Abstract: Voice prosthesis devices of known type to be inserted into a surgical fistula communicating between the trachea and esophagus of a laryngectomized patient have included a one-way valve that permits channeling air from the trachea into the esophagus of the wearer while preventing flow of esophageal material into the trachea. Heretofore, the one-way valves in certain of such prosthesis devices were in the form of a flap-type check valve having a membrane-like flap or disc anchored at a segment of the margin to the interior or intraluminal surface of a tubular housing. The present invention provides an improvement in such voice prosthesis devices in the form of a novel way of anchoring the membrane-like flaps or discs to the tubular housings whereby when the prosthesis devices are manufactured in commercial quantities the method of attachment provides a uniform resistance to airflow for each prosthesis formed of corresponding production components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ladle for the chlorination in co-flow mode of aluminium alloys in a molten state.It is divided by a vertical partition (6) which, with the bottom, leaves a space (7) for the flow of the metal, into a feed compartment (8) and a treatment compartment (9) in which a chlorinated gas distributor rotor (10) is immersed. It is characterized in that the treatment compartment is closed at its base by a horizontal wall (13) which extends at the level of the bottom of the partition and which is apertured at its center by an opening whose axis coincides with the axis of rotation of the rotor.It is used in the removal of magnesium from aluminium alloys and, with ladles of a capacity of close to 1 m.sup.3 and which can therefore be easily maneuvered, it makes it possible to attain treatment capacities of the order of 20 T/hour with suitable levels of efficiency in regard to the removal of magnesium.

Abstract: A transparent plastic mark locator for determining compliance of indicia with postal specifications. The locator is a rectangular transparent plate with three perpendicular locating edges. Indicia on the plate define areas for location of postal specification information and codes including three alternative Facing Identification Mark patterns for use in a defined "FIM" print area.

Abstract: A web of paper or similar material is subjected to at least one nip formed by an iron roll and a compliant roll. The iron roll is heated to a temperature of at least the temperature at which the fibers in the web begin to deform. In the case of paper this is approximately 350.degree. F. Preferably the web is passed through two nips the first nip polishing one side of the web, the second nip polishing the other side. The result is a web having improved gloss without substantial loss of bulk and with minimum mottling.

Abstract: This invention concerns hair salon accessories and especially devices for assisting in customer comfort while the hair is wetted.

Abstract: A pinball machine having a plurality of inclined playfields is provided. The adjacent playfields are linked by at least one path allowing a ball to descend to the lower playfield and a path allowing a ball to be propelled by a player controlled flipper to the upper playfield.

Abstract: A portable tape recorder for remote location news-gathering including a rugged metal housing having operating controls and input-output connections located at one end for ease of access. An audio output suitable for direct interconnection to telephone circuitry is provided in addition to internal speaker and external headset audio output connections. A talk-over preamp operatively interconnects the microphone or other audio input to the recorder output when the recorder is in the pause mode facilitating the use of the recorder microphone for direct telephone line connection. This permits live reporter commentaries, introductions, or `wrap-arounds` to be conveniently interspersed with pre-recorded news story segments. The speaker audio output is muted in the talk-over mode to preclude acoustic feedback while reporter `side-tone` monitoring is available through the external headset or telephone handset connections.

Abstract: A process for detecting the depletion of a cleaning and disinfecting ingredient in a solution such as the water present in a toilet tank and bowl. A solid composition comprising a color indicator in a matrix is located in the solution along with the ingredient. The porosity of the solid composition is maintained within limits to provide a means for controlling the rate of release of the color indicator into the solution. The cleaning and disinfecting ingredient has a bleaching tendency relative to the color indicator so that a display of color is minimal or non-existent for as long as significant amounts of the ingredient are present. The color indicator is provided in sufficient amounts so that, when considering the controlled rate of release, there will be continued release of color indicator after depletion of the ingredient. This will then provide a substantial display of color whereby depletion of the ingredient can be detected.

Abstract: A foldable table has a flexible panel provided with openings. Attached to the flexible panel and extending below the openings are open grid-like receptacles for receiving articles intended for beverage consumption.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for cutting a sheet-like member such as an adhesive tape applied to a surface of a semiconductor wafer at the periphery of said semiconductor wafer.The apparatus comprises a heating rod to be brought into contact with the periphery of the semiconductor wafer, heating means for heating the heating rod, urging means for relatively urging the heating rod against the periphery of the semiconductor wafer, and a moving mechanism for relatively moving the heating rod along the periphery of the semiconductor wafer. The heating rod is moved relative to the periphery of the semiconductor wafer as the heating rod is urged against the periphery of the semiconductor wafer, and thereby the sheet-like member applied to the semiconductor wafer is melted and cut at the periphery of the semiconductor wafer.

