Abstract: Apparatus for insertion into a pipe adapted for mounting an ultrasonic flow measurement transducer, the apparatus comprising, in a preferred embodiment two flanges adapted to connect into a pipe, a center section connected between the two flanges, the two flanges having central openings therein for fluid flowing through the pipe, the center section being hollow for the flow of fluid from the pipe therethrough and communicating with the pipe through the openings in the flanges, the center section having a substantially square or rectangular cross-section, the center section having an outer substantially flat surface adapted for mounting of at least one pair of ultrasonic transmitting and receiving flow measurement transducers thereon.

Abstract: The force sensing device of the present invention provides an elastomeric spacer coupled between a base member and platform structure. The characteristics of the spacer material allow the spacer to be linearly deformable upon application of force, and this deformation region is known as the linear travel distance of the spacer. The remaining region has substantially no additional deformation with respect to force applied, and is known as the non-deformable distance of the spacer. A sensing mechanism built directly into the device provides a means for sensing the linear travel distance upon various applications of force. More specifically, the sensory mechanism includes a movable and fixed portion respectively, separated by a distance equal to the aforementioned linear travel distance.

Abstract: An annular housing extension for an engine starter housing which facilitates and assists in the installation of the engine starter onto an engine. The annular extension extends from a mounting flange and has an inner diameter to form a cylinder which substantially surrounds and is concentric with a pinion gear of an engine starter. The annular extension may be provided as an integral part of a starter housing or as a separate piece. The annular extension is provided with a leading edge which is rounded to form a chamfer and preferably has a radius of curvature which approaches, and most preferably, equals the diameter of a cylindrical outer wall of the annular extension.

Abstract: A device for converting a rotary motion into an axial motion comprises an outer tube (10) with internal contours (10a), an inner shaft (11) with head (11a) with external contours (11b), an inner chamber (R) formed between tube (10) and shaft (11) and a plurality of roller elements (12) arranged in the inner chamber (R) and around the head (11a), which are in active engagement with at least one contour with the internal contour (10a) of the tube (10) and the external contour (11b) of the head (11a), whose position can be adjusted essentially by rotation relative to the roller elements (12). The shaft (11) is surrounded by a tubular element (14) arranged coaxially with respect to the central axis (a--a) of the shaft, which moves translationally relative to the tube (10) when the device is actuated. By this the device is protected in a most simple way from exterior influences: (FIG. 2).

Abstract: The invention provides a drive nut bracket for attaching a drive nut to a driven component to move the driven component. The drive nut is moved by a rotating drive screw. The drive nut bracket provides rotational constraint and linear constraint of the drive nut. It has a nut engaging portion pivotally connected to the base. The nut engaging portion has at least one slide surface portion for sliding engagement with the nut so that the nut may slide relative to the nut engaging portion in a direction substantially perpendicular to the pivot axis. The pivot and the slide surface accommodate misalignments of the drive screw and the driven component. The nut engaging portion includes at least one drive force receiving surface portion facing generally along the axis of the drive screw to provide the linear constraint of the drive nut relative to the driven component.

Abstract: An shifting mechanism located outside a transmission housing which includes a gear lever and shifting rails. The shift rails are responsive to the gear lever and operate in a manner to allow for movement of a shifting rail and at the same time prevent movement of the other shifting rails.

Abstract: A gear control for reduces the thermal stress on switching components (2, 3, 4, 5, 6) of a reversing gear (1) for machines having an input shaft (8) and an output shaft (15) and at least one directional switch for forward motion (2) and one for reverse motion (3) and a downstream load-switchable switching set (4) with several switching components (5, 6) allocated to a gear. Here the switching components (2, 3, 5, 6) can be electrically and/or hydraulically controlled by a regulating and control device (12) in such a way that, during a switching operation, in addition to one of the directional switching components (2, 3) corresponding to the switching operation, at least one other switching components (5, 6) of the downstream switching set (4) lying in the power flow and fully engaged at the start of a reversal is set to a slip state under frictional load. The frictional load is thus distributed between the directional switching components (2, 3) and the other slipping switching components (5, 6).

