Abstract: A frame structure for power saw machine includes a main frame including a first and second main arms in parallel manner, a main post vertically supported by the first main arms, and a supporting shaft horizontally extended from a top portion of the main post for rigidly supporting a power saw assembly thereon, a supporting frame including a supportive column downwardly extended from the main post, a pair of support pillars each extended from a bottom end of the supportive column to the first main arm at a predetermined angle, and a support arm extended from the bottom end of the supportive column to the second main arm, and a collecting tray having a receiving cavity wherein the supporting frame is fittedly disposed therein so as to substantially support the main frame on the collecting tray.

Abstract: The wire sawing device includes two external wire guide cylinders (1, 2) having a diameter (D1) smaller than that (D2) of the two internal wire guide cylinders (3, 4). The external wire guide cylinders are driven in rotation by a power drive to cause the movement of the wires of a layer of wires (6), whilst the internal wire guide cylinders (3, 4) ensure only the function of guidance without driving the wires of the layer of wires. By the separation of the drive function from the guide function of the wire, substantial heating of the guiding wire guide cylinders can be avoided, which permits obtaining sawed pieces of high precision without undulations.

Abstract: Knife arrangement for a granulator for granulating plastic ropes with two draw-in rollers and a cutting rotor (9) cooperating with a counter-knife (2), and a striper (3) facing one of the draw-in rollers (11), whereby counter-knife (2) and striper (3) are mounted on a common support, whereby the striper (3) is arranged adjustably for adjustment of the distance between the striper (3) and the draw-in roller (11), and whereby the striper (3) has a support surface (6) for feeding the plastic ropes (12) to the counter-knife (2) and the cutting rotor (9), and is provided on one side with a striper edge (18) projecting towards the draw-in roller (11), and on its other side with an end edge (7) projecting towards the counter-knife (2), whereby the support (1) has a support surface (4) facing the striper (3), on which the striper (3) rests with a counter surface (5) adapted to the support surface (4), whereby support surface (6) and counter surface (5) approach each other towards the counter-knife (2) in a wedge-shap

Abstract: A sheathed optical fiber cutting method and cutting apparatus for cutting the sheathed optical fiber, under such a condition that the sheathed optical fiber (12) is relatively rotated around its center axis (Ax) against a cutting blade (18) and bent, by making an incision in an area having a bent curvature larger than that of the center of the bent optical fiber along the center axis (Ax), from the tension-applied surface (12A) to which a tension is applied due to fiber bending toward the fiber center.

Abstract: A solid body electric guitar or bass guitar whereas the body of the guitar is divided into two separate planes so as to conform to the torso of the human body. The asymmetrical position of the “neck and string assembly” in relation to the body of the guitar enables the “neck and string assembly” to rest in a near vertical position when played while standing. Suspended by use of a strap, this instrument provides the musician better access to the neck with the fretting hand, easy access to the strings with the plucking hand, and is incredibly resistant to unwanted swaying or rocking caused by the natural acts of striking and fretting strings, and normal body movements.

Abstract: A novel arrangement of a quick release bracket holder for supporting a pair of conga drums on a floor-standing stand through a conga drum holder bracket. The bracket holder comprises a stationary base plate, and a clamp plate disposed parallel to the base plate and movable toward and away therefrom between an open position and a clamping position. The base plate is provided with two pairs of mounting posts adapted to be inserted into corresponding holes in the holder bracket. The clamp plate is provided with two pairs of cylindrical clamping members complementary to the mounting posts of the base plate. The bracket holder further includes a cam actuator provided to apply an axial force to the clamp plate for moving it toward the base plate in order to clamp the drum holder bracket between the base plate and the clamping members of the clamp plate.

Abstract: A waveform data processing apparatus includes a waveform data recording device which records waveform data representing waveform samples, and a waveform events track recording device which records, on a waveform events track defining a musical progression with respect to time, waveform event data representing events for employing waveform samples to constitute a musical performance as the alignment of the waveform samples. The waveform event data contains trigger signals at time points where retpectively corresponding ones of the waveform samples are to be employed along the musical progression on the waveform events track. As the waveform events track is played back, the respective trigger signals serve to trigger the playback of the corresponding waveform samples to constitute a musical performance with such waveform samples. Each of the waveform samples represented by the waveform data defines a musical tone having a build-up point.

