Abstract: A pivotally supported, resiliently biased fishing rod holder with a hook setting mechanism automatically actuated when a fish exerts tension an a fishing line when taking the bait on the fish hook. The fishing rod holder includes a tube receiving the handle end of a fishing rod in an open end thereof. The tube is biased about a pivot axis by a plurality of resilient cords extending between an opposite end of the pivotal tube and a support stand. The support stand and pivotal tube include a triggering mechanism including a trip roller and trip bar mounted on the pivotal tube and a holding bar mounted on the support stand with the trip bar engaged by the fishing line at adjustable points along the length of the trip bar to vary the sensitivity of the trigger mechanism. A lock bolt is inserted under an end portion of the pivotal rod holding tube to secure it against pivotal movement in a hook setting direction when setting up the fishing rod holder at a fishing site.

Abstract: A fishing pole tip-up system for signaling to a fisherman that a fish bite has occurred using a conventional fishing rod. The inventive device includes a shaft having a pointed lower end, a stability member attached to the shaft near the lower end, a rod support pivotally attached to the upper end of the shaft, an indicator structure attached to the upper end of the shaft, and a catch member pivotally attached to the shaft. The lower end of the shaft is designed to penetrate all types of ground surfaces such as sand, gravel or dirt. The rod support comprises a first claw and a second claw for releasably retaining a conventional fishing rod in a relatively horizontal position. The indicator structure comprises a flex spring attached to the upper end of the shaft, and a pole with a flag attached to the flex spring opposite of the shaft. The catch member includes a slot, wherein the slot releasably captures the pole of the indicator structure.

Abstract: Apparatus (20) for safely casting a fishing hook (500) and fishing line includes a float (22) having a cavity (28) for receiving the bait (501), fishing hook (500), leader (506), and sinker (24). The sinker is slidably received in the mouth (34) of the cavity (28) which is at the front end (30) of the float. The main fishing line (502) is tied to the front of the sinker and passes through a secondary tube (42) inside the float exiting the rear end (32) to the fisherman. Float (22) and installed sinker (24) have a streamlined configuration. The fisherman casts the apparatus over the water (510) using a fishing rod. Upon impact of the apparatus with the water, the sinker continues due to inertia pulling the leader, fishing hook, and bait out of the cavity allowing them to sink into the water.

Abstract: A fishing lure comprises a body including a first portion and a second portion relatively movable to the first portion; and the second portion is movable in a direction opposite to the direction of the first portion. The fishing lure body may include a longitudinal axis; and the second portion may be rotatable about the longitudinal axis relative to the first portion. A hook may be provided on the second portion of body. A groove may be provided for guiding the movement of the second portion longitudinal and or transversely relative to the first portion.

Abstract: An artificial fishing lure includes multiple rows of resiliently flexible projections. The lure includes a head portion, a tail portion and a body portion that unitarily interconnects the head portion and the tail portion. The resiliently flexible projections are attached to and extend from the body portion. As the lure is pulled underneath the water or while contacting underwater objects, the projections vibrate to produce sound waves and modulated reflected and refracted light, which attract fish. Additionally, the vibrating projections trap air bubbles to further attract predatory fish.

Abstract: A lure has an elongated plate form body with a generally concave inner face and generally convex outer face. A hooked member is attached near the rear end of the body. A cross-wise bend close to the rear end of the body defines a linearly profiled head section and a linearly profiled tail section. The tail section is significantly shorter than the head section, and the tail section is inclined inward at an acute angle, typically between 25-45 degrees, relative to the head section. The relative lengths and inclination of the two sections of the lure induce simultaneous flutter and kicking as the lure is pulled at its forward end through water. The lure may be formed of a resilient metal that permits some manual adjustment of the angle of inclination. The angle can be increased to preserve flutter and kick at slower trolling speeds or reduced to avoid spinning at higher trolling speeds.

