Abstract: A knock-down greenhouse that without difficulty can be assembled or disassembled. The greenhouse structure includes a rectangular enclosure having an angled roof, all of whose walls are defined by interlocked modules. Each module consists of a transparent pane mounted on a frame whose branches are profiled to facilitate interlocking. Adjacent modules are interlocked at the junctions of their contiguous branches by a coupling rail that engages these branches.

Abstract: A protective heat absorbing and heat reflective covering material for turf or lawn use comprising an open mesh weave of scrim material, the mesh having warp and weft strips forming a substantially thin layer having opposed major surfaces, where at least one of the warp or weft strip materials is a heat absorbing or heat reflecting material, and at least one of the major surfaces of the scrim material has a discontinuous coating having heat reflecting or heat absorbing properties opposite to that of the warp and or weft strip, the discontinuous coating thereon at least partially covering the surface.

Abstract: A method of improving germination rate in pesticide-treated plant seeds involves forming a pesticide-free polymer coating on a plant seed before treating the seed with a pesticide, where the type of polymer and the coating thickness are designed to block phytotoxic contact of the pesticide with the seed while allowing sufficient transfer of oxygen to maintain the seed's viability and sufficient transfer of moisture under environmental conditions normally encountered by the seed after planting to enable its germination; and then treating the coated plant seed with a pesticide. Seeds that have been treated by this method, and plants that are grown from the treated seeds are also described.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for the mechanical separation of cuttings from a (plant) branch, having a carrier for a branch which is to be processed, a conveyor track, which interacts therewith, for presenting a branch, which is supported by a carrier, to an imaging unit, which is used to determine the position of an axil with side branch of a presented branch with respect to a reference and which supplies this position-representative information to a separation device for separating a cutting, the conveyor track being an endless track having as its starting point the location where the branch is presented to the carrier and as its end point the location where the branch is assessed, while the controlled separation device comprises a reduction and clamping mechanism which can be adjusted both in a vertical plane and in a horizontal plane and cuts the assessed branch firstly at a lower level with respect to the axil and then an upper level with respect to the axil.

Abstract: The invention relates to disposing of unwanted waste waters produced from purifying water. The methods of the present invention include applying waste water containing 0.15% by weight of the salts of Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cl, SO4, and CO3 and mixtures thereof to soil to control dust, effect soil stabilization, seal ponds, inhibit root rot, and irrigate soil. The invention also relates to the utilization of waste waters within cooling towers and for laundry applications.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for forming a flower pot cover with an indented ring portion to retain the flower pot cover on the flower pot. The apparatus includes a male and female die. The female die has a plurality of fingers movable radially into an opening of the female die. The male die has a recess formed between the lower end and the upper end and adapted to receive the fingers of the female die to form the indented ring portion of the flower pot cover when the sheet of material is pressed between the female die and the male die.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for forming a decorative covering about a flower pot or a floral grouping, wherein the decorative covering has a graphic image that is prominently displayed on a selected portion of the decorative covering. The graphic image may be a masterpiece of art produced by one of the Great Masters of the Renaissance, at least a portion of a musical score, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of packaging floral groupings in self cooling modified atmosphere packages.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fuel reforming apparatus for producing a carbon-monoxide free reformed fuel gas comprising hydrogen. More particularly, this invention relates to nonthermal plasma reactors for removing carbon monoxide from a reformed fuel gas produced from a fuel containing bonded atoms of hydrogen exiting a reformer. More particularly, this invention relates to nonthermal plasma reactors for reforming a fuel containing bonded atoms of hydrogen into a reformed fuel gas. This invention relates further to hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells, which comprise a fuel reformer for reforming a fuel into a reformed fuel gas comprising hydrogen, a carbon monoxide remover for removing carbon monoxide in the reformed fuel gas and supplying the reformed fuel gas to the fuel cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalytic process for the continuous production of carbon monoxide-free hydrogen from methane or methane-rich hydrocarbons using a solid catalyst comprising at least one group VIII metal in two parallel catalytic reactors.

Abstract: A railroad crossing gate assembly is provided that includes a gate arm adapter, which is pivotally mounted to allow a lowered gate arm to rotate away from a generally perpendicular force in a generally horizontal plane either toward or away from a railroad crossing. The gate arm mechanism further includes multiple interchangeable spring assemblies that generate a return force to bring a displaced gate arm back to its normal operating position, and at least two latch hook assemblies for selectively latching the gate arm in its normal position and controlling the rate of return of the gate arm from a displaced position through application of a pivotally leveraged force to a braking surface.

