Abstract: A new and improved variety of nectarine tree which has the following unique combination of desirable features that are outstanding in a new variety.1. Regular and productive bearer of white flesh clingstone fruit.2. Fruit with excellent flavor and eating quality.3. The fruit having firm white flesh with good handling and shipping quality.4. Bearing fruit with an attractive red skin color.5. Vigorous upright growth.

Abstract: A Chrysanthemum plant named Empire Aspen particularly characterized by its pure white ray floret color, compact growth habit with good spread, 7 week response period in photoperiodic programs, early natural season flowering date, free branching and flowering, and excellent keeping quality.

Abstract: A new and distinctive Alstromeria cultivar particularly distinguished by the almost white outer petals of a very large flower especially characterized by its long elliptically shaped inner petals which terminate in a distinctive aristate tip and have a lemon yellow coloration for about two-thirds of its length from the base end, the outer portion being of the almost white color of the outer petals. The relatively narrow inside petals are also distinguished by short dark brown pencil stripes which extend longitudinally from the petal base to its tip. This plant being further characterized by its profuse year around blooming habit on an upright fast growing bush of which the cane length is about 180 cm.

Abstract: A new and distinct Freesia cultivar distinguished by its very tall stems bearing a single red flower at its upper end and immediately preceeding a jointed rachis which extends almost at right angles to the stem and has from six to nine longitudinally spaced buds of which several may be open at the same time, the flowers being of medium size and blooming successively on strong spikes with substantially uniform spacing along the rachis to its end.

Abstract: A breakstem river installation tool includes a jaw mechanism (12) for gripping the stem of a rivet, and a pneumatically actuated piston and cylinder device (13) for applying pulling force to the jaw mechanism. It is provided with a damping valve (22) for damping the flow of air from the piston and cylinder device (13) when the force is suddenly released on breaking of a rivet stem (23), thereby to reduce mechanical shock to the tool, and noise of fast-escaping air. The damping valve (22) comprises a resilient steel circular disc (32) which is secured at its center to the apex of a domed member (28) provided with vent holes (26). The undeformed shape of the disc (32) is flat. When, in use of the tool, a rivet stem breaks and the restraining force on the piston (15) is released, the velocity of air flow past the disc (32) urges the disc to bend towards the domed surface of the member (28), thereby restricting the air flow through the vents (26).

Abstract: An animal working device includes a front enclosure with front and back ends, opposite sides, a base and a superstructure. The front enclosure includes opposite side walls each at a respective side and a gate in one of the sides. A back enclosure includes front and back ends, opposite sides, a base and superstructure. The back enclosure is telescopically received in the front enclosure and is movable between extended and retracted positions with respect thereto. In its extended position, the back enclosure communicates with the front enclosure. An elevation system is provided for raising and lowering the device between a work position on a ground surface and a transport position elevated thereover. A wheeled, retractable undercarriage is mounted on the back end of the front enclosure for raising, lowering and transporting the device.

Abstract: A door status detection system is provided for use in a refrigerator having a cabinet defining first and second food storage compartments and corresponding first and second doors hingely mounted to the cabinet for selectively closing the compartments. The doors each include a magnetic sealing strip secured thereto for sealing the doors to the cabinet and for maintaining the doors in closed position. First and second switch arrays are installed into the cabinet generally adjacent a section of the magnetic sealing strips of the first and second doors, respectively, when the doors are in closed position for signaling the opened/closed status of the doors. The first and second switch arrays are electrically connected in series and operated by the magnetic sealing strips of the doors. Circuitry is connected to the first and second switch arrays for signaling a user of the refrigerator if either of the doors remains in an opened position for a defined period of time.

