Abstract: Internally illuminated emergency signs are typically placed in elevated locations which are awkward for electricians to reach, yet must be securely mounted. It is therefore difficult and time-consuming to make wiring connections after the mounting operation is completed. In order to facilitate both quick and easy wiring of the sign, and secure mounting thereof, an improved canopy features a projecting bracket which slips into a slot in a side or top of the sign housing, and engages over horizontally extending screws. Rapid, yet secure mounting of the sign is achieved by cantilevering the sign on the bracket, if side mounting is used, or by use of a locking pin, if top mounting is used. The locking pin keeps the screws from sliding laterally with respect to the bracket.

Abstract: An internally illuminated sign includes an adapter for mechanical and electrical connection to a lighting track. A display housing is connected to the adapter. The display housing has a face with a message window in the face. A translucent message assembly is removably mounted in the housing adjacent to the window. An illumination source is mounted in the housing adjacent to the side of the translucent message assembly positioned away from the window to enhance visibility of a message in the message assembly. The display housing has a separable portion selectively relocatable relative to the remainder of the housing. Relocation of the separable portion away from the remainder of the housing provides access to the interior of the housing for selective insertion into or removal from the housing the message assembly. A lock releasably secures the separable portion to the remainder of the housing.

Abstract: A postcard (2) having a frame (4) attached to a perimeter of one side of the postcard (2) and adapted to receive a photograph (or picture) such that the photograph (or picture) is securely retained between the frame (4) and postcard (2). A transparent protective view window (44) is placed between the frame (4) and photograph, both the photograph and window (44) can be inserted and removed through a flap (14) formed in the postcard (2). The postcard (2) includes strut means (16) and hook means (18) formed in the postcard (2), the strut means (16) and hook means (18) adapted to hinge outwardly from the plane of the postcard (2) and engage one another to allow the fame (4) to stand on a flat surface.

Abstract: A support device for supporting a person's arm when the arm is extended. The device can also be used to support an optical instrument such as a camera. The support device has a base structure adapted to be worn about a person's waist, proximate the hip. A support shaft extends from the base structure. The support shaft has a predetermined extended length between a first end and a second end. The support shaft contains a piston between its two ends. The presence of the piston enables said support shaft to be contracted to a contracted length that is less than its normal length. This enables a person to move his/her arm up and down while still being supported. The support shaft connects to the base structure with a ball and socket joint. Consequently, the support shaft is also free to move back and forth with that person's arm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a turtle device preferably shaped and dimensioned to look like a snapping turtle, with the turtle device including a dorsal shell shaped and dimensioned to look like the dorsal shell of a turtle. It is additionally preferred for the turtle device to have appendages attached thereto. Preferably, the turtle device is comprised of a dorsal shell portion, ventral shell portion, head portion, tail portion, and leg members and is of a density that allows the turtle device to float. Typically, when the turtle device is placed on a lake, pond, or similar body of water, geese, which frequent the body of water and the surrounding land, will be repelled by the turtle like device and discouraged from frequenting the area. Thus, the present turtle device is used to keep geese from frequenting ponds and lakes, as well as the shoreline and surrounding land.

Abstract: A decoy is described in which a base is formed as a silhouette of at least one animal. A preferred form includes an image of one animal visually identifiable on the base and part of at least a second animal on the same base, thereby creating a visual image of at least two animals. In one preferred form, the sheet includes opposed liners separated by internal flutes forming elongated chambers extending at least partially across the sheet. A seal closes ends of a number of the elongated chambers renders the base buoyant in water. A support member is shaped to be frictionally received within one of the elongated chambers to extend from the base to a remote end. In a preferred form, a ballast member is mounted at the remote end of the support member.

Abstract: A novelty item in the form of a fishing lure made from a plurality of coins and a fishing lure of the same configuration. The coins form the body of the lure, with one or more attached fishhooks and a means for attaching a fishing line. Other embodiments of the invention add headpieces and tailpieces shaped like the heads or tails of fish, optionally with hooks attached to these pieces. The elements of the invention may be connected so as to provide independent motion with respect to each other, in other embodiments may be connected rigidly, or in other embodiments are connected to allow motion in one plane only. Streamers and feathers may be incorporated so as to conceal the hooks and to provide an attractive appearance.