Abstract: A stackable thru-tubing perforating gun system for use in perforating in a large diameter cased wellbore below a smaller diameter production tubing string. The system comprises a thru-tubing retrievable bridge plug for supporting a lower perforating gun section. The system further comprises at least one additional gun section stacked on top of the lower gun section. After firing, individual gun sections may be retrieved from the wellbore through the tubing string.

Abstract: A porous barrel, projectile passageway, or tube as a type of supersonic nozzle for projectile propulsion therein and method for optimizing projectile velocity therethrough. The porous barrel features a barrel wall containing holes, passageways, or otherwise porous material through the barrel wall that allows gas, fluid, or other matter to exit or move in a direction away from the barrel interior. The flow of gas, fluid, or other matter away from the barrel interior allows gas within the barrel to expand in a direction transverse to the projectile path. The amount of transverse expansion of the gas in the barrel interior can be controlled by the porosity of the barrel wall to cause any desired amount of gas expansion. Transverse expansion allows axial gas velocities within the barrel to exceed the local speed of sound as if the gas had passed through a converging diverging nozzle.

Abstract: An air is evacuated from a chamber of a bellows by a vacuum pressure supply source connected to a vacuum port of an attachment plate. The vacuum pressure in a vacuum chamber is thus balanced with the vacuum pressure in the chamber of the bellows. Consequently, the bellows is prevented from expanding by balancing the respective vacuum pressures in the chamber of the bellows and in the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A gas cylinder of the present invention comprises a housing having a tube, a front head and an rear end cap defining a chamber. A pair of ports are provided to allow for the input and exhaust of gas in the chamber. A piston is received in the chamber for axial movement within the chamber and separates the chamber into two cavities. A rod is operatively connected to the piston and extends forwardly from the piston, through a bore in the front head to exit the chamber through the front head. The rod is loosely or floatingly connected to the piston, to be movable relative the piston by a plate at an end of the rod which is trapped in a bore in a forward end of the piston. A piston seal is received in a groove in the piston to form a seal between the piston and the cylinder tube. The piston is flexible and changes shape due to pressure changes within the chamber. A rod seal is also provided between the rod and the front head bore.

Abstract: In a piston engine, end play of the piston pin can be prevented without unduly shortening the pin. In the simplest design (FIG. 4), a full length piston pin can have spherical end surface in close clearance spacing relative to the combustion chamber surface, so that any tendency of the pin to shift along the pin axis is immediately resisted by contact between a spherical end surface and the combustion chamber surface. The area of each spherical surface is sufficient to prevent wear or scratching of the combustion chamber surface.

Abstract: The piston for a magneto-rheological fluid system is manufactured from a piston skirt of a material having a high magnetic permeability and a piston plate which closes one end of the piston skirt having a low magnetic permeability and therefore must be made out of a material such as stainless steel. The piston is manufactured by placing the plate on one electrode and clamping another set of electrodes against the outer circumferential surface of the piston ring or skirt. The plate and ring are brought into contact with one another while applying a current through the piston ring and the piston plate, thereby heating interfering portions of the ring and plate and permitting the plate to be forced inside of the ring while at the same time allowing the softened or plastic portions of the ring and plate to intermingle with one another and thus form a solid state bond.

Abstract: The invention provides an efficient process by which trace impurities are removed from matrix hydride, inert gases and non-reactive gases, thus decreasing the concentration of the trace gases by a factor of 100-to-10,000, and more specifically to part-per-billion (ppb) or part-per-trillion (ppt) levels. Hydride gases such as ammonia, phosphine and arsine, and inert gases such as nitrogen, helium, hydrogen, and argon are purified by removing trace contaminants such as silane (SiH4), hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and germane (GeH4), along with traces of moisture. The gas purifier materials of this invention include thermally activated aluminas from organic sources, thermally activated modified organic alumina materials, and thermally activated modified aluminas from an inorganic source. The thermally activated alumina materials of this invention are activated by heating the alumina material at a temperature between about 200-1000°C.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an adsorbent comprising: a) 20-30% porous carbon with incorporated organic nitrogen species; and b) 70-80% inorganic matter. The invention is directed to a method of making an adsorbent which comprises: a) thermally drying dewatered sewage sludge to form granulated organic fertilizer; and b) pyrolyzing said the organic fertilizer at temperatures between 600 and 1000° C. The invention is additionally directed to the process of removing acidic gases from wet air streams comprising putting an adsorbent in contact with the wet air stream and allowing the adsorbent to adsorb the acidic gases.

