Abstract: An attachment particularly useful for adapting an electrical shaver for wet shaving, includes a cap having a sharp scraping edge located to engage a user's skin forwardly of the cutter head, when the cap is attached to the shaver, to erect hairs and to taughten the skin before engaged by the cutter head. The attachment may also include a dispenser for dispensing a shaving lotion during shaving. Also described are an auxiliary cleaning device which may be used for cleaning or drying a shaver head, and a kit including some or all of the foregoing.

Abstract: A shaving article for sensitive surfaces and curved body areas includes an elongate handle having one free end and an opposite end from which a shank or neck portion integrally depends, the shank and handle defining an aggregate effective lever arm. The article includes a shaving head assembly transversely dependent from the neck portion, the assembly having a blade housing including means for holding and positioning of a blade having a length in a range of about 17 to about 23 millimeters, the blade defining a rotated arm of the lever arm in which a ratio of length of the lever arm to the rotated arm defines a range of between about 3.5:1 to about 5.5:1. The preferred length of the blade, within said range, is about 20 millimeters (0.75 inches).

Abstract: The present invention broadly contemplates a co-axial cable stripping tool generally comprising: (a) an elongated main handle having a bored opening formed longitudinally therein; (b) an elongated shaft a portion of which is co-axially positioned within the bored opening and a portion of which extends co-axially away from the main handle; (c) an elongated main housing co-axially aligned with, and longitudinally spaced from the main housing, and securely engaged with a portion of the elongated shaft; and (d) a stripping housing rotatably co-axially positioned within the main housing, and including first and second openings formed through opposing surfaces thereof, wherein the stripping housing is rotatably movable between two positions, each of which exposes one or the other of the first and second openings towards the free end of the tool.

Abstract: A device for sharpening cosmetic pencils of the type having a core surrounded by an annular barrel includes a container with an open end and a cover mounted to the open end of the container. The cover has holes of at least three different diameters arrayed thereon. A sharpener having a receiver and a metal blade is disposed in registration with each of the holes between the container and the cover. Optionally, a case with supports and a receptacle to removably matingly receive the container can be provided. The case can include one or more of the following: compartments independent the receptacle and one another; a mirror mounted to a backing slidably connected to the supports; and a plurality of wells disposed in the supports.

Abstract: A method for drilling a wellbore to assure the avoidance of a substantially adjacent known magnetic source comprising the steps of obtaining survey data for the path or trajectory of a known magnetic source; preparing a wellplan comprising a path or trajectory for a second wellbore to be drilled, from the survey data and the wellplan, computing expected values of one or more parameters of the magnetic field to be encountered along a second wellbore during drilling operations, in association with drilling a second wellbore, measuring components of a magnetic field encountered and computing one or more magnetic field parameters at a series of survey points along the wellbore path or trajectory; and determining if measured values differ systematically from expected values, thereby indicating a deviation from the planned wellpath.

Abstract: An orientation sensor capable of generating at least one output signal indicative of a particular orientation parameter is described. The orientation sensor comprises a sensor housing defining a closed internal chamber including a first internal surface. The first internal surface supports a first electrically conductive pattern which itself forms part of a sensing arrangement. The first electrically conductive pattern includes an arrangement of electrically isolated segments in a predetermined configuration. A flowable material is contained within the internal chamber, which flowable material contacts a portion of the first internal surface dependent upon the value of the particular orientation parameter. An electrical property is measurable between the segments such that the orientation parameter can be determined using the output signal based only on the electrical property and, therefore, only on the portion of the first internal surface contacted by the flowable material.

Abstract: A target lens shape measuring device for measuring a target lens shape of an eyeglass lens has a measuring section including: a template feeler contactable with a periphery of a template; a first supporting base to which the template feeler is attached; a first motor and a link mechanism that move the template feeler and the first supporting base between a measuring position and a retracted position, wherein the link mechanism located between the measuring position and the retracted position is engaged with the first supporting base, and the link mechanism located at the measuring position is disengaged with the first supporting base; a second motor that moves the template feeler and the first supporting base in a radius vector direction of the template; and a first encoder that detect an amount of movement of the template feeler and the first supporting base in the radius vector direction of the template.