Abstract: Multi-hued fishing lure dressings molded from a colored mixture that contains a contrasting, granular, partially dissolving color pigment. In one silicone rubber dressing, a multi-stranded skirt includes randomly suspended granules that exhibit blotches or speckles having indistinct edges. In another dressing, a silicone rubber trailer is disclosed that exhibits the general shape of a frog. One or more cavities support plug-in attachments, such as rattles or extension pieces that separately support other dressings. A pair of ribbed panels that imitate legs extend from the trailer and undulate with lure motion. The aesthetic effect is to create a multi-hued coloration at the dressing that imitates the coloration of many prey species.

Abstract: A fishing lure (10) having an articulatable hook connector (24) well suited for use with either spinner or buzz baits. The fishing lure has a head (12), a shaft (14) extending from the head to engage a fishing line (16), a hook (26) and a resilient, yet articulable hook connector anchored within the head operably connecting the hook to the head. To anchor the hook connector, a loop is formed at the one end to receive and engage a curved end (28) of the shaft to form a first connection (30), and the first connection is secured by forming the head around the first connection. The hook is mounted to the hook connector by attaching the hook connector to the hook's shank (36) with either a wrapping wire or a clamp to form a second connection (34) and placing solder over the second connection. A fold is formed on the second connection and the fold is soldered thereto.

Abstract: A hook guard includes a resilient body member having a leg and an arm extending therefrom at an angle substantially different than the angle between the prongs of a hook. The body member has a cavity therein extending into the leg and arm. Due to the resilience of the body member, the leg and arm are capable of being urged into an angle that is substantially the same as the angle between the prongs of the hook. With the leg and arm in that position, the prongs of the hook can be inserted into the cavity and are thereafter frictionally retained by the resilience of the body member when the leg and arm are allowed to return toward their initial positions. The hook guard can also include a second arm extending from the leg at an obtuse angle substantially different than the angle between the prongs of the hook so as to define a Y-shaped body member with a Y-shaped cavity therein for receiving various multiple prong hooks, such as double or treble hooks.

Abstract: A lure transporting system for conveniently and safely storing a fishing lure that remains attached to the fishing line of a fishing rod while maintaining the fishing lure readily accessible to the fisherman. The inventive device includes a container having at least one side wall, a floor and an opening for receiving and storing a conventional fishing lure. A lid is pivotally attached to the container for allowing selective closing of the opening of the container during use. An attachment bracket is secured to the side of the container for allowing selective attachment to a conventional fishing rod. The attachment bracket comprises a base secured to the side wall of the container, a U-member extending from the base, and a first cuff and a second cuff secured to opposing sides of the U-member and connected to one another for engaging the shaft of the fishing rod. The lid is preferably pivotally attached to the container by a support ring and a spring hinge.

Abstract: A bait station for containing rat poison contains a housing; at least one opening in the housing for a rat to enter; and a bait position in the housing for locating poisoned bait. A divider is provided between the bait position and each opening to prevent direct access to the bait from the opening, for example by a child. However, there are at least two different routes from the bait position leading to openings. Research has shown that rats, unlike mice, prefer not to eat in a confined space and it is believed that the choice of escape routes offered by the bait station of the invention encourages a rat to eat more of the bait. The bait station may include a hinged lid with locking means to prevent tampering with the bait.

Abstract: The tree or plant watering system includes: an ornament in the shape of a head of creature having an upper head shaped portion, hingedly connected to a lower liquid receptacle receiving portion; structure for mounting the ornament on a tree or plant; a tubing extending from the lower receptacle portion of the ornament to and into a container for holding liquid and for holding the base of the tree or plant; a liquid level sensor mounted in the container or on the tubing in the container and being electrically connected to an alert associated with or mounted in or on the ornament; and the alert being actuated or conversely de-actuated when the liquid in the container falls below a pre-determined level to indicate that the tree or plant needs to be watered and/or when the liquid in the container rises above a pre-determined level to indicate that watering should cease.