Abstract: A write/protect tab assembly including a substantially planar jacket base and a write/protect tab slidably mounted in a tab pocket formed in the jacket base, such that the tab is encaptured by the jacket base. The tab is alternatively encaptured by: a latch formed at the tab pocket for receiving the tab; shelf-like projections formed on the tab pocket for receiving corresponding elongated recesses formed on the sides of the tab; a cap attached to the tab with the tab pocket being disposed between the tab and the cap; or guides formed adjacent the tab pocket for receiving in sliding relation the sides of the tab. The present invention also includes a method of encapturing the tabs in the jacket base before the cover is positioned on the jacket base.

Abstract: A bearing device assembly includes a water pump shaft supported by a rolling bearing, and a .[.plulley.]. .Iadd.pulley .Iaddend.seat press fitted to one end of the water pump shaft. A recess or recesses in the form of a ring-shaped groove, a spiral-shaped groove, and a groove extending in the axial direction of the shaft, or the like are formed in at least one of the peripheral surface of the one end portion of the water pump shaft and the inner surface of the pulley seat. The recess prevents formation of an oil film on the fitting surface between the water pump shaft and the pulley seat at the time of press fitting the pulley seat, and also allows the remaining oil on the fitting surface to flow into the recess.

Abstract: Solid dihydropyridines, e.g. nifedipine and nimodipine preparations having a maximum standard deviation of the active compound content of 3% contain 1 part by weight of nifedipine, 2 to 6 parts by weight of PVP with a mean molecular weight of 15,000 to 50,000, 3.5 to 15 parts by weight of cellulose, 0.25 to 4 parts by weight of starch and 0.5 to 4 parts by weight of cross-linked insoluble PVPP, and, if appropriate, one or more further pharmaceutical auxiliaries and excipients. These preparations show a good release of dihydropyridine with good content uniformity.

Abstract: A method of processing a silver halide color photographic material in which the color developer used comprises an aromatic primary amine color developing agent and a compound of formula: ##STR1## wherein X represents a trivalent group necessary to complete a condensed ring;R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 each represents an alkylene group, an arylene group, an alkenylene group, or an aralkylene group;and, if desired, does not contain a substantial amount of benzyl alcohol to achieve improved stability and color developability of the color developer and a reduction of fog generation in the running development process.

Abstract: An intermediate for a composite material is disclosed. The intermediate is obtained by impregnating an epoxy resin composition containing a specific additive into a carbon fiber. The composite material obtained from the intermediate has improved mechanical properties.

Abstract: A map construction for use by a tourist at a new site or location such as an amusement park or a college campus. The illustrated construction is in the form of a shirt having a front panel with an outwardly facing surface. The surface is provided with a map of the area in question. The map is oriented (i) with the bottom of the map uppermost and the top of the map lowermost, and (ii) with the map low enough, to facilitate ready reading and use of the map by the person wearing the shirt and without having to remove the shirt. The user wearing the shirt simply looks down and sees the map of the desired area in an orientation where it can be read by the wearer. In one form, a map may be provided on the outer surface of the rear panel of the shirt for use by a companion of the person wearing the shirt. The map on the rear panel is oriented with the top of the map uppermost.

Abstract: A collapsible head covering is in the form of a visor-like cap having the usual head-encircling portion, and a visor or bill extends from the head-encircling portion which includes a normally shapeless crescent-shaped section and a wire-like reinforcing member embedded in the outer peripheral edge of the crescent-shaped section so as to cause the visor to assume a generally convex cross-sectional configuration when worn and can be collapsed by twisting the visor into a coiled circular configuration for storage purposes.

Abstract: An accessory (10) that can be connected to, and detached from, various forms of headwear comprising a means of attaching units (20) such that the accessory (10) and the headwear forms a continuous surface. Such a continuous surface increases coverage to the neck and ear areas.

