Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of plum tree Prunus salicina which was found as a chance seedling. It is characterized by a productive tree of medium vigor which may require some cross pollination. The fruit is semi-freestone, large, conical in shape and has an attractive burgundy colored skin with a slightly aromatic bloom. The underlying flesh is crisp and yellow in color. Eating quality is superb, with a sweet, slightly aromatic flavor and a noticeable absence of acid.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a petunia plant, having a decumbent habit plant having long stems. The petunia plant has over-abundant branching, particularly secondary branching strong, and great profusion blooms, the whole bush remaining in bloom for a considerable period of time. The flowers are single and very small, the petals having a white color, and the bottom color of the corolla throat and the outside color of corolla tube are light greenish yellow. The plant has a high resistance to rain, heat, drought and pest.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a petunia plant, having a decumbent habit plant having long stems. The petunia plant has over-abundant branching, particularly secondary branching is strong, and great profusion blooms, the whole bush remaining in bloom for a considerable period of time. The flowers are single and very small, the petals having a vivid purple color, and the bottom color of the corolla throat is bright greenish yellow and the outside color of corolla tube is pale yellow green. The plant has a high resistance to rain, heat, drought and pest.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Aglaonema named `Black Lance`particularly characterized by its tall, upright and freely branching plant habit; long and narrow tri-colored leaves centrally marked with two shades of silver green; rapid growth rate; and resistant to diseases common to Aglaonema.

Abstract: A process is provided for removing ions from water which is passed through an ion depletion compartment of an electrodeionization apparatus. The electrodeionization apparatus contains an ion depletion compartment containing mixed ion exchange resin beads and an ion concentration compartment which may contain ion exchange resin beads in a given separation stage having an anode and a cathode. The anion resin beads and cation resin beads utilized each comprise beams of substantially uniform size. A second liquid is passed through the ion concentration compartment to collect ions under the influence of DC potential which pass from the depletion compartments into the concentration compartments through ion permeable membranes. The electrodeionization apparatus can be operated continuously since resin regeneration is not required.

Abstract: A multi-component ballistic package for a ballistic vest comprises a first sub-panel on the strike side of the vest having overlying plies of woven ballistic fabric, a second sub-panel behind the first sub-panel comprising overlying plies of woven ballistic fabric, a third sub-panel behind the second sub-panel comprising overlying layers of ballistic fiber-reinforced thermoplastic sheets, and the fourth sub-panel behind the third sub-panel on the body side of the vest comprising overlying layers of ballistic fiber-reinforced plastic sheets. The individual plies and layers of each of the sub-panels are secured together as separate units to form, in one embodiment of the invention, a four-component structure. The preferred woven fibers are 180 denier high molecular weight extended chain polyethylene fibers. The preferred fiber reinforced sheet material comprises unidirectional extended chain polyethylene fibers.

Abstract: Swimming caps having enhanced non-stick properties, and compositions and methods useful in producing such caps are disclosed. The present methods comprise contacting at least a portion of the outer surface of a swimming cap with a mixture comprising water, a reactable silicon-containing component and a starch component to form a coated swimming cap including a coating of the mixture on at least a portion of the outer surface of the swimming cap; and subjecting said coated swimming cap to conditions effective to remove water from the coating and to form a finished swimming cap having enhanced non-stick properties relative to the swimming cap prior to the contacting.

Abstract: A convertible shoulder bag structure which, besides the double functions of carrying either on one shoulder or both shoulders, can also be converted into a dress or be stored up in a little pocket for easy carrying.

Abstract: A firefighter garment having a low friction liner system which includes an outer shell made of an abrasion resistant material, a moisture barrier layer made of a water-resistant material, a thermal barrier layer and a layer of material having high-lubricity positioned within the outer shell. In one embodiment, the high-lubricity layer is composed of a fire resistant filament yarn and is attached to the inside face of the thermal liner; that is, the face positioned next to the clothing of a wearer of the garment. In another embodiment, the layer of high-lubricity material is positioned to form a substrate for the moisture barrier and is located between the moisture barrier and outer shell. A garment having two layers of high-lubricity material, one forming an inside face of the thermal liner and the other forming an interface between the moisture barrier and outer shell, is also preferable.