Abstract: A gearset for a gear spindle coupling or the like, and method for forming the same, comprising a sleeve gear and a hub gear which may be ground after surface hardening without the introduction of undesired structural weakening. The sleeve gear includes internal gear teeth and the hub gear includes external gear teeth in mesh with the sleeve gear teeth. Each internal sleeve gear tooth has an internal profile with the tooth height ranging from about 1.9 to about 2.2 divided by the diametral pitch of the sleeve gear, and each external hub gear tooth has a contact height less than the full tooth height. The contact height of the external tooth ranges from about 1.4 to about 1.6 divided by the diametral pitch of the hub gear, with the hub gear tooth region ranging between about 1.4/diametral pitch to about 1.6/diametral pitch. The whole depth of each external gear tooth ranges between about 1.5/diametral pitch to about 1.8/diametral pitch, and the whole depth of each internal gear tooth ranges between about 1.

Abstract: A "master-slave" remote manipulation apparatus having six degrees of freedom. The apparatus includes a flexible parallelogram with two parallel arms hinged to a cross member with one degree of rotational freedom and to a frame with two degrees of rotational freedom; two parallel-hinged "master" and "slave" devices at the end of each respective arm; and five two-way linear motion transmitting devices between the "master" and "slave" devices.

Abstract: An operating device for actuating the shift mechanism in multi-ratio gear transmissions in motor vehicles, incorporating a shift rail (2) which is moveable in parallel to the gear axes and arranged in a transmission housing (30), this shift rail carries coupling devices (16, 18, 20, 22, 32, 42, 46, 50). The coupling devices form a connection between the shift rail (2) and the shift forks (4) of the engaging gears and, at the same time, block the shift forks (4) of the non-engaging gears. The coupling devices (16, 18, 20, 22, 32, 42, 46, 50) have detents (22, 26, 32, 36, 42, 60) by which the engaged gears can be blocked in their engaged position.

Abstract: This invention comprises a general redundant spherical linkage capable of producing a hemisphere or greater of singularity-free, relative motion of two arms which intersect at a fixed point. All points of all links of the invention move on spheres that are concentric about this fixed point of intersection of the two arms. In a general way, the invention can be considered as a sphere which is divided by a central link that supports two pairs of scissoring and intersecting axes of rotation for four semicircular links that are 180.degree. arcs. The semicircular links maintain a constant angle at their point of overlap and support radial arms having axes which pass through the center of the sphere. Each pair of pivoted links controls the spherical motion of one arm within one hemisphere. By simultaneously controlling all four pivoted links, arbitrary relative motion of the two arms can be achieved.

Abstract: A steering shaft includes: an outer shaft having an inner splined portion; an inner shaft having a shaft portion and an outer splined portion which are arranged continuously along an axial direction; a retaining portion formed on at least one of the outer splined portion and the shaft portion; a sliding coupling section formed by a coupling portion of the outer shaft and a coupling portion of the inner shaft so as to allow the outer shaft and the inner shaft to be telescopically slidable in the axial direction relative to each other by splines; and a sliding resin member which is filled in a space formed in the sliding coupling section between an opening portion of the outer shaft and the retaining portion of the inner shaft.

Abstract: A cable assembly secured inside the trunk compartment of a motor vehicle having dual actuator cables. The cable assembly includes a housing, a pulley member rotatably mounted to the housing and a slide lock member. A first actuator cable slidingly cooperates through the housing and pulley member with one end attached to a pull-strap inside the trunk compartment and the second end attached to a release latch. A second actuator cable has one end attached to a pull-strap located in the proximity of the driver's seat and the second end attached to the pulley member to rotate the pulley member upon pulling the pull-strap. Rotating the pulley member allows the pulley member to engage a ball slug on the first actuator cable to drive the second end and actuate the release latch. A slide lock member is capable of engaging the pulley member to prevent rotation, and therefore, prevent the pull strap in the passenger compartment from actuating the release latch.

