Abstract: A speed cooking oven is disclosed comprising a cooking cavity, a controller, thermal heating source, blower assembly, air directing means and a vent assembly. Hot air is circulated by the blower motor assembly into the oven cavity where the hot air is directed in a maimer wherein a conflicting, colliding turbulent gas flow is directed at a food product providing for the rapid cooking of food products.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating objects with a treatment gas comprises a treatment chamber, a chamber input through which objects enter the treatment chamber, and a chamber output (which may be the same as the chamber input) through which the objects leave the treatment chamber. The treatment chamber encloses the treatment gas, which can be steam. The chamber output and/or the chamber input include an intermediate medium, such as a liquid, through which the objects pass. The intermediate medium prevents escape of the treatment gas from the treatment chamber and the ingress of external gases into the treatment chamber, while facilitating input of the objects to the chamber, and output of the objects from the chamber.

Abstract: A method of cutting (potatoes) or (spuds) so that they resemble spare ribs. Once the “Spare Rib Spuds” basic form is cut you then cut ¼-inch deep cuts across the grain in ½-inch increments all the way up the entire length of the “Spare Rib Spuds.

Abstract: A cotton packager including a floor surface for supporting a compacted body of cotton, the floor surface including at least one sheet of a low friction polymer material on which the compacted body of cotton is supported, for facilitating movement and conveyance of the compacted body of cotton from the packager. The packager can include an unloading ramp pivotable to an unloading position extending outwardly from the floor surface and including a conveyor surface including at least one sheet of a low friction polymer material, for facilitating passage of a compacted body of cotton thereover. The floor surface and the conveyor surface can each include at least one conveyor chain thereon, supported on the low friction polymer material sheet, or in channels.

Abstract: Compactor apparatus for an on-board module builder, including single cylinders and guide members on opposite sides of the module builder for guiding and effecting a cotton compacting process. The compactor apparatus includes a frame disposed in a cotton module builder chamber, movable downwardly within the chamber against the cotton for compacting the cotton against the floor and walls of the chamber. The frame includes cross members which extend across the chamber and protrude outwardly therefrom through upwardly and downwardly extending slots or passages through the sides of the module builder. The ends on each side are connected together by an exterior side structure which is movable upwardly and downwardly by a suitable driver, guided by at least one vertically extending guide member.

Abstract: A pivoting unloading door for ramp assembly and common conveyor drive for door or ramp segments thereof. The door or ramp segments are pivotable about a pivotal axis between a folded or closed position in generally overlaying relation one to the other, and an unfolded or open unloading position in parallel, end-to-end relation, the door segments including conveyors thereon for conveying objects or matter thereover when in the unloading position. The door assembly includes a common drive for the conveyors which is disposed beneath the conveyors in the unloading position in coaxial relation with the pivotal axis, and which is operable for simultaneously moving the conveyors. The output of the drive can extend through a pivot joint connecting the door segments, and can connect the elements of the pivot joint.

Abstract: Bellows structure for a cotton module builder or packager, for enclosing or covering slots or passages through walls of a cotton module builder, for preventing entry of cotton into the slots or passages, to allow free movement of cross members therethrough of apparatus for distributing and compacting cotton within the module builder. The bellows can include telescoping rigid members below the cross members, and more flexible bellows thereabove.

Abstract: A control and method for a cotton module building program for an on-board cotton module builder of a cotton harvester, which utilizes a signal or output from a yield monitor as a factor in determining and varying cotton module building parameters, which can include auger direction and duration of operation, compactor positions and compacting strokes for best compacting a cotton module under the yield conditions. A module complete signal which can be a visual or audio signal, can be outputted when the yield monitor detects a predetermined cotton module weight, for signaling approach of a required unloading of a cotton module.

Abstract: A trash container cover has a pivotable lever arm handle which pivots down on a vertical shaft slidably connected to the handle. The shaft forces a horizontal compression plate down onto the trash in the container to compact it. The compactor plate is detachable from the shaft and snap fits into tabs in the bottom of the cover for storage. The shaft pivots into a bottom slot in the handle for storage. The lever arm handle clamps down on the cover to serve as a handle for the cover.