Abstract: A method for preventing or precluding migration of termites or insects through a possible area of migration for example between a concrete slab (13) and a brick wall (28) erected on the slab (13) including the step of applying to a possible area of migration as for example a join line (15) between the slab (13) and wall (28), a settable or curable barrier material which defines a barrier to termite or insect migration through said area. The barrier material may define a physical barrier or may incorporate a chemical to define a chemical barrier. The method may be used also for preventing termite penetration along pipes (19) penetrating a slab (13) by providing beads (68) around the pipe (19) within the slab (13) or at the junction between the pipe (19) and slab (13).

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a sheet of film material (5) from a roll (2) and laying the film material (5) on the ground subsequent to sowing seeds by a seed sower (3), the apparatus comprising a main framework (6), a secondary framework (10) connected to the main framework (6), a pair of spaced-apart ground engaging wheels (15) rotatably mounted on the secondary framework (10), a receiving means for the roll (2), the ground engaging wheels (15) being located for engaging the roll (2) adjacent the ends (18) thereof for rotating the roll (2) and acting as a dispensing and laying means for dispensing film (5) from the roll (2) and laying the film (5) over the ground.

Abstract: A Christmas tree stand which comprises a receptacle and a two-piece base is provided. The receptacle is placed over the trunk of a tree and a clamping assembly is used to secure the tree within the receptacle. The receptacle is then inserted into a top portion of the base. The top portion of the base is moveable with respect to a bottom portion of the base. A movement assembly is provided which enables one person to easily move the top portion with respect to the bottom portion. Additionally, the top portion of the base includes a cavity for holding water.

Abstract: A stabilized turf (10) particularly suitable for athletic fields includes a mat (18) interposed between upper (24) and lower (16) layers of growth media, the mat (18) having a horizontally disposed, biodegradable primary backing (22) and generally upwardly extending fibers (20) secured thereto, wherein the fibers (20) extend above the upper layer (24) of growth media. Natural grass plants (26) extend upwardly above the upper layer (24), with the roots extending down through the backing (22) and into the lower layer (16). The mat (18) stabilizes root growth, particularly during initial grow in. The biodegradability of the primary backing (22) results in a loss of all or most of its horizontal structural integrity within a predetermined time period. The primary backing (22) may be treated with a decomposition agent to control the predetermined time period for decomposition, a stabilizing agent to assist in holding the upright fibers (20) or a growth agent for the natural turf grass.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a method and device for the growing of tomatoes and other vegetables out from the bottom of a container suspended above ground thereby eliminating the conventional problems routinely associated with home gardening. In particular, the device allows gardening in a space efficient manner without having to routinely weed and water the plant soil. A drip well in the top of the container provides a constant source of moisture and suspension of the container above ground eliminates the threat of ground borne insects and small animal pests without the use of pesticides and repellents.

Abstract: A plurality of systems and/or apparatuses for use in delivering liquid where desired, such as for watering agronomic or household plants. A reservoir housing is disclosed that has an egress opening and retains liquid by vacuum pressure. Capillary material is preferably provided at or near the egress opening for controlled delivery of liquid and to assist in establishing a regulatable seal at the egress opening. Several embodiments with both different and common components and features are disclosed.

Abstract: An attachment is provided for a safety gate that is positioned to close the opening in a catwalk to allow access to and from a ladder or stairs. The gate is urged to the closed position by springs. The improvement is an attachment for connecting to the lower side of existing gates to prevent workmen using the catwalk from slipping under the gate and falling into the opening for stairs or a ladder.

Abstract: A door/window frame structure including two lateral columns. Several slats are disposed between the two lateral columns. Each lateral column is a U-shaped body. One side of the surface of the lateral column is formed with a row of through holes corresponding to the slats. Two inner side walls of the lateral column are respectively formed with a rib. One of the side walls is disposed with two parallel stopper walls between which a rack is mounted. An inner side of each through hole is disposed with a T-gear meshing with the rack. The T-gear is formed with a central rectangular hole. One side of each slat is disposed with a shaft rod having a rear rectangular post passed through each through hole of the lateral column to insert into the rectangular hole of the T-gear. A cover board is mated with the lateral column. One side of the cover board is disposed with two parallel latch ribs and an outer side of each latch rib is formed with a latch channel.