Abstract: A locking sleeve for locking a rotary connection between the actuating bar of a brake system and a pedal lever is releasable in the event of crash. To permit, during assembly, a fast and safe locking engagement even under poor visual conditions, the locking device is supplied in pre-assembled condition, preferably, on the actuating bar. Advantageous embodiments relate to features insuring a reliable engagement in that bias forces release the connection in the event that the locking position has not been completely achieved.

Abstract: A steering wheel for motor vehicles provided with an air bag protection device comprises a central part including a hub for connecting to a steering wheel coupling and a cavity for housing an air bag protection device, an external crown and a plurality of substantially radial spokes for connecting the external crown to the central part of the steering wheel. The hub is constructed as a structural part distinct from said spokes and is releasably fastened to them and has at least one pair of ears for the releasable fastening of the air bag device.

Abstract: A flange portion formed on an inner periphery of a flywheel is fitted to an end of a crankshaft. A spline piece is fitted to an inner peripheral surface of the flywheel. The flange portion of the flywheel and a flange portion of the spline piece are commonly fastened to the end of the crankshaft by bolts. An upper end of a driving shaft is spline-fitted at a point into a driving shaft coupled portion of the spline piece which is accommodated in an internal hole in the crankshaft. Thus, in coaxially coupling the flywheel and the driving shaft to the end of the crankshaft, it is possible to make such a coupled area compact and to reduce vibration by an accurate centering thereof.

Abstract: A device for damping crankshaft oscillation including a ring-shaped housing filled with viscous or elasticoviscous fluid and fixedly mounted on the hub, a flywheel located in the ring-shaped housing, and a torsionally elastic coupling for connecting a torque-transmitting member with the hub and arranged parallel with the flywheel.

Abstract: A torsional vibration damper is equipped with a drive-side transmission element and an output-side transmission element deflectable relative thereto. A friction device is connected between the transmission elements. The friction device has a friction element with at least two different friction areas. The friction element is arranged in a circumferential opening having circumferential ends in one of the transmission elements. As long as the friction element is movable within the circumferential opening relative to the ends of the circumferential opening, only a first friction area of the friction element is active. When the friction element contacts one of the circumferential ends of the circumferential opening, only a second friction area of the friction element is active.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a novel harmonic drive transmission arrangement having an input member and an output member, and its method of manufcature. The transmission comprises a generally cylindrically-shaped housing including a circular spline gear arranged therein, and a cup-shaped flexspline with an array of radially outwardly directed gear teeth on a first end thereof, engaged with the circular spline teeth. A wave generator is rotatably supported on the input member radially inwardly of the gear on the flexspline. An annular diaphragm is arranged at a second end of the cup-shaped flexspline, and a flange is attached or integral to the diaphragm to permit the cup-shaped flexspline to be securely attached to the output member, the flange having a annular outmost surface thereon.

Abstract: A tool sharpening or dressing device provides a blade having a knife edge held within an aperture from below so that as the tool is drawn along a surface above the edge is able to trim the tool. The blade is clamped by a rotating washer with detent grooves to finely position the washer. The washer, in turn, pushes against the blade to position it.

Abstract: An air motor has a rotor rotatable in response to the pressure of pressurized air. A cylindrical rotary member is connected to the air motor for causing a rotation in synchronism with the rotation of the rotor. A rotary slider is slidable in the axial direction along the inner cylindrical wall of the rotary member. A rotational force transmitting mechanism is provided for transmitting the rotation of the rotary member to the rotary slider. A shaft has one end fixed to the rotary slider and the other end equipped with a piston and a driver bit holder. The rotational and axial motion of the rotary slider is transmitted to a driver bit held in the driver bit holder. And, a cylinder guides the axial slide movement of the piston responsive to the pressure of pressurized air applied on a pressure-receiving surface of the piston.