Abstract: The invention is a multiple size workpiece positioning device for the precise positioning or centering of workpieces, such as semiconductor wafers, in a processing station. The inventive includes a plurality of ring bars that may be pivoted on one end. The distal end of the ring bars form a circular shape that may decrease or increase in diameter as the ring bars are pivoted. This movement may be used to position or center the workpiece. A single combination pin or two pins of different heights may be mounted on the distal end of the ring bars. A combination pin or a rest pin and an alignment pin may be used to support the bottom of the workpiece to provide a contact point for an urging force on the edge of the workpiece.

Abstract: A locating system for an adjustable clamp frame of a molding machine is disclosed. The locating system can be used to repeatably configure the clamp frame to an appropriate perimeter size for a desired mold without the use of measurements or the mold itself. The inventive locating system includes two sets of a first and a second plate, a pair of end locating members, two sets of a first and a second bracket, and a pair of side locating members. The locating members, the plates, and the brackets each include indicia to provide an assembly code that can be used to facilitate configuring the clamp frame.

Abstract: A measuring tape member which is of a length substantially equal to a work piece, the member has a side which includes a first set of incremental sequentially increasing measuring units printed thereon which begin at a first point of the member and are equidistantly spatially positioned along the member through to a second point, and a second set of incremental sequentially increasing measuring units printed thereon which begin at the second point of the member and are equidistantly spatially positioned along the member through to the first point. The measuring units are positioned on the tape in a manner such that any one numerical increment of the first set is disposed adjacent a corresponding numerical unit of the second set which together represent counter parts of the total length of the work piece plus a predetermined incremental amount.

Abstract: A method for drying grain in a bin is provided. The method includes gathering temperature and moisture data from various points in and around the bin. The data are integrated with a quantitative algorithm of direct differential vapor pressure analysis. The grain is then conditioned in response to results obtained from the quantitative algorithm of differential vapor pressure analysis.

Abstract: The boot comprises a cuff (4) articulated to a shell (1) and a leaf (6) for retaining the cuff which counteract its rearward tilting but give way when the force tending to tilt the cuff exceeds a specific value. These leaf consist of a part (6) which works in compression and gives way by buckling. Such a boot is intended to prevent tearing of the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee.

Abstract: A golf shoe cleat has a main body member having a dome-shaped outer face and a planar inner face, a threaded stud molded integrally with the main body member and projecting outwardly from the inner face. A plurality of pseudo pyramid-shaped teeth projecting around the perimeter of the main body member, each of the pseudo pyramid-shaped teeth having an outward angle to provide lateral stability and traction through the plane of a sports swing. The traction teeth have a low profile to reduce damage to putting green surfaces for example. An anti-debris ring is formed on the peripheral edge of the planar inner face. In this position, the anti-debris ring tends to prevent the edge of the cleat from separating from the sole of the golf shoe thereby foreclosing the entry of debris underneath the cleat. At the same time, when the cleat is snugged down by the application tool, the pressure causes the ring to more closely hug the sole and precludes the entry of debris.

Abstract: A plurality of stemware rings, are formed of resilient material in a loop having a pair of opposing and abutting ends. The loops are of a size for accepting a stem of a wine or other stemmed glass, and further, for being supported on a base of such a glass. The stemware rings each provide a distinctive ornamentation so as to distinguish the glasses from each other. The method includes distributing the glasses to guests with the rings engaged on the stems of the glasses so that one glass may be distinguished from the next, personalized, fitted to the occasion and other uses.

Abstract: A luminous diffused light panel of limited thickness and low consumption includes a transparent plate, an LED assembly resting on a support for sequential energization and being mounted against an edge of the transparent plate, a reflecting element between the support and a polished edge of the transparent plate to reflect emitted light from the LED assembly towards the polished edge of the transparent plate, a coating on a rear surface of the transparent plate for reflecting and diffusing LED emitted light outwards through an opposite surface, an opaline plate positioned a short distance from the transparent plate for diffusion of light emitted from the opposite surface of the transparent plate, a protective transparent plate positioned in front of the opaline plate, framing sections fitted on sides of the plates to cover the LEDs, and indicia provided between the opaline plate and the protective transparent plate.

Abstract: An assembly for mounting a flexible display sheet to a structure includes an adjustment bracket having a first end and an opposing second end, the display sheet being secured to the first end of the adjustment bracket. A brace is rigidly attached to the structure, the brace having an opening extending therethrough. A coupling pin has a first end and an opposing second end, the first end of the coupling pin being mounted to the second end of the adjustment bracket, the second end of the coupling pin extending through the opening on the brace. An advancing nut is threadedly mounted on the second end of the coupling pin, the advancing nut being configured to bias against the brace so as to advance the coupling pin through the opening on the brace as the advancing nut is threaded onto the coupling pin.

