Abstract: A hands-free bait storage and retrieval apparatus for use with a bucket having a continuous side wall defining an interior area and an open top includes a mounting frame having an upper ring and a plurality of mounting fasteners configured to selectively couple the upper ring to the bucket side wall such that the upper ring is situated in the bucket interior area and adjacent the open top thereof. A basket is selectively positioned in the bucket interior area. The apparatus includes a lifting assembly having a foot pedal and a linkage operatively coupling the foot pedal to the basket, the foot pedal being movable between a deployed configuration at which the basket is at a raised configuration within the bucket interior area and a released configuration at which the basket is at a lowered configuration within the bucket interior area.

Abstract: A device for trapping insects that includes a roof or cover and a trap or cage that are disposed at opposite ends of a housing. One or more solar cell(s) that convert UV rays into solar energy for powering one or more trap components is/are attached to the cover. The cover preferably has two panels that adjustably cooperate with the housing to improve capture of UV rays by the solar cell(s). A fan is disposed in the housing and oriented to direct an airstream through the housing and toward the trap. A damper is disposed in the airstream proximate the trap and includes two independently operable doors. Each door is biased toward a closed position and opens during operation of the fan. The trap removably cooperates with the housing to facilitate disposal of insects captured therein.

Abstract: A rodent fork and method of use for eradicating burrowing rodents that are beneath the surface of the ground. The fork includes a shaft having a proximal end with a grip and also having a distal end, a base plate attached transverse to the shaft at the distal end, and a first plurality of parallel tines fixedly attached the base plate and extending outwardly therefrom and substantially parallel to the shaft, with the tines being spaced apart on the plate in a second plurality of rows. An extraction plate is also preferably provided having a first plurality of holes spaced for receipt of the extraction plate onto the parallel tines, with the extraction plate having a flange, and preferably two flanges, extending laterally therefrom so that a user's foot may urge the extraction plate along the tines in a direction away from the base plate.

Abstract: A flexible electric fly swatter comprising a grid of electrically conducting shape memory materials encased within a flexible frame for striking against and electrocuting a fly on a surface or in the air. The single layer grid has odd and even rods oppositely charged where both the frame and the grid return back to their original shape after being struck. An alternate embodiment of this invention is a flexible electric fly swatter comprising two or more meshes in parallel of electrically conducting shape memory materials that are fastened together with connecting-spacers to allow a gap between the top mesh and the bottom meshes such that when a fly touches the meshes the circuit is completed and the fly is electrocuted. Also included in this invention is a spring-pivot-hinge fastened between the dorsal part of the handle to the proximal part of the frame or meshes.

Abstract: A composition includes a porous carbon substrate; a hydrocarbon gas; a sealant configured to retain the hydrocarbon gas with at least a portion of the porous carbon substrate. Such a composition is known as a carbon-hydrocarbon gas composite. Another composition includes the carbon-hydrocarbon gas composite and fuel. Such fuels include diesel.

Abstract: A method of hydrothermal hydrocatalytic treating biomass is provided. Lignocellulosic biomass solids is provided to a hydrothermal digestion unit in the presence of a digestive solvent, and a supported hydrogenolysis catalyst containing (a) sulfur, (b) Mo or W, and (c) Co, Ni or mixture thereof, incorporated into an alumina support, which support is predominantly alpha alumina; (ii) heating the lignocellulosic biomass solids and digestive solvent in the presence of hydrogen, and supported hydrogenolysis catalyst thereby forming a product solution containing plurality of oxygenated hydrocarbons, said alumina support having a specific surface area of up to about 30 m2/g and said catalyst retaining a crush strength of at least 50% after being subjected to an aqueous phase stability test compared with before the aqueous phase stability test or a crush strength of at least 0.25 kg after being subjected to an aqueous phase stability test.

Abstract: Polymeric compositions obtainable by free-radical polymerization of at least two different alkyl (meth)acrylates in the presence of at least one ethylene-vinyl ester copolymer, the alkyl (meth)acrylates used being a mixture comprising alkyl (meth)acrylates having linear C12- to C60-alkyl radicals and different alkyl (meth)acrylates having linear C1- to C11-alkyl radicals and/or branched C4- to C60-alkyl radicals and/or cyclic C5- to C20-alkyl radicals. The use of such polymeric compositions as pour point depressants for crude oils, mineral oils or mineral oil products.

