Abstract: A method and apparatus for flame cutting steel slabs or the like in strip casting apparatus employs a flame cutting machine which moves at the strip casting speed during the flame cutting. A control device so adapts the flame cutting speed to the casting speed automatically, taking into account any temporary delay in the cutting operation, that until the termination of the flame cutting a definite predetermined distance of accompaniment is maintained.

Abstract: A modular internal combustion engine is provided in which a single crankcase can be adapted to a plurality of different types of engine configurations. The crankcase is open at its top so that each upper side edge of the crankcase forms a mounting flange while a crankshaft is rotatably carried by the crankcase. Block members and adapter members are provided and each includes a mounting flange formed along each longitudinal side. All of the mounting flanges are substantially identical to each other so that any one mounting flange can be detachably secured to another mounting flange. Thus to construct the engine, one mounting flange of either the block or adapter member is attached to one crankcase mounting flange while one mounting flange on the other member is attached to the other crankcase mounting flange. In addition, the remaining mounting flanges on the block and adapter members register with each other and are secured together.

Abstract: An improved rotary valve construction is provided for use in conjunction with an internal combustion engine of the type having a housing and at least one piston member reciprocally received within a cylinder formed in the housing. In the conventional fashion, fuel intake passage means formed within the housing communicate a combustible fuel mixture to the cylinder while, likewise, exhaust passage means formed in the engine housing expel exhaust gases from the cylinder. A first and second cylindrical valve member, each having a diametric throughbore, are rotatably mounted in the intake passage means and exhaust passage means, respectively. The valve members are rotatably driven in synchronism with the reciprocation of the piston in the cylinder to thereby open the intake and exhaust passage means via the valve member diametric bore at predetermined rotational positions of the valve members.

Abstract: A ring toss game is provided in which the target comprises a plurality of upwardly extending pegs mounted on a base. The base, in turn, is supported by a standard embedded in the ground. At least one peg is angled toward the center of the base, thereby increasing the difficulty of tossing a ring over the angled peg.

Abstract: A detachable handle assembly is provided for a powered garden tool, such as a hedge trimmer. The handle assembly according to the present invention includes an elongated first member having a hand grip formed at one axial end. A clamp assembly is connected to the other axial end of the elongated member and detachably, clampingly receives the garden tool so that the garden tool can be moved by means of the elongated handle member. In addition, the clamp assembly is adjustably coupled to both the garden tool and the elongated handle member such that both the angle and pitch of the garden tool relative to the elongated handle member can be infinitely variably adjusted.

Abstract: A fluid filtering device is provided for connection with a fluid line. The fluid device includes a housing having a fluid inlet on one end, a fluid outlet on the other end and a fluid passage formed through the housing. The fluid passage connects the inlet with the outlet and includes a port formed along its length. A tubular filter element open at one end is removably insertable into a filter chamber formed within the housing and, upon insertion, is axially slidable between a first position in which the open end of the filter element abuts against the fluid port and a second position in which the open end of the filter element is spaced from the fluid port. A spring urges the filter element toward its first position. In operation the fluid flow into the housing inlet passes through the port and into the interior of the filter element. The fluid then flows through the filter element and to the housing outlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an orally active pharmaceutical preparation comprised of progesterone, finely ground such that 80% of the progesterone particles are about 1-15 microns in size, suspended in an excipient and contained in capsules. The drug effects increased progestational and contraceptive activity at this particle size.

Abstract: A cabinet adapted to be mounted on a wall of a washroom or similar facility is provided with a conventional hand-held hair dryer secured within the cabinet and positioned so that the output of the hair dryer is projected through a vent opening in the cabinet. The hair dryer is controlled by a push-button time switch and the push button of the switch is operable from the outside of the cabinet. A suitable vaporizing substance is disposed within the cabinet adjacent to the inlet of the hair dryer so that the fumes are expelled through the vent together with the heated air. Additional electrical circuitry can be provided to override the time switch and to provide power outlets for washroom accessories such as electric shavers or lighting.

Abstract: Cup selection apparatus in a vending machine of the "in-cup" type consisting of a plurality of cup-storage tubes, in each of which, in use, a stack of cups nested one in another is placed, a selectively-operable cup-dispensing device associated with each cup-storage tube to separate the bottom cup from a stack of nested cups in that cup-storage tube, at least one cup-delivery tube connected to the outlet end of each of at least two of the cup-storage tubes, a cup-guiding chute leading from the or each cup-delivery tube to a cup-filling station at which water is to be added to the dry ingredients in a cup, the cup-storage tubes, the cup-delivery tube or tubes and the cup-guiding chute being positioned so that a cup after release by the cup-dispensing device from a stack of nested cups in a cup-storage tube will travel by gravity to the cup-filling station.

Abstract: A fuel system particularly for a gas turbine engine in which a tubular shaft rotatable during operation of the engine at engine speed or at a speed proportional thereto has a fuel inlet through which liquid fuel is introduced into the interior of the shaft, the peripheral wall of the shaft having at least one port therein communicating externally of the shaft with a combustion region of the engine and comprising a first resiliently-supported valve member mounted on the outside of the peripheral wall of the shaft in registration with the port to move away from the shaft centrifugally as the speed of rotation of the shaft increases, thereby to open the port and thus to allow fuel to flow through the port to the combustion region.