Abstract: A sign holder in the form of individual parts which, upon assembly, provides for the support and display of signage in a plurality of orientations. The sign holder includes a base configured to receive and support a first end to the stem, the stem having a first end and second end, the first end configured to be releasably retained by the base and the second end configured to retain a sign frame. The sign frame, in turn, is configured to be releasably retained by the second end of the stem and have a left side and a right side and a gap between its sides. The gap is provided with tabs for positioning the stem on the sign frame to retain the stem in a predetermined location.

Abstract: A mounting channel and presentation mechanism for mounting presentation elements. Both planar and curved presentation elements may be simultaneously mounted on the same supporting element. A mounting channel for mounting presentation elements has a curved outer contour, especially one resembling the shape of a segment of an ellipse. A U-section is additionally inscribed in the outer contour.

Abstract: A safety mechanism for a handgun having a pivotal hammer arranged to activate a firing pin, the mechanism including a locking element for engaging the firing pin and preventing its movement, and a separate release element for releasing the locking element, the release element being releasable upon being hit by the hammer with a force above a pre-determined threshold.

Abstract: This invention is an improved shotgun shell catcher. It has a cage of very light weight construction, which captures many casings before it must be emptied. Toggle action permits near effortless operation to quickly unload the empty casings. Thumbwheel locking means permits near effortless attachment and removal of the device from the side of a shotgun.

Abstract: A secure fishing pole and reel locking assembly comprising a pole holder rack and a reel cover which is adapted to be mounted to a wall and locked. When the reel cover is locked, the reel cover locks the fishing poles in the pole holder rack and covers the reels. The reel cover is adapted to be locked via a pad lock or other locking mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a berley dispenser which can hold large pieces of berley. Under the action of wave movement, the berley dispenser chops the berley into smaller pieces which are then dispersed through a series of apertures.

Abstract: An apparatus for killing insects, the apparatus including an electrical mechanism for killing insects, an inner shell, the inner shell being surrounded by the electrical mechanism, and a mosquito attracting device within the inner shell. The insect attracting device includes a fan, a heat source, and a source of CO2. The inner shell has a plurality of openings in the inner shell for ejecting heated air and CO2 from within the inner shell, the openings being formed by indentations in the surface of the inner shell, each indentation being open at one end so as to form an opening which lies substantially perpendicularly to the extending axis of the inner shell. The insect attracting device further includes a mechanism for closing the source of CO2 and for stopping the fan when the temperature within the inner shell goes below the temperature. The insect attracting device further includes a moisture source, and an insect attractant.

Abstract: An improved non-toxic, non-chemical, non-polluting, inexpensive electronic apparatus to control the population of many species of flies both indoors and outdoors around poultry and animal enclosures and food processing facilities which attracts and then kills the flies with a burst of high voltage oscillations that is applied to an exposed grid network of closely spaced parallel conductors.

Abstract: A plant cover, comprising a base formed from a sheet of material, said base having an upper end, a lower end, and an outer peripheral surface, an opening intersecting the upper end forming an inner peripheral surface and a retaining space, a skirt formed from a sheet of material, said skirt connected to the upper end of the base, and expansion means formed integrally with the base, the expansion means comprising an excess of material, the expansion means permitting the base to expand and contract to both closely encompass and follow the contours of a pot. Methods of using a plant cover.

Abstract: A window lifting and lowering apparatus that includes an arm pivotally moved to lift and lower a window of a vehicle. A cycloidal speed reducing mechanism is used for transmitting a rotational force of a drive shaft to the arm at a reduced speed. The cycloidal speed reducing mechanism includes a ring gear disposed in a fixed state, a planetary gear eccentrically rotated in a state of being brought into mesh with the ring gear by the rotational force of the drive shaft, a rotating disk for transmitting rotation of the planetary gear to the arm, and a stopper gear fixed to the ring gear for restricting a pivotal movement position of the planetary gear. In accordance with the eccentric pivotal movement of the planetary gear, a stopper pin provided on the planetary gear is made to impinge with a stopper projection provided on the stopper gear.

