Abstract: A method for predicting bearing failure, wherein the bearing includes an inner race, an outer race, and a plurality of rolling elements between the inner and outer race. The method includes coupling a sensor assembly to the outer race, the sensor assembly including at least one temperature sensor and at least one acoustic sensor, generating a bearing performance model based on an initial signal received from the sensor assembly, receiving a second signal from the sensor assembly, and comparing the second signal to the bearing performance model to predict a bearing failure.

Abstract: A bearing assembly includes a full type tapered roller bearing and a roller presser which prevents separation of the rollers not only during transportation but while the outer ring is not mounted. The roller presser includes a ring member, and a plurality of arms extending from one side of the ring member. Each arm is inserted in one of the triangular spaces defined by the tapered raceway of the outer ring and the adjacent tapered rollers. The arms press the rollers against the inner ring. A pair of diametrically opposed bridges are provided, each extending between the free ends of a pair of adjacent arms. The bridges engage two diametrically opposed rollers, thereby preventing separation of the rollers not only during transportation but also while the outer ring is not mounted.

Abstract: An axial roller bearing includes two bearing disks placed in plane-parallel relationship to one another. Each bearing disk has a radial section to form a raceway and an axial collar connected to the radial section, wherein the collar of one bearing disk and the collar of the other bearing disk overlap one another. The axial collars are arranged on an inner or outer peripheral edge of the bearing disks and have breaches to define at least one opening of variable size in dependence on a relative rotation of the bearing disks in circumferential direction. A cage is disposed between the bearing disks for accommodating rolling elements.

Abstract: An optical connection structure has an adapter which mounts two connection members mounting two optical fibers brought face to face with each other, a cam member which transports the connection members in an axial direction of the optical fiber, and an urging member which urges the optical fiber in the axial direction of the optical fiber in a state that the pair of optical fibers which are held respectively by the pair of connection members are brought face to face with each other.

Abstract: An optical network comprising: (a) a plurality of different optical fiber receptacles for facilitating an optical connection to different information networks requiring different access authorization, each different optical fiber receptacle optically coupled to one and only one different information network, each optical fiber receptacle having an inner surface with a first geometry, the first geometry comprising at least a slot, a certain number of optical fiber receptacles having different first geometries in which the slots are in different positions; and (b) a plurality of different optical fiber plugs for optically coupling with the different optical fiber receptacles, each optical fiber plug having a second geometry, the second geometry comprising at least a key in a certain position, the certain number of optical fiber plugs having different second geometries in which the keys are in different positions, each different first geometry corresponding to one and only one second geometry such that the optic

Abstract: The invention relates to an adapter of the type where a coupling for glass fiber plug-in connectors is inserted from the front into a front plate and is locked by a spring. The inventive adapter comprises a one-piece or two-piece housing which comprises at least on one side a flange projecting from the cross-section of the housing against which the front plate rests, at least one plug-in connector recess which is disposed on the front end and/or rear end with respect to the front plate, and at least one form-fit detachable locking device for the plug-in connector. Every plug-in connector recess comprises an opening for alternately receiving at least two of three different plug-in connector types LX.5, LC and MU of and one respective locking device suitable for the respective type. The adapter can be configured as a simplex plug-in coupling for alternately receiving all three types, or as a duplex plug-in connector for alternately receiving the plug types LX.5 and LC.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling unit for coupling an optical transmitting and/or receiving module to an optical fiber. The coupling unit has a connecting area that can be connected to a transmitting and/or receiving module, and a holding area that holds an optical fiber. A transparent coupling area is provided, which is formed as an integral component of the coupling unit, and via which light can be coupled directly between an optical fiber that is inserted into the holding area and a transmitting and/or receiving module that is coupled directly to it. The coupling area preferably has a matched refractive index. The coupling unit is preferably in the form of an injection-molded part.

Abstract: In a modular system of optoelectronic components each component has a standardized housing. The standard housing has a device for the mechanical connection to at least one housing of a further component, or it is connected to such a device. This allows different combinations to be produced using the same system components. Flat optoelectronic components are particularly suitable for use in the modular system. In this case, according to the invention, an optical waveguide is integrated in the component, runs parallel to a circuit mount, and forms an optical interface on one narrow housing face. The electrical contacts of the component are likewise arranged on a narrow housing face.

