Abstract: A drop wire clamp comprising a shell, a wedge, and a shim, for securing a cable to a fixed object. The shell is an elongated open ended member that is tapered in length and is formed with a U shaped cross section, sized to receive the wedge in sliding engagement. The wedge has a shim fixed to its lower side with a surface shaped to frictionally engage the upper surface of a cable positioned within the shell and press it against a friction surface forming the bottom of the shell. A bail engages the wedge and shim to pull the wedge into operative engagement with the shell and a segment of cable extending through the shell.

Abstract: A clip is attached to a member or center cluster for detachably attaching the member to an attaching member or instrument panel. The clip is provided with a pair of engaging members projecting with an inclination so that a distance therebetween is narrowed toward the inserting direction of a rib of the center cluster, and engaging portions of the engaging members engage an engagement hole of the rib.

Abstract: A pull attachment portion is provided on a slider body integrally and a pull connecting ring has attachment plates integrally. A slit is formed in a center of the pull connecting ring and the attachment plates and provided with engaging portions on both sides of the slit, and free end portions of the engaging portions are protruded from the attachment plates. A through hole is provided in a face of an accommodating portion provided in an end of a pull main body for accommodating the attachment plate so as to form a holding portion. After deforming the attachment plates elastically in vertical directions through the slit and passing one of them through the pull attachment portion, the attachment plates are accommodated in the accommodating portion and fixed therein. Replacement of the pull is carried out by pressing the engaging portions through the through hole and removing them.

Abstract: A pull of a slider, which can be attached to a pull-attaching portion formed integrally on a slider body, and can be replaced easily. A pull-attaching portion is provided integrally on a slider body, and a pull-connecting ring has an opening on a side of its ring-like frame body. The size of the opening is formed not smaller than the thickness or width of the pull-attaching portion. Holding portions extending in parallel along side edges of the opening and a fitting protruded portion of the pull main body are fitted with each other and connected by a pin so as to be freely pivotable. Upon replacement of the pull, the pin is removed.

Abstract: A one piece clamp for affixing a pliable bag to a container. The device can be deformed to an open position and normally assumes a closed position. While in the closed position, the clamp is in condition to secure a bag to a container. The clamp may be deformed to place it in position on the lid of a container, and to allow release of the bag from the container. Embedded in or removably attached to the clamp is a deodorizer.

Abstract: An accommodating portion (13) is formed at the center of a body (8) of a first member (1) having a belt attachment (10). The accommodating portion (13) has an opening (14) on the front and back sides thereof, the opening (14) being sufficient for molding a bulging head (42) of the rotary shaft (40) therein, a groove (15) sufficient for molding a neck portion (41) of the rotary shaft (40) is provided at the center of the lower side of the opening, and a concave groove (22) capable of molding a part of the neck portion (41) is formed in lateral direction. The rotary shaft (40) is integrated with the second member (2) at an upper side of a body (9) thereof and has an insert hole of an insert-type male body at a lower side.

Abstract: A permanent enhancement for seat belts and child safety seat belt buckles that is resistant to release by children. The device is molded from rubber, plastics, polymers, or composite materials as to not be excessive in size and it can be color coded to match the materials used in the vehicle or child safety seat. The force required to release the belt can be controlled through material choice and the size of the release button. Thus, discouraging the untimely release of the seat belt buckle.

Abstract: A circular spreader for spreading tubular textile goods includes a spreader arrangement with an inlet mandrel and an outlet mandrel at opposite ends thereof inside the tubular goods, an inlet support structure arranged around the inlet mandrel outside of the tubular goods with an inlet guide gap therebetween, and an outlet support structure arranged around the outlet mandrel outside of the tubular goods with an outlet guide gap therebetween. The mandrels and the support structures are magnetic, to magnetically repel each other across the guide gaps. The components may be permanent magnets or electromagnets, or have separate discrete magnets provided thereon. The spreader arrangement is supported by magnetic levitation relative to the support structures, without direct contact therebetween. The tubular goods pass through the guide gaps with low friction, no pressing force exerted thereon, and no impairment of the structure or quality thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nonwoven fabric structure, formed by hydroentanglement of a precursor fibrous web, which has demonstrated particular suitability for cleansing/wiping applications. Testing has shown the present product to provide a desirable tactile impression with users, which is believed to result from the disposition of relatively large denier fibers on the surface of the fabric structure. Such relatively large denier fibers have been found to provide good cleansing/wiping performance.