Abstract: A firefighter's helmet having a rigid shell provided with a forward portion and a rearward portion and side portions. Attached to the rigid shell and extending downwardly therefrom are support members which are positioned at the rearward portion of the shell, and at the side portions of the shell. A flexible securing member is supported by the support members. After the helmet is positioned upon the head of a firefighter the flexible securing member is drawn firmly at the back and sides of the head of the firefighter. Also, portions of the flexible securing members are positioned under the chin of the firefighter and attached together. Thus, the helmet is secured upon the head of the firefighter, and the helmet cannot move with respect to the head of the firefighter who wears the helmet.

Abstract: The overflow and drain fitting has a drain pipe (10), into which a closing plug (4), a float (3), as well as a mushroom-shaped plug (2) are inserted. The closing plug (4) can be lifted via bars (15), thus opening a partition (10b) between a riser channel (6b) and a return channel (6c) of a hidden riser pipe (6). With a sealing edge (2c) of a mushroom-shaped plug (2), the float (3) forms a check valve, which prevents water that may be contaminanted from returning into the basin (5). The closing plug (4), the float (3), and the mushroom-shaped plug (2) are loosely connected to each other via grasping arms (4b, 3b) and can be lifted out of the drain pipe (10) together as one unit to clean the fittings.

Abstract: A water optimizing system comprising a single or double water flush assembly and an activation mechanism for maximum and minimum water flush. The flush assembly of the system includes a threaded discharge pipe capable of being raised and lowered selectively in order to adjust the level of the water to be flushed, and an adjustable threaded connection, which allows the valve seat of the flush assembly to be adjusted to determine the volume of water in the tank necessary to operate the optimizing system more efficiently.

Abstract: A shower device includes a plurality of nozzles provided to a housing, supplied hot and cold water to the nozzles being turned on and off through solenoid valves which are provided in a self-maintaining type and are supplied with a power from a low voltage power source through a controller. The device is thereby made simple and easy in its installation and to be operable for a long term with considerably low voltage and small power.

Abstract: The invention relates to an auxiliary device serving as mattress and consisting of a number of cells (4) fixed to a mattress bottom and extending along the mattress. The cells are individually fillable and evacuable for changing the position of a patient lying on the mattress. The auxiliary device has cloth portions (7; 9) connecting to cells to each other and to the mattress bottom (8) so as to permit substantial lateral movements of the cells relative to the mattress bottom and giving them a certain adaptability with respect to each other.

Abstract: An air sack support manifold defines a plate having a flat top surface, a bottom surface, two opposed ends and two opposed side edges, a plurality of inlet openings defined through one of the side edges, a plurality of separated enclosed channels, a plurality of air sack supply openings defined through the top surface, wherein each of the air sack supply openings communicates with one of the channels.

Abstract: This invention is an advancement in the safe and practical methods of transporting sick or injured patients. The Manhandler is a flexible stretcher constructed of pliable materials. The injured patient is firmly secured to the cot portion of the system by a flexible wrap of sturdy material that extends along each side of the patient's entire body and is secured across his body by a series of strong straps. The litter and the wrap are attached to two parallel flexible strips of material which form lifting grips. These side grips provide support when lifted from the side. A solid sheet of plastic material provides rigidity to the cot portion of the stretcher when side lift is applied, yet remains flexible to allow elevation of the feet and head when such lift is released. The supporting material is radio-opaque to allow x-rays without the necessity of removing the patient from the litter.

Abstract: A pillow comprising a container made of edge-joined slabs of polyurethane foam filled with a mixture of polyurethane foam chips averaging about one-quarter inch square and polyester fibers averaging about two inches in length, said fibers being coated with silicone, said mixture being homogeneous and consisting of 70 to 50 percent of said polyurethane foam chips and 30 to 50 percent of said coated polyester fiber.

Abstract: A first part fixable on a bed and a footboard with two depending legs carried by the first part. The position of the footboard is adjustable relative to the first part enabling its height to be varied. The first part is a framework having two subframes each with a pair of elongate members supported in parallel one with the other. The elongate members have upstanding members on their outer ends and two bolt members interconnect cross members of the subframes and are adjustable to move the subframes relative to one another to cause the upstanding portions to bear against and clamp the framework to the lower part of a bed. The upstanding portions of one subframe are adapted to receive legs. Alternatively, the first part is formed as one or two metal plates fixable to the outside of the foot end of the bed base with two further metal plates on the inner surface of the foot end of the bed base.