Abstract: An optical transmission device has a light emission element for converting an electrical signal to an optical signal to transmit it to an optical fiber; a lead frame for mounting the light emission element and having a through hole at a position determined with reference to a mounted position of the light emission element; and a receptacle having a protrusion portion inserted in the through hole to fix a position of the lead frame relatively, and a sleeve into which an end portion of the optical fiber is inserted to fix a position of the optical fiber relatively, the receptacle optically connecting the light emission element and the optical fiber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a diffractive grating member and to an optical communication module. The optical communication module includes a semiconductor laser; a coupling optical system for coupling a light flux with a wavelength of ?1 emitted by the semiconductor laser to an optical fiber; and two light-receiving elements for receiving at least two light fluxes each having wavelengths ?2 and ?3 emitted from an end surface of the optical fiber. The coupling optical system has a diffractive structure, and the coupling optical system changes paths of light fluxes each having wavelengths ?1, ?2 and ?3 into relatively different directions such that the light flux with the wavelength ?1 emitted by the semiconductor laser enters into the optical fiber and each of the at least two light fluxes each having the wavelengths ?2 and ?3 enters into each of the two light-receiving elements.

Abstract: A camera includes a mirror box to which a photographing lens is mounted, an object image being formed on one of an image pick-up device and sensitive film via the photographing lens; a main frame, the mirror box being provided on the main frame; and a shock absorbing device. The one of the image pick-up device and the sensitive film is supported by the mirror box, and the mirror box is supported by the main frame via the shock absorbing device.

Abstract: A shutter device includes a stationary plate having a plurality of driving electrodes movable element opposes the stationary plate and including a sheet subjected to an electret-forming process. A drive control unit for moving the movable element using variation in electrostatic force, thereby shielding light. The electrostatic force is generated between constant charges held in the movable element as a result of the electret-forming process, and charges generated in each of the driving electrodes when a voltage is applied to each driving electrode. The generated electrostatic force is varied by varying the voltage applied to each driving electrode.

Abstract: In this developing method and apparatus, a concentration measuring unit 222 picks part of developing fluid in a blending tank 186 to measure the resist concentration by an absorption photometry and feeds the detected resist concentration to a control unit 240. The control unit 240 controls respective valves 210, 212, 216 of a TMAH concentrate solution 200, a solvent pipe 204 and a drain pipe 208 in a manner that the developing fluid in the blending tank 186 has a TMAH concentration corresponding to a measured resist-concentration value to accomplish a constant developing rate, performing component control of the developing fluid. The developing fluid transferred from the blending tank 186 to a supply tank 188 is fed to a developer nozzle DN in a developing section 126 through a developer pipe 224 owing to the drive of a pump 228. Accordingly, even if the developing fluid is reused in the developing process in multiple times, it is possible to make sure of the uniformity in development.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermal printing assembly comprised of a first flexible section and a second flexible section joined to such first flexible section. The first section of such assembly is a thermally sensitive media that contains either a thermal transfer ribbon or a direct thermal sensitive substrate (such as thermal paper); the thermally sensitive media is adapted to change its concentration of ink upon the application of heat. The second section of such assembly is a flexible support with two sides, at least one of which has a smoothness of less than 50 Sheffield Units and contains particles with a Knoop hardness of less than about 800.

Abstract: This invention provides novel keyboards comprising keys disposed such that they minimize the distance a finger typically must travel to effect a keystroke and the force that is applied to effect a keystroke. Accordingly the keyboards require less arm and finger movement to and thereby reduce the likelihood of an operator developing a repetitive stress injury (RSI). In one embodiment the keyboards comprise a plurality of keys disposed such that the alphanumeric keys form a continuous key array defining a key array surface having at least two concave regions wherein a plurality of keys present irregular and/or non-rectilinear striking faces.

Abstract: An information handling system dye sublimation printer stores paper in an enclosed tray that couples to the printer housing and transitions between a storage configuration and a print configuration. The storage configuration reduces the footprint of the printer by aligning with the length and width of the printer housing. The print configuration aligns the tray with a print mechanism to feed paper for printing of photographic information as an image transferred by the print mechanism. In one storage configuration embodiment, the tray removeably couples to the top of the printer housing to protect the printer's operating panel. In another embodiment, the printer housing removeably couples to the bottom of the printer housing. In another embodiment, a rotationally hinged mechanism connects the printer housing and the tray to transition between the storage and print configurations with reduced risk of separation of the tray from the printer.