Abstract: A separation column for analyzing a gas includes a capillary which is filled with a separation material. In order to be able to use the separation column in a microsystem technology, spheres are used as the separation material. The spheres all have the same diameter. The diameters of the spheres are slightly smaller than the internal diameter of the capillary or are matched to the internal diameter of the capillary. The spheres are provided inside the capillary in a row one behind the other.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a high performance metal hydride tank apparatus, which is capable of discharging the hydrogen gas stored in the metal hydride in the tank from throughout the metal hydride efficiently and rapidly. In the process of the hydrogen gas discharge, the metal hydride contained near the inner circumferential surface of the tank absorbs the heats by the temperature raised tank and starts discharging the hydrogen gas. The discharged hydrogen gas absorbs the heat from the inner circumferential wall efficiently, flowing along the inner circumferential wall rapidly guided by the cylinder-like baffle. Further, the discharged hydrogen gas flows through the hydrogen gas flow channel, which is formed into sections by the cylinder-like baffle in the tank, and travels throughout the metal hydride, thus heating up the metal hydride rapidly and discharging the hydrogen gas efficiently from throughout the alloy.

Abstract: A wire or other brewing basket adapted to receive a brewing filter and be received by a brewing funnel. The basket comprises a body defining a cavity for receiving the brewing filter and a shield positioned above the body and extending over a portion of the cavity for reducing spillage of brewing material from the funnel. The shield desirably is substantially flat. The basket further includes including mounting structure mounting the shield to the body. Desirably, the mounting structure is in the form of a plurality of stems mounted to a top rim of the body and the shield and extending generally upwardly from the body. The shield in accordance with a preferred embodiment has a generally arcuate configuration, and has an inner arcuate edge and desirably an outer arcuate edge. The radius of curvature of the inner arcuate edge is greater than the radius of curvature of the top rim and desirably the radius of curvature of the top rim.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for cooking meat are provided. The apparatus preferably includes a base having at least one liquid container connected to an upper surface of the base and a liquid collecting cavity formed in the upper surface of the base between outer walls of the liquid container and outer peripheries of the base. The apparatus also preferably includes at least one separate meat infusor positioned to contact the base and to overlie and substantially surround at least inner walls of the liquid container. The meat infusor preferably has an infusor body and a plurality of openings positioned in side peripheries of the infusor body so that when liquid positioned in the liquid container heats, steam from the liquid travels through the infusor body, through the openings therein, and toward meat positioned to overlie the infusor body.

Abstract: A vessel incorporating an improved article support surface for supporting an article, such as a food product, during processing (e.g., baking, thawing or freezing), has a surface for supporting a food product or another article and a pattern is formed or otherwise incorporated in the article supporting surface. The pattern incorporated into the support surface is comprised of a raised portion and a low portion or valley and combine to define or create a pocket underneath the supported article or food product in which air circulates or flows during processing. In a preferred embodiment various shapes of baking sheets incorporating a “pebble-grain pattern” is embossed on a metal sheet and the embossed metal sheet is then formed into the desired shape. The sheets are constructed of various aluminum alloys used in the food equipment industry including, but not limited to, 3003, 3004 or 5052 aluminum alloys.

Abstract: An apparatus for dehusking small fruits uses water and pinching rollers to tear off the husk.

Abstract: A method of recompressing bales of fibrous material which uses longer bales and a lesser pressure force at the plunger head to achieve higher quality recompressed bales having nearly the same density of those made through the standard process.

Abstract: Cotton receiving structure includes a receptacle supported on a wheeled frame and a floor conveyor moving cotton towards an upright set of fingered rotors which feed the cotton into an upright hopper. The fed cotton is directed into a baler mounted on the frame for forming and wrapping. The compact wrapped bale is discharged from the baler and loaded onto a transport device using conventional bale handling equipment such as a tractor-mounted loader. The baler can be mounted directly on the frame with the receptacle and the hopper for movement as a unit to the desired field location for receiving cotton from the harvester basket. In an alternate embodiment, the baler can be a separate unit towed behind or towed independently of the frame and the receiver and hopper.