Abstract: An emergency escape door device includes a primary door panel having an entrance formed in an inner peripheral surface inclined between a greater peripheral side contour a smaller peripheral side contour, and an auxiliary door panel pivotally secured to the primary door panel to selectively enclose the entrance of the primary door panel and having an inclined outer peripheral surface to mate with the inclined inner peripheral surface of the primary door panel. The auxiliary door panel may be disengaged from the primary door panel in such as an earthquake.

Abstract: A dual casement window structure includes a frame, a casement window, an outward opening window leaf and a latch mechanism. The frame is mounted in a wall of the room, and is provided with rails. The casement window is movably attached on the casement frame in a manner to slide along the rails. The casement window has a mounting section on its outer side where is mounted the outwardly opening window leaf. The outward opening window leaf has a plurality of supporting means to support the outward opening window leaf when the outward opening window leaf is pushed outwardly. A hinge is further mounted at an upper portion of the outward opening window leaf to pivotally connect to the casement window.

Abstract: A polishing pad of the present invention contains a water-insoluble matrix material comprising a crosslinked polymer such as a crosslinked 1,2-polybutadiene and water-soluble particles dispersed in the material, such as saccharides. The solubility of the water-soluble particles in water is 0.1 to 10 wt % at 25° C., and the amount of water-soluble particles eluted from the pad when the pad is immersed in water is 0.05 to 50 wt % at 25° C. Further, in the polishing pad of the present invention, the solubility of the water-soluble particles in water is 0.1 to 10 wt % at 25° C. at a pH of 3 to 11, and solubility thereof in water at 25° C. at a pH of 3 to 11 is within ±50% of solubility thereof in water at 25° C. at a pH of 7. In addition, the water-soluble particles contain an amino group, an epoxy group, an isocyanurate group, and the like.

Abstract: A device for protecting an eaves trough wherein the eaves trough has an arcuate generally U-shaped cross sectional profile, the device comprising a guard member having an elongated configuration with a generally planar central portion and first and second longitudinally extending sides on either side of the generally planar central portion, a plurality of apertures extending through the generally planar central portion, the first side of the guard member having a concave section designed to abut a rolled section of the eaves trough, and a second side of the guard member having an upwardly extending wall segment designed to abut a rear portion of the eaves trough. The device and eaves trough may be secured by placing a fastening member through the rear upper wall of the eaves trough and a second side of the guard member.

Abstract: A gusset anchoring assembly for anchoring the roof frame of a building to its foundation, such as a concrete slab and having a lower rod affixed to the foundation and an upper extension rod disposed adjacent the truss of the roof frame. A modified U-shaped bracket hangs from the gusset and is secured thereto by mechanical fasteners. The upper end of the extension rod is secured to a horizontal ledge formed on the bracket.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention employ a modular room including a plurality of modular room components (e.g., anchor assemblies, upright assemblies, etc.). These anchor assemblies and upright assemblies can take different forms permitting assembly of a modular room or modular structure in different manners, and in some cases provide for interchangeable interior and exterior wall panels and components. In some embodiments, a bracket assembly is coupled to an substantially vertical elongated upright for improved strength and stability. Preferably, the anchor assembly has a base plate with at least one edge at an angle with respect to the rest of the base plate for additional strength. If desired, the vertical position of the upright with respect to the base plate can be adjusted. In some embodiments, one or more overhead trusses are used to stabilize the walls of a modular room.

Abstract: A structure having a first semi-rigid surface with a first curved edge, the first semi-rigid surface adapted to be rotatably secured to a reference to permit the first semi-rigid surface to assume a first position and a second position, and a first joint structure spanning the first semi-rigid surface to permit the first semi-rigid surface to be folded when in the first position and unfolded when in the second position. The structure includes a second semi-rigid surface having a second curved edge, the second semi-rigid surface adapted to be rotatably secured to the reference to permit the second semi-rigid surface to assume a first position and a second position. The first and second semi-rigid surfaces are joined together at their first and second curved edges by a second joint structure adapted to permit the first and second semi-rigid surfaces to fold approximately together when the first and second semi-rigid surfaces are in their first positions.