Abstract: In the present invention, a hydroentangled and three-dimensionally patterned fibrous material is formed from a fibrous matrix to produce a nonwoven fabric of pronounced open area and enhanced physical properties, including abrasive, and particularly wet abrasive, performance. A three-dimensional pattern utilized on the forming surface results in the nonwoven fabric having a diaphanous gauze-like or cheesecloth-like presentation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a holding device of a belt wheel structure, including two arm plates, and a connecting member. Each arm plate is pivoted with the connecting member by a locking member. Each arm plate has a first end provided with a fixing snap, and a second end pivoted with a movable snap by a securing member. Each movable snap has a base portion screwed with the securing member, thereby positioning and locking the movable snap on the respective arm plate. The fixing snap is protruded with a snap tooth, and each movable snap is laterally protruded with a snap tooth, so that the snap tooth of the fixing snap may mate with the snap tooth of each movable snap to be inserted into a belt wheel structure for holding and securing the belt wheel structure.

Abstract: An inspection fixture and line is used to accurately determine the geometry and dimensional accuracy of a circular recuperator core. The fixture and line inspects a length, an inner diameter and an outer diameter. The fixture and the line further insures the concentricity of a donor inlet duct and a donor outlet duct.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a driveshaft for use in a vehicle drive train system that is axially collapsible in the event of a collision to absorb energy. A workpiece, such as a hollow cylindrical tube, is deformed by hydroforming to provide an axial collapse initiation zone. The axial collapse initiation zone can be defined by a plurality of axially extending undulations or corrugations that are formed in a central portion of the tube. The axial collapse initiation zone is designed to accommodate the transmission of torque through the driveshaft without any deformation under normal operating conditions. However, if a relatively large axial force is applied to the front and rear end portions of the driveshaft, the axial collapse initiation zone is designed to allow relative axial movement to occur between the front and rear end portions of the driveshaft. Such collapsing functions to absorb energy during a collision, thereby providing additional safety to the occupants of the vehicle.

Abstract: A rail wheel set extractor apparatus and method for extracting, transporting, and installing rail wheel sets is disclosed. The apparatus has a frame with a support system adapted to straddle a rail wheel of a rail wheel set. The apparatus includes an attachment system which is adapted to operatively attach the frame to the rail wheel and a member which prevents rotation and movement of the rail wheel.

Abstract: An implant includes a tube for permitting fluid flow. A flow controlling rod may be inserted within the tube passage. One or more holes around the circumference of the tube may be selectively permanently or temporarily occluded to give desired flow characteristics.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (20) for changing the speed of discrete components (22) can include a first rotatable drive member (32), and at least a second rotatable drive member (42) which is substantially coaxial with the first drive member (32). A first servo motor (34) is connected to rotate the first drive member (32), and at least a second servo motor (34) is connected to rotate the second drive member (42). A first transfer puck (36) is driven by the first rotatable drive member (32), and at least a second transfer puck (46) is driven by the second rotatable drive member (42). A first electronic drive (38) is connected to the first servo motor (34), and is configured to selectively move the first transfer puck (36) at a first, pick up speed (V1) and at least a second, deposit speed (V2). At least a second electronic drive (48) is connected to the second servo motor (44), and is configured to selectively move the second transfer puck (46) at the first pick up speed and at the second deposit speed (V2).

Abstract: A method of assembling a part to a workpiece with a combination tool supported on a robot, where a mounting surface of the part is assembled on a target surface of the workpiece including the following steps. (a) Indexing to the assembly position. (b) Picking a part with the part gripper on the part delivery arm from a part supply station. (c) Indexing part delivery and workpiece preparation arms to the preparation position. (d) Operating the workpiece target surface scanning module and communicating workpiece target surface position data to the robot. (e) Moving the robot to set the tool operating axis and calculate tool offsets relative to the position and orientation of the scanned target surface. (f) Simultaneously: engaging the part mounting surface with the part surface preparation module; and engaging the workpiece target surface preparation module with the target surface. (g) Indexing to the assembly position.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods permit splicing or joining a plurality of tubing ends. A central tubular member has a fluid passage therethrough. The tubing ends are mounted over the extremities of the tubular member, and are held in place by a multi-part sleeve around the central member and cooperating detents (on the exterior of the tubular member and on the interior of the sleeve) that pinch or bite the tubing when the sleeve is actuated (such as via a turnbuckle action) to force cooperating pairs of the detents toward each other.