Abstract: A solid medium of Antrodia cinnamomea comprises 20 to 50 wt % soybean; 30 to 50 wt % coixseed; and 20 to 50 wt % sorghum. A culturing method of Antrodia cinnamomea, comprises providing a solid medium comprising soybean, coixseed and sorghum; preparing a solution of Antrodia cinnamomea, inoculating the solution of Antrodia cinnamomea on the solid medium in a concentration of 1×103 to 1×106 cfu on per 100 g of solid medium, and statically culturing the solution of Antrodia cinnamomea on the solid medium till obtaining hyphae adhered on the solid medium; and culturing the solution of Antrodia cinnamomea by intermittent shaking in a frequency of every 5 to 7 days shaking 5 to 10 minutes, with a period of the culturing by intermittent shaking being more than 40 days.

Abstract: A device is disclosed providing an adjustable endcap for use with distribution conduits in a greenhouse. The device provides a solution to seal off the end of a distribution tube while providing further means to regulate the distribution of substances such as air or gas. The device comprises a structure for sealing the end of a greenhouse distribution tube wherein the sealing structure can be freely adjusted to allow variable amounts of air or gas to escape from the sealed end. The device allows for further regulation of pressure and temperature inside the conduit, extension of climate control over a greater distance and the ability to regulate conduits on an individual basis.

Abstract: A thin film solar cell module (1) is disclosed that is substantially translucent in at least a first wavelength domain. The module comprises a photo-electric layer (20) arranged for receiving solar radiation and for converting solar radiation in at least a second wavelength domain different from the at least a first wavelength domain into electric energy and a selectively reflective layer (30) arranged against the photo-electric layer for selectively reflecting radiation in said second wavelength domain transmitted by the photo-electric layer.

Abstract: A process for the production of useful materials to sustain manned space missions on Mars, as well as the kit of materials and apparatus for implementing the same, is described. Said process uses as raw feedstock only natural resources available in-situ, namely Mars atmosphere and regolith. The kit allows to implement the process of the invention by providing all materials and apparatus that will be used on the Martian soil.

Abstract: As a plant cultivation method by an artificial light irradiation which is convenient, highly energy efficient, and excellent in growth promoting effect, a plant cultivation method which promotes the plant growth by conducting a step S1 for irradiating a red illuminative light to a plant and a step S2 for irradiating a blue illuminative light to the plant separately and independently of each other within a certain time period. In this plant cultivation method, an extremely remarkable plant growth promoting effect can be obtained by a method as simple as an alternate irradiation with a red illuminative light and a blue illuminative light.

Abstract: The present invention provides a producing method for the artificial peat moss from natural cellulose fiber. The producing method comprises following steps in successive order manner. Firstly, blend natural pulp with N-methylmorpholine N-oxide (NMMO) as dissolving solvent and 1,3-phenylene-bis 2-oxazoline (BOX) as stabilizer in proper mixing ratio to yield a preliminary quasi-dope. Secondly, stir and dehydrate the preliminary quasi-dope to form dope. Thirdly, spin the dope by dry jet wet spinning method to yield filament bundle of cellulose. Fourthly, orderly perform coagulating with regenerating, water rinsing, twisting with plying and cutting processes on the filament bundle of cellulose to yield a preliminary artificial peat moss of natural cellulose fiber. Finally, per drying process of post-treatment on the preliminary artificial peat moss of natural cellulose fiber to obtain final artificial peat moss of natural cellulose fiber of the present invention.

Abstract: A non-cylindrical planting bed in rectangular, square or oval configuration for containing plant growth media and plants. The bed has a bottom wall, an exterior side wall, and either one or two semi-cylindrical walls inside and secured to the outer wall, or two cylindrical walls either wholly inside or having a portion forming a portion of the exterior side wall for strengthening of the bed. In forms having two cylindrical or two semi-cylindrical inner walls, cross walls may extend across the bed between straight side wall portions of the side wall to strengthen the straight side wall portions against outward displacement when the bed is filled with plant growth media.