Abstract: A cosmetic vessel of a cosmetic product, includes a vessel body, a plug packing fitted into an upper portion of the vessel body, and a cap threadably engaged to the upper portion of the vessel body. The plug packing has a plurality of L-shaped walls provided by predetermined intervals at a lower portion thereof, a plurality of vent holes formed between the L-shaped walls, and a passage hole with a predetermined diameter and extended to the L-shaped walls to allow a brush-ended shaft of the cap to be placed into or removed from the vessel body. The cap includes a closing part mounted on a bottom thereof and having a hollow interior, a shaft extending downwardly from the closing part with an upper end fitted in the hollow interior of the closing part, and a brush provided to a lower end of the shaft.

Abstract: Hand-held applicators for applying antiseptic are provided. More specifically, the present invention relates to a hand-held applicator having at least one flexible elongated hollow body within which at least two antiseptic-filled ampoules are received, and a mechanism for fracturing the ampoules to release the antiseptic for dispensing.

Abstract: Cleaning implements provide effective cleaning of hard surfaces by delivering a spray of cleaning composition onto a surface to be cleaned in an area generally definable by a trapezoid relative to the leading edge of said implement. Implements such as those used to clean floors can be provided with disposable scrubbing pads which absorb the composition during the cleaning operation. A separate rinse step is not required.

Abstract: A paint dispensing and storage kit includes a tubular paint dispensing body defining a body chamber and having opposed open and closed ends. A plunger is positioned in the body chamber for movement between inserted and extended configurations. A dispenser tip is operatively connected to the closed end through which paint is drawn into or dispensed from the body chamber upon operation of the plunger. The kit includes a cap removably attachable to the dispenser tip for preventing paint flow therethrough. The kit also includes a plurality of applicator tips for selective attachment to the dispenser tip. The kit further includes a reservoir for storing excess paint, the reservoir being a separate container, a paint cartridge, or integrated with the dispenser body for communicating excess paint therebetween.

Abstract: A sliding piston opening means enclosed within an elongated container to release the fluid sealed within the elongated container by squeezing the elongated container at or near the sliding piston. After the sliding piston opening means is opened, the fluid sealed within the elongated container is released for application. Before the content of the container is depleted, the sliding piston opening means is used to re-close the opening thereby re-sealing the fluid remaining within the container.

Abstract: A hand-held washing device comprises a pouf and a fluid dispenser secured to the pouf. The fluid dispenser comprises a fluid reservoir and a nozzle with a discharge outlet. The nozzle may be integrally formed with the fluid reservoir, or may be a separate component that is removable.

Abstract: This liquid applicator provides a container having a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a closure having a passage with a partition dividing the passage into first and second portions and providing a valve opening. A plunger provides a valve element which has an intermediate tapered portion received within the partition opening to provide flow of liquid from the container. A spring overfits the plunger and engages a retainer at the end of the closure and a nib interfits the closure first passage to engage the plunger to provide longitudinal movement of the plunger to open the valve assembly to dispense liquid from the container and into the nib when pressure is applied to move the plunger out of the valve opening.

Abstract: A waterless, disposable toothbrush is disclosed and includes a handle having a toothpick connected thereto to enable cleaning between teeth, and a rupturable dispenser containing a dentifrice and being connected in a bristle portion of the toothbrush head for dispensing the dentifrice to the teeth to provide teeth cleaning and breath freshening, all of which deliver a cleaning, polishing, whitening, between teeth cleaning, and breath freshening action. The disposable toothbrush of the present invention combines three benefits into one disposable toothbrush: (1) tooth surface cleaning with the toothbrush bristles and the dentifrice in the rupturable dispenser; (2) between teeth cleaning with the toothpick; and (3) breath freshening with the dentifrice in the rupturable dispenser.

Abstract: A structure is provided between a first columnar structural member and at least a second structural member in which the stress concentration at the fixed end portion of the reinforcing member with the first columnar structural member and the second structural member(s) is greatly relaxed. Also, in the case where the reinforcing member is welded, the residual welding stress is relaxed, with the result that the proof stress and the fatigue performance are remarkably improved over the prior art. In the joining structure with the first columnar structural member and the second structural member(s), the first columnar structural member and the second structural member(s) joined to each other have welded thereto at least a tabular reinforcing member to reinforce the joining of the structural members. The reinforcing member has a U- or V-shaped bent portion along the surface of the structural members and also an opening.