Abstract: A process for preparing plates of a new gel polymer, said plates being adapted to the electrophoresis separation of the seric or plasmatic lipoproteins under a stepped gradient. The gel polymers are prepared by radical polymerization of N-methylol-acrylamide and of a bifunctional allylic or acrylic compound causing cross-linking to yield a tridimensional configuration polymer. The polymerization may optionally be catalyzed by peroxides and/or ultraviolet radiation. Anionic polysaccharides containing only COOH groups may be added to assist migration of lipoproteins in the gel.

Abstract: A combination muffler and air filter is provided having a central tubular member with spaced longitudinally disposed elongated slots. A disposable canister on the central tubular member is removably held in position by retainer caps engaged on the ends of the central tubular member. One of the retainer caps is adapted for connection to the exhaust conductor from a pneumatically operated device. The disposable canister has a perforated cylinder encasing a series of stacked annular members having both muffling and filtering properties. A perforated sleeve in the disposable canister supportively engages the inner periphery of the stacked annular members. A closure disc, fixed on each end of the perforated cylinder, holds the stacked annular members in a compact and compressed condition.

Abstract: A game board used in combination with two or more conventional decks of cards to play a form of solitaire, the object of which is to be the first player to distribute all of the cards in his possession. Use of the game board offers the players a greater number of possible plays on each turn than in previously known forms of solitaire, yet allows penalties to be assessed for not recognizing or exercising all opportunities to play during a player's turn. Furthermore, the board contains a plurality of various card placement positions organized to aid the participants in recognizing possible playing opportunities.

Abstract: An air cooled exhaust valve provided primarily for use with an internal combustion engine, or the like. The valve is of the type having an elongated stem and an enlarged head formed at one end of the stem. The stem is axially slidably mounted within a housing while the enlarged valve head cooperates with a valve seat in the housing. A fluid passageway in the housing is connected at one end to a source of pressurized air and at its other end is open to the valve stem adjacent the valve head so that pressurized air flows axially down along the valve stem and across the valve head to cool both the valve head and stem.

Abstract: A fluid filtering device is provided for connection with a fluid line. The fluid device includes a housing having a fluid inlet on one end, a fluid outlet on the other end and a fluid passage for connecting the inlet to the outlet. The fluid passage includes an elongated cylindrical wall portion along its length. A filter assembly comprising a tubular filter element open at each end and a cap attached to a first axial end of the filter element is insertable within the housing so that the other or second end of the filter element is received within and sealingly engages the cylindrical wall portion of the fluid passage when the cap is connected to the housing. With the filter assembly thus positioned, the outer periphery or exterior of the tubular filter element is open to the housing inlet while, conversely, the interior of the filter element is open to the housing fluid outlet.

Abstract: The invention relates to an installation for distributing refrigerated air, wherein an air distributing shaft is provided with a series of pairs of air insufflation orifices and air recovery orifices, two orifices of each pair being connected to a container. A refrigerator-centrifugal fan unit is mounted on the shaft between an air inlet passage and an air outlet passage. On each side of the inlet passage and of the outlet passage, the shaft comprises channels arranged in spike-fashion, which present a sharp reduction in section at the level of each of the air insufflation or recovery orifices. These reductions in section are determined in order to have the same static pressure of insufflation or recovery at the level of the different air insufflation or recovery orifices. The invention is more particularly applied to ships carrying refrigerated containers.

Abstract: An improved hanger for vehicular mud flaps is provided comprising a first and second elongated support member. One end of the first support member is secured to the vehicle while the second support member is telescopically mounted to the free end of the first support member. A spring resiliently urges the second support member axially outward from the first support member while permitting retraction of the second support member relative to the first support member when required to prevent a breakage or bending of the mud flap hanger. A coiled spring on the end of the hanger permits the end flap to be twisted without damaging the hanger.

Abstract: A fluid filtering device is provided which is particularly suitable for connection with the suction line of a hydraulic system. The fluid filtering device comprises an elongated housing open at its upper end and secured to a fluid reservoir so that the lower end of the housing is positioned below the fluid level in the reservoir while fluid outlet means are formed on the lower submerged end of the housing. An annular housing member is coaxially positioned within and secured to the main housing below the fluid level of the reservoir so that the annular housing member is spaced radially inwardly from the main housing thus forming an annular chamber therebetween. The interior of the housing member is open to the filter outlet while fluid passageways through the housing member establish fluid communication between the annular chamber and the fluid outlet.

Abstract: A spark ignition distributor assembly having air density compensating means is provided for use with an internal combustion engine. A first distributor plate is rotatably mounted between a first and second position within a housing while a second distributor plate in turn is rotatably mounted between a first and second position on and coaxial with the first distributor plate. A distributor shaft is rotatably journalled in the housing and extends coaxially through both distributor plates. An actuator connected to the shaft selectively actuates a make-and-break switch mounted on the second plate. The rotational position of one of the plates is controlled by the manifold vacuum of the engine while the rotational position of the other plate is controlled substantially by the density of the incoming air to the engine via appropriate sensing devices.

Abstract: A device for constituting in the wall of a pipe an optical pick-up window which may be scavenged by a protective fluid. A chamber is provided with an inlet for said fluid and an outlet for said fluid, said chamber passing through said wall and opening into said pipe through an open end, the opening of which constitutes said outlet, and a tube introduced into the chamber so as to constitute in the chamber about the tube an annular conduit starting near the said inlet of the chamber and leading towards said outlet, one end of the tube being provided with said window and being placed in the chamber opposite said outlet, the other end of the tube opening outside the chamber, wherein the distance between the window and the outlet is sufficiently short for the flow of protective fluid in front of the window to be a sheet of fluid.