Abstract: A portable excavator having a tube to point a supersonic gas stream at a buried object. The excavator includes a movable member disposed within the conduit to pulse gas passing through the conduit and a supersonic gas nozzle at the exit of the conduit. Compressed gas delivered to the conduit exits the nozzle in a pulsed manner at two to three Hz. The movable member includes a piston which blocks gas from flowing through the conduit by the biasing force of a spring. When the force to the pressure differential across the piston exceeds the biasing force, the piston moves and allows gas to flow through the conduit until the force from the pressure differential across the piston is less than the biasing force.

Abstract: An improved craft hoop stand comprises two different sized craft hoop sets removably secured together in spaced apart relation by a plurality of rods whose ends are removably securable within holes extending into bosses extending inwardly from an inner ring of each craft hoop set. The stand is adapted for selectively supporting one of the craft hoop sets above a surface such as the lap of a user. The craft hoop sets are removably securable together such that the hoops may be used separately.

Abstract: The present invention is a locking device having a renewal sticker theft prevention window locking device that is applicable for license plates which display such renewal stickers in any corner of the license plates. The license plate locking means has the lock shackle positioned such that it would not be readily attachable or exposed to cutting such as by a hacksaw or other cutting device-that is the lock shackle is protected therefrom by enveloping the shackle in a protected enclosure.

Abstract: A lid for covering a beverage container. The lid includes a platform configured for engaging the container, and the platform includes retaining structure and a top surface with indicia associated therewith. An index member is retained generally on the top surface of the platform by the retaining structure, and the index member defines a window for viewing therethrough the indicia associated with the top surface of the platform. The index member is rotatable with respect to the top surface of the platform such that the window moves with respect to the indicia associated with the top surface of the platform. Both the platform and index member are configured to receive a straw generally in a center of the platform and index member. The index member includes stability-enhancing structure generally at a peripheral edge of the index member, and the stability-enhancing structure at least partially defines an edge of the window.

Abstract: The invention relates to display panels suitable for use in providing information or other data for viewing in differing light conditions and/or for purely decorative purposes. Examples of panels according to the invention comprise a substrate (2) which may be rendered smokey in appearance by the use of a coating (6) of a smokey dye or by inclusion of a dye in the plastics or glass from which the substrate is formed. On the obverse side of the panel, there is provided a first layer (8) of transparent or partially transparent material in which is carried fragments of translucent material such as mica having enhanced colour iridescence by being coated with a suitable metal oxide. The layer (8) may be continuous or discontinuous.

Abstract: A promotional article for use in establishments such as bars or restaurants has the shape of a suspended enlarged replica of a beer bottle cap. The replica houses a magnet which enables discarded beer bottle caps to be attached underneath the promotional article. Eventually a cluster of beer bottle caps is created which further enhances the appeal of the promotional article. Two embodiments of the article are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of frictionally bonding a liner to a length portion of an outer tube of a weapon barrel includes the following steps: Cooling the liner to a temperature of less than -50.degree. C.; heating the length portion of the outer tube to a temperature such that the inner diameter of the outer tube becomes greater than the outer diameter of the liner; introducing the liner into the outer tube while maintaining the temperature of the outer tube constant; and discontinuing the heating of the outer tube and cooling the outer tube such that shrinkage of the outer tube onto the liner first occurs along a central length portion of the liner, followed, after a predetermined period, by a shrinkage of the outer tube onto the liner along terminal length portions of the liner which flank its central length portion.

Abstract: A gun sighting rest having a support body of foam plastic material which is unitarily molded to have a base with front and back end spaced upwardly extending U-shaped rests or placement grooves for supporting and engaging the forearm grip of a firearm, such as a rifle or shotgun in spaced relationship. An elevation wedge also molded of the same plastic foam is provided for insertion under the front or back end of the base for adjustably elevating either end as desired. An interlocking tongue and groove friction engagement retainer is provided to adjustably retain the elevation wedge and the base of the gun rest together when in use.

Abstract: An ice fishing device, including: a base, the base defining an aperture; a reel connected to the base; a pulley disposal to the reel and connected to the base; an ice removal coil disposed distal to the reel, fishing line connected to the reel and disposed about the pulley; mechanism for indicating a fish, the indicating mechanism connected to the base and in operable communication with the pulley; mechanism for heating, the heating mechanism being sized to be snugly received within the aperture, being contained in the aperture, being supported by the base, being electrically powered, being selectively removable, and being a bobber; and mechanism for regulating the heat.