Abstract: A shutter, as used on fire engines, consists of a number of laths (13), which are hingedly connected together and can be drawn across an opening by handle and can be latched in the closed condition by a latch. The handle, which extends across the shutter, being formed by the mounting bracket (12), which is mounted on a lath (13), and the latch member (11) which is hingedly connected to the mounting bracket (12), thereby reducing the number of parts required and the need for separate opening and closing handles. The latch member (11) co-operates with a keeper (18) which is mounted on the structure (10) which surrounds the opening thereby latching the shutter in position.

Abstract: A system for opening and closing at least one door in furniture, rooms and the like, involves the use of a vertical rod from which arms extend that engage slidingly with the door, the bottom of the door being fitted with wheels so that, in order to open the door and by rotating the arms, the door is moved from the closed position into a position in which it is displaced outwards. The door is then slid back over the arms until the opened position is reached. This door opening and closing system does not require any space in front of the door and, in cases where there are multiple doors, allows one door to be in perfect alignment with another door. Furthermore, it is both structurally simple and easy to operate.

Abstract: A power door operator for mounting overhead of a door opening in a mass transit vehicle for moving a door panel over and away from the door opening, including a base plate incorporating a rotary helical drive internal of a door hanger. The door panel is locked in a closed position by primary and secondary means preventing drive rotation and panel movement.

Abstract: A handle unit of a manual window apparatus including a base plate 110 that has a brake drum part 111, a handle shaft 120 that penetrates the base plate 110, a brake spring 140 that is mounted inside the brake drum part 111, a spring hanger 160 that is fitted on the handle shaft 120 and that is joined with the handle shaft 120 in a circumferential direction via the brake spring 140, a volute balance spring 170 that is laid over a surface of the base plate 110 in an outer circumferential area of the spring hanger 160 and that is mounted between the spring hanger 160 and the base plate 110, a wire drum 180 that is fitted on the handle shaft 120 so as to form a single body with the spring hanger 160 in a circumferential direction and that is wound around on the circumferential surface thereof with a wire for opening-closing actions of a window glass, and a cover that has a container part 191 that covers the wire drum and that is secured to the base plate 110.

Abstract: A face plate is disclosed for concealing the exposed edge of a lock mechanism when installed within the lock stile of a door. To accommodate the plunger and deadbolt of the lock mechanism, the face plate comprises a plurality of separation lines defining removable portions or "knockouts" corresponding to various lock configurations. Depending upon the configuration of the lock mechanism being used, a corresponding one or combination of the removable portions can be removed to accommodate the particular lock mechanism. In addition, the face plate comprises tabs at the upper and lower edges which hook beneath the vertical edge wall of the door stile adjacent the upper and lower ends of the opening within which the lock mechanism is installed. The tabs hold the upper and lower edges of the lock plate with the opening and can either reduce the number of screws required to secure the face plate to the door or can eliminate the need for screws altogether.

Abstract: A locking device which locks the slide-out room of mobile living quarters in the retracted position when the mobile living quarters is moved includes inner and outer tubular members which extend between parallel bulkheads on the main living area and the slide-out room. A handle is moved over center between latched and unlatched positions. In the latched position, the inner member is extended from the outer member to force the bulkheads apart, thereby causing a portion of the outer wall to slide-out room to engage the bulkhead on the main living area to affect sealing therebetween. In the unlatched position, the inner member is retracted into the outer member, thereby permitting removal of the locking device from the slide-out room.

Abstract: A headstone display assembly for flush placement inside an inlet cut out of the surface of a horizontally or vertically disposed headstone. The display assembly is also suitable for use when the display is to be mounted directly on the surface of the headstone. The display assembly has a back panel hingedly connected to a lid panel with a hinge member formed out of the integral ends of the lid panel and the back panel. The lid panel and back panel form a cavity for storing memorabilia suitable for being displayed with a headstone. A tab stop can be utilized in the hinge assembly to prevent full opening of the lid panel to prevent the lid panel from being left open and exposing the memorabilia to the elements. The display assembly is relatively simple to manufacture and install and provides a aesthetically pleasing display suitable for displaying all types of memorabilia.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes a floor channel having a floor-engaging flange and a raised flange with an aperture. A partition has a leveler assembly including a threaded leveling glide that can be rotated for adjusting the height of the partition relative to a floor surface. The leveling glide includes a shaft that extends through the aperture and further includes a head positioned below the raised flange that is larger than the aperture so that the head cannot be pulled through the aperture. The leveling glide also includes an upper end section positioned above the floor channel, and each of the head, the shaft, and the upper end section have non-circular cross sections shaped so that they can be engaged by tools to rotate and adjust the leveling glide.

