Abstract: A gun sight system includes a front sight and a rear sight providing high shot accuracy and immediate target acquisition. Each sight having light-gathering means functions dependently defining a highly visible aiming point. An elongated light-gathering plastic rod retained on a front sight base member includes a triangular viewing surface. An oval-shaped light-gathering plastic rod, retained within a rear sight housing, includes two triangular shaped viewing surfaces disposed in a V-shaped void of the housing. From a user's perspective three lighted triangular shaped viewing ends of the light-gathering means define an aiming point and provide immediate target acquisition. Multi-colored light-gathering means and the creation of hot-spots further improve the present gun sight system.

Abstract: An animated game decoy which is remotely acutated to simulate normal body activity of the game when feeding. The decoy is driven to move through an alert position, a half alert position and feeding movements.

Abstract: A fish retaining assembly for ice fishing for containing and retaining a fish being reeled in by an angler. The fish retaining assembly for ice fishing includes an elongate tubular member having open top and bottom ends and a passageway extending therethrough and being adapted to be disposed through a hole in ice and being partially disposed in water; and also includes a support assembly including a belt being fastenable about the elongate tubular member, and also including support members being spacedly and hingedly attached to the belt for resting upon the ice and supporting the elongate tubular member in the hole in the ice; and further includes a trap door assembly including a trap door member being pivotally attached to a bottom of the elongate tubular member and being closable over the open bottom end, and also including a trap door moving member being attached to the trap door member for the opening and closing of the trap door member.

Abstract: A hand net frame for the binding of a net to form a hand net, having a main body and a wooden covering layer covering at least one part of the main body, the main body having an annular head and a shaft extended outwards from the periphery of the head at one side, the head having a plurality of string holes for the binding of strings of the net, the head and the shaft being respectively formed of a roll of laminated fiber reinforced plastic sheet materials.

Abstract: A hook setting fishing pole holder including a base having a forward end and having a hollow storage space; a fishing pole holding sleeve fixedly and hingedly attached to the base; a pair of extension springs spanning between the fishing pole holding sleeve and the base; a trip latch assembly oppositely spanning between the fishing pole holding sleeve and the base, the trip latch assembly being responsive to a forward pull upon a fishing pole held by the fishing pole holding sleeve to release the fishing pole holding sleeve for rearward sweeping of the fishing pole; a first ground staple, and apertures within the base adapted for receiving the ground staple for anchoring the base to the ground.

Abstract: A remotely controlled vibrating fishing lure. The lure has a body, a transmitter, a receiver, and a battery operated vibration member controlled by the receiver. The vibrating member may be contained in a fluid tight chamber in the lure body or placed in a housing adjacent the lure body. The transmitter is operable to selectively transmit an electromagnetic radio signal to the receiver to selectively vibrate the fishing lure. A conventional transmitter and receiver may be used, and the vibration member can be of the type traditionally used in telecommunications paging systems. The lure is adapted to float or the receiver antenna is provided with a bobber or other means to retain a portion of the antenna above the water.

Abstract: A process for preparing a phosphorescent lure includes the application of phosphorescent particulate in the form of a curable paint or adhesive applié to the surface of an aquatic lure. The phosphorescent particulate is then exposed to illumination from an ultraviolet light emitting diode flashlight. A commercial package including components and instructions for the use of a phosphorescent lure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A downrigger including a downrigger line and weight supported from a motor powered reel associated with a fishing line and fishing rod with a releasable interconnection between the downrigger line and fishing line so that when the bait connected with the fishing line is taken by a fish, the fishing line will separate from the downrigger line to enable a fisherman to play and reel in the fish in a well known manner. The motor powered reel can pivot between an outboard fishing position, an idle position above a boat cover board or gunwale and an inboard position which enables the reel, motor and associated components of the downrigger to be attached to or removed from the boat. Power is supplied to the powered reel only when the downrigger is in the outboard fishing position. The powered downrigger unit includes a removable cover for the reel, motor and other drive components to prevent accidental contact with these components.

Abstract: An improved fishing lure employing a wire frame having first and second arms that extend in divergent directions with respect to each other. A fish attracting element and a hook are secured to one arm, and a spinner is attached to the other arm. The wire frame is formed of a nickel titanium alloy which provides flexibility and shape memory that are substantially greater than that provided by conventional stainless steel wire whereby when the lure is pulled through water, it has improved fish attracting action.