Abstract: Improved material utilization and barrier protection for surgical sleeves is provided by improved garment pattern design and methods of assembly. The surgical sleeve of the present invention is formed from a single sheet of material. By folding the sheet of material, a reinforcing layer integral with a sleeve layer is formed. A dual layered sleeve having two integral sleeve layers is also formed by folding a single sheet of material. One of the sleeve layers of the dual layered sleeve may be folded so as to form a reinforcing layer integral with said sleeve layer.

Abstract: The cap of the invention has a crown portion comprised of a plurality of segments, a visor extending outwardly from the forward lower edge of the crown portion, and an earflap foldable with respect to the crown and extending rearwardly around the lower periphery of the crown from one side thereof to the other. An upstanding band is secured to the inside of the crown portion to the forward lower edge thereof. The band has a sufficient height to provide a compartment to receive an elongated piece of elastic or foam material. The flap portion is a part of the single piece of the elastic material comprising the rearward segment of the crown. The earflap is defined by a generally horizontally disposed fold line dividing the rearward segment into an upper portion and the earflap portion. The forward segment of the crown is comprised of an outer fabric layer, a central stiffener layer, and an inner foam layer forming a single laminated layer.

Abstract: A hat size adjustment system which has a pair of size adjusting straps with free ends that can be tucked inside slots. Each strap has one end secured to the hat on opposite sides of an opening in the back of the crown. One strap is secured to a sweatband inside the crown. The other strap is secured to an inside lower edge of the crown. The straps are releasably secured to each other by hook and loop fasteners. The free ends of the straps are tucked into slots on each side of the crown opening to present a clean and attractive looking hat size adjustment system. When properly fastened, the size adjustment system appears to be a single strap fixed on both ends.

Abstract: A multi-part headband attachable to a face mask blank and a method of attaching the same. The multi-part headband has a unit length corresponding to the distance between the attachment locations as measured along a surface of the face mask blank or along an axis intersecting the attachment locations, to facilitate material handling and attachment using high speed manufacturing equipment. The headband material is positioned along the headband path and attached at the left and right headband attachment locations. At least one longitudinal score line is formed in the headband material extending generally along the headband path, whereby the at least one longitudinal score line defines a multi-part headband. The face mask blank may comprise a molded cup-shaped face mask, a flat folded face mask or a variety of other face mask constructions.

Abstract: A hat has a storage pocket on the inside of the hat which is located entirely within a dead space at the front portion of the hat extending from a location spaced above a hat band towards the crown of the hat. When a hat is worn, there will be a dead space inside the hat where the hat does not contact the wearer's head, which typically extends from a location just above the hat band to the crown of the hat, due to the difference in curvature between the wearer's head and the hat itself. By positioning a storage pocket in this area, unsightly bulges are avoided, as well as discomfort due to stored items pressing against the wearer's head.

Abstract: A pair of athletic pants is provided having a front panel, a back panel attached to the front panel and a pocket attached to the back panel. The pocket has an inner layer and an outer layer, the inner layer being composed of mesh. In a preferred embodiment, the outer layer is also composed of mesh.

Abstract: A liner for rubber boots that includes an inner sock. The inner sock has an over sized foot shape for loosely enclosing a wearer's foot. The sock has an upper portion with a pair of slots and a sole portion. At least two elongated strips of non-slip fabric wherein each strip has an adhesive on one side to allow the strips to be attached to the sole of the sock. Lastly, at least one elongated strap having a first end positionable through the slot of the inner sock and a second end that is capable of being coupled to the first end to form a support loop.

Abstract: A protective cover apparatus for a helmet including a helmet shell with a helmet outer surface and a face exposing opening bordered by a helmet male snap fastener half protruding from the helmet outer surface, a helmet anchoring chin strap assembly having a strap extending from the strap assembly, the strap having a strap female snap fastener half which engages the helmet male snap fastener half bordering the face exposing opening includes a shock-absorbing layer having a layer inner surface and a layer outer surface and which extends over the helmet outer surface and over the helmet male snap fastener half; a shock-absorbing layer attachment assembly including an attachment mechanism including a fastener interconnection structure passing through the layer at a location corresponding to and directly over the helmet male snap fastener half, the interconnection structure having a structure inside end to which is affixed a cover female snap fastener half for removably engaging the corresponding helmet male snap