Abstract: A trash container cover has a pivotable lever arm which pivots vertically moving one or two compactor arms slidably connected to the handle. The compactor arm(s) force a horizontal compactor plate down onto the trash in the container to compact it. The lever arm, compactor arm(s) and compactor plate are pivoted into proximal parallel alignment with the cover and in proximity to the cover for storage and move together to open the trash container to deposit or remove trash. The lever arm may clamp down on the cover to serve as a handle for the cover.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cotton module building utilizing one or more augers on a compactor frame movable for compacting cotton in a cotton compacting chamber of the module builder. The auger or augers are rotatable for moving accumulated cotton in opposite directions therein, and are tiltable by contact with cotton accumulated unevenly in the chamber. A position or positions of the auger or augers are sensed for detecting tilting of the auger or augers. A controller responsively controllably operates the auger or augers for moving cotton in contact therewith in an appropriate direction for reducing the tilting and more evenly distributing the cotton. The cotton can then be compacted into a cotton module having desired dimensions.

Abstract: To compact or compress trash, especially residual trash, in trash containers (1) of households and businesses, a cheap device which is easy to handle is made available which has a lever (4) with a handle (7) and a connecting device (9) which is attached to the lever (4) for connecting the lever (4) to the trash container (1). Furthermore a plunger (5) with which the trash in the trash container (1) can be compressed is connected to the lever (4).

Abstract: A compaction system and method including a forklift apparatus that engages a compaction weight. The compaction weight is lifted by the forklift apparatus over the open top of a roll off container. Thereafter, the weight is lowered into the roll off container to compact the refuse within the roll off container.

Abstract: A stencil printing machine includes a rotatable printing drum including an outer peripheral wall of ink impermeable material. A stencil paper is mounted around the surface of the outer peripheral wall. An ink supplying mechanism includes an ink supplying unit in the maximum printing area of the outer peripheral wall of the printing drum and causes ink to be supplied from the ink supplying unit to the surface of the outer peripheral wall. A pressure roller presses a fed print sheet against the outer peripheral wall.

Abstract: A stencil printing machine, which includes: a drum which is freely rotatable and has an outer peripheral wall formed of an ink impermeable member, in which a stencil sheet is mounted on a surface of the outer peripheral wall; an ink supplying device for supplying, to the surface of the outer peripheral wall, an ink guided from an ink tank; an ink recovery device for recovering, from an ink recovery portion, an extra ink on the surface of the outer peripheral wall; and a pressure roller which presses a print medium to the outer peripheral wall. The ink tank includes a main tank portion where unused ink is stored, and a sub-tank portion where the ink recovered by the ink recovery device is stored. The ink supplying device preferentially supplies the ink in the sub-tank portion.

Abstract: A stencil printing machine, which includes: a drum which is freely rotatable and has an outer peripheral wall formed of an ink impermeable member, in which a stencil sheet is mounted on a surface of the outer peripheral wall; an ink supplying device which has an ink supply port on the outer peripheral wall of the drum, and supplies the ink, which is guided from an ink tank, from the ink supply port to the surface of the outer peripheral wall; and a pressure roller which presses a print sheet fed thereto to the outer peripheral wall. The supply tank is placed below the lowermost position of the outer peripheral wall of the drum. Moreover, a position where the ink supply port is located above a liquid level of the ink in the supply tank is set at a rotation stop position of the drum.

Abstract: A stencil printing machine, which includes: a drum which is freely rotatable and has an outer peripheral wall formed of an ink impermeable member, in which a stencil sheet is mounted on a surface of the outer peripheral wall; an ink supplying device which has an ink supply port on the outer peripheral wall of the drum and has an ink tank storing an ink, and supplies the ink, which is guided from the ink tank, from the ink supply port to a surface of the outer peripheral wall; an ink recovery device which has an ink recovery port on the outer peripheral wall of the drum, and recovers, from the ink recovery port, an extra ink on the surface of the outer peripheral wall; and a pressure roller which presses a print sheet fed thereto to the outer peripheral wall. The ink recovery device is configured to recover, to the ink tank, the extra ink recovered from the ink recovery port.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a stencil printer section and a non-stencil printer section and can form a stencil image and a non-stencil image on a single sheet. A first and a second adjusting section respectively adjusts the position of the stencil image and that of the non-stencil image relative to the sheet in the direction of sheet conveyance and the widthwise direction of the sheet perpendicular to the direction of sheet conveyance. A first shift display section displays an amount of shift of the position adjusted by the first adjusting section. A first moving mechanism shifts the position of the stencil image in accordance with the operation of the first adjusting section. A second shift display section displays an amount of shift of the position adjusted by the second adjusting section. A second moving mechanism shifts the position of the non-stencil image in accordance with the operation of the second adjusting section.