Abstract: An animal trap for capturing small animals, such as rodents, and birds and a method for using the trap. The trap includes a chamber having side walls, an entrance, and a perforated end wall opposite the entrance; a first platform adjacent the entrance pivotally mounted to the side walls, the first platform providing a path from the entrance; a second platform located away from the entrance pivotally mounted to the side walls and having a first end extending beneath the first platform; and means for holding the first and second platforms in an essentially horizontal position; wherein when an animal passes through the entrance and contacts the second platform, the second platform pivotally deflects and pivotally deflects the second platform wherein the first platform obstructs the entrance and the animal is captured. The means for holding the two platforms in an essentially horizontal position may be a rod or bar which engages part of the trap housing.

Abstract: A booklet used in germination and transplantation for plant material is disclosed. The booklet can easily be sent through regular mail without damaging the plant matter. Delayed germination is available by use of hygroscopic material. The booklet can have multiple trays that are removable for easy transplantation into a pot or garden. The tray can further include an inlet port for water and a water chamber for released germination. Learning material can be included in the booklet, as well as decorative or marketing material. The information in the booklet can be in the form of print, electronic display, stained glass or any other format.

Abstract: A plastic coated steel cable loop (20) is placed over the snake's head and the loop is tightened around the snake's neck. The loop (20) is on the end of a polyvinyl chloride pipe (24) which is about five feet long. The pipe has a smaller pipe (25) inside, which can be moved in and out controlling the size of the loop (20). The operator has control of the captured snake without entering the striking range of the snake. The snake catcher is made of low cost, weather resistant materials and can be stored outside where it can be quickly accessed when needed.

Abstract: A watering device comprises a watering container, a cap, a control knob, and an air tube. The cap is fastened with the water container such that an air inlet of the cap and a channel of a tapered projection of the cap are in communication with the hollow interior of the water container. The tapered projection of the cap is provided with at least one water discharging hole in communication with the air inlet of the cap. The control knob is rotatably fastened with an outer end of the air inlet such that the control knob can be turned to block the air inlet. The air tube is fastened at one end with an inner end of the air inlet such that other end of the air tube is extended into the hollow interior of the water container.

Abstract: A method of delivering cultivated plant embryos including the step of orientating a plurality of plant embryos in a predetermined orientation. Analyzing each of the plurality of embryos according to a predetermined quality criteria to identify qualified embryos. Determining positional measurements of the qualified embryos and positioning a first seed coat relative to the qualified embryos. The method also includes the step of inserting one of the qualified embryos in the seed coat according to the positional measurements of the qualified embryos to minimize damage to and contamination of the qualified embryos.

Abstract: A self-standing display device for displaying flowers or the like includes a base and one or more columns rising from the base. The display device also comprises a number of display units each in the form of a walled vase-like retainer. Connector members are provided to link the or each display unit removably to either the base or to another display unit as appropriate. A connector member engages corresponding bosses on either the base or the other display unit respectively so that a stack of such units can be built up as desired. The or each vase-like retainer, in use, retains its own associated flower and/or display with no inherent limitation on the vase-like retainer size or form.

Abstract: On a spring-biased safety gate, a guard plate is mounted to a gate member with the same hardware that mounts the stop to the gate. The guard plate is preferably formed of plate metal to define a plate mounting area and a pair of guard plates that extend perpendicularly from either side of the plate mounting area. In that way, each of the pair of guard plates extends in a direction parallel to the gate a distance sufficient to shield the mounting hardware behind the guard plate and the stop.

Abstract: Drive system for moving a load along a curved path. The drive system includes a base for mounting the drive system, the base having a curved track for guiding the load along the curved path. There is a load engaging mechanism mounted on the base for movement relative to the base, the load engaging mechanism being for moving the load. The load engaging mechanism has a curved track engaging roller for engaging the curved track. A linear drive mechanism including a linearly driven member is mounted on the base. The linearly driven member includes a driving pivot. A drive link is attached to the driving pivot at a drive force receiving end of the drive link, the drive link including a driven pivot at a drive force communicating end of the drive link. The driven pivot is attached to the load engaging mechanism, whereby linear motion of the driving pivot causes motion of the load along the curved path.