Abstract: A turnbuckle assembly (20) includes a first one-piece sleeve (30) having first and second axial ends (32, 34). The first axial end (32) of the first sleeve (30) has an internally threaded portion (35) which threadably engages a first threaded part (120). The first axial end (32) of the first sleeve (30) includes an integrally formed clamp (38) which clamps the first axial end (32) to the first threaded part (120). A second one-piece sleeve (60) has first and second axial ends (62, 64). The first axial end (62) of the second sleeve (60) has an internally threaded portion (65) which threadably engages a second threaded part (122). The first axial end (62) of the second sleeve (60) includes an integrally formed clamp (68) which clamps the first axial end (62) to the second threaded part (122). A connector member (90) interconnects the first and second sleeves(30, 60).

Abstract: This structural element comprises a first (3) and a second (5) metal member, whose regions (23, 29) overlap and a reinforcing piece (7) of plastics material which is overmoulded on the first and second metal members, the reinforcing piece comprising at least a portion (45) for connecting the metal members. The overlap region (23) of the first member (3) comprises at least an anchoring recess (25) . The overlap region (29) of the second member (5) comprises at least a discrete zone (37) set-back from the second metal member (5) for securing the plastics material, and the connecting portion (45) extends into the set-back zone (37) in order to be engaged in the anchoring recess (25). Used, for example, in the construction of front faces.

Abstract: A female coupler portion includes first and second vertical ribs arranged in a spaced-apart relationship. The ribs comprise first and second hooks and first and second ears, respectively, wherein each of the first and second ears includes at least one shoulder projecting outwardly therefrom. A male coupler portion includes a frame having a front region and a rear region that is pinned to the machine. A first pair of hook engaging mounts are adapted to be received respectively by first and second hooks of a female coupler portion; a first pair of openings are adapted to receive first and second ears of a female coupler portion; first and second lock members are movable between an unlocked position and a locked position to engage the ears of the female coupler portion. The ribs can be constructed from conventional ribs. The male coupler portion optionally includes multiple mounting locations for mating with different female coupler portions.

Abstract: A bollard includes a bollard post having a lamp which includes a louver stack. The louver stack includes louvers spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the bollard post. The bollard post is rectangular in cross section and the louver stack extends outwardly beyond the periphery of the bollard. There is a primary light source inwardly of the louver stack and a mechanism for providing light downwardly about the base end of the bollard post. One such mechanism includes an LED providing a light wash down the bollard post from beneath where that louver extends outwardly of the periphery of the bollard post. A second mechanism employs a top reflector above the primary light source to reflect light downwardly about the light source. Bottom reflector surfaces direct the light from the top reflector outwardly to louver reflectors located beneath the lowermost louver. Such reflectors can reflect light downwardly for light wash of the bollard post and an illumination about the base of the bollard post.

Abstract: A one-piece safety cleat with a flat base having an upstanding rim surrounding it to form an open shallow cup-structure. The rim has at least one drainage opening. Multiple one-piece safety cleats can be attached to flooring to increase traction on the floor surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for smoothing or leveling a ground surface, wherein a smoothing or leveling material is laid on a ground surface in that a box-like device filled with material is moved forwards, the material being allowed to exit a plate-adjustable rear opening in the box-like device and to come to lie in a strip, and a blade mounted on the box-like device after the opening spreads the material on the ground surface, the blade being capable of being raised and lowered together with the plate, the blade is raised and lowered with an adjustable reduction ratio relative to the plate, by means of a lever/parallelogram arrangement which connects the blade and the plate.

Abstract: An abandonment and recovery head apparatus comprises a head member. A lift member is moveably coupled to the head member. A retaining device is operable to hold the lift member in an accessible position.

Abstract: A re-enforced composite sheet piling segment is disclosed. The segment of sheet piling includes multiple panels. The panels of the segment come together at an angle to form a corner. A re-enforcement is placed in the corner of the segment. The re-enforcement has a cross-sectional area that is convex shaped.