Abstract: A raised box device includes a first side having a quadrangular panel and a pair of legs extending from the panel. Each of the pair of legs has a notch opening on a similar side of the leg. A second side also has a quadrangular panel and a pair of legs extending from the panel. Each of the pair of legs of the second side has a notch opening on a similar side of the leg. The notch openings on the legs of the second side are oriented opposite the notch openings on the legs of the first side. The notches of the legs of the first side are insertable into the notches of the legs of the second side to interlock the first and second sides and form a utility space between the quadrangular panels of the first and second sides.

Abstract: A method of growing a plant is provided in which a plant is planted at a location in which a horizontal layer of rock dust is placed over a lower layer of plant growing medium and an upper layer of plant growing medium is placed over the layer of rock dust.

Abstract: A plant pot tray having receptacles configured to receive pots of various sizes, with the receptacles including a side wall portion, a base wall portion, and one or more tabs with a longitudinal hinge portion connecting the tab to the side wall portion. The tabs each extend inwardly toward an interior of the receptacle with the tab configured to pivot along the longitudinal hinge portion whereby the tab is able to pivot upon insertion of a plant pot into a receptacle with the tab providing a biasing force against the plant pot to aid in retention of the plant pot in the tray and accommodate differently sized pots.

Abstract: Systems and associated apparatus and methods are described for growing plants in a dense and efficient manner in an indoor environment using artificial light. The systems are configured to hold a high density of plants at a relatively close, substantially fixed distance from a light fixture that provides artificial light for growth of the plants. As the plants grow, the plants are transferred to one or more following stations or stages, each of which is configured to hold the now larger plants at the same relatively close, substantially fixed distance from a light fixture. By providing multiple stages to accommodate plant growth, and maintaining the close positioning of the plants to the light fixtures, the impact of the artificial light on the growth of the plants is maximized and the efficiency of the electrical energy use is increased.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive arrangement for the motorized adjustment of a closure element of a motor vehicle, wherein the drive arrangement, in the installed state, is coupled in drive terms to the closure element. It is proposed for the drive arrangement to have at least one drive, which is intended for generating drive movements and in or on which is arranged an acoustic indicator for supplying acoustic feedback to the user.

Abstract: A gate apparatus includes a frame that is approximately in a shape of a letter “U”, a gate that opens forward or backward, a rotational support device that supports the gate so that the gate rotates and moves upward relative to the frame, a locking device that locks the gate at a closed position, and a pedal device that unlocks the locking device. The pedal device includes a pair of pedals on the both sides of the gate, and a push-up member that is linked to the pair of pedals. The push-up member includes a push-up surface that tilts when the pedal is operated. The push-up surface tilts so that the push-up surface moves upward and comes in contact with the gate on the side closer to the pedal that has been operated, and applies a push-up force and a rotation force to the gate.

Abstract: A drive apparatus for a vehicle includes a rotation member driven to rotate by a drive source, the rotation member around which a rope member connected to a drive object is wound, a support member including an accommodating portion rotatably accommodating the rotation member, the accommodating portion including a bottom wall portion that covers an end surface of the rotation member at one side in an axial direction of the rotation member and a peripheral wall portion formed to project from the bottom wall portion and covering a side surface of the rotation member, and a cover member attached to the support member and covering an opening edge of the accommodating portion.

Abstract: A system for use with a locker door having an upper opening and a lower opening, the system including a strap passed through the upper opening and the lower opening of the locker door. The system further includes a component configured to be releasably coupled to the strap.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for aligning a cover with an opening in a housing. The apparatus includes at least one hinge member securable to a housing and moveable between open and closed positions about a hinge axis, at least one attachment member for mounting a cover member to the moveable hinge member, and at least one alignment member for guiding the cover member into an aligned position when the cover member is moved with the hinge member towards the closed position, wherein the attachment member is adapted to allow the cover member to move in a perpendicular direction relative to the hinge axis.

Abstract: A composition of a sintered superhard compact is provided. The sintered superhard compact body may comprise superhard particles, such as cubic boron nitride. The binder phase may bond the superhard particles together. The binder phase comprises a titanium compound and a balance aluminum compound. The titanium compound may be formed during the high pressure high temperature condition. The sintered superhard compact body may have an amount of the titanium compound in order to have a mixed wear and toughness application.