Abstract: A foundation support system for manufactured building structures comprising footings, vertically adjustable vertical support members, beam holders and intermediate beams. The intermediate beams being disposed transversely below the main beams of the structure to be supported. The intermediate beams are supported by the vertically adjustable vertical support members. One end of the vertical support members having a beam holder secured thereto for receivingly securing the intermediate beams. The other end of the vertical support member supported by a footing.

Abstract: An extruded rail adjacent to the glazing in a window has a pair of integrally extruded receivers adapted to attachingly receive predetermined window glazing bead brackets which are each adapted to mate with the receivers. The glazing can be installed from either the exterior side or the interior side of the window, and can be located closer to one or the other of the sides by attachment sequence and selection of the predetermined bead brackets.

Abstract: A modular wall panel to extend between a floor and ceiling has top and bottom horizontal main runners between two vertical beams, each beam having a foot which rests on the floor, the foot being adjustable to adjust the panel height. A first pair of opposing spaced panels extend between the two vertical beams and have lower edges that rest on the bottom main runner and a lower mid-height runner is mounted on the upper edges of the first panel pair to support a horizontal I-beam extending between the vertical beams. An upper mid-height runner is supported on the upper edge of the I-beam and there are a second pair of spaced opposing panels having their lower edges mounted on the upper mid-height runner supported on the I-beam and their upper edges are held by the main runner. A cover member is provided to cover each face of the I-beam.

Abstract: A corner joint for a structure formed of stacked timbers, such as a "log" house, and a form of timber for use in the same. The timbers may be tongue-and-groove members milled from wooden stock. The joint structure is formed by two channels which are cut vertically on opposite sides of the timber, with cutout notches being formed through the timber above and below a central tenon. The sidewalls on each vertical channel are curved, one being concave and the other convex. When assembled to form the joint, the convex sidewalls nest within the concave sidewalls so as to form a tight, stable interfit and also eliminate the direct line path which might emit light, air, or water to the interior of the building through the joint.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for framing and supporting curved wall structures including a leg member attached to a web member to form a basic frame support assembly. The web member includes a mounting surface which terminates at a curvilinear edge, while the leg member includes spaced-apart notches which collectively define multiple tab portions. The tab portions are bent such that they are skewed relative to a remaining support portion of the leg member. The support portion of the leg member is conformed to the curvature of a curvilinear edge of the web member, and the tab portions are fastened to the mounting surface of the web member. This process can be repeated for additional leg members at additional curvilinear edges that may be present on the web member. In another aspect of the invention, elongated frame members, which serve as support studs, may be attached to the basic frame support assembly.

Abstract: A composite floor structure comprises a mortar layer set by a mineral agent and a carrier plate adjoining the lower surface of the mortar layer. The carrier plate has upwardly projecting structural members extending into the mortar. The dimensions of the mortar coating over the structural members are so low that the structures created in the mortar by the structural members represent weak areas. When stresses arise in the mortar layer, joint face assemblies connecting weak areas are formed to reduce stress in a uniform manner. By forming different joint face assemblies, a joint face structure is produced, wherein to reduce stress, the stress causing the mortar to fracture only results in a low level of longitudinal change in each individual joint face. Consequently, each individual joint face only takes the form of a microcrack.

Abstract: A pair of L-section elements extend generally perpendicular to each other and each have a pair of legs one of which is provided with a mounting formation and the other of which is generally coplanar with the other leg of the other element. The corner connector has a body adapted to fit between and abut ends of the one pair of legs of the elements and a pair of retaining arms extending from the body and resiliently engaging the respective mounting formations. Each body is comprised of an outer part of a width substantially the same as a width of the one legs and an inner part behind the outer part and from which the retaining arms extend.