Abstract: A door panel assembly includes a panel with a window regulator mounted on one side and a power mechanism mounted on an opposite side. The panel has a first alignment feature for aligning the window regulator relative to the panel and a second alignment feature for aligning the power mechanism relative to the panel. The first and second alignment features facilitate alignment of the window regulator and the power mechanism to each other. Further, the first and second alignment features allow initial assembly of one of the window regulator or power mechanism components to the panel with a subsequent assembly of the remaining component to the panel without having to hold the first component in place.

Abstract: A self-closing access door for use with external umbilicals in aerospace launch vehicles is provided. The self-closing access door comprises two door panels joined by a spring-loaded hinge, the latter of which is attached to surrounding structure of the vehicle. When an external source is applied to the door panels, the panels are opened such that fluid flow, i.e. air conditioning, may enter the vehicle from the external umbilical. When the external source is removed, the spring-loaded hinge forces the door panels closed. The self-closing access door further comprises latches on each door panel that firmly secure the door panels to the surrounding structure. A cover plate is also provided that includes an outer lip for attachment to the surrounding structure and an inner lip, which is engaged by the latches. The spring-loaded hinge also comprises a door stop that limits the distance that the door panels may be opened.

Abstract: A door lock system for use in commercial restroom establishments. The door lock system is installed on a doorjamb having a swing door. The door lock system primarily comprises a latch assembly, a faceplate assembly, and a stop-plate assembly. The latch assembly comprises a support bracket having a channel, which is mounted on the interior face of the doorjamb. A slide bolt slides within the channel by a handle and through the faceplate assembly, when operated by a user. To lock the swing door, it is closed against the stop-plate assembly, which is mounted onto the exterior face of the doorjamb, and the slide bolt is positioned snugly over the interior face of the swing door, thus locking the swing door in place.

Abstract: A window jamb component assembly mountable in the jambs of a double hung window for cooperative engagement with the sash assemblies thereof. The component assembly includes a longitudinally elongated jamb liner having upper and lower segments comprising a pair of channel guides spaced apart by a profiled web. The profiled web defines sequentially aligned recesses, namely an inner weather stripping recess, a jamb filler recess and an outer weather stripping recess. A jamb filler, held by the jamb filler recess, provides a uniformly clad surface for the jambs to match the appearance of the trim of the double hung window. Frame weather stripping for sealingly engaging the sash assemblies of the double hung window is deployed and held in the inner and outer weather stripping recesses. Such assembly provides a visually pleasing finish for the window jambs, while providing improved cooperation between the window jamb and the sash assemblies.

Abstract: A jamb protection system that may be installed to jambs to reduce damage to the jamb or injury to persons working around jambs. Force absorbing and disseminating elements help to spread and transmit forces applied to the jamb protection system.

Abstract: An elevator door sill assembly for use in elevator systems that have sliding doors. The door sill assembly comprises a sill plate, a support sill located below the sill plate having a rail that presents an inboard sliding surface and an outboard sliding surface. The assembly also comprises a first guiding surface that engages that inboard sliding surface and a second guiding surface that engages the outboard sliding surface. The assembly prevents that bottom of the elevator door from swinging while the door slides opened and closed. The sill assembly and guide system may be used with either hoistway doors or elevator car doors.

Abstract: A U-shaped insert for a weather strip includes a plurality of segments, which are spaced apart by a predetermined interval. Adjacent pairs of the segments are attached together by a pair of coupling members. The coupling members of each pair of the segments are substantially parallel to one another. Acutely angled corners are formed by each coupling member and the segments to which it is attached. The acutely angled corners include notches, which are cylindrical and extend into the associated segment. This permits deformation of the insert, while the insert resists tensile deformation.

Abstract: A weather strip includes an attachment base (10) and a hollow seal portion (30). The hollow seal portion (30) is integrally moulded with the outer wall (11) of the attachment base (10), and it makes a resilient contact with the door (42) when the door (42) of a vehicle is closed. The hollow seal portion (30) has a first wall (31), second wall (32), third wall (33), fourth wall (34) and bridge (35). The bridge (35) is spanned between the second wall (32) and the fourth wall (34). The hollow seal portion (30) includes bending points which bend when the door (42) is closed. The bending points include a connection part (51) formed between the second wall (32) and the third wall (33), a connection part (52) formed between the third wall (33) and the fourth wall (34), and a connection part (53) formed between the first wall (31) and the fourth wall (34).