Abstract: A method of treating polycrystalline diamond includes providing a leaching agent Within a vessel, placing a polycrystalline diamond body within the vessel such that the polycrystalline diamond body contacts the leaching agent, and applying a vacuum pressure in the vessel at an interval, where the interval includes at least one cycle, each cycle having a duration measured from the time the vacuum pressure is applied to the time the vacuum pressure is removed, and a frequency at which the at least one cycle is conducted.

Abstract: A polycrystalline diamond construction comprising a body of polycrystalline diamond material is formed of a mass of diamond grains exhibiting inter-granular bonding and defining a plurality of interstitial regions therebetween, and a non-diamond phase at least partially filling a plurality of the interstitial regions to form non-diamond phase pools, the non-diamond phase pools each having an individual cross-sectional area. The percentage of non-diamond phase in the total area of a cross-section of the body of polycrystalline diamond material and the mean of the individual cross-sectional areas of the non-diamond phase pools in the image analysed using an image analysis technique at a selected magnification is less than 0.7, or less than 0.340 microns squared, or between around 0.005 to 0.340 microns squared depending on the percentage of non-diamond phase in the total area of the cross-section of the polycrystalline diamond construction. There is also disclosed a method of making such a construction.

Abstract: In one preferred form of the present invention there is provided a roof rain gutter system. The roof rain gutter system comprises a drainage pipe for being positioned within and extending along a gutter. A coarse heavy filler material is placed on top of the drainage pipe for allowing the passage of rain water. A rain guttering component is positioned above a drop outlet of the gutter for directing water flowing through the drainage pipe downwardly into the drop outlet. The rain guttering component is adapted to surround the drop outlet to assist with preventing the passage of coarse heavy filler material through the drop outlet.

Abstract: A universal inside corner patch for patching inside corners formed by protrusions from a commercial low slope roof is disclosed. The universal inside corner patch includes a body having a central portion and a peripheral portion. A cutout is formed in the body extending from the peripheral portion to the central portion thereof. The cutout defines in the body a skirt having an edge on one side of the cutout and a flap having an edge on an opposite side of the cutout. Folding locations such as lines or other indicia on the body correspond to respective angles of an inside corner to be patched. When the skirt portion is overlapped with the flap portion with the edge of the skirt portion registering with one of the folding locations, the inside corner patch is configured to conform to an inside corner with an angle corresponding to the one of the folding locations. An adhesive may be disposed on a back surface of the body for adhering and sealing the corner patch in place.

Abstract: A building construction has a foundation, walls and a roof structure, the walls being wrapped by a reinforcement fabric, with the reinforcement fabric being connected to the foundation and the roof structure to tie the roof structure to the foundation for increased resistance to natural disasters. The connection of the reinforcement fabric to the roof structure includes a top rail having a connector plate attached to the roof structure and having an upwardly oriented opening, and a wrapping member about which the reinforcement fabric can be wrapped, the wrapping member having a geometry corresponding with the geometry of the upwardly oriented opening in such a manner that the wrapping member is prevented from rotating in the opening.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the photovoltaic generation of electrical energy. The present invention relates more particularly to photovoltaic arrays for use in photovoitaically generating electrical energy. Aspects of the present invention provide a variety of photovoltaic roofing elements and systems that include, for example, interlocking geometries to provide for water handling and integration with conventional roofing materials; and wire management features that can protect wiring and associated electrical components from physical and/or environmental damage.

Abstract: A roofing system, especially suited for use with metal roofing panels includes a V-shaped vent cover located above an air circulation vent at the crest or apex of a sloping roof. A vent closure strip in the form of a composite member is located in the gap between the vent cover and the roofing panels, which contain a series of ribs or protrusions forming an uneven surface. An air impermeable backing strip, which can be a closed cell foam, includes fastening blocks through which fasteners extend to fasten the vent cover to the roofing panels. Air permeable members are adhered to the backing strip. These air permeable members can be a reticulated foam with a convoluted lower surface for compressively conforming to the uneven upper surface of the roofing panels. The air permeable members are more porous and more dense than the air impermeable members.

Abstract: Disclosed is a housing and mounting assembly for a skylight module, and particularly for a skylight module that incorporates an energy management system. The housing and mounting assembly is configured to efficiently capture both direct solar and diffuse ambient light, and deliver light that is diffuse to the space below the skylight that provides even illumination and no unpleasant glare spots. The walls of the skylight module may be formed of multi-wall polycarbonate panels configured to redirect both the upward- and downward-shining light through the aperture into the space below. Moreover, the curb of the assembly may include a flexible flashing strip provided with a reflective coating configured to reflect sunlight upward through the walls of the assembly and into the skylight module, such that the advantages of collecting and using such reflected light can be achieved even in a retrofit installation on a non-reflective roofing surface.