Abstract: A method of operating a laser drilling system to manufacture gravure printing plates without etching or the use of hazardous chemicals includes activating a laser drilling system, including a picosecond laser, light valves, and a mechanism adapted to rotate a gravure cylinder blank. Operation of the light valves, includes setting the light valves to block and/or allow pulses of laser energy propagating from the laser drilling system that can ablate a linear pattern of cells along a substantially entire length of the gravure cylinder blank. Drilling of cells includes targeting the laser drilling system on the gravure cylinder blank, such that ablation of materials occurs as sub-beams propagate along an optical path to the target area and impinge upon the gravure cylinder blank, wherein specific cells within the target area of the gravure cylinder blank are drilled or not drilled according to settings of the light valves.

Abstract: A cylinder for an offset printing press comprising a steel core and a heat-conducting layer arranged on the steel core in order to uniformly distribute localized steel core heating. The heat can consist of copper and can be arranged in or underneath a functional layer on the cylinder.

Abstract: A sheet-fed printing press contains a hot air dryer having air nozzles. A nozzle center spacing that exists between adjacent air nozzles and a nozzle effective distance that exists between the air nozzles and a printing material sheet to be dried are in a ratio that is from 0.750 to 2.500.

Abstract: An interleaf at the top position of a stack of plates and interleaves stored in a cassette is removed by attaching the interleaf to suction pads mounted to a vertically movable support. When the interleaf in the cassette is moved upwardly to a position opposed to a pair of nip rollers, movable suction pads move horizontally in such a direction as to stretch the interleaf to remove wrinkles in the interleaf. Then, a leading edge portion of the interleaf is held between the pair of nip rollers and removed outwardly.

Abstract: A blasting system facilitates the actuation of a plurality of programmable detonators according to a desired blasting pattern, to cause the discharge of a plurality of associated charges, by downloading to the detonators blasting information that can be automatically determined by a portable handheld unit that incorporates a positional detecting device, such as a GPS device. The blasting information for any given detonator can be determined by the handheld unit as a function of the distance and the direction of the movement of the unit to the detonator, and/or by the actual GPS location while at the site of the detonator. This automatic determination of blasting information, and particularly the delay times, based on the movement of the unit to the detonator, eliminates error prone human calculations of the delay times needed for multiple detonators at a blasting site. This simplifies the operations and procedures needed for achieving a desired blasting pattern, without sacrificing safety or quality.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic projectile includes a body, projectile GPS means for determining the position of the pyrotechnic projectile, a plurality of pyrotechnic sub-units disposed within the body, and ejection means responsive to the projectile GPS means. The pyrotechnic sub-units include sub-unit GPS means for determining the position of the sub-unit, and ignition means for igniting the sub-unit when the position determined by the sub-unit GPS means corresponds to a pre-selected position. The ejection means eject the plurality of sub-units from the body.

Abstract: A Bioluminescent Paintball 10 includes a shell 12 defining an interior cavity 14, a liquefied substance 16 disposed within the interior cavity 14, a phosphorescent material 18 disbursed throughout the shell 12 for providing a visible “tracing” effect when the bioluminescent paintball 10 is ejected from a paintball discharge device, a neutralizing agent 20 disbursed throughout the liquefied substance 16 for neutralizing calcium disbursed throughout the liquefied substance 16 thereby preventing light emission before the paintball 10 impacts a target, and a photoprotein 22 disbursed throughout the liquefied substance 16 for reacting with calcium disposed upon a target after the bioluminescent paintball 10 impacts the target, thereby rupturing the shell 12 and allowing the liquefied substance 16 to engage the calcium to produce visible light.

Abstract: A projectile includes members that deploy upon impact with a target. The projectile includes a nose piece with a portion that shears off upon impact with the target, causing the nose piece to be pushed inside the projectile. As the nose piece is pushed inside the projectile, the nose piece pushes on members that deploy outwardly and lock into place, thereby greatly increasing the damage done to the target. The projectile is easily assembled by placing the two members through an axial cylindrical hole into slots, then placing the nose piece into the axial cylindrical hole. The deployable members are held within the body of the projectile in flight, and only deploy when the projectile strikes a target, greatly increasing the damage to the target.