Abstract: The electric aluminum can crusher is an appliance for crushing aluminum beverage cans suitable for use in households and commercial establishments. The crusher has an electric motor rotating a first crusher wheel and a second crusher wheel mounted on a spring biased support arm via a chain drive. Aluminum cans are inserted into a feeder chute having a discharge opening adjacent the junction of the crusher wheels. The feeder chute has a sensor, preferably an electric eye disposed on an interior wall of the chute, which detects the passage of a can through the chute and turns the electric motor on for a timed interval. As a can exits the feeder chute it is crushed between the crusher wheels and is discharged from the crusher. A pair of guides retain the can between the crusher wheels. The support arm may be retracted to clear any jam between the roller wheels.

Abstract: A transportable recyclable materials densifier including an integrally configured conveyor, separator, and compactor chamber mounted on a trailer frame that is transportable along public and private roads, for separation of ferrous from non-ferrous materials, and for compaction of non-ferrous materials at each location to which the trailer is transported. A conveyor is directs materials to the separator for separation of non-ferrous materials that are directed into an upper opening in a first end of the compactor chamber, with rejection of ferrous materials from the separator for discharge. A reciprocally extendable piston and compactor end extends through the compactor chamber to compact the materials into a second end of the chamber. The compacted materials form a densified shape against a movable end wall that is raised after compaction for ejection of each densified shape from the compaction chamber for storage and/or transport to a recycling operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multicolor pad printing and, in particular to methods for printing a copy of a high quality multicolor image onto a substrate. The present invention is also concerned with objects having thereon a printed full-color process image of a high definition. The present invention provides a significant improvement upon known multicolor pad printing methods by combining known pad printing technologies with full-color printing process technologies. The method of the invention is very versatile and highly desirable since it allows for the first time to pad-print halftone multicolor images onto spherical, rounded, cylindrical and other unconventional shapes and surfaces.

Abstract: The printing apparatus includes a press unit having at least one ink roller and a solvent delivery system. The ink roller has a center print area and, on one end or both ends, a non-print area. The solvent delivery system has an opening through which a suitable tack-reducing solvent for the ink is delivered to the non-print areas of the ink roller. In the printing process, tack-reducing solvent is delivered to the non-print areas of ink rollers of a printing press during operation of the press to keep the rollers free of dried, tacky ink build-up. The process uses a combination of ink and tack-reducing solvent compatible with the ink.

Abstract: A rotary printing machine includes a first gearwheel, a second gearwheel, and a setting device for selectively adjusting the second gearwheel into a first position, in which the gearwheels are coupled to one another, and into a second position, in which the gearwheels are uncoupled from one another. The printing machine includes a traction mechanism for securing a staggered-teeth rotary-angle position of the second gearwheel relative to the first gearwheel when the second gearwheel is adjusted into the second position, and a first tension element for tensioning a rotatably arranged traction means of the traction mechanism. The first tension element is loaded by a spring. The traction means is assigned a second tension element, and in the second tension element is mounted so to be a selectively adjustable into a first switching position and a second switching position.

Abstract: In order to provide a rotary printing machine for direct printing, in which the printing-assembly cylinders are guided in a stable manner by means of a cost-effective device, the forme cylinder and the impression cylinder of a printing assembly are mounted, adjustably in terms of their mutual spacing, in side walls. At least one of the two cylinders is mounted on both sides in slides movable on straight guide elements which are arranged in each case on at least one of two opposite panels of an aperture in the side walls.

Abstract: The cylinder includes first and second cylinder parts which are designed to be rotatable in relation to one another in the circumferential direction and are fitted with respective first and second operating elements for acting on a foldable product. The first cylinder part is mounted non-rotatably on a shaft and of the second cylinder part is mounted on the shaft rotatably in the circumferential direction. The shaft is mounted at one end, fixed axially, in a side wall in a bearing designed as a fixed bearing. The second cylinder part is mounted separately, with a spacing (A) from the first cylinder part, in a second fixed bearing which is independent of the first bearing.

Abstract: Disclosed are a lithographic dampening solution and a method for dampening a lithographic plate. The solution comprises an aqueous solution of a gum, which may be a corn-hull-derived hemicellulose or the enzyme digestion product of a hemicellulose. The method generally comprises dampening a lithographic plate with the disclosed dampening solution.

Abstract: Provided is a lithographic printing plate comprising a support substrate having disposed thereon an ablative-absorbing layer and, optionally, a durable, ink-accepting surface layer that is not ablative-absorbing. The ablative-absorbing layer may contain a high weight percent of an organic sulfonic acid component. The printing plate may further comprise a hydrophilic polymeric layer interposed between the ablative-absorbing layer and the substrate. The printing plate also comprises a primer layer underlying the ablative-absorbing layer with an adhesion-promoting agent, such as a zirconium compound, present in the primer layer. Also provided are methods of preparing such lithographic printing plates, and methods of preparing imaged lithographic printing plates from such lithographic printing plates by imagewise exposure to a laser and a subsequent cleaning step with water or with a cleaning solution.