Abstract: A system for locking a driveable sliding door which comprises at least one moveable sliding panel and a swingable locking element which interlocks in its closed position with a first end with a lock pin. The system for locking is characterized by the second end of the swingable locking element being brought into contact with the sliding panel by opening or closing of the locking element so that the sliding panel can be driven into its opened or closed position.

Abstract: A door or window operator includes a motor-driven double-chain operator with two chain members in a substantially closed operator housing separately in engagement with a rotating drive member and joined in a back-to-back arrangement. The chain members include links having hinge parts with parallel rotational axes oriented transversely to the direction of propagation of the chain member for engagement with neighboring chain links in the same chain member and having a back surface provided with zip engagement members for engaging corresponding engagement members on the back surfaces of adjacent links in the other chain member for securing the chain members in the joined operator member against displacement transversely to the opening/closing direction. The chain members allow a mutual displacement between neighboring links in the direction of the rotational axes and the separate chain paths extend only in a part of the housing in a plane common with the outlet openings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to automatic door assemblies and swing operators therefor. One aspect of the invention provides a swing door operator that has an opening in the housing thereof for easy access to the operator motor. Another aspect of the invention provides a method for servicing a door operator. Another aspect of the invention provides a door operator with a spring force adjusting member that moves in the generally longitudinal direction of the spring structure. Another aspect of the invention provides a method for adjusting the spring force of the spring structure in a door operator. Another aspect of the invention provides a swing door operator with an adjustable stop member.

Abstract: A continuously extruded profile sash and frame each having an integral rigid hinge thereon. The device comprises an operable hinge system wherein the load bearing hinge mechanics are extruded as an integral part of the extruded frame member and of the extruded sash moving panel, the sash and frame can each have a cell structure for increased structural integrity and thermal insulating capacity. A punch press may be used to create the male knuckle and female hinge components. At least one hinge pin can be inserted into the cylindrical cavity and run the length of the hinge. Panel and frame members include arcuate sides.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices for positioning frame members for fabricating a wood frame. Each device includes an elongated flexible member and wood blocks that are removably attached to the flexible member. The length of the wood blocks equals the required distance between the frame members. The blocks are separated by slots wherein the frame members are snugly fitted in order to properly position the frame members for fabricating a wood frame structure. The wood blocks can be removed from the device for subsequent use in frame structures, thus reducing lumber waste.

Abstract: A partition system for subdividing a building space includes a spine partition having a horizontal frame member defining a first horizontal row of apertures for supporting a furniture unit, and a floor channel configured to stably engage a floor surface and supporting the partition. The floor channel defines a second horizontal row of apertures corresponding to the first horizontal row of apertures for supporting the furniture unit. A fin partition has an end positioned adjacent a front of the spine partition at an off-module position located between vertical side edges of the spine panel, with a top and bottom of the end attached to selected apertures in the first and second rows of apertures. A method related to the above is also claimed.

Abstract: An energy absorbing seismic brace for both retrofit and new construction. The brace comprises a central strut of either multi-legged or homogeneous section fabricated from low strength aluminum, whose characteristics maximize the seismic energy absorption for a building installation. This central strut absorbs energy at high weight-specific levels by virtue of the hysteresis in its load-deflection relationship. In order to eliminate the possibility of buckling of the energy absorbing strut when it passes through the compression portion of a load cycle, it is surrounded by a system of spacers and an external sleeve providing very high bending rigidity at low weight. The spacers may be fabricated from low-density foams, pseudo-concrete, fibrous composites, or metals, depending upon the application. The outer sleeve may also be fabricated from a variety of materials, depending upon whether the embodiment calls for the principal bending rigidity to be provided by the spacers or sleeve.

Abstract: An adjustable door frame assembly. The door frame assembly is to be adapted to fit door openings of different sizes. The door frame assembly utilizes co-extrusion technic for the components, including PVC foamed plastics frames, a corner connecting metal piece, a U-shape reinforced metal piece and co-extruded soft strips. The corner connecting metal piece fixes two adjacent frames such as the left and the top to form a “ ” type frame, and then to be joined with the bottom threshold to complete this door frame assembly. The door frame assembly is height or width adjustable by cutting off parts of the side frames to change the dimensions of the door to fit the door openings for different sizes of various buildings.

Abstract: A blast resistant framework for a window, comprising a frame fitted within an opening of a wall or the like and a window sash assembly holding a window pane mounted on the frame in a rigid and air-tight manner. The window sash assembly comprises an L-like shaped pane-supporting profile circumferencing the window pane and having a first leg portion extending along the edges of the pane and a second leg portion extending along peripheries of the window at an inner face thereof. The window pane is attached to the pane-supporting profile by a flexible adhesive material applied at least to the first leg portion of the profile.