Abstract: A controller for an energy management system that controls the amount of light allowed into an area is provided. The system comprises a louver assembly and a light sensor contained within a light well. The light sensor is in communication with a controller that manages the position of the louvers in the system and controls the amount of light allowed through the system. The system further comprises thermal sensors in communication with the controller, which allow for management of the louvers' position to maximize energy efficiency.

Abstract: The invention provides a spacer having an engineered wall with multiple corrugation fields including first and second corrugation fields having differently configured corrugations. Also provided are multi-pane glazing units that incorporate such a spacer.

Abstract: A corner assembly for siding and roofing coverings includes two complementary corner molding members, each one of the two corner molding members having a front wall including a covering section with simulated building elements on an outer face thereof. Each one of the two corner molding members further has at least one protruding finger and at least one recess. The at least one protruding finger and at least one recess are configured in an alternate configuration in order to interlock in a male-female configuration when the two complementary corner molding members are engaged with one another to define a corner. A method covers a length of a corner defined at a junction of a first support surface and a second support surface.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a masonry wall panel assembly comprising a panel and a plurality of bricks. The panel is provided with a plurality of horizontally extending contiguous channels bounded by upper and lower protruding ribs, for fitting a row of bricks. Each channel is also fitted with a plurality of compressible retaining tabs positioned along the upper rib of each channel for retaining bricks inserted therein. The bricks are provided with at least one cavity and at least one compression area so that when a brick is inserted into a channel of the panel, the brick is positioned between the ribs such that the cavity of the brick faces one or more of the tabs located on the channel so that the tabs protrude into the cavity of the brick while at the same time compressing the compression area, thereby retaining the brick within the channel.

Abstract: A roof system includes a roof panel formed of concrete and an architectural surface such as a corrugated surface. A first layer of reinforcing material is disposed along and spaced inwardly from a first surface of the roof panel, and an optional second layer of reinforcing material is disposed along and spaced inwardly from a second surface of the roof panel. The first layer of reinforcing material is spaced from the second layer of reinforcing material. The reinforcing material may be formed of fiber-reinforced polymer mesh, made with carbon fibers or glass fibers. FRP rebar may be used in conjunction with FRP mesh to provide added structural strength. The roof panel may include one or more elongated ribs having a thickness greater than adjacent portions of the roof panel. In other aspects, concrete structures with reinforcing material may be used for either roof panels or wall applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular door having at least one door panel, premanufactured stiles and at least two rails, and is held together using rods optionally having at least one stabilizer; a modular door kit containing said components; and a method of assembling a modular door having said components without requiring adhesives or any extra fasteners.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a technology of manufacturing and assembling modular doors, which can be assembled on site, and specifically to modular doors, which can be assembled without a use of glue, by mortise and tenons.

Abstract: A building panel structure is disclosed, in which building panels are used to form a structure. The building panel includes a core and a coating covering a portion of the core. In some embodiments the core consists of a frame and one or more than one insulating structural block. The insulating structural blocks can be encapsulated polystyrene (EPS) foam blocks. In some embodiments the coating includes an inner scratch layer and an outer main brown layer. The inner scratch layer can be formed of at least two layers and a fiberglass mesh. The outer main brown layer can include a fiberglass mesh embedded into the outer main brown layer. A coating/frame coupler is disclosed which securely couples the coating to the frame so that the building panel remains strong and stable even if the EPS foam blocks are melted or damaged in extreme conditions such as a fire.

Abstract: A deck board mounting clip mounts deck boards to joist members with respective undercut portions in a deck structure. The mounting clip has an intermediate body received between an adjacent deck boards, a first retainer flange protruding laterally into the side edge of one of the deck boards, a second retainer flange protruding laterally into the side edge of the next deck board, and a hook portion engageable with the undercut portion of the joist member such that the mounting clip cannot be lifted from the joist member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting modular panels in elevators cabs and on building walls with a plurality of side assemblies including frame member for supporting modular panel and for wall mounting the panels. Devices and method are disclosed for alignment of multiple panels fitted to a wall.