Abstract: A fishing lure for enhanced attraction of game fish. The lure includes a plurality of panels, each of which is provided with a plurality of perforations which establish fluid communication between the interior of the body and the surrounding water. The body of the lure has a curvature which imparts a rolling motion as the lure is drawn through the water. The rolling motion simulates the swimming motion of a bait fish, and also forces water to pass into and through the perforations in the panels. This creates turbulence and vibrations which further simulate the characteristics of live bait fish. In a preferred embodiment, the curvature is established by joining the convex and concave edges of three crescentiform panels in edge to edge relationship around a hollow interior of the lure. The perforations may be in the form of mesh areas formed in one or more of the panels.

Abstract: A fishing lure of the spinnerbait type is described wherein a body plug weight has an elongated stem extending from a body forward end to terminate in a rigidly affixed forward loop to which a fishing line may be attached, and also has a rigidly affixed body tail loop to which a hook may be attached. An arm extends from the stem to which one or more blades may be attached and blades may also be interposed between the body tail loop and the hook.

Abstract: A device for releaseably retaining a fishing line comprising a main body and two leg portions extending from the main body. The device further comprises resilient means acting upon at least one of the leg portions to urge the latter towards the other leg portion with a force which, for a given relative position of the two leg portions, is adjustable.

Abstract: A fishing bobber for releasable attachment to fishing line comprising a forward and a rearward portion forming a buoyant member with an elongated staff on a forward end and an aerodynamic fairing on a rearward end with all elements aligned along a longitudinal axis. There is present an integral weight cast into the forward portion. Both portions and the weight are cast from similar material in a common mold. The bobber is provided with weight and an aerodynamic form to promote casting distance. The bobber assumes a horizontal position upon the surface of the water and is capable of accepting metallic lures of minimal weight while remaining in a horizontal attitude on the water, thereby maintaining a high degree of sensitivity inherent in a fishing bobber of elongated design.

Abstract: A trap for capturing insects and other vermin, such as cockroaches, including a baited container having an opening at the top provided with a vertically arranged smooth-walled tube, which can be oiled to make it more difficult for the vermin to escape. A retaining apparatus can be provided allowing the entrance, but not the exit, of insects. The retaining apparatus can be a flexible ring which has a plurality of interleaving, flexible wires pointing conically into the interior of the container. Insects can push aside the wires in one direction to enter the container, but are prevented from escaping from the interleaved wires. Alternatively, the retaining apparatus can consist of two members movably biased together at one end such as to allow easy separation of the two members by a subject insect or vermin between the two members. Once separated, the members provide entrance to the container.

Abstract: A modular pest control system which includes structure that is specifically designed to capitalize upon the physiology and/or behavior of a wide assortment of pests to render the system more attractive to the pests. The system is modular in nature whereby it may be configured as desired or necessary to target any combination of one or more species of pests. The modular system preferably includes, at minimum, a first component in the form of a pest control device that may be releasably connectable to a second component. The first component may contain one or more materials or structural features for controlling any individual species or combinations of species of ground crawling pests, termites and rodents. The second component may be a releasable base for securing the first component to vegetation, building surfaces and materials, or targeted areas of soil.

Abstract: Mulch flakes made from finely divided paper and/or wood, and a surfactant. The flakes include surfactant which allows them to very quickly absorb about nine times their weight in water. This quick absorbency feature allows the flakes to be added more quickly to jet-agitated hydro-mulching tanks. Once sprayed on the ground, the flakes substantially reduce water run-off and soil erosion as compared to other mulches.

Abstract: A vegetation element for the greening of artificial expanses, made from a mixture of organic substrate particles, nutrients and synthetic material components; this mixture, by the addition of plastic foam components and binders being combined to form a uniform firm element. According to the invention, the vegetation element is characterised in that the mixture comprises a component of organic substrate particles exceeding 20% by weight, with the mixture being foamed-out with binders, with plant material able to germinate, such as seeds, sprouts, rhizomes or similar being added to the mixture, and in that at least one surface pointing away from the top surface of the vegetation element comprises a fire retardant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling light and temperature necessary for the optimum growth of vegetables and plants for backyard gardeners. This is achieved by using a photo-transforming membrane supported by a light-weight, luminescent, portable and easily-assembled without tools frame. The components of the apparatus can be efficiently and compactly packaged, suitable for mass distribution. The membrane has photo-transforming qualities which transform UV-light into a bandwith of light that promotes photosynthesis. This, in turn, enhances crop growth and increases internal ambient temperature.