Abstract: A bobbin sleeve for a setting bobbin, consisting of a cylinder jacket bounded on both sides by end flanges and consisting of rigid, more especially metallic material is characterized in that the cylinder jacket is provided with continuous apertures, so that the setting process and a subsequent dyeing process can be carried out on one and the same bobbin sleeve.

Abstract: A cable-stayed bridge including at least one concrete platform consisting of an assembly of caisson elements, at least partly prefabricated, extending transversely to the bridge. Each element is composed of an upper table and a lower table separated by spaces which extend transversely to the platform, and are connected by walls at the side and the end, and with longitudinal intermediate partitions and transverse partitions. The piers of the bridge extend preferably upwards to the platform and carry both a part of the platform and the pylon.

Abstract: The invention provides a small, inexpensive cleaning device that is particularly made to clean the grooves in the face of most golf clubs heads, both irons and drivers. The object of these grooves is to give the ball direction and backspin. If these grooves become clogged the player no longer gets the proper backspin on the golf ball and loses directional accuracy. The device has at one end a series of small evenly spaced fixed teeth, each reinforcing ribs to minimize the risk of the teeth breaking while the device is being used to clean the golf club head. The device can be twisted with respect to the golf club head to enable the cleaning of a variety of evenly spaced parallel grooves. Additionally, the device has a pair of large sharp prongs on its opposite end, which can be used to clean golf shoes and to repair divots and golf ball marks in the turf on golf course greens.

Abstract: A new and improved toothbrush has a pair of discreet twin brushing heads. Each head is attached to the handle portion at a predetermined angle relative to the handle portion. The heads are arranged in a side-by-side manner with the angle of the heads tilted in the opposite directions relative to the handle portion. In one embodiment, the heads are fixed relative to the handle portion. In another embodiment, the heads are fixed relative to a handle portion, but the handle portion flexes when sufficient pressure is applied to the brushing heads during brushing. In still another embodiment, each head pivots independently of the other head about a base head which is attached to the handle portion. One unique aspect about the twin-headed toothbrush is that the toothbrush is specifically designed to be used with the conventional brushing technique that the majority of the people are accustomed to, but provide an effective cleaning of teeth and gum surfaces.

Abstract: A mechanism for opening and closing an openable apparatus has a body consisting of a first body portion and a second body portion. The first body portion is rotated about a pivotal axis between the closed position and the fully opened position. An arcuated gear portion having a center falling on the pivotal axis is provided. A one-way damper mechanism is connected to the gear portion directly or via a transmission gear and comprises a rotary gear rotated in cooperation with the opening and closing movements of the first body portion and a rotational speed control device for controlling the rotational speed of the first body portion when the first body portion is closed. In cooperation with the movement of the first body portion between the closed position and the fully opened position, the rotary member is rotatable about the pivotal axis between a first position at which the first body portion is closed and a second position at which the first body portion is fully opened.

Abstract: A fiber tuft processing line for processing fiber tufts preparatory to spinning, includes a plurality of fiber processing machines, fiber tuft conveying ducts serially connecting the machines, a blower generating a fiber tuft conveying air stream flowing in the fiber tuft conveying ducts, and an air conditioning system for supplying conditioned air to the machines of the fiber processing line. The air conditioning system includes an air conditioner; conditioned air conveying ducts extending from an output of the air conditioner to the machines; a humidity sensor and temperature sensor for responding to humidity and temperature conditions in the processing line; and a regulator for operatively connecting the humdiity sensor and the temperature sensor with the air conditioner. The humidity sensor is arranged to respond directly to the humidity of the fiber tufts in the processing line.

