Abstract: The self-service jewelry container includes a relatively rigid cup-shaped base, a relatively resilient pedestal and a relatively rigid transparent cylindrical cover having a slant top. The base and cover can be taped together to render the container more pilfer-resistant. A predetermined angular relationship is established between the base and pedestal by means of an interfitting rib and groove configuration, and a predetermined angular relationship is established between the base and cover by means of a notch and tab. Lips on the base and cover telescopically interfit. In this way, when the several parts constituting the container are assembled, the slant top is properly oriented with the pedestal for the display of the jewelry mounted on the pedestal within the transparent cover. Two pedestal embodiments are disclosed, one for holding a flexible necklace and the other for holding a bangle.

Abstract: The toy construction set includes a plurality of blocks and at least one base plate. Each of the blocks has one or more axially shiftable and rotatable coupling cams mounted therein which can be projected from the bottom of the block to effect vertical attachment with another block or with the base plate, using a suitable hand tool to do so. The preferred base plate contains a number of appropriately located coupling cams so that it can be attached either above or below a number of blocks.

Abstract: Disclosed are comestibles, particularly ready-to-eat cereals, having an exterior coating sweetened with aspartame as well as methods of preparing such coated comestibles. The methods of preparation comprise: (a) preparing an aqueous suspension comprising sufficient amounts of certain cold water-soluble gums to provide a viscosity of 50 to 25,000 cp. (65.degree. F.) and from about 0.1% to 4% aspartame; (b) enrobing a comestible with the aqueous suspension at a temperature of from about 50.degree. F. to 100.degree. F. to apply sufficient amounts of aspartame so as to provide between about 0.05% to 0.3% aspartame; and then (c) drying the comestibles to a final moisture content of less than about 5%.

Abstract: Disclosed are simulated, puffed dried fruit pieces and methods for their preparation. The dried fruit pieces are useful for incorporation into ready-to-eat cereals of low water activity, e.g., A.sub.w of 0.1 to 0.3, such as puffed cereals. The dried fruit pieces are characterized by a low density ranging from 0.15 to 0.40 g./cc. due in part to a hollow center and thus do not settle during distribution and storage, and do not sink in milk. The dried fruit pieces are prepared by drying in prescribed manner pieces comprising encapsulated solutions containing hydrophilic colloids set with gelling agents.

Abstract: Disclosed are dry mixes for cakes, comprising conventional full formulation dry mixes in a particular physical form. The present granulated dry mixes can be used to prepare finished cakes by conventional baking but without requiring such steps as mixing to form a batter, or batter aeration or coating the baking container. The granulated dry mixes are characterized by the physical features of (1) particle size, (2) bulk porosity, (3) density, (4) initial rates of moisture absorption, and (5) moisture content. The particle size essentially ranges from about 0.9 to 3.0 mm. The bulk porosity essentially ranges from about 0.55 to 0.64. The density essentially ranges from about 0.45 to 0.70 g./cc. The rates of initial moisture absorption essentially range (at 70.degree. F., 21.degree. C.) from about 0.055 to 0.075 gram of water per gram of mix per second.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for preparing battered and breaded comestibles, e.g., fish, and fried food products prepared therefrom which exhibit reductions in cooking fat absorbed during frying. The comestibles are prepared by applying an aqueous solution comprising about 25% to 35% of a film forming agent, e.g., gelatin or certain starches in amounts sufficient to provide weight ratio (dry basis) of agent to coating of about 0.15:1 to 0.55:1. Optionally, the coating can be subsequently dried, e.g., forced hot air convection at 250.degree. F. to 700.degree. F., (121.degree. C. to 371.degree. C.). Coated comestibles can contain a batter ranging from about 0.10:1 to 0.85:1 and breading to comestible weight ratio of 0.05:1 to 0.20:1. The coated comestibles can then be par-fried in hot oil for about 15 to 40 seconds. Oil absorption reductions upon frying range up to about 25% to 50%.

Abstract: The device comprises a casing composed of a bottom tray having an upstanding pivot post and a hinged cover having an open window. Three concentric flat rings have partial designs embossed thereon to provide raised design portions, the inner ring being rotatable about the post, the intermediate ring rotatable about the inner ring and the outer ring rotatable about the intermediate ring. By individually rotating or angularly positioning the rings relative to each other, any of the partial designs can be radially aligned to form a composite design. After the composite design has been formed, a piece of paper is placed over at least the segments constituting the preselected design. Closing of the cover on the tray clamps the rings in a fixed relation with each other so that the user can then rub a marking implement, such as a colored pencil or crayon, over the portion of the paper appearing in the open window in order to transfer the preselected design onto the overlying paper.

Abstract: The doll illustrating the toy figure includes an ingestion system having an inlet opening and an outlet opening. A resilient or flexible tube connects the inlet opening to the outlet opening. The resilient tube includes a straight longitudinal section within the doll's body. A carriage unit is constrained for rectilinear movement relative to the straight section, a roller movable with said carriage unit performing a persistalic pumping action as it is progressively moved downwardly along the straight section of the tube. A manually actuated lever connected to the carriage unit permits a child to move the carriage unit downwardly, the lever projecting through a slot in the back of the doll's body. Provision is made for only partially collapsing the tube as the carriage unit is returned to its initial position by means of a roll spring.