Abstract: A movable-window safety device for arresting upward movement of a power-driven window glass in a motor vehicle body in the event of obstruction in the window opening comprises a resilient channel for receiving the window glass and which is mounted in a rigid window frame. The base of the resilient channel comprises an electrical detecting member housed in a hollow chamber. The side walls of the resilient channel extend proud of the sides of the rigid window frame and carry curved-over outer lips and inner lips. An obstruction in the window opening is carried upwardly by the window glass and applies a force to one or other of the side walls of the resilient channel, according to whether the obstruction extends inwardly or outwardly of the window opening. The resultant force is applied to the detecting member.

Abstract: Resilient seal and retainer assemblies for the side edges of a swing door panel of a cargo container. Each assembly includes, in one embodiment, a resilient seal member and a relatively rigid retainer member, coextruded of polyvinyl chloride. The retainer member includes a channel part with a web and opposed flanges for receiving one of the side edges of the door panel and the retainer member also includes a base part extending from the web for supporting the resilient seal member which includes a convex, thinned-walled rim part and internal webs extending radially inwardly from the rim part to reinforce the rim part and to restore the rim part to a convex, undeflected condition when the rim part is disengaged from a sealing surface on a frame of the door panel. In an alternate embodiment, the seal member of each of the assemblies is provided with its own integral coextruded base part which may be slidably or snap-fitted into engagement with a separately formed retainer member.

Abstract: A weatherstrip for sealing the corner and its vicinities of an automotive door, which comprises: an extruded weatherstrip which comprises: a base that contains a relatively narrow hollow portion and is to be fixed into a retainer; and a hollow tubular seal protruding from the base toward the body panel; and a molded weatherstrip integrally molded with the extruded weatherstrip, which comprises: a flat base having a substantially uniform thickness; and a hollow tubular seal protruding from the base toward the body panel, wherein the molded weatherstrip has a tabular insert panel comprising a tip portion and the other portion, for integrally molding the molded weatherstrip with the extruded weatherstrip, so that the tip portion is fitted into the hollow portion of the base of the extruded weatherstrip and the other portion is enclosed in the base of the molded weatherstrip.

Abstract: A method of mounting and dismounting a sliding door to and from a door track structure having a slot and mounted adjacent a vehicle roof. The door having an arm member having a roller assembly mounted adjacent an end of the arm member. The roller assembly having an upper and a lower disc portion and an intermediate necked portion. The track structure having an insert and release hole intersecting the slot at a cord of the hole and the slot having a width smaller than the diameter of the hole. The method of mounting the door to the track structure comprising the steps of inserting the roller assembly into the insert and release hole in the track structure and pressing the intermediate necked portion of the roller assembly through the intersection to cause the roller assembly to move from the hole into the slot to engage the slot.

Abstract: A system is provided for providing portable nail care in which a mobile nail care kiosk having running water and a station for providing the nail care is wheeled to a temporary position, such as by a gate of an airport terminal, to permit the on-the-spot provision of nail care services adjacent the gate. In one embodiment, the mobile kiosk is provided with its own self-contained water supply and waste disposal vessel, along with a heater for heating the water for a sink adjacent the nail care table for providing running water for use throughout the nail care process. By virtue of the mobility of the kiosk, nail care services can be provided at a convenient location to passengers or airport personnel whose flights have been delayed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a substantially box-shaped cover for enclosing an outdoor air conditioning unit. The cover includes four vertical side walls and a top horizontal wall each constructed with a mesh type, solar screen material which allows air to flow therethrough while refracting sunlight. The box-shaped container is formed of two detachable, foldable components allowing the device to be disassembled and compactly folded for storage. Adjacent one or more bottom peripheral edges of the cover is a latch means for securing the device to the concrete foundation on which the outdoor air conditioner is typically supported. Furthermore, a decorative design element may be embossed or imprinted on the top wall or one or more sidewalls.

Abstract: A core for the production of a rectangular acoustic panel includes a mat of rockwool bounded by flat front and rear surfaces, and having a density between 5 and 9 pounds per cubic foot, a thickness between 0.75 and 2.0 inches, and a binder content between 3% and 5%. A sheet of non-woven interbonded fiberglass is adhered to at least one flat surface of the rockwool mat, the sheet having a thickness between 20 and 30 mils.