Abstract: A weapon (104) including a stock, a barrel assembly (105) slidably mounted on said stock whereby, on discharging said weapon, the barrel assembly (105) slidably recoils relative to said stock, and a damper (107) for decelerating the recoiling barrel assembly, wherein said barrel assembly (105) includes a plurality of projectiles axially disposed within a barrel (108) wherein each of said projectiles is associated with a discrete propellant charge for propelling said projectile from the barrel. Suitably the weapon further includes a breech block (109) which slidably recoils relative to said stock and a further damper (106) for decelerating the recoiling breech block.

Abstract: A gas generator comprises a casing forming a ring or a ring portion and housing a pyrotechnic charge, the casing including at least one vent for ejecting the gas produced during combustion of the charge. Because of its ring design, the gas generator is easy to integrate in the structure of a rotary machine. In particular, it can constitute a starter device for a turbojet.

Abstract: A trolley for a conveying system includes a first trolley arm with a trolley wheel rotatably mounted thereon, a second trolley arm with a trolley wheel rotatably mounted thereon, and a load bar. The trolley wheels roll along a track of the conveying system to move the trolleys along the conveyor track. The first trolley arm connects to a first attachment element, which includes a base portion and an attaching member that are integrally formed together. The load bar connects to the second trolley arm and to the attaching member of the first attachment element. The load bar has a slot proximate to one or both ends for receiving the attaching member. The attaching member is retainable in the slot, such as via a retaining pin. The first and second trolley arms are connected together via the load bar.

Abstract: A high-rail assembly for use with a high-rail vehicle to prevent derailment upon the negotiation of a tight railway curve. The high-rail assembly is comprised of a friction hub, which is attached to a shaft supported by a pivotal bracket assembly. The high-rail assembly further comprises a rail wheel assembly that is supported by a second shaft. The friction hub is adapted to engage the drive wheels of the truck and in turn causes the rotation of the of the rail wheel assembly, which ultimately drives the high-rail truck. Movement of the friction hub and rail drive wheel is accomplished by use of a hydraulic cylinder, which pivots a bracket assembly. The present arrangement allows the wheelbase between the rail drive wheels to be minimized, permitting the high-rail truck to negotiate tight radius curves without derailing.

Abstract: The door threshold for a railway vehicle is intended to partially fill the gap between the vehicle and a platform. It comprises a support (22) which can be connected to the structure (16) of the railway vehicle and a strip (24) which is retained by the support (22). The strip (24) can be displaced between a normal position, in which it projects relative to the support (22), and a position retracted in the support (22). It comprises means (30A, 30B) for clamping the strip against at least a clamping surface (30A, 30B) of the support in order to produce friction of a specific value between the strip (24) and the support (22) counter to the displacement of the strip (24) relative to the support (22) in the plane of the or each clamping surface (30A, 30B).

Abstract: Piling due to ink, paper fibers and/or clay fillers occurs frequently during an offset printing process, resulting in the deterioration in print quality and lost manual time due to the necessity to clean the equipment. It has been experimentally found that small quantities of certain high molecular weight polyethylene oxide polymers can alleviate this serious problem. However, the overall effectiveness will depend on the concentration of the total make-up of component in the fountain solution.

Abstract: A composition comprising a liquid medium and a compound of Formula (1) or salt thereof: wherein: A is optionally substituted phenyl or naphthyl provided A is not 2-sulpho-4-methoxyphenyl; B is optionally substituted phenylene or naphthylene; n is 0 or 1; D is a pyrazolonyl group; and wherein the liquid medium comprises an organic solvent. Also claimed are inks comprising said compositions and processes for printing.

Abstract: A method of producing an ink-jet ink containing the steps in the order named: (a) dispersing colorant particles, a dispersing agent, and a solvent mixture containing water and a water-soluble organic solvent so as to obtain a dispersion of the colorant particles; (b) filtering the dispersion of the colorant particles using a hollow fiber filter; and (c) applying ultrasonic degassing treatment to the filtered dispersion of the colorant particles to obtain the ink-jet ink, wherein a content of oxygen in the ink-jet ink is not more than 2 ppm based on the total weight of the ink-jet ink.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the present invention are directed to formulations and methods for treating materials, including wood, cellulose and paper products, especially building materials, to beautify and strengthen the materials and to render the materials flame retardant and resistant to damage from molds and insects. More particularly, the formulations include washes, and a variety of coatings, including primers, sealers and paints, that include an effective amount of a boron-containing aqueous solution.