Abstract: An adjustable wrench is composed of a handle and a clamping member fastened pivotally with the handle and provided with two clamping surfaces forming therebetween an angle of 120 degrees. The clamping member is capable of turning on a pivoting point which is located at the center of the pivoting position of a clamped portion of the handle. The pivoting position has a horizontal width which is 3-3.5 times a distance between a longitudinal line of the pivoting point and a longitudinal line passing the curvature center of an arcuate lower clamping surface of the clamped portion of the handle. The arcuate lower clamping surface has a curvature radius which is 2.5-3.5 times a distance between the two longitudinal lines. The arcuate lower clamping surface has an arc line length corresponding in location to a circle center angle ranging between 70 and 90 degrees.

Abstract: A hook screw driver includes a holding section including a first part and a second part that are releasably engaged together. At least one of the first part and the second part includes an inner side that has a compartment defined therein. A holding member is mounted in the compartment and made of a deformable, frictional material for securely holding a hook portion of a hook screw. One of the first part and the second part has a notch defined in an end thereof and communicated with the compartment. The notch is to be extended by a neck portion of the hook screw.

Abstract: A hand tool that is self-adjusting by alternately squeezing and relaxing the hand grip on the two handles; that has substantially parallel jaws during closing adjustment; that actually grips the work object with at least an 8-to-1 compound gripping leverage; and that can be locked onto an object when desired with a selectively light or strong grip. All of the operations, except the resetting the adjustable jaw to a wide open position, can be done with just the hand holding the tool and it can be made in the form of an adjustable plier, an adjustable wrench, or an adjustable pipe wrench, plus many other applications.

Abstract: A hand-held driving tool includes an elongate handle which defines a tool axis and is suitably shaped and dimensioned to be graspable within the hand of the user. The driving tool may be in the form of a fixed, precision or other drivers in which the driver members, such as flat blade and Phillips screwdriver tips are mounted at one axial of the handle. The handle defines a driver axis generally coaxially aligned with the tool axis. At least one permanent magnet is provided on the handle, the magnet being formed of a magnetized material having north and south poles defining a magnetic axis generally arranged on the handle to permit selective placement of a magnetizable element at at least one position along the magnetic axis at a predetermined distance from one of the poles to magnetize the element and placement of the element a distance greater than such predetermined distance of the other of the poles to demagnetize the element. The magnetic axis is either aligned with or offset from the driver axis.

Abstract: A magnetizer/demagnetizer for integration with a non-operative portion of a hand-held driving tool or the like includes an elongate handle which defines a tool axis and is suitably shaped and dimensioned to be graspable within the hand of the user. The driving tool may be in the form of a fixed, precision or other drivers in which the driver members, such as flat blade and Phillips screwdriver tips are mounted at one axial end of the handle. The handle defines a driver axis generally coaxially aligned with the tool axis.

Abstract: A method of breaking chips is disclosed in which the chip generated during cutting is broken into small pieces by increasing the shear strain at the shear plane, which is the joint between the chip and the workpiece, until fracture occurs at the shear plane. This is achieved by forming the chip (1) generated during cutting into a lever, in which the head (11) of the chip is the load-lifting point receiving a force from a first plane (9), the contact between the chip (1) and a second plane (12) of the chip breaker is the fulcrum, and the root (8) of the chip, which joins the chip to the shear plane, is the force-exerting point exerting a force additional to the shear force acting along the shear plane to strain the material until fracture occurs at the shear plane.