Abstract: Provided is a lithographic printing machine comprising a plate cylinder for imaging, a blanket cylinder, an impression cylinder, and a film-coating unit, a film-hardening unit, an imaging unit and a cleaning unit each unit of which is adjacent to the plate cylinder for imaging, wherein an image-forming layer containing a polymer having a functional group which is crosslinked by light or heat before imaging and a functional group which is converted from hydrophilic to hydrophobic by the heat generated by infrared ray irradiation is formed by the coating unit. A lithographic printing method using the lithographic printing machine is also provided.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for handling an exposure surface to be exposed includes the steps of hanging the exposure surface in a transitional state during introduction into the exposure region of an exposure unit and/or during discharge from an exposure unit. The exposure surface is transferred from an approximately horizontal orientation in a feed region or loading region into a hanging orientation and/or is lowered for introduction into the exposure unit. The exposure surface to be exposed is, in particular, a printing plate. The exposure unit is, preferably, a printing plate exposer, and is, in particular, an inner-drum printing plate exposer.

Abstract: Methods of decorating a plastic part by either using sublimation dye(s) and thermal transfer of a printed image, or by using an antistatic treated plastic film. Either one of the methods provides that a business model is possible. The business model is directed at allowing a customer to design a “one-of-a-kind” graphic, and order a plastic part decorated with the “one-of-a-kind” graphic. Specifically, a web site may be provided which provides that the customer can design (and order) a “one-of-a-kind” plastic cell phone cover.

Abstract: A block connector for holding both a detonator, having an explosive end, and signal lines. The connector has a body member and a cover. The body member has an elongated, open, base and a connector head at one end of the base. The connector head holds the signal lines. The base has a support for supporting the detonator in an operative position with its explosive end in at least close proximity to the signal lines held in the connector head. The cover is locked to the base over the detonator when the detonator is mounted on the support in the operative position and a retainer on the cover retains the detonator in the operative position. The cover preferably is separate from the body member.

Abstract: Soft lead pellets with hard polymeric tips for use in air guns and the like are disclosed. The lead pellets have forward pointed tip portions made from a hard polymeric material. Tip portions are employed in three different configurations including a hollow and solid heads. The hard tip in each of the pellets enables the pellet when fired from an air gun to pierce the fur and skin of small game animals, for example, before the lead portions of the head and skirt portions begin to deform, imparting shock to the surrounding soft tissue, and shattering bone. The disclosed pellets provide both accuracy due to the ballistic tip, and power from the weight of the soft lead.

Abstract: A rapid discharge railcar door comprised of a main body composed of a polymer reinforced by an aluminum frame, the railcar door being designed to provide sufficient strength against load-bearing forces and withstand changes in temperature. The main body of the door is made from a polymer using a thermoplastic or thermoset molding process, such as injection molding, casting, resin transfer molding, reaction injection molding (RIM), and reinforced reaction injection molding (RRIM). The door reduces the overall weight of the railway car, thereby allowing more coal to be shipped per car.

Abstract: There is provided an electroless Ni—B plating liquid for forming, a Ni—B alloy film on at least part of the interconnects of an electronic device having an embedded interconnect structure, the electroless Ni—B plating liquid comprising nickel ions, a complexing agent for nickel ions, a reducing agent for nickel ions, and ammonums (NH4+). The electroless Ni—B plating liquid can lower the boron content of the resulting plated film without increasing the plating rate and form a Ni—B alloy film having an FCC crystalline structure.

Abstract: There is provided a method for regulating the average particle diameter of a pigment for an ink composition possessing excellent anti-clogging properties and ejection stability. The method comprises the steps of: dispersing the pigment in a solvent to prepare a stock pigment dispersion; and subjecting the stock pigment dispersion to crossflow membrane filtration.

Abstract: An ink composition is provided which is suitable for use in an ink jet printer and comprises solvent, colourant and binder, wherein the solvent comprises methyl acetate. The composition is particularly suitable for printing on polymeric substrates, eg polypropylenes and polyethylenes.