Abstract: A hand controller or `cursor` for the actuation of slaved apparatus. The cursor includes a handle extending from a line attachment member comprised of four equally spaced legs. The ends of these legs define vertices of a regular tetrahedron. The cursor is supported within a subtending structure by a plurality of tension lines which may be connected to torque motors or to another controlled device. A control computer preferably interfaces the present controller with the slaved apparatus wherein signals representative of the several tension line lengths are translated by the computer into control signals actuating the slaved device. In addition, force transducers on the slaved mechanism generate signals representative of the forces encountered by the slaved device which, in turn, are translated by the computer into torque motor control signals thereby providing interactive cursor force-feedback.

Abstract: This invention relates to new N-(methoxyphenacyl)-amine derivatives selected from the group consisting of(i) the N-(methoxyphenacyl)-alkylamines of the general formula ##STR1## wherein A is OCH.sub.3, and R is C.sub.3 -C.sub.8 -alkyl or C.sub.3 -C.sub.8 -hydroxyalkyl; and,(ii) addition salts thereof.These new derivatives are useful as pharmaceuticals, in particular as peripheral vasodilating agents.

Abstract: An edible food container provided with a moisture resistant barrier coating composition having a substantially uniform thickness on at least the internal surface thereof and which is substantially free of blocking and cracking, said coating composition being selected from the group consisting of a food grade modified fat (emulsifier), a food grade modified fat (emulsifier) containing a filler material and a fat containing a filler material.

Abstract: A valve is disclosed suitable for use in ink marking systems. The valve has an output port, a supply port, and a control port. The control port communicates with a chamber disposed above a flexible diaphragm while the output port communicates with a reservoir to be periodically supplied with fluid. The diaphragm flexes between an open position permitting the supply port to communicate with the output port and a closed position blocking such communication as a function of the pressure differential across the diaphragm created by pressure changes at the central port.

Abstract: A ducting system for electrical wiring or the like including elongated channels and channel covers and prefabricated channel interface assemblies adapted for rapid non-defacing installation without resort to special tools or precision assembly techniques. The interface assemblies are comprised of alignment members which are adapted to engage two or more channels thereby to automatically position the channels in a predetermined relationship. More specifically, projections are provided on the alignment members which are received within recesses on the ends of the duct channels thereby functioning to properly and automatically orient the several duct channels upon system assembly. The interface assemblies further include removable cover means which bridge and conceal the respective ends of the channels and channel covers thereby eliminating precision cutting of the duct sections.

Abstract: A system for cutting fiberboard wherein a table is provided for supporting the fiberboard with a cutter mounted above the table whereby the cutter is adapted to engage the insulation. The cutter is movable vertically for adjusting its position relative to the insulation and the mount for the cutter is provided with a drive whereby the cutter can be driven longitudinally and transversely of the table for cutting the fiberboard into various shapes. A hold-down device is associated with the cutter for movement therewith and for pressing against the insulation during the cutting operation to thereby prevent displacement of the insulation relative to the table. The cutter preferably comprises a cutting blade rotatably supported on a vertical shaft with the shaft and blade having freedom of movement during a cutting operation.

Abstract: A process for the production of aluminum by the electrolysis of anhydrous aluminum chloride produced by the carbochlorination of alumina in a molten salt bath containing at least one alkali metal and/or alkaline-earth metal halide, comprising carrying out the carbochlorination of the alumina and electrolysis of the aluminum chloride in a continuous production loop using the molten salt bath emanating from carbochlorination as the electrolysis bath and the molten salt bath emanating from electrolysis as the carbochlorination bath.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the penetration of fluids which includes a sandwich formed of a substantially flat plate means adapted to have a portion thereof immersed in a fluid and a cover plate in surface contact therewith and clamp means to secure the cover plate in surface contact with the flat plate. When the sandwich is immersed in a fluid to be measured, the fluid is drawn upwardly in the interstices between the flat plate and the cover plate at a rate which is a measure of the penetration of the fluid.

Abstract: A linear pulse motor includes; a flat primary body having a pair of first magnetic circuit forming members provided with a coil; a flat secondary body including a second magnetic circuit forming member; the flat primary body and the flat secondary body being in parallel planes to each other and the one being movable relative to the other in one axis of direction; the first magnetic circuit forming members each having two head portions and two leg portions being substantially parallel to each other; first plural teeth being formed at constant pitch in the head portions respectively; the pair of first magnetic circuit forming members being so arranged that the head portions are concentrated to one another; second and third plural teeth being formed at the same constant pitch as the first plural teeth and in parallel rows, in the second magnetic circuit forming member, the second and third plural teeth being shifted from each other by a predetermined length.

Abstract: Impact strength and toughness of polyamide resins are improved by blending resin with up to 50 percent by weight maleic anhydride grafted EPM rubber of low molecular weight and exposing the mixture to elevated temperature during blending.