Abstract: A building block that is releasably attachable to another block of compatible design by wedging the tongue of one block into the groove of another block, without the need for any intermediate adhesives, bonding materials or any other means of holding the blocks together. The block includes a body, an outwardly-extending tapered tongue, and two inner surfaces that form a tapered groove therebetween. The tongue and groove have substantially the same taper. The top of the tongue is wider than the bottom of the groove. The base of the tongue is wider than the opening of the groove. A tongue and groove joint is also disclosed as well as methods for forming a tongue and groove joint. A base which includes a plurality of spaced-apart tongues and grooves is provided for use in supporting a plurality of building blocks thereon.

Abstract: An inertial mass motion seismic power converter with single or multi-axis sensitivity, the output being used as a power or control input to the seismic protection system of a building or bridge, or other base-isolated or non-isolated structure. The power converter has an inertially free floating mass or piston in a chamber or hydraulic cylinder. The power converter is connected to at least one servomechanism or slave device that either facilitates relative motion of a base-isolated structure as to ground, or moves a counter motion mass in the structure in opposition to the seismic motion. The power converter is buried in the earth near the protected structure so it is reactive only to seismic motion. The size and density of the power converter mass is directly proportional to the amount of seismic energy that can be converted for protecting structures from seismic damage.

Abstract: An apparatus for anchoring a device or for carrying articles on a device includes a ring structure and at least one container attached to the ring structure. The ring structure includes a container holder and a shaft holder. The at least one container is attached to the ring structure via the container holder.

Abstract: This invention relates to a non-slip structure, which is highly efficient in preventing a slip with no trouble caused by a through hole, thereby enhancing reliability.

Abstract: The invention relates to ion channel arrays, method of producing such an array, including the primer sets and kits comprising the ion channel array. The invention also relates to a subset of methods for the evaluation of ion channel expression profiles using the ion channel array such as expression profile of a certain biological material, several biological materials and to identify therapeutic, prophylactic and/or toxic agents involved either directly or indirectly in the response of the ion channel expression.

Abstract: A universal stud for use with demountable wall partitions and demountable ceiling panels is provided. A base having a first end and a second end is provided. The base has sufficient structure for removably engaging a demountable wall partition and/or a demountable ceiling panel. A plurality of arms extend from the base. Two arms and the base define a channel for receiving either the demountable wall partition or the demountable ceiling panel. The universal stud can be oriented vertically to accept a demountable wall partition, or, can be oriented horizontally to receive either the demountable wall partition or the demountable ceiling panel.

Abstract: Assembly of a coupling profile, a number of pairs of wall elements to be connected to each other and a cover profile for the coupling profile. The wall elements to be connected can be coupled in pairs by means of the coupling profile. The cover profile can be coupled with the coupling profile. The cover profile is situated on the other side of the coupling profile than the side of the coupling profile where the wall elements meet.

Abstract: An insulation panel for a poured concrete wall and a method of constructing an insulated concrete wall provide a pre-finished concrete wall structure that is ready for drywall installation and/or direct mounting of heavy objects such as cabinets or the like. The insulation panel includes a rigid structural substrate sheet, an insulation sheet secured to the rigid substrate sheet in substantially overlapping relationship, and a plurality of anchor members projecting from the insulation sheet, the anchor members being configured to be securely anchored in a poured concrete wall.

Abstract: A leather tile having a first face, a second face, side edges and a hole. In particular, hole has a desired shape and extends between first face and second face of tile. Also a plurality of holes, of desired shape, which define scripts, decorations, designs, etc., can be made, as well as no holes at all. The hole is filled with hardened resin in order to show, on first face, a portion of resin matching the hole same. The hardened resin extends from first face to second face up to lining completely the lower surface thereof. The resulting tile comprises a leather layer to which a layer of plastic resin of a certain thickness is integral and allows one to level the lower surface of leather layer and to level the overall thickness.

Abstract: A column mounted shoring bracket has a support sub-assembly attached to a column or other supporting surface, a jack sub-assembly attached to the support and a head sub-assembly attached to a part of the jack that varies in height relative to the support. The head has a head base that supports one or more rollers for moving a form. The head also has a supporting plate for supporting the form. The supporting plate is connected to the head base so that it may be slid upwards and fixed in a position where the top of the supporting plate is above the top of the rollers, for example to carry the weight of a slab being built, or slid downwards so that the top of the supporting plate is below the top of the rollers which do not have to carry the weight of the slab being built. The angular position of the rollers may be aligned with an external reference such as the side of a column, a wall, or a jig.