Abstract: An apparatus for servicing and repairing cues including a collet mounted to a rotation member and having a collet body defining a passage including a generally conical surface, at least two collet jaws formed of a flexible resilient material and slidably disposed within the passage to define arcuate gaps with the surface, and an adjuster for slidably moving the collet jaws to flexibly bear against a cue inserted through the collet. A cutter feed includes a mounting to a bed proximate to a headstock for movement parallel to the bed. A cue tip shaper mounted to the cutter feed and having a rotatable arm for shaping a cue tip to a preselected curvature. A flexible resilient sleeve rotationally mounted to a support for holding a cue by frictional contact. A pivot mount for mounting a motor to the bed in a first position proximate to the support and pivotable to a second position proximate to the headstock. A pincers press mounted for sliding movement along a guide way to pinch and smooth wrap on a cue.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a first valve disc and a second valve disc for use in a compressor having a longitudinal axis and several cylinder chambers surrounding the axis is described. The method includes the steps of: providing a sheet of resilient valve material; stamping a through-hole having several extended openings out of the sheet to produce the first valve disc with several arms; and stamping several arch-shaped openings out of the sheet spaced around the through-hole corresponding to each of the extended openings of the through-hole to produce the second valve disc. Thus, an economical manufacturing method for obtaining a set of suction valve and discharge valve discs from a common surface area of sheet material is described. A small valve disc is obtained by stamping out the central portion of a larger valve disc. The total quantity of sheet material required for making a set of two kinds of valve discs thereby is reduced.

Abstract: A machine for cutting electric battery plates, comprising two rollers (17, 18), between which a metal strip (20) passes. The metal strip is provided with a row of holes (22) running down the center, separated by bridges (31). The lower roller (17) is provided with means for removing cut-away pieces. A disk that is selectively circumferentially positioned is mounted on the lower roller. Lugs (21) project radially from the disk to pull the strip (20) along. Cutter plates (25, 26) are mounted on the upper roller. The cutter plates are provided with blades (29, 30) that cut the strip (20) and the bridges (31) transversely to yield plates (32) with their respective tabs (33). Inserts (35, 36) are provided under the cutter plates.

Abstract: An inventive apparatus for feeding rolled paper comprises rolled paper, a feed roller for feeding the rolled paper, a cutting unit for cutting the rolled paper, a driving source for actuating the feed roller and the cutting unit, a first gear train interposed between the driving source and the feed roller and a second gear train interposed between the driving source and the cutting unit. A reverse feed gear for transmitting driving force for a cutter gear to a feed gear is interposed between the first gear train and the second gear train and connects the first gear train with the second gear train when a movable cutter moves from a cutting position to a non-cutting position. Thereby, the feed roller is rotatively driven in the direction opposite to the feed direction by the driving force from the cutter gear.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sharpening device for sharpening a wear edge of a rubber, plastic or polyurethane blade, such as a synthetic squeegee blade used in silk screening printing, comprising a housing with a base and an upper surface having a longitudinal clamp for clamping the blade during the sharpening operation. The sharpening device further comprises a cutting blade or knife which is removably held by a moveable carriage, both of which are located within a housing. The carriage is mounted on a block assembly and, preferably, carries a removable cutter holder. In operation, the carriage travels along the path of the wear edge of the squence blade, and the cutting blade or knife acts to cut off the wear edge of the blade and simultaniously treate a new edge. The cutting blade is mounted in an inclined position, with respect to the horizontal length of the wear edge, so that the upper beveled surface of the cutting blade is substantially parallel to the horizontal plane of the wear edge.

Abstract: A magnetic cutting assembly and waste removal system is provided for cutting a panel from an envelope blank or the like. The die holder has a magnetic outer surface and a plurality of surface orifice therein radially communicating with corresponding feed tubes for supplying vacuum or air to the surface and into the vicinity of the envelope blank. In order to maximize the number of orifices while minimizing the number of magnetic members, the magnetic members be disposed in a plurality of rows wherein each row contains alternating magnets and orifices and a row of orifices are disposed between each adjacent row of magnets.

Abstract: A kit to sort out pills, tablets or capsules, which comprises a recessed support, a container-defining sheet designed to fit into the support, and a sealing sheet made of self-adhesive paper as having substantially the same dimension as the container-defining sheet, so as to close the same. Positioning elements are provided on the sealing sheet and on the support and/or the container-defining sheet in order to facilitate proper fixation of the sealing sheet on top of the container-defining sheet. A pill-sorting device made of two sliding panels with hollow bottomed recesses can be used to insert the pills into the containers of the container-defining sheet.