Abstract: A clamping mounting for glass plates uses an attachment bolt which passes through a bore in the glass plate and comprises a head and a barrel. The head and the barrel are realized as separate components whose axes can be displaced relative to one another and which can be axially fixed relative to one another. An adjusting nut has a slot-like groove in which a retaining flange of the attachment bolt is seated, the floor of which groove forms a support flange for the retaining flange and has a slot which guides, and through which passes, the barrel of the attachment bolt.

Abstract: A partition wall system provides for lay-in of cables. The system includes a plurality of interconnected panel sections and a plurality of covering skins. Each panel section has a base surface and a protrusion extending from the base surface. At least one of the covering skins is attached to each of the panel sections, forming a passage between the covering skin and the base surface of the panel section allowing the cables to travel between interconnected panel sections and through each panel section, in both horizontal and vertical directions. Interconnected panel sections may include first and second sheets of material, each sheet of material providing a base surface with a plurality of protrusions extending therefrom, wherein the first sheet of material is attached to the second sheet of material so that the base surface of the first sheet of material is substantially parallel to the base surface of the second sheet of material.

Abstract: A wall structure for dividing building space includes several different freestanding base panels such as an internally open partition panel, a sound-deadening partition panel, a glass-supporting partition panel, and a doorway-supporting partition panel, and further includes an overhead system comprising a structural expressway construction, a transom subframe, covers for the subframe, and a glass module attachable to the subframe. The structural expressway construction has a torque box bracket for moving support from an inboard location spaced from the vertical side edge of the base panels to the vertical side edge. The transom subframe mounts atop the different base panels, and telescopingly extends into mating engagement with a ceiling channel.

Abstract: A communications conduit connector mounting device comprising a support member having a forwardly directed front surface and a rearwardly directed rear surface spaced from the front surface, the support member having a thickness defined between the front surface and the rear surface, an aperture extending transversely through the support member throughout the thickness of the support member opening through both the front surface and the rear surface, a slotway extending transversely through the support member throughout the thickness of the support member open through both the front surface and the rear surface laterally from the aperture to a side of the support member. Preferably, the mounting device includes a hook member coupled to the support member for suspending the support member.

Abstract: A roofing structure assembly comprises elongate roofing material support members including means for attachment to roofing scaffold members and a flexible roofing material engageable with said support members, in which the support members include means for tensioning the roofing material between adjacent support members in use.The roofing material is preferably supported above the scaffold members and is tensioned by applying invented channel section capping members over the support members to apply out-of-plane deformation to the roofing material.

Abstract: An improved building curtain wall, including improved apparatus and methods for assembling and anchoring curtain walls, are disclosed. The curtain wall, apparatus, and methods each utilize a structural member having a first section for supporting a panel member, and a second section for securing to a fixed structure. The second section has a base and a first hole formed through the base. The curtain wall, apparatus, and methods also each utilize an anchor member, received within the second section, and having a second hole formed therethrough. The present invention eliminates labor intensive and error prone steps in the installation of a curtain wall; reduces the material costs of the curtain wall; and allows the current wall to be used in high stress applications such as hurricane force winds.

Abstract: A panel for a padded enclosure, such as a large animal treatment room in veterinary practices, has a resilient body with an impermeable skin or a plastics coating (5) over one face (1) and the edges (2). The edges have longitudinal grooves (4) and the coating follows them so that when two panels are placed edge to edge there is a concealed void. These edges (2) are adhered and sealed together when lining the enclosure, coated faces innermost, but the sealant/adhesive (6) does not fill the voids. These voids compensate for the stiffness that would be inherent in a plain coated edge and make the cushioning effect of the padding substantially uniform.

Abstract: A lateral force resisting system includes a rigid structural panel and holdowns. A foundation bolt placement template may be used to locate and support the foundation bolts during fabrication of the foundation and to further secure the frame foundation interface. The rigid structural panel may be a vertical truss or a rigid structural frame with a wooden panel covering one side and interconnecting the members of the rigid structural frame. The wooden panel may be made up of multiple panes to tailor the response of the panel to the lateral force load. The holdowns secure the rigid structural panel to the foundation bolts and may be either a folded strap and pin embodiment or self-tightening.

Abstract: A resilient base flooring for assembly on a base surface having a plurality of sub-floor panels carried above the base surface in substantial side-by-side and end-to-end arrangement to form a base floor having continuous uninterrupted surfaces. A plurality of flooring boards are secured with and are arranged to extend transversely of the sub-floor panels to define an integral flooring system. Resilient members are disposed between the sub-floor panels and the base surface to provide resilient support for the integral flooring. A first limit bar is connected with the base surface and a second limit bar is supported by an inner surface of the sub-floor panels. The limit bars have overlying edges which interact beneath the lower surface of the sub-flooring panels to limit vertical movement of the integral flooring.