Abstract: A process for making a metal-polymer composites suitable for shaping into container end panels having improved resistance to feathering and angel hair formation. A polymer coating is applied to a metal sheet. The polymer coating includes at least one polymer selected from polyolefins, anhydride modified polyolefins, epoxies, and phenoxies. The polymer coating on the composite is then irradiated with an electron beam. The metal sheet preferably comprises an aluminum alloy and the polymer coating preferably comprises maleic anhydride modified polyropylene.

Abstract: A method is provided of designing a magnetic resonance imaging magnet. At least one correction coil is positioned about the axial bore of the magnet which receives patients. The correction coil is used in the design process to reduce lower order harmonics generated by the magnet. Homogeneity of the magnetic field is thereby improved at selected volumes around the magnet.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for legless electronic parts used in a surface mounting type printing circuit board is disclosed. The legless electronic parts are made from leg type electronic elements. The method comprises the steps of: manufacturing a leg type electronic part and painting; cutting legs of a leg type parts to become legless electronic parts; pressing metal caps into two ends of the legless parts for replacing the legs; testing the resistance of a legless parts for determining the resistance, error and fault ratio; removing unqualified parts; and packing the tested parts.

Abstract: An assembly method for a vehicle anti-theft key having an embedded resistor pellet is provided. The resistor pellet includes a flange at one end which abuts one side of the key blade when the opposed end of the pellet is inserted into a through opening formed in the shank portion of the key blade. With the resistor pellet loosely positioned within the through opening, a second flange is attached to the end of the pellet that was inserted through the through opening, thereby capturing the pellet within the through opening by the two opposed flanges. In one embodiment, the second flange is formed in place by employing a polymeric molding process, such as a thermoforming injection molding process. A handle for the key is efficiently formed substantially simultaneously with the second flange using the same polymeric molding process.

Abstract: A cathode that includes manganese dioxide and relatively small particles of nonsynthetic, nonexpanded graphite is disclosed. The graphite particles can have an average particle size of less than 20 microns. The cathode can be used in an electrochemical cell, such as a battery.

Abstract: A system for verifying the quality of a pressing operation of a press-fit part onto a receiving portion of a receiving assembly. The system is applicable to the installation of a bearing cup onto a shaft, or a valve seat into a cylinder head. A probe measures a predetermined dimension of the press-fit part to establish a first measurement value. In the case of a valve seat installed a receiving pocket of a cylinder head, a measuring probe is inserted into the receiving pocket of the cylinder head to measure its depth The depth is recorded as a second measurement value The valve seat is then pressed into the pocket, and the residual depth is measured to determine the distance between the outermost surface of the pressed in valve seat and the outer surface of the receiving pocket. A computation compares the depth of the pocket against the thickness of the valve seat to determine a difference which is then compared to the residual depth.

Abstract: An apparatus for fully automated roll packing of compressible mattress spring assemblies, including a radially collapsible mandrel for easy removal of finished rolls. In-fed spring assemblies are precompressed prior to winding on the mandrel, which is mounted to a pivotable arm to permit controlled compression of the spring assemblies against a fixed compression roller. The apparatus further includes devices for placing the finished rolls on pallets and wrapping pallets for shipping and storage.

Abstract: A brush of a rotary electric machine includes a brush element and a pigtail. The brush element includes a high-conduction member extending in the longitudinal direction and a low-conduction member bonded to a side of the high-conduction member. The low-conduction member is a thin layer extending in the longitudinal direction from the contact surface to the middle of the length of the brush element. The wire end is embedded in the high conduction member on the side of the low-conduction member remote from the contact surface.

Abstract: A first printed circuit board includes a first insulating board substantially made of thermoplastic resin and a first conductive pattern. A second printed circuit board includes a second insulating board and a second conductive pattern. The first and second printed circuit boards are overlapped. The overlapped portion of the first and second printed circuit boards is heat pressed to connect the first and second printed circuit boards with a heat-pressing tool while the first insulating board is cooled at an area adjacent to an area pressed by the heat-pressing tool. With the heat pressing, the first and second lands are electrically connected and the thermoplastic resin is softened and plastically deformed to bond the first insulating board to the second insulating board. The thickness of the first insulating board is preferably controlled at the heat pressed area and the area adjacent to the heat pressed area by the cooling.