Abstract: A metal connector that securely ties together the structural members of the roof and wall on a wood frame house. The connector correctly places each structural member for maximum structural integrity. The connector has a large surface area for maximum strength, and precise nail holes to avoid splitting and assuring correct attachment to the structural member. The connector grasps the structural members to avoid detachment of any structural members during hurricanes. The connector has tabs and gussets to avoid twisting, lateral forces, thrusting, and uplift. The connector helps form the roof to wall connection into a strong shear wall to avoid building damage during earthquakes.

Abstract: A tubular structural member, such as a horizontal box beam or vertical column, includes a set of elongated flange members of reinforced pultruded plastics material, and each flange member has longitudinally extending U-shaped opposite edge portions defining slots. Generally flat composite web members have opposite edge portions projecting into the slots, and epoxy adhesive rigidly secures the interfitting edge portions to form a tubular box-beam or multi-sided column. The web members may have curved or tapered opposite edge portions to form a beam with camber or a tapered column having a polygonal cross-sectional configuration. Reinforcing plates or ribs may be adhesively bonded to the flange and/or web members according to the structural loading on the member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and equipment intended therefore for making a building board 2, comprising a body 5 fitted with a locking device in the form of a strip 10 extended from the body 5 with a formed locking surface 14 for mechanical joining of the board 2 to similar boards, the strip 10 and the locking surface 14 being formed in one piece from a blank 40. The invention is characterized by carrying out the following steps A and B in optional order: A, forming the locking surface 14 against a forming surface 64 and subsequently keeping the locking surface 14 thus formed fixed in relation to the forming surface 64 until both step A and step B have been carried out, B. attaching the strip 10 to the body S and, while carrying out the latter of steps A and B, by keeping the body S fixed against a reference surface 70, whose position in relation to the forming surface 64 corresponds to a desired position of the locking surface 14 in relation to the body S.

Abstract: A roof covering includes a thin film safety barrier coupled between the lower flanges of spaced roof purlins for supporting the weight of a person thereon in the space between the purlins. The preferred safety barrier includes a plurality of layers with at least one of the layers being vapor impervious. In the preferred embodiment, fasteners are used to couple straps to the purlin lower flanges with the barrier therebetween in order to secure the barrier to the purlins.

Abstract: A bottom forming apparatus having a mandrel cap and a sealing plate configured to create a carton with an elevated bottom. The present invention alleviates the problem of cartons having soggy bottoms since the point of absorption, the raw paperboard edge, is elevated above the moisture which may be present during distribution from the packaging machine to the retailer. The elevated bottom portion is actually inverted into the carton with planar portions resting on the surface to support the carton. The sealing plate has a multitude of elevated portions and the mandrel cap has a recess and an angled edge for elevating the raw paperboard edge. The various embodiments of the sealing plate are able to elevate most carton bottom configurations including the standard TETRA REX.RTM. carton and the TETRA REX.RTM. sixth panel with skived edge carton.

Abstract: A device is provided for assisting in the removal of articles from a first conveying system into a container and for reorienting the container for loading onto a second conveying system. The device comprises a base; a platform pivotally connected to the base, and an actuating mechanism configured to operatively pivot the platform. The platform has a panel and a lip operatively configured to cooperatively support and retain the container in a substantially inclined position substantially adjacent to the first conveying system for facilitating loading of articles into the container. The actuating mechanism pivots the platform and thus the container such that the panel assumes a substantially horizontal position for loading the container onto the second conveying system.

