer comprising a thermally adherable material is made between the vacuum insulator and the surface to be applied, and the thermally adherable layer is heated and melted whereby the vacuum insulator is fixed to the surface to be applied.

Abstract: A system and apparatus has been developed for factory built panelized, precast insulated concrete walls. The interior as well as the perimeter walls of the home are solid reinforced concrete. The concrete walls make a home fireproof, low maintenance, air tight, with thermal mass for heat storage insulated on the outside which makes it more energy efficient. Concrete for the exterior walls is poured over a rigid insulation board so that when the walls are erected they are insulated on the outside. This protects the concrete from the elements and makes the concrete available to the interior of the building for thermal mass to store heat. The walls are poured in one continuous row and cut into individual panels after hardening. Lifting bolts, anchor bolts, weld plates, electrical outlets, window and door placement are all indicated on the top plate at the manufacturing plant. The manufactured reinforcing panels are laid on casting slabs for concrete to be poured and finished.

Abstract: A building panel (1) has an upper edge (4) adapted to interlock with a lower edge (6) of a vertically adjacent substantially identical panel (1). The lower edge (6) of the panel (1) is adapted to interlock with a vertically adjacent substantially identical panel (1) or base (16). Side edges (8, 9) of the panel (1) are substantially planar to permit abutment of a side edge (8) of one panel (1) against a side edge (9) of a horizontally adjacent substantially identical panel (1). A continuous channel (11) extends the length of each side edge (8, 9) and a further continuous channel (10) extends along the upper edge (4). To construct a wall, a plurality of panels (1) are placed horizontally adjacent to each other to form a lower layer (15). A cementitious mix is poured onto the panels (1) to fill the channels (10, 11). Alternatively, structural members can be placed into the channels (10, 11).

Abstract: A pass-by insulating glass window unit for replacing single glazing including a sealing assembly sandwiched by glazings having dissimilar plane surface dimensions. One glazing, the exterior glazing, has the plane dimensions of the single glazing it replaces. The other, the interior glazing, and the sealing assembly have plane dimensions slightly smaller than the dimensions of the window opening. The pass-by insulating glass window unit is assembled with each of the four edges of the exterior glazing extending equidistantly outwardly from the aligned edges of the sealing assembly and the interior glazing. The thickness of the sealing assembly is predetermined to provide an enclosed insulating space of optimum insulating value. For use in double hung window sashes, the thickness is chosen to assure passage of the movable window openings, and to position the interior glazing to be in approximate alignment with the plane of the interior surface of the wood sash.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting a folded product into an envelope and closing the flap of the envelope performs a method in which the envelope is transferred from an envelope hopper by a rotatable shuttle unit having cooperating suction cups and a T-shaped flap engagement member, the folded product is stuffed into its envelope, and then flap of the envelope is closed by an envelope closing device. The envelope inserting and closing apparatus and method are designed for use in a high speed electronic finishing system.

Abstract: An end cap for protecting industrial rolled products having a plurality of concentric scored lines inwardly spaced from the periphery of the end cap which allow the end cap to conform to metal coils of various diameters. Additionally, the end cap defines a plurality of radially extending, arcuate gaps disposed around the periphery of the end cap and extend from the scored lines to the periphery of the end cap which allows the end cap to conform to the side of the metal coil without overlapping.A method for protecting rolled products comprises the steps of positioning an end cap proximate to the edge of a rolled product and stretch wrapping a sheet material over the end cap and edge to secure the end cap thereon.

Abstract: A method of producing a printed product having a computer disk incorporated therein, including the steps of providing a sheet of material, placing personalized indicia onto either the disk or the sheet of material, depositing the disk onto the sheet of material, folding the sheet of material over the disk to produce a package, gathering the package with a signature to produce a book block, and binding the book block to produce a printed product. The placing step can include the step of printing or the step of adding a label to either the disk or the sheet of material. The depositing step can include the step of positioning the disk over the personalized indicia such that the disk covers the personalized indicia. The placing step can occur either before or after the depositing step.