Abstract: An apparatus which includes a growing container in which plants are hydroponically grown on a support medium is disclosed. The growing container includes a plurality of openings in which seals are installed. The seals include holes through which the plants grow. When seeds are planted, a hollow tube is placed through the seal hole to maintain the seed in position. After the seed germinates, it grows through the tube. As continued growth expands the plant's stem to the size of the tube, the tube breaks apart and does not constrain future plant growth. Moreover, as the plant grows further, the seal hole expands to accommodate the plant stem. The seal surrounds and contacts the plant stem to reduce evaporation of nutrient solution from the growing container and to keep insects and contamination out of the growing container. A holding container is positioned above the growing container and coupled to the growing container through a manifold arrangement.

Abstract: A decorative assembly for a floral grouping comprising a floral holding material and a sheet of material. The floral holding material is constructed of a material capable of receiving a portion of a floral grouping and supporting the floral grouping. The sheet of material is extended about a portion of the floral holding material and a crimped portion is formed in the sheet of material with the crimped portion cooperating to hold the sheet of material about the floral holding material to provide a decorative covering.

Abstract: An overhead door safety sensor mounting bracket allows overhead door safety sensors to travel beneath the leading edge of an overhead door for substantially the full travel path of the overhead door as the overhead door closes. The mounting brackets attach to the bottommost roller axles of the overhead door on opposite lateral sides of the overhead door. As the overhead door approaches a closed position, the mounting brackets for the overhead door safety sensors rotate about the bottommost roller axles of the overhead door. The safety sensors are rotated up above the ground so that neither the safety sensors, nor the mounting brackets touch the ground.

Abstract: A draft strip device for a door includes a channel support section which is fixed at a base of the door. A movable part is mounted in the channel support section. The movable part is movable towards and away from the floor under the door. At least one weather strip seal is supported by the movable part and rests on the floor when the movable part is lowered. A pushing element is at one end of the movable part. The pushing element is intended to be engaged with a respective doorjamb to bring about a lowering of the movable part and the resting on the floor of the weather strip seal when the door is closed. At least one adjusting element is provided to adjust a position of the movable part. A first brace and a first attachment slide and an adjusting slide are provided. The first brace is connected at its ends to the first attachment slide, which is inserted and can be moved longitudinally in the support section, and to the adjusting slide, which is inserted and can be moved longitudinally in the movable part.

Abstract: A sealing, trimming and guiding strip for the window of a motor vehicle body defines a first or main opening (6) for a vertically slidable window glass and a second, subsidiary, opening (8) for a fixed window glass. The strip (5) is of partially moulded and partially extruded construction. Over the region (ABC) extending around part of the main window opening (6), only the face of the strip facing outwardly of the vehicle is moulded. The inside face of the seal over this region is formed by extruded portions which are either attached to the moulded part or are held in juxtaposition with the moulded part by means of a rigid mounting channel forming part of the window frame. The cross piece (9) and the whole of the strip extending around the remainder of the subsidiary window opening (8) are entirely of moulded construction, and integrally moulded with the moulded part of the strip extending around the main window opening (6).

Abstract: A metal door frame reinforcing apparatus is of "U" shape and is attached to the inside of the door frame so as to enclosed that section of the door frame within the "U" shape and thus direct any striking forces toward that section of the wood that is enclosed by the apparatus thus increasing the amount of wood that must be broken in order to force the door. The apparatus has a main section and two side flanges that are connected to the inside and outside panels of the door frame and thus enclose the door jamb area of the door frame within the flanges. There is a hole in the main section for the placement of the dead bolt.