Abstract: A calcium phosphate bone cement setting to a calcium-deficient hydroxyl apatite is modified by an organic phosphate ester of orthophosphoric acid or a salt of an organic phosphate ester. The base cement contains preferably tricalcium phosphate, dicalcium phosphate (anhydrous), calcium carbonate and precipitated hydroxyl apatite. The organic phosphate ester is added to the base cement in an amount of 0.5 to 5 percent by weight. The bone cement can be modified further by adding mineralized collagen I.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite of consolidation-hardening pile for soft ground and in which a composition ratio of an aggregate:a quicklime:an additive is 50-60 wt %:20-25 wt %:20-25 wt %, and the additive is an admixture made by mixing a powder of furnace slag, a fly ash or a mixture of the powder of furnace slag and the fly ash in a cement, the ratio of the cement, and the powder of furnace slag, the fly ash or the mixture of the powder of furnace slag aggregate and the fly ash is 65-85 wt %:15-35 wt %. As the pile is formed in the soft ground vertically, a composite has a strength of 50 kgf/cd or over to act as a supporting pile for sinking, and a reinforcing pile.

Abstract: A workstation (100) has a motor-driven, height-adjustable back work surface (102), an independently adjustable front work surface (104), optionally dimmable work lights (114, 116), free-standing fans (118), and heated floor pad (120). The fans are pivotable and free-standing units that may be positioned to provide optimal comfort. The motor drives, work lights, fans, and heated floor pad connect to central control box (150), and a single point user interface (130) is operatively connected to allow the user to controlling all of these devices from a single device. One or more digital displays (137, 139) may be provided to indicate the work surface elevations. An optional activity sensor (122) may be provided to power down the lights, fans and heater when the workstation is not in use.

Abstract: A sliding pivot means for a support element (9) which is used with a stanchion (2) which is hinged to the item (1) with which it is used and from which it can be unfolded, in which one end (5a) of the support element (5) is rigidly attached to the stanchion (2) and the opposite end is provided with a substantially transverse portion (7) extending therefrom, comprises a slide (9), a sleeve (10) provided with a slide pin (11) extending in substantially the same plane as the sleeve (10), and a socket (12) substantially parallel with said transverse portion (7), and in which the sleeve (10) is located on the transverse portion (7), and the pin (11) is located in the slide (9), the sleeve (10) being adapted to rotate about the transverse portion (9), and the pin (11) to rotate in the slide (9), the pin (11) moving along the slide (9) when the stanchion (2) is rotated about its hinge (4), and the socket (12) being adapted to receive the transverse portion (7) when the stanchion (2) is in a fully unfolded position.

Abstract: An improved furniture conjoinment structure of simple assembly and low cost in which an annular groove is centrally disposed in the top end of each table leg fixture connector block for the placement of a washer, thereby achieving a furniture conjoinment structure that is of simpler assembly and lower cost.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a tool cabinet fixing and supporting structure, which comprises at least one shelf, four corner bars disposed at the four corners of the shelf, and a positioning member disposed between the shelf and the corner bars; wherein the positioning member has a connecting surface being coupled to an installing surface of the corner bar and having a limit bolt for supporting a positioning hole disposed on a bottom plate of the shelf. Such an arrangement constitutes the fixing and supporting relation between the corner bars and the shelf. Further, positioning holes are disposed on the installing surface of the corner bar and a transversal board for passing the fastening member through the positioning holes to securely mount the shelf onto the corner bars, and thus constituting an easy-to install tool cabinet with a better supporting strength.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for sensing the overall and/or distribution of fuel weight disposed on the top surface of the grate of a grate-fired device and adjusting the fuel infeed as a function of the flow rate of steam generated by the boiler. A plurality of weight sensors are disposed remote from the grate at selected locations associated with the support for the grate and which provide signals which are convertible to useful representations of the overall weight and/or the distribution of fuel weight over the top surface of the grate in real time and independent of the forward movement of the grate and associated changes in the weight of the fuel on the grate at a given time.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling the combustion in a furnace in which the flue gas generated by the burning in the combustion zone is fed back to the combustion zone through a recirculation path to cool the combustion zone so that the temperature is below the melting or softening point of the residual ash in the solid materials. Water is heated and vaporized by the flue gas so as to cool the flue gas. Generated water vapor is also introduced to the combustion zone to increase the burning rate.