Abstract: A wire manipulator includes a body with a jack for moving clamping arms to hold a wire extremity insert the extremity in an alveolus of a connector. The insertion force is sensed by a force sensor in the clamping arms and is compared with a reference force to stop the insertion process to avoid damage to the wire, the connector and the manipulator.

Abstract: An system and method for fabricating a cable-in-conduit-conductor for use in superconductor application is described. The system utilizes a work surface with drum means provided at each end. A superconductor cable is fed from a supply source at one end. After the cable is pulled through a tube on the work surface, the leading edge of the cable is bent around one of the drums and returned to the opposite end of the table. This naked length of cable is once again bent around one of the drums and then pulled through another tube on the table. This process is repeated until an acceptable length of superconductor cable is present. Tension means are used in conjunction with a tube mill which compresses the tube-cable combination into a viable cable-in-conduit conductor (CICC). Notably, as this tension-compression is occurring, the naked lengths of cable are eliminated and each separate tube section is joined together to create a uniform CICC.

Abstract: A cylinder and a method for manufacturing a cylinder for an internal combustion engine is provided which avoids the generation of a step portion at the scavenging port without necessitating enhanced precision of the positioning of the working tools or the working location. A raw cylinder body is cast-molded with the scavenging port portion thereof being left closed. Subsequently, this closed scavenging port portion is cut out (or opened) by means of cutting work, etc. The cutting out of the closed scavenging port portion is performed by widening the cylinder bore side thereof at predetermined angles to the planes of the inner wall of the hollow scavenging passageway formed contiguous to the closed scavenging port portion.

Abstract: An assembly line is disclosed for economically and efficiently assembling a core into a recuperator. The assembly line has an inlet end, an assembly station, a welding station, a control station and an outlet end. The inlet end has a plurality of the cores to be used for assembly thereat. The core is positioned within the assembly station and an assembly fixture locates a ducting structure in a preestablished relationship to the core. The control station using a plurality of sensors sends an input to a controller and the welding station performs a weld fixedly securing the ducting structure to the core.

Abstract: Process for diamond covering bodies of substantially spherical or prismatic shape being used in jewelry, of the type which does not require removal of material are described. The single object is deposited within a seat which acts as a container and is successively subjected to a punching action. The process is characterized by the fact that the single object is automatically positioned at each punching action with a different portion of the surface of the object to be diamond covered.

Abstract: A deflectable safety shield extends transversely across a cutting plane in a protective guard position completely overlying the cutting edge of a utility knife. A portion of the shield extends over-center with respect to the cutting edge, thereby tending to hold the shield in the guard position in response to contact of the shield against the operator at the normal angle of engagement during follow-through that accompanies rapid slicing hand movements. The shield is resiliently biased for movement to the guard position by a torsion spring. The shield swings away from the cutting plane automatically in response to pressure engagement of the offset flange portion against the box surface, thus exposing the cutting edge. A stop leg is pivotably coupled to the shield providing the operator the option of limiting the pivotal movement range of the shield in the retracted position, for example, when cutting along the edge of a cardboard box.

Abstract: A razor assembly is provided that includes a handle, a replaceable cartridge, one or more clip members, and a substantially rigid pivot member. The replaceable cartridge includes a frame and one or more razor blades. The pivot member is attached to the handle. The one or more clip members are attached to the replaceable cartridge. When loading the replaceable cartridge onto the handle, the one or more clip members deflect to receive the substantially rigid pivot member and thereby pivotally mount the replaceable cartridge on the pivot member. The replaceable cartridge is selectively detachable from the pivot member to enable replacement of the cartridge by the user. The term “substantially rigid” is used to describe the fact that the pivot member will not appreciably move (e.g., deflect, translate, etc.) relative to the replaceable cartridge during the loading or unloading of the replaceable cartridge.

Abstract: An apparatus for paring tubular articles (R), especially for plastic tubes, has at least one support unit (10) for supporting the article (R) to be pared, a paring unit (40) which has a paring head (44) with at least one blade assembly (46) and at least one guide assembly (48), and a carrier unit (70) to which the support unit (10) and the paring head unit (40) are held in mutually spaced relationship. The paring head (44) is pivotable about a pivot axis (50) which extends at least approximately perpendicularly to the plane defined by the support unit (10) and the paring unit (40).