Abstract: Foamed plastic food containers are prepared for contact with food by exchanging the air in the interstices of the foam for a packaging gas prior to using the containers for packaging of food.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an ink cartridge for use in an ink jet recorder, comprising the step of providing an ink bag having a top end, and a bottom end below the top end, the top end being open and the bottom end having an ink feed port therein; moving the ink bag from a first position near a top edge thereof and positioning the ink bag in a vacuum chamber; depressurizing the vacuum chamber; charging a selected quantity of ink into the ink bag; sealing the open end of the ink bag at a second position below the first position; pressing the sealed portion of the ink bag to a selected thickness with press plates; sealing the bag in the pressed position at a third position below the second position; and cutting the ink bag between the second and third positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for packing articles contains successively in a conveying direction a feed station, where the articles to be packed are fed into the installation, a station for opening the pack and a station for sealing the filled pack. The two stations, optionally also a compressing station, are successively located on rails, to which they can be fixed in random positions. Consequently it is possible to modify the mutual spacings of the stations and the absolute positions of the stations. This makes it possible to adapt the apparatus to different pack sizes, different articles to be packed and further differing circumstances, whilst still allowing short conveying paths.

Abstract: A handling device for conveying layered cellulose products (1), such as cotton wool pads formed successively during production, between a production station (2) and a packaging station (3) is provided with an intermediate storage system (4) with at least one pair of separate holding chambers (5, 6) for the serial holding of the cellulose products (1) delivered successively from the production station (2) to the packaging station (3) and for the transfer of the cellulose products (1) held in this way as a package (67) into a respective conveying cartridge (10). One holding chamber (5) of the pair can be coupled to the outlet of the production station (2) at the same time the other holding chamber (6) is in a transfer station (11) and is coupled to a conveying cartridge (10).

Abstract: Apparatus and method for processing plant material in which a first rotatable crushing roller with an outer generally cylindrical surface cooperates with a second adjacent rotatable crushing roller also having an outer generally cylindrical surface. The rollers, mounted with their surfaces positioned in close proximity to each other, rotate in opposite directions to receive and crush plant material. A rotatable impact rotor having a plurality of outwardly extending projections is mounted rearwardly of the crushing rollers for impacting plant material that has passed between the rollers to macerate the plant material that has been previously crushed by the rollers. The crushed and macerated plant material is diverted and again impacted one or more times by the outwardly extending projections of the impact rotor.

Abstract: A method and harvesting apparatus for stacking cut sod wherein the cut sod is formed into rolls at a rolling station carried by a machine and wherein alternating first and second series of rolls are conveyed in a first direction relative to a stacking station so as to form in the stacking station alternating first and second layers of rolls which are oriented generally perpendicularly to one another and wherein the rolls in each layer are oriented generally parallel with respect to one another. The second series of rolls are partially rotated approximately 90.degree. as they are conveyed to the stacking station so the second series of rolls are oriented generally perpendicularly with respect to the first series rolls. The apparatus also includes a wrapping device which is movable with respect to the stacking station so as to be maneuverable about the layers of sod rolls which are formed within the stacking station.

Abstract: A bag-full indicator mechanism is provided for use on a mower that has a mower deck with cutting blades, a bag for collecting cut vegetation, and a chute communicating the mower deck with the bag. The bag-full indicator mechanism includes a vacuum actuator, vacuum means for providing a vacuum to the vacuum actuator, and sensing means for sensing that the bag is full. Preferably the vacuum means is the intake manifold of the mower engine. The bag-full indicator mechanism also includes activating means for activating the vacuum actuator and includes a switching means and a pivotable lever. Finally, indicating means is used for indicating that the bag is full and preferably includes a shutoff means for stopping the rotation of the cutting blades.

Abstract: Carriage suspension for supporting a reel mower cutting unit. Two or more elongated rollers extend between opposing ends of the carriage suspension. An arm is provided on at least one end of the carriage suspension. The arm is mounted to the carriage suspension by a pivot mechanism, and is configured for supporting one end of each of the rollers. Coupling members are provided on each end of the rollers, and the coupling members are configured for permitting the angular orientation of a longitudinal axis of each of the rollers to vary relative to the carriage suspension.

Abstract: The plunger of a baler for making parallelepiped bales is driven by an extensible and retractable hydraulic actuator that is connected for oscillating a link forming a crank coupled to the plunger by a connecting link. The dimensions and locations of the crank and connecting link relative to the hydraulic actuator results in the plunger being moved in the baling chamber through a distance which is about twice the stroke of the actuator when the plunger is moved from a fully retracted position, at one side of an inlet used for introducing crop into the chamber, to a fully extended position at an opposite side of the inlet from the fully retracted position.