Abstract: A mold is formed the interior volume of which corresponds to the exterior envelope required for the container (2). A core corresponding to the shape required for the cavity (14) to be formed inside the container (2) is prepared. Said core is placed inside the interior volume of the mold and an appropriate plastics material is injected under pressure into said interior volume to constitute an envelope comprising two substantially parallel walls (5, 6) extending at a predetermined small distance from each other between two common lateral edges (9, 10), with a common transverse edge (16) at the same end as the neck (14b). The product to be packaged is injected into the interior of the envelope. The transverse edge (15) of the body (14a) is closed by welding the plastics material.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for sterilizing packaging with vapor-phase hydrogen peroxide and ultraviolet radiation on a packaging machine. A partially formed carton is sprayed with gaseous hydrogen peroxide from a hydrogen peroxide nozzle. The carton is then conveyed to a UV radiation source for irradiation of the carton with UV energy. The carton is then dried with heated air to flush/remove any residual hydrogen peroxide. The present invention sterilizes the carton allowing for filling of the carton with a desired product such as milk, juice or water. The invention allows for the efficacious use of hydrogen peroxide having a concentration of up to 53% while providing a carton having less than 0.5 ppm hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: A system (10) for processing pliable, sealed bags (16) includes an inlet section (176) for transferring the bags (16) onto a lower conveyor (152) with the lower end being downstream of the bag upper end and allowing product not contained by the bags (16) to fall through the inlet section (176). The bags (16) on the lower conveyor (152) pass beneath an overhead conveyor (194), with product being dispersed inside of the bag (16) as the result of the rotation of a conditioning roller (168) engaging and flexing the belting (158) of the lower conveyor (152). The endless carrier of the overhead conveyor (194) is deflected by first and second support plates (216, 220) slideably received in flexible guides (212). The first support plates (216) places pressure on the bags (16) to force air out of improperly sealed bags (16) while the movement of the second support plates (220) is detected to determine whether the bags (16) are within a tolerable thickness.

Abstract: A film having a polypropylene surface layer and a polyethylene surface layer is used in fill and seal packaging applications, in which the polyethylene layer consists essentially of a ethylene copolymer having a narrow molecular weight distribution ethylene and a CBDI of greater than 50%. The package is formed by heat sealing the polyethylene surface to the polypropylene surface of the film to form a transverse seal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a receptacle from a generally flat thermoplastic blank has an upstream conveyor extending along a path in a transport direction through a loading station, a heating station downstream of the loading station, and a forming station downstream from the heating station. The conveyor has a plurality of supports forming a plurality of respective throughgoing apertures spaced apart in the direction. A supply at the loading station positions a respective blank atop each of the apertures of the conveyor with a central region of each blank exposed through the respective aperture and a periphery of each blank engaging and supported by the respective support A drive connected to the conveyor advances it and the blanks carried on it step-wise through the heating and forming stations. At the heating station at least the central region of each blank is heated to a softening point.

Abstract: A bag-loading machine and a bag-filling machine and combination thereof, the bag-loading machine including bag-carrying frame, a first motor coupled to the bag-carrying frame for moving it between a lower and a higher position, a bag-opening frame, a second motor for moving the bag-opening frame between an away position an a toward position wherein it pulls the front side of a bag away from the rear side while the bag-carrying frame is in its lower position, a blower mounted on the bag-carrying frame for maintaining the front side of the bag away from the rear side, the bag-filling machine including a second blower for blowing the bag to a fully opened position preceding the movement of first and second closed pads on a conveyor trough over the fully opened bag, the first motor thereafter moving the bag-carrying frame to its upper position so that the first and second closed pads are received within the open mouth of the bag, a third motor on the conveyor trough thereafter moving the first pad to clamp the fr

Abstract: A sealing mechanism for sealing the open end of a container being processed on a packaging machine. The sealing mechanism includes a first and second jaw assembly positioned on opposite sides of a longitudinal pathway. Each jaw assembly includes a pair of sealing jaws, a plurality of grippers, a platform and a platform guide. The jaw assemblies operate along a continuous loop about the longitudinal pathway removing containers from filling mandrels during filling and sealing the open end thereof of the previously removed container.

Abstract: The end folds of cellophane wrappings applied to products advancing along a given feed direction are heat-sealed by a device appearing substantially as a feed channel. The channel coincides with the feed direction and is compassed at least on one side by a conveyor belt extending parallel with a fixed path followed by the products and equipped with a succession of heated pads positioned to enter into contact with selected portions of the end folds; during their passage along the path, only the pads occupying one or more limited sections of the feed channel will be heated, according to the amount of thermal energy that needs effectively to be transferred to the pads in order to seal the folds.