Abstract: The invention relates to a buck for forming and framing the perimeter of an opening in an insulated concrete form wall. The buck is formed of insulating material compatible with the concrete form, such as plastic, and forms a friction fit with supporting portions of the form wall to provide a seal therebetween. The buck may have a portion for receiving fasteners to secure a component mounted on the buck, thus facilitating the attachment of components to the buck within the wall opening, and reducing or completely eliminating the need for fasteners to penetrate hardened concrete. The buck may also include a separate portion, preferably integrated with the fastening portion, that provides for increased thermal insulation. The buck may also include anchoring fins around which the poured concrete may harden to securely attach the buck to the wall and enhance the seal therebetween.

Abstract: A method and apparatus 10 for installing and trimming a plurality of wooden mounting blocks 110 within a roughed out door frame 100 to prepare the roughed out door frame to 100 to receive a finished door frame: wherein, the apparatus 10 includes a pair of vertical standard units 11 11′ connected together by a pair of horizontally adjustable spreader units 12 12′ that are adapted to cooperate with one another to conform to the outside dimensions of the finished door frame; wherein, each of the vertical standard units 11 11′ is provided with a plurality of router templates 27 and means for plumbing each vertical standard unit relative to one of the vertical studs 101 101′ in the roughed out door frame 100; such that the wooden mounting blocks 110 can be glued to the vertical studs 101 101′ and then trimmed using the router templates 27 so that the trimmed mounting blocks 110 are perfectly aligned to receive the finished door frame.

Abstract: A seal structure for sealing between a through hole and a conduit located in the through hole. The seal structure includes a conduit located in the through hole and a foaming material. A wire is inserted in the conduit. The foaming material is located between the outer surface of the conduit and the inner surface of the through hole. The foaming material expands when heated and seals the space between the outer surface of the conduit and the inner surface of the through hole. Both ends of the conduit are sealed with a fireproof material between the inner surface of the conduit and the outer surface of the wire.

Abstract: An assembled hip roof includes a plurality of roofing panels as well as the rafters of the underlying structure that support those panels. Ridge caps preferably extend over the panels at the hip rafters. In a preferred embodiment, a set of metal roofing panels is designed and shaped for use on a specific hip roof configuration, using a minimal number of separate panels. In a preferred embodiment especially suitable for larger area roofs, a plurality of the panels interlock with one another. The panels are preferably coated on one or both sides for protection against scratching during handling and assembly. One or more of the panels preferably include decorative relief, such as the appearance of overlapping wooden boards. In a preferred embodiment of the method of the invention, the panels are manufactured from rolled steel.

Abstract: There is provided a hip, ridge, or rake shingle, which includes a shingle panel and at least one rigid back member. The shingle panel has a substantially planar lower surface. The at least one rigid back member has a length substantially the same as or greater than the length of the shingle panel. The rigid back member is attached to the substantially planar lower surface of the shingle panel. The rigid back member includes a step in thickness in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the substantially planar lower surface and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rigid back member. In addition, the thickness of the rigid back member at the high level of the step is greater than the thickness of the rigid back member at one of its ends. There is also provided an asphaltic adhesive including from about 62% to about 99% by weight of an asphalt cement; from about 0.5% to about 15% by weight of a first thermoplastic having a glass-transition temperature in the range from about 190° F.

Abstract: Extruded or molded plastic covers snap fit into the jamb liner slots over the lower jamb liners. Replaceable brush weatherstrips on the edge contact the lower window sash. Upper foam pads engage the upper window sash and press the upper sash against the window frame. The smooth outer face of the covers may be painted. A T-shaped back rail inserts in a back jamb liner slot.

Abstract: A support panel for use in an air handling unit for both supporting equipment inside the unit and providing a thermal barrier to the flow of heat into and out of the unit. The panel includes a plastic frame that is enclosed by upper and lower covers to form an internal cavity. Support members are placed in the cavity between the covers to which equipment that is supported upon the panel can be secured. The support members are fabricated of a high strength composite material having a low thermal conductivity. A curable foam is then injected into the cavity to bond the panel components together in assembly. The frame, the support members and the curable foam all have a relatively low thermal conductivity and coact to create a thermal barrier to impede the flow of heat in or out of the unit.