Abstract: A housing with elongate chambers for hot dogs and transverse guide channels extending all the way through the chambers, a longitudinal blade assembly having sets of four radially arranged longitudinal blade sections positioned within the chambers and connected to each other so that the blades simultaneously slide longitudinally between a first position and a second position to slice the hot dogs longitudinally into quarters, and a transverse blade assembly having transverse blades that are received in the channels and connected to each other so that the blades simultaneously slide transversely between a first position and a second position to slice the hot dogs transversely into pieces.

Abstract: A deflectable safety shield extends transversely across a cutting plane in a protective guard position completely overlying the cutting edge of a utility knife. A portion of the shield extends over-center with respect to the cutting edge, thereby tending to hold the shield in the guard position in response to contact of the shield against the operator at the normal angle of engagement during follow-through that accompanies rapid slicing hand movements. The shield is resiliently biased for movement to the guard position by a torsion spring. An outwardly-turned flange portion of the shield provides an angularly offset leverage point for reacting the torsion spring when the operator desires to perform a cutting operation. The shield swings away from the cutting plane automatically in response to pressure engagement of the offset flange portion against the box surface, thus exposing the cutting edge.

Abstract: A pair of hairdressing scissors comprises two cutting members pivotally connected together. Each cutting member comprises a handle at a first end thereof and a blade at a second end thereof. A receiving groove is defined in a side of at least one of the handles, and an L-shaped slot is defined in the other side of said at least one of the handles. A connecting block is partially, securely mounted in the receiving groove with an L-shaped portion exposed outside the receiving groove. The L-shaped portion of the connecting block of a pair of hairdressing scissors is releasably engaged with the L-shaped slot of another pair of hairdressing scissors, thereby allowing assembly of plural pairs of hairdressing scissors for proceeding with special haircutting.

Abstract: A reciprocating saw includes a saw blade that is connected to a hand held driver for reciprocating the saw blade to perform a cut. A bit holder and a blade holder is used to provide connection between the saw blade and the handle of the hand held driver. The bit holder includes connecting mechanism for connecting the bit holder to the hand held driver. The blade holder provides a connection between the saw blade and the bit holder. The blade holder includes a holder body and a hex-shaped shank extending rearwardly from the holder body. The shank further includes a first holding mechanism for coupling the holder to the bit holder at the rear end and a second holding mechanism for coupling the saw blade to the holder at the forward end.

Abstract: A compass, comprising a head portion and first and second leg members. Each of the first and second leg members include a first end and a second end, the first end of the first leg member and the first end of the second leg members are rotatably engaged with the head portion at different locations on the head portion. A post member is meshedly engaged with the first end of the first and second leg members, and an adjusting wheel is threadedly engaged with the post member. The rotation of the adjusting member results in a corresponding movement in the post member. The movement of the post member causes a rotation of the first end of the first leg member relative to the second leg member.

Abstract: A lane alignment driving aid includes first and second lane alignment markers. The markers have linear interior edges and are symmetrically spaced about a centerline. The markers are attached to a vehicle windshield and aligned to bracket the first and second edges of a displayed lane marker adhered to a road surface. When the alignment markers are attached to a vehicle windshield so that a driver seated in a vehicle can observe the displayed lane marker adhered to the road surface between the symmetrically spaced edges of the first and second lane alignment markers while driving, the driver will be more easily able to guide the vehicle in parallel proximity to a roadway lane edge. The means for attaching the markers to the vehicle windshield includes a sheet of flexible, transparent material. The material has an inner surface, an outer surface and has the first and second lane alignment markers affixed to either the inner or outer surface.

Abstract: A light weight surveying pole which is of robust and highly accurate construction. The pole may include two or more pole sections which may be screwed together to make a longer pole. Fittings for use in screw-together pole sections are constructed to permit location within mating pole sections prior to application of adhesive for greater precision and maintenance of coincident axes of the pole sections when screwed together. Also, the end faces of the fittings are particularly formed to facilitate complete face-to-face contact and avoid misalignment when the pole sections are connected together.