Abstract: A modular and versatile food and beverage service bar requiring minimum storing space and enabling service of large number of people in social and theme events and readily changeable to meet variety of décor needs, includes a plurality of full sections, each section includes three spaced U-shaped box support members having an upper horizontal member, an upright vertical member and a lower horizontal member, a rigid top plate secured to the upper members, a pair of trim bands secured to the upright vertical members and sandwiching a front panel against and generally covering the upright vertical members, and fasteners in the form of bolts and nuts to couple these components together. Another embodiment of the present invention is a half section including a pair of spaced support members as well as a rigid top plate, a pair of bands and a front bendable panel.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for lifting and leveling an existing building from a position underneath the existing building. At least a first non-cylindrical support section having a substantially rectangular shape and first and second ends is located within the earth at a position underneath the existing building. A vertically-adjustable cap is placed in contact with the second end of the first non-cylindrical support section. A jack is disposed on an upper surface of a lower side of the cap and raised until an upper surface of an upper side of the cap is exerting pressure against the foundation of the existing building. The jack is then raised, thereby raising the cap, until the foundation has been raised to a desired height. The cap is the locked so that it will not move in the vertical directions and the jack is lowered and removed. If the building subsequently needs to be re-leveled, raised or lowered, the cap can be unlocked and vertically adjusted to an appropriate height.

Abstract: A method for controlling the spread of kudzu utilizes vertical, or near vertical, smooth surfaces which do not provide a horizontal step for continued vertical growth of kudzu. Accordingly, a clear zone may be established mechanically or otherwise and guards placed intermediate the kudzu and an area to be protected wherein when the vines contact the guards, they are unable to unsupportedly span the guard to continue upward growth and then into the protected area.

Abstract: A drainage mat and mortar blocker system including a panel and polymeric drainage mat which includes protrusions on the front side and indentations on the back side of the mat. A filter fabric is affixed to the side of the mat containing the protrusions. The top portion of the back side of the drainage mat is affixed to the panel and the bottom portion of the mat is folded upward so as to form a U-shape. The U-shape is held in place by connections extending from the back side of the bottom portion of the drainage mat and into the front side of the drainage mat.

Abstract: An adjustable post stabilization support device that includes a multiple sided post receiving sleeve having oppositely disposed pairs of extensible ground engagement leg assemblies thereon. Locking cam levers securing the sleeves on said posts with the extensible leg assemblies being hinged to the bottom of the sleeve. Each of the leg assemblies is independently adjustable and has a ground engagement foot on its extensible portion. Vertical orientation provided for alignment of the sleeve and associated post by two horizontal planes.

Abstract: A rollable ridge vent includes an elongated panel having a pair of opposite ends and a pair of opposite sides, a plurality of first baffles depending from the panel and arranged to form a pair of first rows adjacent the sides of the panel, a plurality of second baffles depending from the panel and arranged to form a pair of second rows adjacent and at least partially overlapping the first baffles, with the first and second baffles being spaced from one another to provide a plurality of drainage spaces therebetween, a plurality of third baffles depending from the panel that are arranged in a sinusoidal pattern and disposed between the second rows of second baffles, and in which the ridge vent further includes a seal member at each end of the panel, with a generally triangular dowel formed in one of the seal members and a lug having a generally triangular socket with a constricted throat formed in the opposite seal member, the dowels and sockets being co-operable with corresponding dowels and sockets formed on

Abstract: A modular tile and modular tile system is disclosed. The modular tile includes a base structure having a generally horizontal portion. Floor support members are positioned on a bottom surface of the generally horizontal portion. Upper column members extend above the horizontal portion of the modular tile. A cover is supported by the upper column members a distance above the horizontal portion thereby creating a chamber between the horizontal portion and the cover. The chamber is adapted to receive cabling therein.

Abstract: A utility panel system is provided for open office spaces, and the like. Each utility panel has a relatively thick, skeleton-like frame, with a foot and opposite sides shaped for interconnection with like panel frames to create a substantially freestanding utility panel system. Cover panels are detachably connected to the opposite faces of each panel frame to enclose the same, and provide ready access to the panel interior. Horizontal utility troughs extend continuously between the opposite sides of each panel frame in a vertically stacked relationship. The utility troughs have open ends located at the opposite panel sides, and are positioned such that when adjacent utility panels are interconnected in a side-by-side relationship, the utility troughs are aligned to form multiple raceways. Panel connectors are provided to connect the utility panels with one or more of a variety of existing partition panels, such that the utility panels act as a spine which supplies utilities to the existing partition panels.