Abstract: An improved scoring apparatus of the type used in box making operations for the purpose of creating strategically located scores and cuts in box blanks that define the folding lines and tabs of the finished boxes. The scoring apparatus includes a selectively retractable scoring blade that can be pivoted between an extended position and a retracted position during operation of the scoring apparatus for permitting scoring and cutting along any position of the box blanks.

Abstract: A blank cartridge device is disclosed for use with a firearm having a flash reducer. The blank cartridge device includes a bushing defining a bore sized to receive the flash reducer. It also includes a block mounted within the busing bore and defining a blind hole disposed in substantial alignment with the barrel bore. In addition, the blank cartridge device includes a compression spring disposed within the bushing bore such that movement of the bushing from the released position to the locked position compresses the spring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for artillery guns with fully or semi-automatic loading systems for stowing, handling and, prior to loading the gun in question, for preparing complete propellant charges consisting of modular charges of M(A)CS type, i.e. such complete charges that consist of a number of mutually combinable modular charges which, as they may contain different types of propellant and may be of different standardized lengths can be of different strengths, and which all have a primarily rigid combustible outer casing and where each one incorporates the necessary ignition system. As claimed in the present invention each modular charge is stowed linearly after the other in magazine tubes (4) arranged compactly in parallel on top of and beside each other, each one containing a number of a modular charges of a specific type.

Abstract: For supplying a large volumetric flow into a particular hydraulic actuator without requiring a directional control valve to be large-sized and without making large a pressure difference between a pump discharge pressure and a load pressure or reducing the pressure loss when a large volumetric flow is flushed out into a tank, a flow control apparatus in a hydraulic circuit is designed to supply a pressurized discharge fluid from the hydraulic pump (10) via a directional control valve (15) and a pressure compensation valve (18) to a plurality of hydraulic actuators (16) which are arranged in parallel to one another, the apparatus in its construction including an auxiliary control valve (30) for supplying the pressurized fluid to a particular one of the hydraulic actuators (16), which is supplied with the pressurized discharge fluid from the hydraulic pump (10) via the said auxiliary directional control valve (30) and the directional control valve (15), or whose return fluid out of that particular hydraulic actu

Abstract: A compressor, which is adapted for use in an air-conditioning system of a motor vehicle, having a housing (2) and a compressor unit (1) arranged in the housing (2) for drawing in and compressing a coolant. The structural size of the compressor is reduced, while sufficient compressor capacity is ensured, as a result of manufacturing the housing (2) from a high-strength material and using a gas that has a high density even in the drawn-in state as the coolant.

Abstract: Devices for holding and positioning capsules which have a cup, cover and lid structure and which contain a substance for preparation of a drink by extraction under pressure include a hollowed housing device, a hollowed holder device and an extraction plate for flow of the extracted drink from the capsule. The holder device includes an element member which extends from a holder wall into the interior at a position so that upon placement of a capsule in the holder device hollowed interior so that the cover and lip are adjacent the extraction plate, the lip passes by the retention element member and is retained between the member and extraction plate, and the housing and holder devices also are configured so that for pressure extraction, the housing has a periphery edge positionable for contacting the capsule lip so that a seal is formed.

Abstract: According to the present invention, water is placed in a water reservoir constructed of plastic microwave-transparent, pressure-resistant material. A funnel positioned on the upper surface of filter compartment is supported on the upper edges of the water reservoir with the spout extending downwardly into the water reservoir. A lower filter is placed into the filter compartment, and coffee grounds or other espresso particulate substance is placed on upper surface of the lower filter. An upper filter is then positioned on the upper surface of filter compartment to restrain the coffee grounds or other particular substance during brewing. A filtrate reservoir is placed over the funnel, and twisted, thereby engaging threads to join the water reservoir and the filtrate reservoir. A filtrate splash cover is attached to the upper edges of the filtrate reservoir. The assembled espresso device is placed into a microwave oven.

