Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel apparatus and method of manufacturing an ear plug assembly wherein the plug member is made of foam or similar material. By creating an assembly where the plug member can be confined in a chamber while gas is blown into the chamber, the plug member becomes semi-rigid and permits a piercing object to cut a slit in the plug member without causing it to buckle. If the speed of the cutting blade is at least 75 inches per second, the speed will compensate for the non-rigidity of the plug and it is not necessary to blow gas into the plug. Adhesive added at the location of the slit acts as a lubricant to permit a cord to be inserted into the plug member while at the same time acting as a bonding agent.

Abstract: A pump for delivering precisely metered discrete quantities of solvent containing suspended solids in rapid cycles. The pump ejects the solvent from a cylinder in amounts proportional to discrete longitudinal movement of a piston inside the cylinder and eliminates internal valves that may become clogged.

Abstract: Apparatus for extruding and cutting potato dough in the process of making French Fries uses a motor-driven ram which is allowed to recede after an extrusion operation to allow compressive forces in the dough container to be relieved after which a brake may be applied. The length of extrusion is established by time or by interrupting a beam to a photocell. In a modification, extrusion begins only after a predetermined pressure is first achieved in the dough container. The dough container is of special construction allowing both mixing and subsequent dispensing.