Abstract: A shelter has a frame assembly (12), and a roof assembly (14) and flexible sidewall assembly (16) releasably connected thereto. The frame assembly (12) has a plurality of upright frame members (18) laterally spaced relative to each other, and a plurality of lateral frame members (20) extending laterally between and interconnecting the upright frame members (18). The flexible sidewall assembly (16) has a first sidewall frame (22), a second sidewall frame (24), and at least one flexible sidewall (26) connected at one end to the first sidewall frame (22) and connected at another end to the second sidewall frame (24) and extending therebetween. The flexible sidewall assembly (16) further has at least one tensioning device (68) connected to the flexible sidewall (26) for securing it in a taut condition to the frame assembly (12).

Abstract: An anchorage for a post-tension system including an anchor body having an interior cavity and a generally flat end surface, a tendon extending through the interior cavity of the anchor body, a plurality of wedges in interference-fit relationship between a wall of the interior cavity and a surface of the tendon, a cap member positioned outwardly of the flat end surface, and a ring juxtaposed against the inner surface of the cap member. The ring is physically deformed so as to provide a visual indication of a desired amount of tension applied to the tendon. The ring is received within an annular slot formed in the flat end surface of the anchor body.

Abstract: A strip of polymer material is used as a corner bead or drywall tape. In a preferred application, the location, i.e. a joint, where two pieces of drywall meet are sprayed with an adhesive and the strip is put in place over the joint. Then, drywall compound is placed over the strip and finished by a drywall finisher. Perforations, depressions and knurling on the strip allow drywall compound to form, when dry, a mechanical bond to the strip at the joint. The material used to make the strip is preferably a mineral filled polymer, such as talc-filled polypropylene, which is inexpensive and lightweight. The adhesive applied to the joint is preferably one which is specially formulated to bond to polypropylene. The strip is initially extruded into a flat form and a crease is imparted to the center of the strip. This allows the strip to be carried in a compact, rolled form.

Abstract: A corner piece includes a first group of vertically stacked walls and a second group of vertically stacked walls is provided. Each wall in the first and second groups includes an exterior face and an interior face and a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge opposite the first lateral edge. The first group and second groups meet at a common corner defined by the first lateral edges. The exterior faces collectively include an ornamental appearance containing a plurality of vertically stacked shingle impressions. The second lateral edges of the walls in at least one of the groups are staggered in width relative to the common corner, wherein the shingle impressions of the at least one group overlap at least a portion of the siding panels when the siding panels and the corner piece are fastened to the structure.

Abstract: A bonded swimming pool ladder anchor socket includes a substantially hollow metal housing of substantially cylindrical configuration. The housing is embedded in concrete adjacent the swimming pool with the top of the housing being open and adapted to receive the cylindrically shaped base of a swimming pool ladder for supporting the ladder. The bottom of the housing is at least partially closed to act as a stop to prevent downward movement of said ladder base beyond said bottom. An electrical bonding clamp is carried by the housing on the outer surface thereof and is adapted to securely clamp an electrical bonding conductor in order to provide an electrical bond for the housing and for the ladder. The bonding clamp includes a fixed seat for supporting the conductor and a movable screw threaded through the lower wall of a chamber located above the seat. The screw includes a head at the top thereof which is adapted to be turned by a screw driver in order to move the screw toward or away from the conductor.

Abstract: An aesthetic security doorway is made up of a door with a support structure and a number of crossbars which are shaped and arranged to take on an aesthetically pleasing design, and a doorframe surrounding the door with ornamentation that continues the design of the door onto the doorframe so as to form a unitary decorative image. The crossbars and ornamentation can convey a variety of suitable design themes, such as palm tree branches and fronds, or vines and leaves. Also disclosed is a method for concealing a security door by arranging a number of crossbars on the door to form a decorative design, and providing ornamentation on the surrounding doorframe to continue the design of the door onto the doorframe.

Abstract: A panel door construction and a method of making it are disclosed, and the method relates to the provision of a generally rectangular board and cutting panel receiving openings in it. Beading strips are then secured to both faces of the board surrounding the openings, for clamping the marginal edges of a set of panels therebetween within the respective openings.