Abstract: Provided are a method for delivering a fine particle dispersion which makes it possible to flow the fine particle dispersion, as a stable flow, in a microflow-channel without sedimentation, being deposited on the bottom face of the inner surface of the channel or blocking up or clogging the channel, so as to give a high efficiency for recovering the fine particles; and a device for delivering a fine particle dispersion which can be used for a long period of time and which makes it possible to flow the fine particle dispersion as a stable flow in a microflow-channel without sedimentation, being deposited on the bottom face of the inner surfaces of the channel or blocking up or clogging the channel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of delivering a fine particle dispersion in the state of laminar flow from an inlet port to an outlet port of a microflow channel having the inlet port and the outlet port, the fine particle dispersion containing fine particles having a volume average particle size of from about 1.5 ?m to about 1000 ?m dispersed in its liquid medium, the specific gravity of the fine particles being from approximately 0.10 to 0.99 times that of the liquid medium, wherein the microflow channel is disposed such that the outlet port is disposed above the inlet port in the buoyant force direction, and the angle of the flow channel from the inlet port to the outlet port is set to from approximately 0 to 45° relative to the buoyant force direction, and wherein the fine particle dispersion is introduced into the inlet port and the introduced fine particle dispersion is delivered to the outlet port. Also disclosed is a device for delivering the fine particle dispersion.

Abstract: A rasp includes a body including upper, lower, front and rear portions. The lower portion has a groove that has first and second sections extending along a length thereof. The first section includes equidistantly spaced coextensive cutting blades extending downwardly therefrom. The blades have front and rear surfaces that have a rectangular shape engageable along a portion of drywall. The second section includes randomly spaced protrusions that have arcuate shapes and extend downwardly therefrom. The protrusions are engageable with drywall for removing imperfections therefrom. A divider bifurcates the first and second sections and extends downwardly from the body. The divider has a height equal to that of the sidewalls. Coextensive sidewalls are conjoined with the body and oppositely spaced from the divider. The sidewalls protrude downwardly from the bottom surface and terminate coplanar with the divider. The first and second sections are recessed from the divider and the sidewalls.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to reliably control chip, particularly that produced in profiling.

Abstract: A drill improving the aligning accuracy of an insert and achieves a stable machining operation while maintaining the strength of the drill main body. The drill includes a drill main body rotatable about an axis, and a throwaway insert detachably attached to the drill main body. The drill main body includes a concave groove opening at a distal end face thereof, the concave groove includes guiding grooves extending in the direction of the axis on an inner surface thereof, the throwaway insert includes convex portions on an outer surface that are engageable with the guiding grooves, and the concave groove is formed so as to accommodate the throwaway insert. The throwaway insert is attached to the drill main body by insertion into the concave groove in a direction from the distal end face to the concave groove while engaging the convex portions with the guiding grooves.

Abstract: An apparatus having a mounting body, a support having a first end and a second end. The first end of the support being pivotally secured to the mounting body for pivotal movement about a substantially horizontal primary pivot axis. A rail grooming head mounted to the second end of the support.

Abstract: A tool holder is disclosed for a boring, milling or reaming tool that can rotate about an axis of rotation. At the end of its clamping shank that is located on the side of the tool, the tool holder has a bush part with a mounting opening, which is centered with regard to the axis of rotation and which is provided for accommodating a fixing shank of the tool. The mounting opening for a bush part can be radially expanded to a width, which enables the fixing shank to be inserted or removed, particularly by means of eddy currents that are magnetically induced inside the bush part by an induction coil. In addition, the mounting opening can, by cooling, be radially contracted to a width that holds the fixing shank with an interference fit.

Abstract: A rack for transporting and storing glass panels. The rack is designed to protect the panels during shipment so that they do not become damaged. The rack includes a base associated with two sets of channels in which a plurality of glass panels can be placed. Each channel has at least one gripper member associated with it. The gripper member is pivotal between a first position in which panels are locked in place in the channels and a second unlocked position in which panels can be inserted into or removed from the channels. Two sets of such channels are provided such that the rack of the present invention can be used to hold one set of longer glass panels or two separate sets of shorter glass panels.