Abstract: A top-hung sliding door or window system for mounting within an opening in a wall includes upper and lower longitudinal tracks mounted to the upper and lower edges of the opening. A top rail is mounted to the upper edge of the glazing panel and is suspended from the upper longitudinal track for longitudinal movement. Vertical rails are mounted to the vertical edges of the glazing panel. A bottom rail is supported on the lower longitudinal track for longitudinal movement. A bottom rail insert is mounted to the lower edge of the glazing panel and engages the bottom rail for vertical movement relative thereto. Vertical rail inserts affixed to the ends of the bottom rail and projecting upward therefrom are movably attached to the vertical rails. When the upper edge of the opening is displaced downward, the first and second vertical rails move downward relative to the first and second vertical rail inserts, and the bottom rail insert moves downward on the bottom rail.

Abstract: An elevationally adjustable folding stage (20) includes stages decks (22) on a folding frame (24). Telescoping legs (26) extend from the frame (24) and include a spacer assembly (80). A spacer member (84) is engaged by a spreader member (82) to adjust the width of the spacer assembly (80). Rotatable wheels (88) are mounted on the spacer member (84) to engage the inner portion of an outer leg member of the telescoping legs (26). A spacing linkage (30) includes linkage members (52) and (54) with a stop member (58) mounted on the first linkage member (52) and engaging the top of the second spacing linkage (54). Stop member (58) is adjustably mounted to change the engagement point and the folding range of the folding linkage (28) and therefore, the alignment of the stage (20).

Abstract: A rain gutter and system created therewith in which the gutter is easily cleaned using a traditional garden hose from the ground level. The gutter has an upper lip and a lower lip between which is a continuously curved surface. This continuous curved surface, such as elliptical, provides a surface over which a stream of water from a garden hose and caught by the upper lip portion flushes debris over the lower lip. In some embodiments of the invention, vanes are used to help maintain the stream of water from spreading to obtain the maximal cleaning affect. In this manner, the gutter is easily and simply cleaned of leaves and other debris by directing a garden hose's stream of water against the upper lip.

Abstract: The movable partition system has a plurality of movable partition elements placed on a horizontal rail. Each of at least two of the movable partition elements has its own electric motor. Each electric motor has a current collector connected to it which passes along at least two conductor rails which are part of the electrical circuit when the electric motor is moved. These rails are connected via lines to a control unit which controls the power supply and the operation. One conductor rail is connected with a single line. On the other hand, at least one other conductor rail has a plurality of lines which lead to electrical connections or taps which are isolated from one another by insulators. This isolation permits the control unit to control the individual flow of current to each separate tap. This makes it possible to individually control and position the individual movable partition elements.

Abstract: A stadium that is adapted for open use during good weather as well as for covered use during poor weather includes a foundation and a pair of movable end roof members that are movable between first, retracted positions and second, operational positions for covering first and second end areas, respectively, of the stadium. The stadium also includes a center roof member that is movable between a retracted position and an operational position for covering a center area of the stadium. All of the roof members are supported for movement between the retracted positions and the operational positions by a guide and support assembly that includes at least one rail member that is secured to the foundation and a plurality of independently suspended follower assemblies that are mounted to the respective roof member.

Abstract: An ice rink covering system utilizes a plurality of support mechanisms for sets of non-flexible insulated panels which are interconnected by a hinge mechanism between each pair of adjacent panels. The support mechanisms are connected to the panels by lifting units for selectively moving the panels in an accordion fashion for either edge to edge contact when the panels cover a rink or side to side contact when the panels are in their stored condition.

Abstract: Reversibly expandable structures are formed from loop assemblies comprising interconnected pairs of polygonal shaped links. Each loop assembly has polygon links with at least three pivot joints and at least some of the polygon links have more than three pivot joints. Additionally, these links lie essentially on the surface of the structure or parallel to the plane of the surface of the structure. Each polygon link has a center pivot joint for connecting to another link to form a link pair. Each link also has at least one internal pivot joint and one perimeter pivot joint. The internal pivot joints are used for connecting link pairs to adjacent link pairs to form a loop assembly. Loop assemblies can be joined together and/or to other link pairs through the perimeter pivot joints to form structures.