Abstract: An improved, lightweight, portable, and self-contained concrete form for fabricating tilt-up concrete walls is provided. The form includes a frame made from metal frame members joined at their ends with the frame members forming the sides of the frame. The frame members may be channel shaped with their channels facing inwardly. A reinforcing mat comprising an array of crisscrossed rebars is disposed within the frame and is held in place with a plurality of brackets on the ends of at least some of the rebars and welded to respective frame members. The rebar mat is sized to be positioned in the mid portion of the frame and the brackets on the ends of the rebars are slid outwardly into and attached to the frame members by spot welding. The brackets are then spot welded to the ends of their rebars to form a rigid, lightweight concrete frame.

Abstract: Connectors configured for providing composite wall structures with high composite action. In one embodiment, the connectors comprise a body having two spaced-apart sidewalls and a web portion extending therebetween, having a thickness that is less than the diameter or width of the sidewalls in the same dimension. The body also includes a tapered end comprising a single elongate edge or a plurality of spaced-apart edges or pointed ends at one end for facilitating penetration of the connector through layers of the composite wall during manufacture. An orienting protrusion orients the connector at a predetermined depth within the layers of the composite wall during manufacture. One or more structures anchoring anchor the connectors of the invention to layers of structural material placed on opposing sides of an insulation layer of the composite wall.

Abstract: A grid system for torsion spring mounting of aluminum-framed panels is provided which includes a plurality of main grid beams and spacer bars. The main grid beams support a side load mounting clip formed with a slot in the side of the side load mounting clip to engage a torsion spring held by a spring retainer clip such that the panel is supported by the torsion spring. Disengagement of the torsion springs lowers the panels and permits access to the ceiling grid system above the panel members. In a preferred embodiment, the panel has a multifaceted profile including an edge surface that abuts a corresponding edge surface on an adjacent panel. The peripheral edges of the adjacent panel members diverge above the abutting edge surfaces to accommodate either the alignment fin or the tab of the tile stop and diverge below the abutting edge surfaces to form a reveal.

Abstract: A novel structural thermal framing and panel system for assembling finished or unfinished walls with multiple combinations for poured and nonpoured walls comprising of a permanent structural framing stud which can be adjusted to different wall thickness, a plurality of permanent forms, wherein the pluralities of permanent forms are interchangeable with various other permanent panel forms with or without defined spaces for receiving filler, and wherein the framing stud substantially conforms to a portion of the pluralities of panel forms and resists bending in the panel forms. The framing stud is the main structural element in the wall. A structural framing system in combination with insulated panel forms with various defined spaces for receiving filler, and wherein panels may not be prefinished to form a rigid substrate.

Abstract: Elongate bodies for use in providing architectural and structural features in pre-cast panels are provided. The elongate bodies may comprise a cross-section comprising a set portion, a hinged portion, and a hinge. The set portion and the hinged portion are configured to define an engagement. The hinge couples the set portion and the hinged portion such that the hinged portion is movable about the hinge to an engaged state and disengaged state. Methods of using the elongate bodies to form pre-cast panels are provided, and pre-cast panel forming systems are provided. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that is will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A retaining wall with a series of differently sized, pre-formed blocks. Each block includes a projection and a recess, with the projection and recess arranged and configured so that each projection effectively engages a recess in an adjacent course to connect and align adjacent courses in registry. Retaining walls made of horizontal blocks may be stacked in columnar fashion or running bond fashion. The location of the indexing surface on a projection relative to the viewable surface of the block may be varied to enable adjacent courses to be coplanar or tiered in a variety of predetermined offset distances.

Abstract: A truss system wherein the structural components and fixtures are formed from light gauge metal. The trusses are fabricated from roll formed truss chord members and truss web members. The truss chord members are roll formed to have a generally U-shaped cross-section with a base and two substantially parallel legs with recessed web attachment faces and outwardly extending stiffening flanges to improve structural capacity thus improving the strength-to-weight ratio of the chord member and minimizing costs. The truss web members are formed by nesting two roll formed C-shaped members to form a web member which is box-shaped in cross section. The web members provide the structural advantages of a box-shaped member and the ease and flexibility of a roll formed member.