Abstract: A metering method or a metering apparatus for dispensing predeterminable quantities of fiber flocks per unit time by two feed rollers (18, 20; 18.1, 18.2, 170, 172) which are arranged at the lower end of a flock shaft (14, 14.1, 14.2), which are rotatable in opposite directions and which form a conveying gap between them, with an opening roll (22; 22.1, 180) preferably being arranged beneath the feed rollers, is characterized in that at least one of the feed rollers is biased in the direction of the other feed roller (18; 20.1; 170) and is movable away from the latter under the pressure of the flocks; in that the spacing (x) between the two feed rollers, or a value proportional to this distance is measured; and in that the speed of rotation of at least one of the feed rollers is so regulated that the product (n.multidot.x) of the speed and of the spacing remains constant, at least on average.

Abstract: A high strength, low strap insertion force cable tie having a locking head that locks the distal ends of a strap in two strap positioning channels in the head with two metal barbs each carried by a pawl hingedly mounted to a side wall of the head.

Abstract: A cable clamp shim, wherein a side part thereof is bent at a right angle to the remainder thereof, with the slit being in the remainder portion for holding the sleeve of the clamp, so that the side part of the shim fits closely to the outside surface of the sleeve and thereby eliminates possibility of injury to the worker by the edge of the shim, and improves the positioning security of the shim in the clamping arrangement.

Abstract: The preferred clip is comprised of a hub with four equally spaced arms, each having at least one coin-engaging slot. Coins are retained by frictional engagement and by cooperation between the residual coin rim and ridges in the slots. Structures may be built of coins that are in orthogonal or parallel relationship. Coins of more than one size (denomination) can be retained by a single clip.

Abstract: An automatic release device for seat belts on motor-vehicles, or the like is designed to be disposed between the locking buckle (1) of the seat belt and the retaining catch (2) provided with an unlocking pushbutton (102) and secured to the frame of the vehicle. The device comprises a retaining mechanism (105) for the locking buckle (1) of the belt and, at the opposite side, a buckle (103) for engagement with the retaining catch (2). Moreover, it comprises mechanical elements (16) to cause the retaining catch (2) to open and release the device therefrom, these elements being controlled for this purpose by timing elements (8,9,R) activated by an impact and becoming operative after a pre-established time.

Abstract: A buckle device is provided, for use with a seatbelt system of a vehicle, into which a tongue plate is inserted for engagements with a lock member, and which has in addition to the lock member with which the tongue plate engages when it is inserted into the buckle device to a predetermined depth, and which is urged at all times in the direction of engagement with the tongue plate, an ejector for urging said tongue plate in the direction of withdrawal from said buckle device, and a preventing member for preventing the lock member from moving into the insertion path of the tongue plate until the tongue plate reaches the predetermined engagement position.

Abstract: A casket or burial vault is made of thermoplastic material, either by vacuum forming or injection molding, as two longitudinal half-shells which are joined along a parting line into a leakproof, integral shell.

Abstract: Textile structures for producing structural members such as reinforced spars of composite material and a method for producing the textile structures. In the textile structure at least two textile planar members, or plates, are integrally joined together by textile filaments such that the planes of the members intersect each other, at least one member being formed of layers of textile filaments which extend obliquely in at least two directions in a brace fashion with respect to the longitudinal and transverse directions of the member while the remaining members are each formed of layers of textile filaments extending along the longitudinal, transverse and vertical directions of the member.