Abstract: A toilet seat defining an inner duct and including a plurality of ventilation apertures in fluid communication with the inner duct. The seat includes first and second generally co-axially aligned pivot members that are integrally formed with the back end of the toilet seat and extend laterally outward from opposite sides of the seat. The pivot members define axial openings in fluid communication with the inner duct. Left and right bracket members define pivot holes through which the first and second pivot members extend to pivotally mount the toilet seat on the toilet bowl. A removable plug is inserted within the axial opening of the first pivot member. A ventilation conduit provides fluid communication between the axial opening of the second pivot member and a source of vacuum. A swivel structure provides a generally fluid tight connection between the ventilation conduit and the second pivot member and is constructed and arranged to allow the toilet seat to pivot with respect to the ventilation conduit.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism for a toilet bowl seat or seat lid has improved control of rotation due to torque exerted by a cam member working with a compression spring and slider, such that the torque varies depending on the angle of the seat or seat lid to the plane of the toilet bowl. The slider and cam member are mounted on a shaft having an axially directed oval hole in which a complementary shaped hinge pin is received to connect the seat and the seat lid to the mechanism. A stop mechanism prevents the shaft from turning beyond a predetermined angle.

Abstract: A drain covering composed of an upper straining region and a lower threaded region. The straining region is in the shape of any conventional drain and has a plurality of straining holes set in various locations on the drain piece. The threaded region is connected to the bottom of the drain, and can be connected to any standard sink. A number of holes are also provided in the strainer to allow a rod to tighten the drain covering into the sink. Waterproof putty is used to seal the connection between the drain covering and the sink.

Abstract: A deck is provided for a bed which is configured to support a mattress including a lower mattress section having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a side wall, and an upper mattress section having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a side wall. The deck includes an upper deck, and a lower deck coupled to the upper deck by a deck side wall so that the lower deck is spaced apart from the upper deck to define a recess of the deck. The lower deck is configured to support the lower mattress section within the recess of the deck with the bottom surface of the lower mattress section engaging the lower deck. The side wall of the deck is configured to be located adjacent the side wall of the lower mattress section. The top surface of the lower mattress section is aligned generally in a plane of the upper deck. The upper deck is configured to support the upper mattress section with the top surface of the upper mattress section extending above the upper deck to provide a body support surface.

Abstract: A border support for a mattress or the like being comprised of a coil spring unit that has at least one row of coil springs, a first and second pair of spaced apart parallel foam strips positioned along at least a portion of an outer side of an outermost row of the coil springs, and a support band positioned about the outermost wall of the foam strip. The foam strips each have at least two longitudinal grooves formed on the inside wall of the foam strips with portions of the outer side of the outermost coil springs extending inwardly into the grooves. The border support being designed to eliminate the need for a border helical wire or rod and provide for a strong support for and stability to the mattress or the like.

Abstract: A therapeutic cushion with detachable jade protrusions comprises a removable lattice of cylindrical members, an outer cover, and cushion fill. The removable lattice of cylindrical members are attached to a plurality of other cylindrical members in a uniform fashion by a plurality of threads which are interwoven through each member, forming a symmetrical lattice. The lattice is placed inside the outer cover and the plurality of cylindrical members are pressed through the plurality of apertures. The cushion fill is also placed inside the outer cover which presses against the lattice thereby maintaining the plurality of cylindrical members within said plurality of apertures. The outer cover is then sealed by a zipper to maintain the cushion fill and the lattice in place. The result is a cushion with a plurality of protrusions made of jade extending from the cushion, providing a massaging and therapeutic effect.

Abstract: A multipurpose tools including two blades pivoted by a pivot, a torsional spring mounted around the pivot and having two opposite ends respectively fastened to either blade, and a limit plate pivotally fastened to one blade and releasably stopped against the other blade to limit the relative turning angle of the blades, the blades having a respective scissors portion at the front acted against each other to cut things, a respective V-cut at one side acted against each other to cut or strip electric wires, a respective serrated portion at an opposite side acted against each other to crimp things, and a respective handle at the rear end, each handle having folding tools and accessory storage chambers, one handle having a compass mounted on the end.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for finish processing of knitted fabric. Fabric, supplied in substantially dry condition and in generally flat form, is directed through an open bottom, vertically oriented steam chamber, constantly supplied with fully saturated steam at atmospheric pressure. Upon exiting the steam chamber, the knitted fabric is laterally distended to a predetermined width, and then subjected to finish processing, such as calendering or compacting. A sensing device in the steam chamber maintains a steam-air interface slightly above the open bottom of the chamber. More effective moisturizing of the fabric is accomplished, enabling the steaming operation to be performed prior to the spreading operation, without compromising the finish processing operations. Improved performance is realized, along with extraordinary savings in operating costs.