Abstract: A truss system wherein the structural components and fixtures are formed from light gauge metal. The trusses are fabricated from roll formed truss chord members and truss web members. The truss chord members are roll formed to have a generally U-shaped cross-section with a base and two substantially parallel legs with recessed web attachment faces and outwardly extending stiffening flanges to improve structural capacity thus improving the strength-to-weight ratio of the chord member and minimizing costs. The truss web members are formed by nesting two roll formed C-shaped members to form a web member which is box-shaped in cross section. The web members provide the structural advantages of a box-shaped member and the ease and flexibility of a roll formed member.

Abstract: An anchor system is disclosed in which one or more anchoring devices are used to secure a first member, such as a door frame, to a second member, such as a wall. The anchoring devices include a base platform and an attachment wall for attachment to a second member, such as a structural support member. First and second end walls of the anchoring device are formed at ends of the base platform. An engagement is provided on the base platform or elsewhere for connection of one anchoring device to another. The anchor system is connectable so that one of the first or second walls of one of the anchoring devices defines a first end of the anchor system, and the other of the first or second walls of a connected anchoring device defines a second end of the anchor system. The first and second ends of the anchor system define a width of the anchor system, for engagement with first members of varying widths.

Abstract: Brackets for interconnecting building components. One bracket embodiment is constructed to connect a pair of substantially perpendicular building components so as to allow relative vertical movement between those components and may include a first connector plate and a second connector plate. The first and second connector plates may be integrally connected at a right angle so as to form a right angled juncture. A plurality of stiffener channels may be disposed in the right angle juncture. The bracket may further include a plurality of substantially linear stiffener channels formed in the first connector plate. One or more elongated slots may be provided in the second connector plate. In another embodiment, one or more rows of holes are provided in the connector plate. The elongated slots or rows of holes may be located in one or more recessed stiffener regions. A score line and/or dimples may be provided in the first connector plate for locating fasteners.

Abstract: Cementitious exterior sheathing products are provided which include a rigid support member affixed to a cementitious layer. The rigid support member includes at least one nailing flange disposed along one of its lateral sides for allowing the sheathing product to be affixed to an exterior wall of a building. Preferred mechanical and adhesive bonding techniques are suggested for combining the cementitious layer and rigid support member together to form an integrated product. Such products are lighter in weight and are more crack resistant than currently available fiber cement trim boards.

Abstract: A tube frame fixing structure comprises two cambered plates and tube frames. Each cambered plates has positioning holes without threads or a plurality of round grooves having threads on an inner wall thereof. Each tube frame has a plurality of through holes; the through holes of the tube frames, positioning holes and round grooves of the first and second cambered plate being aligned. A plurality of studs having threads are used to lock the two cambered plates and two tube frames. At first, each stud enters into one through hole of the tube frame. Then the stud enters into the round groove of one selected cambered plate of the two cambered plates to reach the positioning hole of the other cambered plate to resist against one wall of the tube frame. The stud moves forwards continuously so that the selected cambered plate will resist against the wall of the tube frame due to the interaction of the threads of the stud and round groove of the selected cambered plate.

Abstract: Compressive and tensile structural elements are disclosed 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 utilizing the structural elements to provide lightweight rigidity and/or damping are also disclosed. Another aspect of the present invention are methods of fabricating the structural beams.

Abstract: In the case of a process for manufacturing a trim or profiled surround, made of a polymer material, on a window, the downwards-facing edge region of which bears on a moulding bed, the mould surface of which constitutes an extension of the surface of the window beyond its perimeter, the polymer material being placed over at least a portion of the perimeter of that surface of the pane lying at the top in such a way that a profiled surround is produced, with defined external dimensions and with a smooth transition, on the surface of the pane lying at the bottom, projecting beyond the perimeter of the window and bounded by the mould surface of the moulding bed, which surround also covers the edge face projecting from the moulding bed, means are used, according to the invention, to prevent adhesion of the profiled surround to the edge face of the window projecting from the moulding bed.

Abstract: A method of forming a portion of a monolithic concrete building provides for two-dimensional support of horizontally extensive portions of the building at all times and thus reduces the strength required of the vertically extensive supports. The method employs flanged wall members having horizontal extents substantially equal to the selected room size. Each of the wall members has at least one flange extending horizontally towards a parallel facing wall member by about ten to twenty five percent of the intramural separation between the walls of the room being constructed. Horizontal floor or ceiling slabs that link the horizontal flanges may be cast in situ using a form plate supported by a temporary trussed joist.