Abstract: A method of modifying a grinder-mixer unit into a seed tender unit includes the steps of providing a grinder having a frame, a generally upright bin, a mixing auger within the bin, a grinding device and an outlet device. The outlet device and the grinding device are removed from the frame. A seed output opening is formed in the bin and a false floor plate is mounted within the bin to direct seed towards the opening, and a seed transfer device having a lower end and an upper end is connected at the lower end to the seed output opening, a seed feed control device is interposed therebetween and the seed transfer device is connected to a power device for engaging the seed transfer device to transfer seed from the lower end to the upper end of the seed transfer device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a knife for and a method of zero till or minimum till seeding and fertilizing. The knife is particularly adapted for dry land conditions producing minimum solid disturbance and very shallow operation. The knife has a high penetration angle preferably of 45 degrees which permits the blade to enter high trash surface cover with little tendency to plug due to trash accumulation. The blade has a forward angle of attack, the lower cutting edge advancing before the upper cutting edge, serving to make a clean cut in the soil surface without accumulating trash. Seed and/or fertilizer conduits are attached to or incorporated in the trailing face of the blade in which the outlets may be spaced for controlled placement of the materials. By the method a furrow is cut having a substantial transverse component in an operation with a substantial forward component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a knife for and a method of zero till or minimum till seeding and fertilizing. The knife is particularly adapted for dry land conditions producing minimum solid disturbance and very shallow operation. The knife has a high penetration angle preferably of 45 degrees which permits the blade to enter high trash surface cover with little tendency to plug due to trash accumulation. The blade has a forward angle of attack, the lower cutting edge advancing before the upper cutting edge, serving to make a clean cut in the soil surface without accumulating trash. Seed and/or fertilizer conduits are attached to or incorporated in the trailing face of the blade in which the outlets may be spaced for controlled placement of the materials. By the method a furrow is cut having a substantial transverse component in an operation with a substantial forward component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a knife for and a method of zero till or minimum till seeding and fertilizing. The knife is particularly adapted for dry land conditions producing minimum solid disturbance and very shallow operation. The knife has a high penetration angle preferably of 45 degrees which permits the blade to enter high trash surface cover with little tendency to plug due to trash accumulation. The blade has a forward angle of attack, the lower cutting edge advancing before the upper cutting edge, serving to make a clean cut in the soil surface without accumulating trash. Seed and/or fertilizer conduits are attached to or incorporated in the trailing face of the blade in which the outlets may be spaced for controlled placement of the materials. By the method a furrow is cut having a substantial transverse component in an operation with a substantial forward component.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing soil for the placement therein of at least one of seed and fertilizer. A frame is provided with there being first structure on the frame for penetrating the soil to create an opening for at least one of seed and fertilizer as the frame is advanced in a travel direction. A second structure is provided on the frame at least partially downstream of the first structure for at least one of a) stripping soil clods from the first structure and b) loosening soil downstream of the first structure.

Abstract: A system for and a method of metering product includes an equalizing meter apparatus that more readily equalizes the distribution of product with uneven distribution systems. The metering system includes a meter roller assembly operable to meter granular product delivery between a meter box and a series of product distributors. The meter roller assembly includes a shaft in support of a series of roller sections rotatably mounted on the shaft. The roller sections include at least one fluted metering section having a series of fluted segments configured to meter granular product. The equalizing meter apparatus includes a split ring having a series of protrusions configured to engage the fluted segments of the metering section and enhance equalizing the distribution of granular product from the meter roller assembly. The split ring is operable to detach from and reconnect to the fluted metering section without disassembling the meter roller assembly.

Abstract: A watercraft support platform casing for a floating dry dock for light weight watercrafts is described. The support platform casing has integrally formed floatation chambers and an elongated central ramp is formed in the top surface of the casing to support the hull of a watercraft positioned thereon. The ramp has a thraugh-like upper surface with a sloped forward entry way formed integral therewith and terminates in a lower forward projecting edge. The support platform is provided with connectors on opposed side walls thereof for a rigid connection with a plurality of floatation casings to support the platform casing on a water surface with the entry way positioned to receive the bow of a watercraft in movement whereby the watercraft can project itself on the central ramp above the water surface.