Abstract: A clothes washing machine includes a washing tub, a drum rotatably arranged within the tub and adapted to hold the washload, and a liquor recovery reservoir, separable from the structure of the machine. A liquor transfer conduit connects the lower portion of the washing tub with the inner volume of the reservoir, preferably through a first pump situated in the conduit. A second conduit connects the inner volume of the reservoir with the inner volume of the washing tub through a second pump. As a part of a rinsing phase, the machine is adapted to the rinsing liquor from the tub to the reservoir, spin the washload holding drum at a high revolution speed, empty the tub by draining the liquor extracted from the washload during the high-speed spinning of the drum or subsequently thereto, and transfer the liquor contained in the reservoir back into the tub.

Abstract: A deployable bridge is assembled from individual components. The components include cross girders and pavement slabs disposed between the cross girders, the cross girders each having opposite ends and first and second continuous girders each disposed along one of the opposite ends, respectively, of the cross girders. Each continuous girder comprises an upwardly pointing truss having top and bottom chords and truss members arranged between the top and bottom chords and connected to the top and bottom chords at top and bottom nodal points, respectively. The top and bottom chords are each divided in regions of the top and bottom nodal points into a plurality of top chord members and bottom chord members. Each continuous girder further includes connecting elements connecting together the top chord members and connecting together the bottom chord members.

Abstract: A device for washing hollow objects comprises a hollow housing forming an inner chamber, a rotor rotatable in the chamber under the action of water, a connection for connecting the rotor to a working instrument for washing an object, a water inlet and water outlet for supplying water into the chamber and withdrawing at least a part of water from the chamber, the water inlet and the water outlet being formed as a water inlet nozzle and a water outlet nozzle arranged coaxially with one another.

Abstract: A hollow mounting hub is used to mount the tool to an extruder head and a plunger with a stop at one end extends longitudinally through the hub. The plunger reciprocates the plunger between a retracted position in which the plunger is housed in the hub and an extended position in which the plunger protrudes from the hub so that it may abut with extrudate lodged in an extruder head. Extrudate is dislodged in an extended position of the plunger with the stop remote from the mounting hub.

Abstract: A self-squeezing mop employing a linear squeezing action to remove liquid carried by stranded, non-woven absorbent material. The mop has a mop head attached to a handle and a cylinder which travels between extended and retracted positions. A squeeze ring is located on one end of the cylinder and is sized to compress and shape the stranded absorbent material as it travels from the retracted to the extended position. The squeeze ring comprises a plurality of angularly disposed stationary rollers. The rollers have contact surfaces which engage and compress the strands of the mop head. The strands are made of non-woven material with sufficient body to resist bunching in the cylinder as the cylinder moves from the extended to the retracted position.

Abstract: A foot brush assembly for use in the shower or the like including a base member and a loofa base pad removably strapped to the base member. The foot is rubbed against the surface of the loofa base pad and a brush thereon for massaging or cleaning the bottom of the foot. A sponge and bar of soap are disposed between the base member and loofa base pad for lathering the foot during use. A bridge member is removably secured over the top of the base member and defines a foot receiving cavity. A loofa bridge pad including a brush is removably strapped to the inner surface of the bridge member for massaging or cleaning the top and sides of the foot when the foot is received in the foot cavity.

Abstract: This invention reveals an improvement to a mop head retainer for use with a mop handle and mop head. The improvement involves adding a pressure bar to a protective bar. The pressure bar can be easily moved so that downward pressure can be applied to a release member. The downward pressure on the release member facilitates disengagement of a bar holding a mop head in place on the mop head retainer.

Abstract: A novel toothbrush staple for a holding a U shaped tuft of bristles in a tuft hole of a toothbrush head. The staple is generally flat and its lower edge is rounded to inhibit rupturing the bristles at the bight portion of a U shaped tuft of bristles mounted by the staple in the hole. The sides of the staple are provided with one or more horizontal grooves each having a sharp edge. The arrangement of tufts and staple is such that the rounded bottom of the staple contacts the bight portion of the tuft of bristles, thus precluding rupture due to sharp edges at the staple bottom bearing against the bight portion of the tufts, especially during initial installation of the tuft in the hole. Each leg of the U shaped tuft is in contact with a respective staple surface. With the passage of time, plastic creep or flow results in the plastic on the inside wall of the hole flowing towards the staple sides and interlocking with the sharp edges of the grooves.