Abstract: A concrete masonry unit having a top surface with a splitting pattern formed therein. The splitting pattern has a splitting groove which intersects at least one recessed region formed in the top surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to a lifting method of building construction from top to bottom, in which steel story posts are utilized for support columns needed by the building, all the stories are constructed on steel beams riveting positioned with steel story posts, all the steel story posts are lifted out story by story synchronously by underground jacking apparatuses. This lifting method can not only effectively overcome the defects such as long construction period, high cost, and difficulties in safety protection of the builders etc. in prior art, but also can be extensively applied in construction of special architectures such as high-rises or skyscrapers, large area indoor wall-bearing structures and various longspan bridges etc.

Abstract: A building construction system for forming reinforced concrete building components on-site includes a form assembly with movable side form components which can be moved between an open position and a closed position. A bottom forming arrangement is placed between the side form members, and cooperates with the side form members to define a form cavity when the side form members are closed. The form assembly is preferably mounted to a mobile frame and can be moved to various positions on the construction site. Core form assemblies are engageable with the bottom forming arrangement for forming cores in concrete components when concrete material is placed between the side form members. Each core form assembly includes peripheral outer wall structure which is movable between a forming position to form the core, and a collapsed position in which the wall structure is moved away from the surfaces of the concrete material defining the core. Reinforcement is also engaged with the bottom forming member.

Abstract: For simply affixing flat bodies, including solar modules, onto a support, Z-shaped metal profiles may be glued on the bodies, thus acting at the same time to affix the bodies and as a protective device for the edges of the bodies during transport.

Abstract: A stair tread and method of manufacturing same is disclosed. The stair tread comprises a rigid frame which is encapsulated with a structural plastic material. In the preferred embodiment, the rigid frame is made from steel and the encapsulating structural plastic is a polyol and isocyanate blend which is applied to the rigid frame by the reaction injection molding process. The stair tread exhibits the advantages of a bar grating stair tread and the corrosions resistance of a plastic stair tread while being low cost and efficient to manufacture.

Abstract: A security attachment system for windows having laminated film covering the glass panes. The system includes positioning two-sided tape that overlaps both an edge portion of the film and a side portion of the adjacent window frame. A hollow flange track having a right-angled cross-sectional shape is positioned over the tape. The flange track has a stepped up bottom which fits about the raised pre-existing spline between the glass and the side frame. Screw type fasteners are inserted into the flange to it to the sides of the window frame. A snap on cover plate with bulbous shaped prongs fits over a longitudinal opening in the flange track. Flange tracks and their respective cover plates are provided for each of the four edges where the window frames meet the glass panes. The security system increases the tensile strength of the glass and film cover and is useful against projectiles and during hurricane storm conditions.

Abstract: An anchorage for a tendon that includes a sleeve having a smooth tapered interior bore and a compressible wedge disposed in the sleeve. The compressible wedge has a smooth exterior tapered surface tapering from a wider end to a narrower end and one or more interior channels for receiving a tendon. The taper angle of the compressible wedge is greater than the taper angle of the bore. Thus, upon insertion of the compressible wedge into the sleeve, the wider end of the compressible wedge forms a wedge contact with the sleeve before the narrower end forms a wedge contact with the sleeve. Preferably, the bore and wedge are conical, and the wedge is formed of several symmetrical pie shaped resilient sections. Corners of the sections abutting at the interior channel are rounded. An inner sleeve is disposed in the interior channel, with the outer diameter of the inner sleeve matching the diameter of the interior channel. The tendon is held by the inner sleeve.

Abstract: The wall panel system of the present invention includes a flexible sheet interlock to flexibly seal a joint defined by adjacent perimeter framing members and a capillary break to inhibit the entry of water into drainage or weep holes in gutters in the perimeter framing members.

Abstract: A bracket is provided for attaching an end of a first partition to a face of a second partition at a selected location intermediate vertical side edges of the second partition, where the second partition includes a horizontal frame member having a horizontal row of slots. The bracket includes an L-shaped rigid member stamped from rigid sheet metal having a first horizontal leg and a first vertical leg, with the first horizontal leg having hooks each with a notch configured to securely engage selected slots on the second partition. The bracket further includes an L-shaped interlock member stamped from spring steel having a second horizontal leg and a second vertical leg. The second horizontal and vertical legs lay on the first horizontal and vertical legs, respectively, and the second horizontal leg has an interlock tab that extends to and overlaps a rear of one of the hooks.