Abstract: An inserter is disclosed having an insertion station and a feeding mechanism for feeding an envelope to the insertion station with the bottom edge of the envelope leading and the envelope flap in an open position and trailing, envelope opening mechanism at the insertion station and sheet feeding mechanism. A sensor detects the leading edge of the envelope as it is fed to the insertion station and, in response, causes the envelope opening mechanism to open the envelope after its arrival at the insertion station. The sensor also detects whether the envelope flap, when the envelope is waiting at the insertion station, is not in its open position and, when this is the case, it terminates operation of the envelope feeding mechanism and sheet feeding mechanism for the next envelope and sheet.

Abstract: A continuous web flexible material having a tubular or a single-fold configuration is intermittently fed to a fill-in station of the articles to be packed. The web is transversely out so as to form a web length of a desired size whose edges are mutually spread apart and then held upon filling up of the articles. Releasable adhesive grasp members are provided to spread apart the edges of the web length.

Abstract: A lawn mower lawn trimmer assembly for allowing a user to easily trim weeds and grass while using a lawn mower. The inventive device includes a housing with a motor provided in the housing. The motor has a rotating shaft outwardly extending from the housing to which a trimming head is coupled. A mounting assembly is also provided for mounting to the front of a lawn mower. The mounting assembly has a base and a pair of arms. The base is designed for mounting to the lawn mower. Each of the arms is pivotally coupled to the base and to the housing so that the housing is pivotable between a lowered position and a raised position.

Abstract: A zero turning radius power lawn mower for operation by a standing occupant includes first and second independently driven and controlled rear drive wheels mounted on separate drive axles. A riding platform for supporting the standing occupant or operator is located between the first and second rear drive wheels. The rear drive wheels are independently driveable in both the forward and reverse directions at variable speeds so as to allow for substantially zero radius turning of the mower about a central turning point. The riding platform is positioned near this turning point or axis so that the standing occupant remains substantially unaffected by centrifugal force created during approximate zero radius turning of the mower thereby allowing the mower to take such turns at higher speeds. The low center of gravity created by the position of the riding platform for the standing operator also results in the mower having improved traction and being less likely to pop "wheelies" upon acceleration.

Abstract: A flexible insert for a cotton stripper finger assembly adapted for stripping cotton bolls from cotton plants planted in narrow row or broadcast configuration. The insert comprises a flexible plastic strip sandwiched between a conventional metal stripping finger and a metal hold-down member. The insert has edges extending outwardly from the metal stripping finger edges to reduce the effective width of the gap between fingers to more efficiently strip cotton bolls from cotton plants having relatively thin stalks. The portions of the insert which project beyond the metal stripping finger are sufficiently flexible to permit efficient stripping of cotton plants with thicker stalks. Since the effective gap width can change with changing plant conditions, the need to change gap-adjusting inserts is eliminated. The plastic material, which preferably is polyurethane having a durometer of approximately 93, resists sap build-up and improves cotton flow over the fingers.

Abstract: A belt separating arrangement for a round baler includes a separating member positioned in a run of belts between a pair of spaced baler rollers. The separating member may be in the form of a separating roller with which each belt in a pair of adjacent belts is engaged in a different location, such that the separating member is operable to separate the belts to enable trash to fall into the crop inlet stream for incorporating into a baler. In one form, the separating arrangement includes a separating roll and an auxiliary roll, and each belt in a pair of adjacent belts is trained about the separating roll in a different location, as well as about the auxiliary roll. In another form, the separating arrangement is in the form of a sectioned separating roll, which includes a series of side-by-side roller sections mounted to a shaft such that each roller section can rotate in either direction.

Abstract: A round baler is disclosed for forming crop material into cylindrical bales. The baler has a main frame, a pair of side walls, a crop pickup mounted on the main frame, and a tailgate pivotally connected to the main frame. The tailgate is operative between a closed position during which a bale is being formed in an expandable chamber, and an open position during which a formed bale is being discharged from the chamber. A sledge assembly, pivotally mounted on the main frame for movement between a bale starting position and a full bale position, has crop engaging transverse rolls for urging the crop material along a spiral path in the chamber for starting and forming a bale. An apron is supported along a continuous path on the main frame and tailgate by a plurality of rotatable guide members. The path has an inner course that cooperates with the sledge rolls on the sledge assembly to define the chamber.