Abstract: A hollow graphite susceptor for supporting semiconductor substrates during processing in epitaxial reactor systems. The susceptor has reduced wall thickness to provide lower thermal mass for rapid heating and high wafer throughput. Early failure of this thin-walled susceptor is avoided by providing a raised reinforcing boss on its interior surface in alignment with each recess on the exterior surface.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for mechanically applying a weather strip or other channel-shaped strip to a peripheral lip of a body or an opening, notably a vehicle door opening. The apparatus comprises a plurality of radially extensible arms extending from a centrally defined hub, each arm being operative to grip and apply the strip to the lip. The apparatus further includes a device for gripping the free ends of the sealing strip after the strip has been fed through the apparatus and for indenting the free ends radially inward while the remainder of the strip is applied to the lip. The free ends are then applied to the lip in abutting relationship. A method for applying the sealing strip is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fitting of a first member into a second member is performed until an insertion depth becomes a predetermined value while applying ultrasonic vibration continuously to either or both of the members and, thereafter, the application of ultrasonic vibration is made intermittent.

Abstract: A window regulator 20 for a door 12 of vehicle 10 which is separately assembled and tested prior to assembly to the vehicle door. The vehicle door 12 has a window opening 13 defining on its lower edge the beltline 15 of the vehicle 10. A window 14 covers the window opening 13 in its closed position and is moved within an inner structural frame 16 which extends peripherally adjacent the perimeter of the door. An endless loop drive 22 having first and second horizontally extending runs 28 and 30 extending horizontally across a lower portion 26 of the frame 16. Means 32 are provided for reciprocally driving the first and second runs of the endless loop. The endless loop is connected to front and rear tape drives 46 and 48 by first and second cable clamps 50 and 52. The endless loop is preferably a cable 24 which is guided by first and second cable guide block 36 and 38 and a U-turn cable guide block 42. The front and rear tape drives 46 and 48 are routed through front and rear tape channels 66 and 68.

Abstract: A method of forming thin metal sections of reactive metals which prevents high-temperature accelerated corrosion during hot working. The reactive metal section is placed in a non-reactive metal frame. Two non-reactive metal sections are machined to form depressions in which a release agent is deposited. The framed reactive metal section is interleaved between the two non-reactive metal sections such that the release agent is interposed between the principal surfaces of the reactive metal section and the non-reactive metal sections. The assembly is then clamped and welded together along the perimeter. The laminate structure is hot worked as by hot rolling to the desired gauge. The release agent flows to form a continuous barrier during hot working which prevents bonding of the non-reactive sections to the reactive metal section. Since the reactive metal section is encapsulated in a non-reactive metal jacket, oxidation and other degradation of the reactive metal section during hot working is prevented.

Abstract: A catheter includes a spring having a plurality of convolutions disposed along a longitudinal axis, and a first modulus. A sheath overlying the spring engages the convolutions of the spring and imparts to the spring axial compressive stresses which increase the modulus of the spring. The catheter can be manufactured by inserting the spring into a tube of Hytrel.RTM. material, stretching the tube at a transition region which advances along thhe tube causing the tube to neck down onto the spring. The stretching develops internal stresses which are utimately imparted to the spring thereby increasing the modulus of the catheter.

Abstract: A method of producing an anchor bonded composite plate. Anchor cavities are formed in a base plate by placing a forming plate with a circular hole therethrough over the base plate at a selected anchor cavity location. A punch placed through the circular hole then applies a punching force to the base plate, thereby forming in the base plate an annular mound with a concentrically punched hole. The mound is next pressed with a leveling plate to cause the material of the mound to flow inside the punched hole forming an anchor cavity with an overhanging internally tapered surface. A cladding plate with a plurality of anchor holes is then placed on the base plate with its holes aligned with the cavities of the base plate. An anchor pin is inserted in the thus aligned openings and is plastically deformed to mechanically bond the plates together. The cladding plate and the base plate may be made of an aluminum alloy and a hard steel, respectively.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for changing dies on a moving bolster for a press including a control circuit in combination with a cam-actuated deceleration valve. A ramp is located at a predetermined location along a path for the moving bolster. Upon reaching the ramp location when the bolster is moving toward the press, the deceleration valve is actuated to inhibit and shut off a flow of air to air-operated motors on the bolster. Thereupon, the moves to a stop at a predetermined location relative to the press.