Abstract: An integrated construction panel is designed for use in the construction of modular buildings. The panel comprises a grid of structural studs made of fire-proof material bonded together by an adhesive with a high degree of elasticity. A rigid frame surrounds the grid and is attached to the end of the studs. The frame is adapted to mate with an adjacent similar panel. Front and rear wall members are attached to the frame to define a substantially enclosed space therewithin. A closed cell foam substantially fills the space to provide additional adhesion and distribute external loads throughout the panel.

Abstract: A stackable block structure system for dry stacking concrete reinforced walls which provides for alignment and leveling during construction includes a stretcher block having a recess of triangular cross-sectional configuration formed on a bottom surface and disposed intermediate a pair of co-planar, parallelly disposed laterally extending rectangular edge portions. The top surface of the stretcher block includes a flat portion disposed intermediate a pair of parallelly extending rectangular edge portions the top surfaces of which form upwardly converging surfaces of truncated triangular cross-sectional configuration. Inside sections of the top surface edge portions are configured to matingly and adjustably abut respective outside sections of the bottom surface recess surfaces of a block in an adjacent stacked row. A corner block includes a first portion of generally parallelepiped configuration and an integral second portion of similar configuration to the stretcher block.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a lightweight truss that can be used in temporary, demountable form for structures used in various constructions such as exhibitions, displays, and concerts and is formed of precut lengths of chords (tubes) and V-shaped members that can be detachably connected to each other to form an inverted V-shaped truss that can be stacked when stored and that can be disassembled into its component elements for shipping.

Abstract: A method for assembling an object useful for storage, support or shelter. The assembly essentially consists of at least two planar parallel rectangular members in which a plurality of free four-sided spaces are provided so that a network of empty four-sided spaces are formed in the plane of each member. The method comprises the step of inclined insertion and wedging with force of panels in the free spaces, until perpendicularity of the edges of the panels to the planar rectangular members is achieved, the wedging resulting from the forced gripping of the edges of the free spaces by notches or grooves provided on the panels.

Abstract: A patio construction, which is easy to assemble and disassemble by the user, includes at least four base joint to respectively support four vertical construction beams extended upwardly. Four top ends of said four vertical construction beams respectively connect four triaxial construction joints adapted for connecting at least four horizontal construction beams. A plurality of ceiling bars are detachably mounted between at least two of said horizontal construction beams.

Abstract: A conservatory roofing system is constructed of a ridge, eaves and glazing bars supporting glazing material between the ridge and eaves. The ridge, eaves and glazing bars are made of structural aluminium components with visible surfaces covered with plastics cladding members. Onto internal surfaces on the plastics cladding members are mounted timber components to give an appearance from the inside that the conservatory is made of timber.

Abstract: A structural I-beam formed of upper and lower surfaces with a means connecting the upper surface to the lower surface. The beam has a plurality of structural elements placed along the upper as well as lower surface. Each of the structural elements themselves having both compressive and tensile structural elements formed as a unit adjacent one to the other. The compressive structural element of the structural element serving to dampen any compressive forces acting on the upper surface of the beam while the tensile structural element of the structural element serving to dampen any tensile forces acting on the lower surface of the beam. The structural elements having a first enclosure forming the compressive structural element with a first non-compressible material disposed within the first enclosure. The structural elements having a second enclosure forming the tensile structural element with a second non-compressible material disposed within the second enclosure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a profile for a truck floor, particularly for a bridge or troughed floor, that comprises at least one web with a lateral surface facing toward the load, whereby at least a region of the profile adjoining the lateral surface is particle-reinforced, and is also directed to a dumpster floor formed therefrom.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a formed wall structure having a plurality of discrete layers. The method includes pouring a first layer of a first concrete mixture into a first vertical form whose depth is equal to that of the first layer; pouring a second layer of a second such mixture on top of the first layer and into a second vertical form whose depth is equal to the depth of the second layer and where at least one of the walls of the second form is not in alignment with an adjacent vertical wall of the first form; and pouring at least one additional layer into a respective at least one additional vertical form situated on top of a next lower vertical form and having a vertical depth equal to the at least one additional layer and where at least one of the interior walls is not in alignment with at least a portion of a vertically adjacent interior wall of the next lower vertical form. The concrete mixtures are permitted to cure sufficiently to retain their respective shapes, and thereafter the forms are removed.