Abstract: A level includes a level vial device detachably secured to a housing without additional fasteners or tools. A latch is rotatably secured to the housing and has a tongue for selectively engaging with and securing the level vial device to the housing. A seat and a cap are secured to the housing, the latch includes one or more spring legs rotatably secured onto a hub of the cap. The housing includes two side walls engaged with the seat for securing the seat to the plate. One or more bubble vials may further be secured to the plate with two covers.

Abstract: Accelerations of a probe or probe head due to vibrations of a machine during a measuring operation are measured using accelerometers placed in the probe or probe head. The acceleration signals are double integrated to determine the corresponding displacements of the probe or probe head and these are added to the readings of displacement of the machine taken from the machine scales using a data fusion algorithm to correct the scale readings for the vibration of the probe. Both linear and angular accelerations of the probe can be corrected in this way.

Abstract: A gage assembly to measure the diameter of a piece of tubing. The gage assembly is especially configured to take measurements during the extrusion manufacture of the tubing when an eccentricity in the outer diameter of the tubing is present. The gage assembly includes a pair of contact wheels mounted such that the space between them defines a path with a diamond-shaped cross section for the tubing to pass through. Each contact wheel includes cutouts that define a pair of planar contact surfaces that are angularly disposed relative to one another. As the tubing leaves the extruder, it axially passes through the diamond-shaped path, coming in contact with the planar surfaces of the contact wheels.

Abstract: So-called navigation links or navigation references are required in the area of optical three dimensional coordinate measuring techniques in order to be able to compile measured data of expanded objects from individual partial measurements in a mosaic-like manner. Conventional navigation links employ adhesive marks which require investment of time to fixing them onto and then remove them from the object to be measured, or employ structures which are difficult to transport. These disadvantages should be minimized. This is achieved by using a device as a navigation link essentially comprised of a grid-like component on which a plurality of measuring marks and a plurality of connecting elements each having a fastening device are attached.

Abstract: A wallpapering tool is provided generally comprising a main portion and a leg portion. The main portion generally includes a handle and a blade defining a longitudinal axis. The blade is connected at one end to the handle, while the other free end of the blade defines a straight guiding edge. The leg portion is integrally formed with the main portion and projects laterally therefrom to further define the straight guiding edge. In one embodiment, the leg portion is defined solely by the blade. In another embodiment, the handle and blade in combination define the leg portion. The leg portion provides access to the straight guiding edge that would normally be blocked by the blade, the handle, a person's hand holding the took, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A measuring device, such as a ruler, tape measure, etc. includes a first edge defining a first region having a first set of indicia corresponding to a first linear scale, and also includes a second edge defining a second region having a second set of indicia corresponding to a second linear scale. Advantageously, each set of indicia consists of hash marks and corresponding numerical values printed or etched on the measuring device. The first linear scale may be actual, e.g., the indicia are spaced apart and labeled with numerical values that correspond to the actual distance between the indicia, while the second linear scale may be non-actual, e.g., the indicia are not spaced apart and labeled with numerical values that correspond to the actual distance between the indicia, such as a linear scale employed on an engineering or architectural drawing.

Abstract: A heated airflow dryer system for drying granular, crushed, and in particular, sliced fruit and other crops and materials where granules are of at least about one quarter inch diameter or slices are about one quarter inch or more thickness. An integral or removable materials holding container has multiple removable airflow plates configured with airflow channels extending through the container interior connecting an inlet high pressure plenum to a lower pressure outlet plenum of a primary heated airflow circuit. The airflow plates are parallel and uniformly spaced to form vertical or horizontal bays of sufficient width to hold the granules or slices. The primary airflow is directed through the container. An air dryer removes excess moisture in the primary airflow or a secondary airflow circuit, which may incorporate a heat exchanger, exhausts moist air and provides make up air to the primary airflow.

Abstract: The trays (V) are provided with identical vertical spacers (4) which enable the trays to be stacked on top of each other in a centred way, with a suitable spacing betweem them, and enable the various adjacent stacks of trays to be raised and lowered in steps, by means (BM) which act only on the bottom tray of each stack. The sides of the stacks of trays of the kiln are thus free and can be engaged by conveyors (37-37′, 77-77′, 57-57′) of the means provided for the translation of the trays between the stacks, both in the normal operating cycle and in the short operating cycle. However, the lower translation conveyors (24-24′) which transfer the trays from the stack with the unloading station (K2) to that with the loading station (K1) are positioned in the usual way under the stacks of trays and transversely with respect to the trays.