Abstract: An envelope stripping apparatus is disclosed for opening and holding open the flaps of envelopes or mail processed in a mailing machine or other envelope-processing machine. The flaps of the envelopes are held down against a vacuum plenum during transport of the envelope. The envelopes are fed along the feeding path towards a moistening device while the flap is stripped and held by the vacuum plenum. An arrangement of the plenum apertures is such that stiffer portions of the flaps have more vacuum applied than those that are of lesser area, or at the extreme end of the flap. A second arrangement of the envelope flaps will cause additional holding of the end of the flap if it is a larger envelope with a greater area at the end such as a square flap.

Abstract: A plant packaging system and method comprising a combination of a protective upper portion and a decorative lower portion having a base portion and a skirt portion for packaging a potted plant or a botanical item and a growing medium without a pot. The upper portion may be detachable from the lower portion of the sleeve. The lower portion may have a skirt portion which has a non-linear upper peripheral edge. The lower portion may be tapered and may have a gusset in the lower end.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a banding packing machine capable of easily processing a right presser member, a left presser member and a middle presser member, reducing the number of parts and readily carrying out attachment with high precision. A drum portion of at least a middle presser member (24) provided in a central part in a right presser member (22), a left presser member (23) and the middle presser member (24) has a sectional shape of an almost track including a pair of circular arc portions (26a, 26d) opposed to each other and a pair of straight portions (26c, 26d) opposed to each other, and one of ends of each of drum portions (27, 28) in the right presser member (22) and the left presser member (23) which are opposed to the straight portions (26c, 26d) of the middle presser member (24) is formed rectilinearly.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an animal pack saddle with a pivotally and adjustably mounted side board that is contoured to the shape of the pack animal. The cross bucks of the present invention have upwardly extending hook arms forming rings through which bag or pannier straps may be securely looped, as well as hung. Also disclosed is a saddle pad with closeable pockets for securing the side boards.

Abstract: A connector (10) includes a housing (34) and an arm (43) pivotally connected to the housing (34). A hook (48) is formed on one end of the arm (43) and a spring (49) is positioned between the arm (43) and the housing (34). The connector (10) can be used to attach two items of many configurations together, but it is particularly suited to attach strap ends of an item such as a halter (11) having a strap (12) and a strap (13) interconnected by a plurality of tab straps (20, 21, 22). The strap (12) is interrupted to form a portion (32) carrying the connector (10) and another portion (31) carrying an o-ring (29) which can be engaged between the hook (48) and the housing (34).

Abstract: A ground contact height sensor for a harvesting header comprises a transverse rotatable shaft, a first rigid arm, a second rigid arm and a connecting member. The rotatable shaft is rotatively mounted to the frame of the header. The first rigid arm is rigidly mounted to the rotatable shaft. The first arm extends downwardly and rearwardly from the rotatable shaft in a curved manner. The second rigid arm is pivotally coupled to the first rigid arm by a hinge joint. The second rigid arm extends upwardly and rearwardly from the second end of the first rigid arm. The first and second rigid arms defining a relatively large radius. The connecting member secures the rearmost end of the second rigid arm to the frame of the header. To maintain the radius of the two pivotally connected rigid arms the hinge joint joining the two rigid arms is provided with a torsion spring.

Abstract: A mower, such as a riding mower, has two side cutting units and a front cutting unit operatively connected to a traction frame. Each side cutting unit can pivot about a substantially vertical axis relative to the traction frame when impact shocks occur on the outer sides of the cutting units. A shock absorber cushions and absorbs such impact shocks, and resists the pivoting motion of the side cutting units, in a bi-directional fashion to be effective during forward or reverse motion of the traction frame.

Abstract: A method for forming a cotton module on a mobile cotton harvester, including the steps of: (a) removing cotton from cotton plants as the harvester is moved across a cotton field; (b) conveying the removed cotton into a cotton receiver structure including a plurality of surfaces of known extent defining and substantially enclosing an interior space; (c) distributing the cotton in the cotton receiver structure substantially evenly with respect to a selected one of the surfaces of the receiver structure; and (d) periodically compacting the cotton in the cotton receiver structure substantially evenly against the selected one of the surfaces by forceably moving a compacting element having an extent only marginally smaller than the extent of the selected one of the surfaces against the distributed cotton and toward the selected one of the surfaces.