Abstract: A swing up post is provided for attachment to a banding anchor used for securing a load-retaining band on a deck. At least one ear is provided having a respective aperture for receiving a bolt used to rotatably secure the at least one ear to a support surface associated with the deck. A retaining portion is connected to the at least one ear to retain the banding anchor. An end plate is provided at the end of the retaining portion which retains the banding anchor on the retaining portion. In a load retaining position, the swing up post is in a swung up position and in a storage position the swing up post is in a hung down position.

Abstract: An open-end blind rivet (210) comprises a headed mandrel (218) with a substantially tubular rivet mounted thereon with a flowable sealant (250) disposed between the mandrel and the rivet whereby setting of the blind rivet compresses the sealant between the head (216) of the mandrel and an inner surface of the rivet to form a seal therebetween.

Abstract: A bolt lock locks a bolt against rotation on an output gear. The bolt lock includes a locking plate having a ring-shaped body encircling the head of the bolt and provided with locking tabs bendable into locking engagement with the flat sides of the bolt head to prevent the bolt from rotating. The plate is secured to the output gear by additional bolts. The ring-shaped body has additional locking tabs bendable into locking engagement with the flat sides of the heads of the additional bolts.

Abstract: A fastener for fastening a component having a mounting hole has an essentially U-shaped clamping region that at least partially grips around the component and has two opposing legs that are connected together as a single piece by a connecting region. The legs are provided with through holes that serve to accommodate a pin or stud that passes through the mounting hole of the component. A nut is attached to a first leg on the side facing away from the second leg such that the connection between the first leg and the nut can be released by a separating force acting on the nut.

Abstract: A threaded ring has a single-piece body provided with an internal screw thread and two parts (1 and 3). The first part forms an adjusting ring having an end face (11) located in a radial plane. The second part (3) forms a retaining ring connected to the first part (1) of the body by an elastically flexible wall part (29) of the body forming a gap (15) between the two parts of the body (1 and 3). An actuating device (31) permits the geometry of the gap (15) to be adjusted due to the elastic flexibility of the wall element (29). The second part (3) of the body, used as a retaining ring, has a peripheral region (21) for the formation of the elastically flexible wall element (29), and has a smaller outer diameter than the first part (1). The outer diameter of the peripheral region is located on a smaller radius than the radially outer end (17) of the gap (15). The outer end of the gap, in turn, is located on a smaller radius than the periphery (19) of the first part (1) of the body.

Abstract: A flute holder comprises a bracket-engaging portion configured to engage a bracket, and a tool-engaging sleeve connected to the bracket-engaging portion and configured to engage a tool. A holding passage is at least partially defined within the tool-engaging sleeve.

Abstract: A fastener, such as a nail, screw, etc., which possesses supplemental support and/or retention capability is provided. The fastener includes an elongated auxiliary member secured interiorly to, exteriorly to, or along the shaft of the fastener. The auxiliary member is secured to the shaft at two or more portions of the shaft. The auxiliary member provides the shaft with additional support strength and/or enables fastened materials to be retained upon breakage or shearing of the shaft as a result of, for example, heavy tensile or shearing loads. To facilitate breakage or shearing of the shaft, the shaft may be provided with a deformation, such as a notch or reduced circumference, at one or more desired locations such that the shaft breaks or shears at the deformation(s), thereby allowing the auxiliary member to function as the sole member which retains the fastened materials.

Abstract: A method and device for additional pressing during a page nipping event in the adhesive binding of books or corresponding objects. One part of the cover (1) and the spine of the book are folded around the block (2) formed by the book's pages and glued on the spine of the block. The other part of the cover is folded into shape by means of a moveable jaw (8). The aforementioned folding of the cover (1) is accomplished by the aid of an additional compactor (9) acting by way of a stiffening brace (10) supporting the block (2). Alternatively, the process may be aided directly by the flexible support (7) by, for example, making a fold in the support (7) which causes it to function as a spring.

Abstract: The invention provides a bale handling apparatus capable of being used to lift and transport two similar bales in a substantially side-by-side manner. The apparatus includes at least two vertically and horizontally offset main spears. Each main spear is grouped with at least one vertically and/or horizontally offset stabilizer spear. By virtue of the offset design of the main spears, the apparatus can be used to load two bales sequentially by lifting a first bale and then lifting a second bale without unloading the first bale from the apparatus. The apparatus can also be used to load two bales simultaneously. The two bales can then be transported together to another location and unloaded from the apparatus sequentially or simultaneously.