Abstract: A food roaster is been described which includes a base plate and a cover. The cover includes a basting receptacle which allows in situ basting during a roasting operation. The roaster uses gravity to direct a baste material from the basting receptacle through a hole, or via, and into an interior of the cover. The basting dripper feature is provided to direct the baste material onto food, such as garlic, located on the base plate. The present invention, therefore, allows a solid baste material such as butter, or a liquid baste material such as oil to be placed in the receptacle during a roasting operation for basting without removing the cover.

Abstract: A self stirring cooking assembly includes a U-shaped housing having a motor driven sleeve protruding from a horizontal cooking surface. A plurality of utensils are also provided each having a stirring arm therein mounted to a tubular plug protruding through the bottom of the utensil dimensioned to be received within the motor driven sleeve. Accordingly, any one of a plurality of interchangeable utensils may be placed on the housing to automatically heat and stir food items placed therein.

Abstract: A grill has top and bottom cooking surfaces with the top surface movable upward to load the grill and movable downward onto the food and bottom surface to cook the food. Different cooking surface zones may be heated individually to accommodate the amount and type of food. The top surface is lowered and pressed onto the food at about 140 psi to provide positive contact with the food. The cooking surfaces have grooves through which vapor from a heated marinade cup is channeled to steam the food and drain fat for removal. The marinade vapor replaces fat and natural juices producing a relatively low fat, moist cooked meat.

Abstract: A simple apparatus for molding and baking food particles into edible unified products comprises a heated stationary ring sandwiched by a heated bottom plate and a heated top plate. Both plates can alternately be brought against, and removed from, the ring. By placing a measured quantity of food particles on the bottom plate while against the ring and by bringing the top plate down on the ring, the food particles are compressed for a selected baking period. The top plate is then raised from the ring and the bottom plate is lowered from the ring so that the resulting unified product is released.

Abstract: A self-contained pizza crust factory for creating a docked, formed pizza crust from a raw dough ball and positioning the crust on a crust container. The pizza crust factory includes an infeed conveyor belt that transports the ball of raw dough from an infeed end of the apparatus to a press assembly. The press assembly includes an upper platen and a lower platen positioned on opposite sides of the infeed conveyor belt. The upper platen of the press assembly is heated and in close contact with a crust die plate that is removably secured within a die holder assembly. The die holder assembly includes a pair of side supports that are pivotally movable between a locking position and a release position, such that the crust die plate can be easily removed and replaced from within the die holder assembly. A docking station is positioned downstream from the press assembly and receives the formed crust from the press assembly.

Abstract: A device to prevent over-browning of the rim of a pie crust during baking comprise a flat ring of heat deflecting material to overlie the rim portion of the pie crust and a depending flange at its outer edge to position the device.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing cheese includes a dispenser for applying salt to the cheese at a rate which varies in response to a control signal. The cheese travels across a platform to which a first sensor is attached for measuring the weight of the cheese. A second sensor measures the linear amount of cheese traveling across the platform. A controller derives the rate of cheese production based on the weight and the linear amount of cheese. The controller utilizes the rate of cheese production to produce the control signal and thereby control application of salt to the cheese.

Abstract: An agricultural baler having a baling chamber and apparatus for loading successive charges of crop material into the chamber. The cross section of the baling chamber is automatically adjusted to the load experienced by the plunger during compression of these charges and thereby controlling the density of the bales formed therein. The density control system further comprises elements associated with the actuator of the baling chamber for precluding adjustment of the cross section when no new charge of crop material has been introduced into the baling chamber. These elements comprise a sensor sensing the passage of such charge along a wall portion of the baling chamber and a by-pass valve which controls the pressure of hydraulic oil provided to the actuator. Thus the cross section of the baling chamber is prevented from being reduced further when the baler is turned on headlands.

Abstract: A press for processing and recovering preselected solid urban waste and the like comprises a hopper which is operatively coupled to a pressing device for reducing the volume of the waste which, in a pressed condition, is conveyed by the pressing device to a cutting device designed for forming the waste into preset cross-section rods.