Abstract: An admixture for cementitious compositions for imparting water repellant properties to the cementitious composition. The admixture comprises a polymer, a surfactant, and a hydrophobic material that is an organic ester of an aliphatic carboxylic acid. Also, a cementitious composition comprising cement, a polymer, a surfactant, and a hydrophobic material that is an organic ester of an aliphatic carboxylic acid. Also, a method of forming a cementitious composition comprising mixing a cement, a polymer, a hydrophobic material, a surfactant, and water.

Abstract: Flat prefabricated panels are fastened together to form a desk/computer workstation having an adjustable monitor support and an adjustable keyboard support. A vertical member on the monitor support panel which adjusts the position of a monitor is selectively movable along a slot formed therein. A slidable panel on the rear of the desk is used to control the height of the rear edge of the monitor support panel while slidable members on the inboard surfaces of side panels of the desk proper are used to adjust the height of the forward end of the monitor support panel. A keyboard support is adjustably mounted on the side panels by way of two pairs of flat panels. In a second embodiment, a hutch or equipment support shelf is mounted on the monitor support panel. The angle of an equipment support shelf of the hutch with respect to the horizontal is adjustable.

Abstract: A system for transporting and storing a variety of airplane seats comprises a portable base pallet and a pair of adjustable seat supports for securely mounting a seat on the base pallet. The base pallet is adapted to either fit into a secondary tray installed in a pallet rack or into a complementary support structure provided on a mobile cart, thereby respectively allowing the seat to be stored or repaired without having to be removed from the pallet.

Abstract: A foldable worktable comprises a structural member including a central leaf, a left support board, and a parallel right support board, a hinged left drop-leaf a hinged right drop-leaf, a hinged first support including a first front leg, a first rear leg, and a first cross bar, a hinged second support including a second front leg, a second rear leg, and a second cross bar, a hinged first side bar, a hinged second side bar, a hinged inclined first strut, and a hinged inclined second strut. An extension table and rollers may be provided for increasing working space and movability.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable workstation ergonomically designed to ease muscle tension for portable computer users. The workstation raises the computer screen to a more comfortable height for the computer user's neck, shoulders and back, and raises the computer keyboard to a more comfortable level for the user's shoulders, wrists and hands. The design also includes a raised and tilted surface with a non-slip feature to provide a computer user with easier viewing and typing options.

Abstract: A drop safe includes a housing defining an interior bill acceptor portion and a cashbox portion, a lockable first door connected to the housing for accessing the bill acceptor portion, and a lockable second door connected to the housing for accessing the cashbox portion. In an implementation, the first door covers the second door when the first door is in a closed position.

Abstract: A pneumatic agricultural particulate material delivery system for delivering agricultural particulate material to a growing medium is disclosed. The delivery system includes a particulate material supply chamber, a furrow opening device configured to create a furrow in the growing medium, a plurality of tubes providing an interior passage extending from the particulate material supply chamber to an outlet proximate the furrow opening device and a pneumatic pressure source pneumatically coupled to the interior passage to supply pressurized air to the interior passage to move material within the interior passage. The plurality of tubes includes an end-most material delivery tube providing the outlet. The end-most material delivery tube includes a plurality of openings extending therethrough in communication with the interior passage. In one exemplary embodiment, the plurality of openings are louvered so as to extend at a downward angle towards the outlet.

Abstract: A seed metering device includes a roller nip for mounting beneath a seed reservoir. The nip is formed by first and second opposed facing nip forming surfaces mounted beneath, and aligned with, the reservoir wherein the first nip forming surface is a radially-outer surface of a soft resilient roller. The roller is rotatable by a roller drive in a first rotational direction so as to draw down through the nip, by frictional engagement of the seeds in the nip with the surface of the resilient roller, seeds falling into the nip. The nip is an elongate, curved, thin wedge-shaped nip providing an increased dwell time for seeds being compressed in the nip.

Abstract: A sewing machine capable of preventing formation of no first stitch (skipping stitch), which is readily caused immediately after the sewing machine starts to operate, is obtained. In this sewing machine, a motor is so stopped as to locate a thread engaging part of a balance in the vicinity of a forward movement starting point leftward beyond a thread receiving opening of a thread guide plate. Thus, the thread engaging part of the balance reliably captures and pulls a needle thread also immediately after the sewing machine starts to operate. Consequently, formation of no first stitch (skipping stitch), which is readily caused immediately after the sewing machine starts to operate, is prevented.