Abstract: A ceiling arrangement for clean rooms has profiled beams with end faces and connecting members having at least two end faces that are connectors for the end faces of the profiled beams. The end faces of the profiled beams are connected to the connectors of the connecting members to form a flush connection. A sealing member for sealing each one of the flush connections is provided. For each one of the flush connections the end face of the connecting member or the end face of the profiled beam has a groove in which the sealing member is received.

Abstract: A collapsible structure comprises a base member (B), a lower unit (10) comprising a first side structure (11) having a base end hinged to the base member (B) and a second side structure (16), an upper unit (20) comprising a first side structure (21) having one end hinged to an extremity of the second side structure (16) of the lower unit (10), and a second side structure (27) having one end hinged to the first side structure (16) of the lower unit (10) and the other end hinged to the first side structure (21) of the upper unit (20). The first and the second side structure (11, 16) of the lower unit (10) are laid down, the second side structure (27) of the upper unit (20) is laid down on the first side structure (11) of the lower unit (10), and the first side structure (21) of the upper unit (20) is laid down on the second side structure (16) of the lower unit (10) in a folded state for storing.

Abstract: A holdown has a back with at least one first fastener opening in the back, a pair of mutually spaced side walls extending from the back and a seat extending from the side walls, the seat having mutually spaced, elongate, flat seat surface portions extending along and adjacent the side walls at substantially right angles to the plane of the back. A second fastener opening is formed in the seat midway between the side walls and the back, the side walls and the seat are being formed in one piece of sheet metal. A sheet metal clamp member having mutually-spaced, parallel opposite, flat edges, convex and concave major surfaces between the edges and a second fastener opening extending through the clamp member midway between the edges; is dimensioned for edge-to-edge surface seeking abutment of the edges with respective ones of the seat surface portions.

Abstract: An engineered or manufactured elongate wooden I-beam of the type having continuous upper and lower flange sections and a central web section therebetween is provided with a rectangular opening in the web along the span of the beam. A rectangular and open reinforcing frame constructed from at least four wooden pieces is securely positioned in the opening and is exteriorly dimensioned so that the height of the frame corresponds to the distance between the opposed interfaces of the upper and lower flange sections and the width of the frame is no less than the distance between the spaced apart web sections. This reinforced opening facilitates the passage of ductwork or the like laterally therethrough. Employing apertured I-beams of the foregoing description also facilitates a structural beam and bridging assembly where an elongate wooden bridging element can be employed by extending through and being interconnected to the frames of adjacent pairs of apertured joists.

Abstract: This composite building stud combines two metal shapes, inner and outer, with an insulating material to form a composite structural member having an insulating valve (R-value) greater than a similar metal member normally used as a stud in a residential structure. The composite also has a strength comparable to that of a similar steel member normally used as a stud in a residential structure. One shape encompasses the other shape. The composite structural member eliminates any direct metal connections and thus eliminates any thermal shorts that reduce the overall insulating value (R-value) of the composite member. The shapes, inner and outer, with an insulating material form a composite structural member that has an interlocking shape which holds the insulating material in compression and mechanically couples the inner and outer members.

Abstract: A multiple-panel roof system has panel edges in a shape of like plows which are interengaged with corresponding channels formed in opposing panel edges. A layer of resiliently compressible foam extends from the outer panel surface adjacent to the plow, down the sloped surface of the panel, and covers the tip of the plow. A sealant bead is placed within the channel on its lower wall. When the opposing edges of adjacent panels are fully interengaged, the portion of compressible foam at the tip of the plow and the portion of the foam on the outer panel surface are each compressed by corresponding locations on the channel to form a pair of watertight seals. In addition, the sealant bead is displaced by the plow as the plow enters the channel, until the sealant bead fills the region between the plow and the channel, thereby forming a third seal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispensing and applying flexible sheet material, such as house wrap, from an elongate roll in a substantially continuous manner to the planar surface of a structure.

Abstract: For the purpose of checking packs (10), in particular cigarette packs, for the correct configuration of the outer appearance, the packs (10) are moved past stationary optoelectronic checking means, namely cameras (32, 33). The latter register outer surfaces of the packs (10). The checking means, namely cameras (32, 33), are triggered by the pack to be checked via an activating sensor (39). A downstream ejector (34) is actuated by a further sensor, namely by a defect sensor (42), which reacts to a defective pack.