Abstract: A structural support member formed of a plurality of tubular members positioned to shape the structural support member in a desired form, e.g., an arched form. The positioned tubular members are permanently affixed to a base plate at one end and a nose plate at the other end, and the combination is layered by fiber-reinforced material to form the structural support member. Assembled plurality of structural support members can be interconnected to form a skeleton which can support a cover. Custom-sized structural support members are produced without the need for a mold. An additional embodiment utilizes an inflatable bladder as a mold around which the fiber-reinforced material is layered, the bladder then being deflated, removed, and reused. Custom-sized structural support members are thus produced in any shape desired and can also be assembled in group to form a skeleton which supports a cover.

Abstract: A bale rotator is provided in a bale wrapping machine which wrape multiples end to end in a row. when the bale wrapping machine is used to wrap bales individually, the bale rotator is used to rotate a bale so that the bale is wrapped with plastic strip in at least two different angles. Thus, the bale wrapping device is capable of wrapping bales individually or wrapping bales end to end in a row.

Abstract: A tube filling machine, including a conveying device rotating about a pair of axes defining a plane and having a plurality of holding elements in each of which a tube can be inserted. The tubes can be conveyed through individual works stations. In order to permit a simple modification and adaptation of the orientation of the tubes during their passage through the tube filling machine, the plane defined by the axes is inclined at an angle .alpha. to the horizontal, and each tube is so held in its holding element that its longitudinal axis is inclined at an angle .beta. relative to the defined plane. The angle .alpha. and the angle .beta. are preferably in the range 20 to 70.degree..

Abstract: A method is provided for joining a flexible container to a threaded closure. According to the method, a flexible container is inflated with pressurized gas before applying torque to the container. A base of the flexible container is engaged in a container receptacle of a capping apparatus, then the capping apparatus is operated to cause a neck of the flexible container to engage a threaded opening in the closure. The bottle is then inflated and the capping apparatus is operated to thread the neck of the flexible container into the opening in the closure by causing relative rotation between the flexible container and the closure. The pressurized gas stiffens the flexible container and prevents it from buckling or twisting under torque loads applied to screw the container into the closure.

Abstract: A coupon burster assembly receives a continuous supply of coupons in the form of a web where the forwardmost coupon is attached to the following coupon along a weakened web portion. The burster includes a pair of intermittently rotating feed rollers and a pair of continuously rotating delivery rollers. An activation input receives triggering information from a form-fill-seal packaging machine or from a receiving product sensor. When the activation input receives triggering information, a signal is sent to a clutch-brake to activate the feed rollers. The feed rollers then feed the web into the delivery rollers. When a deactivation sensor located beyond the delivery rollers senses the presence of the forwardmost coupon, a signal is sent to the clutch-brake which stops the rotation of the feed rollers. Because the delivery rollers continue to pull the forwardmost coupon, the two coupons separate along the weakened web portion. The forwardmost coupon can then be delivered to the dispensing location.

Abstract: A device for mechanically picking and palletizing rectangular objects of various sizes for attachment to a robotic arm. The device includes a pair of rails having a plurality of longitudinally spaced, elongated L-shaped grips extending there through. The distance between the respective rails can be adjusted to accommodate various width containers. The L-shaped grips are capable of pivotal rotation such that their grip ends rotate under the object for picking and palletizing. A pair of pallet hooks having suction cups attached thereto is also provided on the device.