Abstract: An ion beam facility has a first ion beam system for a first ion type that contains a first ion beam generator and a first ion transport line with at least one first ion switch for one of at least two first irradiation stations and has a second ion beam system for a second ion species with a second ion transport line or is fashioned expandable therewith. At least one of the first irradiation stations also can be operated with the second ion type or the ion transport lines are arranged proceeding essentially parallel to one another. For the expansion, the first ion transport line is conducted along a wall of a building of the ion beam facility and the wall is prepared for openings, so that at least one of the first irradiation stations also can be operated with the second ion type via the subsequently installable, second ion transport line at the other side of the wall, or space is reserved behind the wall for at least the second, subsequently installable ion transport line.

Abstract: A spacer device for insulating glass windows (50) includes a tubular element (1), having side walls (11) fit to mate, in an assembled condition (A) of the glass window (50), respective glass plates (3) and having external (12) and internal (13) walls with respect to the glass window (50). The spacer device (100) further includes: coating means (6) fixed at least to a longitudinal portion of the tubular element (1); at least a longitudinal portion (8) of each side wall (11) adjacent to the external wall (12) without the coating means (6); gasket means (4) fit to be interposed, in the assembled condition (A), between a plate (3) and the longitudinal portion (8) of the respective side wall (11), adhering at least on said plate (3) and portion (8). The side walls (11) of each tubular element (1) are convergent.

Abstract: A clip applying machine for tubular casings often comprises opposing clip jaw members that pivot toward each other to gather the casing and position a die member on one side of the casing. A punch member is advanced from the other side of the casing to feed a clip around the casing and against the die member. The jaw members are pivoted by a piston/cylinder mechanism which is pivotally connected to the jaw members and the punch is advanced by another piston. A knife is advanced to sever the casing in the area of the clip. In such a machine, an improved piston cylinder arrangement includes the piston having a central bore, with an inner rod in the cylinder passing into the piston. The inner rod and piston together form a closed fluid passage into the piston such that pressurized fluid in the passage tends to put and keep the piston in a retracted position.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for filling food product drafts into packages. A supply of open top containers are arranged in rows and carried by an elongated web of film and are movable by the web into a fill station. A shuttle conveyor has a retractable and extendable conveying surface, the conveying surface arranged above the fill station and having an end region extendable to a position arranged to deposit food product drafts into the containers of the first row by circulation of the conveying surface. The conveying surface is retractable, or extendable, to reposition the end to a position arranged to deposit food product drafts carried on the conveying surface into the containers of the second row and each subsequent row. A tamping apparatus is carried by the conveyor to retract or extend with the conveying surface end.

Abstract: A plurality of flat substantially similar articles such as meat patties which have been formed from an elongated cylindrical meat log of sausage or hamburger are deposited onto one or more parallel conveyors and then advanced in a co-planer and end to end relationship through a series of lift stations where predetermined numbers of paddies are divided into individual groups and each group of paddies is moved onto a carrier member and advanced one at a time by a shuttle to a stacking station. There each group is deposited onto each preceding group until a predetermined number of groups has been vertically stacked after which the entire stack is moved to a conveyor for further processing. The lifting stations prevent the articles from being pressed together or shingling one on top the other thereby avoiding article damage during processing, and servo motors enhance the speed and efficiency of the operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for making packages (1) comprising groups (2) of products wrapped with stretch film comprises the following: a transporting surface (3) for conveying groups (2) of products presenting a front face (FD) in a defined feed direction (A); a first pair of film feed stations (4, 5) located on opposite sides of the transporting surface (3); a first selection carriage (6) comprising at least two units (7, 8) for forming a respective tubular length (9, 10) of film fed by the respective stations (4, 5), and means (11) for driving the first carriage (6) to and fro in a direction transversal to the feed direction (A) in such manner as to cyclically perform the following operations: forming the tubular length of film (9) on a first unit (4) outside the transporting surface (3), and at the same time positioning the other unit (5) with the respective tubular length of film (10) on it in a stretched configuration at the transporting surface (3) to form a part of the latter so as to enable feeding of the group (2

Abstract: An apparatus that receives packaging containers and a mixture of powdered chemicals and compresses the powder into the containers at a pressure sufficient to form a solid of the powder yet not so high as to rupture the container. The apparatus is computer controlled and fully automated. The apparatus mixes a batch of chemicals in powder form, apportions a quantity of the mixture into the container and compresses it into a solid. Alternatively, the apparatus comprises a mold instead of the container for receiving the mixture portion, presses the portion into the mold and then the mold is rotated in a vertical plane to discharge the molded portion.