Abstract: A battery of rod making machines of the tobacco processing industry (such as plain or filter cigarette makers or filter rod makers) is separated from a battery of processing machines (such as cigarette packing or filter tipping machines) by a magazine which is provided with compartments for discrete containers. Articles which are turned out by the making machines are introduced into so-called trays, and groups of filled trays are introduced into containers which are delivered into the compartments of the magazine for temporary storage, or directly to the processing machines, A container which is to furnish articles to a processing machine is relieved of filled trays, and the contents of the filled trays are conveyed to one or more selected processing machines. The thus emptied trays are returned into containers, and such containers are thereupon delivered into the magazine or directly to one or more selected rod making machines.

Abstract: A fill system for use in a packaging machine is disclosed for filling a container with a primary and a secondary product. The fill system includes a primary pump system for pumping a predetermined amount of the primary product received at an inlet thereof. A primary fill pipe having an outlet overlying a container processing path along which the containers are filled and sealed by the packaging machine is connected to receive the predetermined amount of primary product from the outlet of the primary pump system. The fill system further includes a secondary pump system for pumping a predetermined amount of the secondary product received at an inlet thereof to an outlet thereof. A secondary fill pipe is connected to receive the predetermined amount of secondary product from the outlet of the secondary pump means. A valve mechanism is disposed, for example, concentrically within the secondary fill pipe and includes a sealing member positioned at the outlet of the secondary fill pipe.

Abstract: The cap is screwed on by a friction clutch (33) that gives a tightening torque less than the desired ideal torque. The cap (C) gripping head (47) is connected not only to the driven part of the clutch but also, through a composite drive shaft (233, 54), to a freewheel (57) engaging with a mechanism which, after the screwing of the cap by the clutch, is acted on by a wedge (89) of programmable and adjustable interference mounted on a guide connected to a load cell (84). When this mechanism is acted upon by the wedge, it receives from it the small rotation required to complete the screwing of the cap and the reaction of the wedge to the mechanism is detected by the load cell, which emits an electrical signal proportional to the effective tightening torque applied to the cap.

Abstract: A method for forming a closure for a container includes molding the closure in a mold such that a spout and a cap lie in substantially the same plane, removing the closure from the mold and folding the cap onto the spout. The closure is molded as a single integral unit that includes a spout and cap and hinge arrangement joining the spout and the cap and further includes a tamper-evident structure.

Abstract: A method of folding extended and substantially flat hosiery products with paper, with or without an insert, to produce a composite folded hosiery product suitable for packaging. Product and paper are successively folded upon themselves and thereafter positioned within an encompassing envelope, such as a poly bag or cardboard package. The insert may be introduced into the composite folded hosiery product at the first fold if it is desired in the final package.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the size and shape of a shrink film envelope around an article or a package to prevent the formation of wrinkles and bunching of the film when it shrinks. The apparatus comprises a hot air shrink tunnel having a conveyor for moving the article on packages through the tunnel. An assembly is position within the tunnel a preadjusted distance away from the article forming a fixed boundary to which the film envelope expands and is restricted, causing the air within the film envelope to be directed to areas around the article to keep the film from touching the article until the film shrinks. The assembly comprises material of low thermal conductivity such as a plurality of wooden wheels for contacting the film envelope.

Abstract: A packaging machine (11) in which tubular bag material (16) is driven through the machine and caused to vibrate in the general direction of movement of the tubular bag material to aid in settling products so that the product occupies a minimum volume during formation of bags containing the product.

Abstract: A mower conditioner includes a rotary style cutter bed and a pair of laterally extending crop conditioning rolls spaced rearwardly from the cutter bed. Crop flow is improved in the machine by a laterally extending conveying roller located between the cutter bed and the nip defined by the conditioning rolls. In particular, the conveying roller serves to lift cut crop up from the cutter bed and convey the crop rearwardly to the nip. This ensures that the cut crop moves in a steady stream from the cutter bed to the conditioning rolls, and thereby reduces the risk of cut crop being thrown forwardly by the cutters. A downwardly open area is preferably defined between the conveying roller and the cutter bed to provide a space through which dirt and debris can drop out of the machine. The conveying roller preferably has a rotational axis that is lower than the rotational axis of the lower conditioning roll and generally vertically aligned with the substantially planar cutting zone defined by the cutter bed.