Abstract: Flooring material comprising sheet-shaped floor elements with a mainly square or rectangular shape. The floor elements are provided with edges, a lower side and an upper decorative layer. The floor elements are intended to be joined by means of joining members. The floor elements are provided with male joining members on a first edge while a second edge of the floor elements are provided with a female joining member. The male joining member is provided with a tongue and a lower side groove while the female joining member is provided with a groove and a cheek, the cheek being provided with a lip. The floor elements are provided with a male vertical assembly joining member on a third edge while a fourth, opposite, edge is provided with female vertical assembly joining member.

Abstract: A reinforcement for structural use including two longitudinal bars or plates connected by transverse bars or plates. The end sections of each side of the transverse bars or plates end at the longitudinal bars or plates. The longitudinal bars or plates extend laterally from both ends forming corresponding ending areas where there are no transverse bars or plates between the longitudinal bars or plates. At least two of the ends of the longitudinal bar or plate assembly have an inclined section that switches direction toward the respective end and toward the longitudinal bar or plate facing it, and then a section parallel to the opposing longitudinal bar or plate. The ends of the longitudinal bars or plates include elbows folded inward.

Abstract: A foldable carport comprising a header having a hinge socket fastened to an inhabitable structure and, a connection beam, a tilt beam, and a roof deck spanning between the two beams, all of which comprise a roof assembly. The connection beam includes a hinge member that is received into the header socket thereby operably connecting the roof assembly to the header. The operable connection allows the roof assembly to be positioned in an erected position or a folded position. When erected, the tilt beam is supported by a plurality of posts that may bear on a concrete slab, footing, or the ground. The foldable carport may also include a carrier plate coupled to the mobile residence configured to fasten the roof assembly to the mobile residence when the carport is in the folded position.

Abstract: An implementation of a truss configuration disclosed herein includes a plurality of trusses, each including a top chord, a bottom chord, a plurality of exterior braces, and a plurality of interior braces, wherein length of each of the plurality of exterior braces is substantially similar and wherein the angle between each of the exterior braces and the top chord is substantially similar. Furthermore, length of each of the plurality of interior braces is substantially similar and wherein the angle between each of the alternate interior braces and the top chord is substantially similar.

Abstract: A bottom trim member secures a curved sheet element such as a windshield or the like on a surface. The bottom trim member includes a bottom trim extrusion having a connecting leg affixable to the curved sheet element and a gasket receiving leg. A gasket is disposed in engagement with the gasket receiving leg, where the gasket is shaped such that the bottom trim extrusion is positionable in multiple orientations relative to the surface and such that the gasket maintains a sealing engagement in any of the bottom trim extrusion multiple orientations. A securing member is affixable to the surface and cooperable with the bottom trim extrusion to secure the bottom trim extrusion to the surface in any one of the bottom trim extrusion multiple orientations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of assembling frameless metal buildings by means of securing together a selected number of roll formed corrugated sheets by the use of cyclically bent corner members roll formed to identically match the roll formed sheets and holding the secured together sheets and bent corner members by mechanical fastening means to provide total load connectivity. The formed frameless buildings can be any desired shape limited only by the strength of the assembled components and the fastening elements.

Abstract: An implementation of a stud assembly disclosed herein includes an external stud and an internal stud inserted longitudinally into the external stud, wherein the internal stud has cross-sectional dimensions that are smaller than the cross-sectional dimensions of the external stud. Each of the internal stud and the external stud may include a web, two flanges connected to the web, and two lips connected to the two flanges. Furthermore, each of the internal stud and the external stud may be created from a cold-rolled steel.

Abstract: A packing apparatus for use in a sterile environment has an article loading and supply system. The loading system has a hatch in a first wall (P1) positioned at a height corresponding to a normal and ergonomic working height for an operator. The hatch faces an operating station which is to be supplied with the articles. A container element (2) has an internal volume (25) for containing articles, with a first article loading opening (21) and a second article unloading opening (22). The container element (2) is positioned in the sterile environment and is movable so that it can be positioned in a lowered position (PA) which corresponds to the hatch position for loading articles through the first loading opening, and then positionable in a raised position (PS) in which the second loading opening (22) is above the operating station (51) for unloading the articles to be supplied thereto.