Abstract: A construction element having a card like structure and which can be used to build three dimensional structures, the construction element having upper and lower marginal edges, side marginal edges, first and second upper tabs, first and second lower tabs, and a upper recess formed in an upper marginal edge and a lower recess formed in a lower marginal edge, the lower recesses being designed to receive the lower tabs and upper recesses being designed to receive the upper tabs.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a portable floor comprised of interlocking floor panels which may be used for dancing, theatrical productions, musical performances, trade shows, and other settings where it is desirable to have a firm wooden floor surface. The disclosed invention enables a single person to install or disassemble the portable floor. It eliminates the need for storing any additional hardware to connect the panels to one another. No special tools are required to assemble or disassemble a floor. The floor is easy to assemble. Once the portable floor is assembled each panel is locked at two different places, thus firmly connecting the floor together. Panels may be added as desired to increase the size of the floor.

Abstract: A structural panel component, such as an aircraft fuselage shell component, includes a single integral part having longitudinal and crosswise stiffening elements integrally arranged on a skin sheet. This integral component has been formed by a high speed milling chip removal process applied to a solid plate-shaped semi-finished starting material. The skin sheet has areas of differing thicknesses, and the height, thickness, and spacing of the stiffening elements varies as needed, depending on the local loading conditions that will prevail on the finished structural component. The configuration of the component can be optimized to minimize the weight while satisfying all load strength requirements. The manufacturing method is very simple and economical.

Abstract: A concrete reinforcing bar support having a base, a support structure extending upwardly from the base and having a channel formed at an upper surface thereof, a first clamping structure affixed to the support structure on one side of the channel, and a second clamping structure affixed to the support structure on an opposite side of the channel. A first rebar extends through the channel. A second rebar is retained by the first and second clamping structures in a direction transverse to the first rebar.

Abstract: A concrete reinforcing bar support having a base, a support structure extending upwardly from the base and having a channel formed at an upper surface thereof, a first clamping structure affixed to the support structure on one side of the channel, and a second clamping structure affixed to the support structure on an opposite side of the channel. Each of the clamping structures has a curved element extending inwardly therefrom. A first rebar extends through the channel. A second rebar is retained by the first and second clamping structures in a direction transverse to the first rebar.

Abstract: Compressive and tensile structural elements having an enclosure with walls surrounding a cavity. A non-compressible material is disposed in the cavity. The walls are shaped such that a force tending to compress or elongate the element by a first deflection causes an amplified second deflection of the walls into the non-compressible material. The second deflection exerts a compressive force against the non-compressible material, resulting in a resistance to the first deflection and the force tending to compress or elongate the structural element. The walls of the elements are configured for optimum rigidity and/or optimum damping. Structural beams and motion impartation devices utilize the structural elements to provide lightweight rigidity and/or damping.

Abstract: An elongate edging strip for trimming the edges of building panels such as tiles comprises an extruded profile made from a vinylaromatic homopolymer or copolymer. The profile comprises a leg section (1), intended to locate under the building panel and an upstanding section (2), both of solid material. The upstanding section (2) is turned inwards to form a groove containing a fillet (7) of foamed material. In an alternative aspect, a method of making an elongate edging strip is described, said method comprising extruding a profile comprising a base section and two spaced upstanding sections, forming a longitudinal line of weakness in the base section, and breaking the profile apart at said line of weakness to form two edging strips.

Abstract: A thermally insulating window is provided having at least two glass panes having a space therebetween and at least one frame-shaped spacing member secured to the at least two glass panes within that space.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for placing sleeves on conveyed articles, said sleeves being cut-off from a continuous sheath (13) passing over a floating type sheath-opening shaper (20). According to the invention, the wheels (30, 31) for lowering the sheath and the wheels (32, 33) for ejecting the cut-off sheath segment (15) are rotated by associated electric motors (41; 42, 43) controlled synchronously by a common electronic programmer (50) arranged to determine a continuous profile of speed variation so as to control the lowering of each sheath segment, said programmer including at least one control card (55) which co-operates with an adjacent encoder (47) mounted at the end of a shaft (46) rotated by a central motor and gearbox unit (40, 45). The synchronization obtained makes it possible to envisage very high rates of throughput while using sleeves of a diameter that is hardly greater than the maximum diameter of the articles.

Abstract: A loading apparatus for loading a strip of a soft material into a container includes a sleeve member rotatable among first, second and third angular positions. First cylinder unit for pushing the strip of the soft material into the sleeve member at the first angular position. Second cylinder unit for compressing the strip of the soft material in the sleeve member at the second angular position. And a third cylinder unit for pushing the compressed form of the soft material into the container.