Abstract: An improved dual-purpose golf and gym folded pocket towel having a concealed pocket therein for holding articles. the concealed pocket has zipper-type closure, and an adjustable hook and loop fastener attachment strap for securement to golf and gym equipment/apparatus. The folded pocket towel is uniquely designed to allow unhampered use by golf and gym patrons in cleaning golf implements and equipment and use in drying perspiration from face, hands and gym equipment/apparatus while carrying both accessories and personal items of the a fore mentioned patrons. An adjustable hook and loop fastener attachment strap provides convenient securemnet to a variety of golf and gym equipment/apparatus while adding to ease and accessibility of pocket/container therein.

Abstract: A wiper arm (30) for a vehicle windshield wiper assembly (14) has at least a section along its longitudinal extent formed of a longitudinally extending base portion (80) and two spaced side walls (82,84) extending outwardly along opposite sides of the base portion (80) to form an open channel (85). A spray nozzle (70i is disposed in the outboard portion of the wiper arm (30) and a fluid delivery tube (60) extends longitudinally along the wiper arm (30) to deliver wash fluid from a supply to the spray nozzle (70). The outboard edges (86,88) of the outwardly sidewalls (82,84) are folded inwardly towards each other to partially close the open face (87) of the channel (85), thereby retaining the fluid delivery tube (60), which is freely disposed, within the channel.

Abstract: A low profile, flexible windshield wiper assembly has a frame constructed from flat sheet spring steel. The frame attaches to a semi-rigid spline at distinct pressure points, while the spline supports a rubber wiping blade. At least some of the pressure points are located at the end of cantilevered fingers formed in the frame so that the spline may flex independently from the frame. The cantilevered fingers allow semi-pivotable portions of the frame to flex independently from the rest of the frame to enhance curve conformance on a windshield. The frame attaches along the center of the spline while the blade attaches along the edges of the spline. The present invention allows the pressure points to be efficiently formed out of the frame material.

Abstract: This H.V.A.C. duct cleaning system comprises an air compressor connected to a manifold wherein at least one line is coupled to an air gun with a quick connect device while another line is connected to the duct cleaning system providing a pressurized exhaust to remove debris from the ducts. Fixed lengths of plastic tubing are connected to the air gun and one another by quick connects with the end tubing having an air head to dislodge dirt and other contaminants within the ducts. The duct cleaning system includes a series of filter and blower modules controlled by a variable frequency drive to convert and control power to the various blowers. A primary filter module is connected to the ducts, a main filter module connected to the outlet of the primary filter module or blower and a blower which preferably is a tube axial blower or can be a backwardly inclined centrifugal blower is connected to the outlet of either the primary or main filter module to provide a pressurized exhaust.

Abstract: A positioning device for positioning a mat in a car includes an elongated clamping base, at least one spring unit and a hook unit. The clamping base is formed with at least one lower clamping unit and at least one upper clamping unit having a rear edge hinged to a corresponding lower clamping unit. The spring unit is provided on the clamping base for biasing the upper clamping unit toward the corresponding lower clamping unit. The hook unit has a first end connected to the clamping base and a second end adapted to be hooked at a desired position in the car. The upper and lower clamping units are adapted to clamp an edge portion of the mat therebetween. The spring unit ensures tight engagement between the upper and lower clamping units and the edge portion of the mat.

Abstract: A hinge device for connecting a main body and a display unit of a portable computer includes a projection, a hinge member, and attachment units. The projection extends from a lower edge of the display unit, and the hinge member extends outwardly from both sides of the projection and connects to respective attachment units. A groove for receiving an end portion of hinge member is formed in each attachment unit. Each groove has a shape that is complementary to the shape of the end portion of the hinge member, so that the end portion of the hinge member easily inserts into the groove. In a preferred embodiment, one attachment unit is fixedly installed on the main body of the computer, and the other attachment unit is detachably connected to the main body. The attachment units and projection define a pivot axis about which the display unit rotates relative to the main body.

Abstract: A door security device for use in securing a door against unauthorized entry. The device includes a protrusion which can be mounted to the hinge side of a door or to the hinge side of a door frame and can be received within a recess in the opposite door or door frame. The protrusion in received by the recess to prevent the door from being removed by removal of a hinge pin.

Abstract: The invention concerns a disconnectible and reconnectible junction device for conveyor band made up of two flat flexible elements (A, a) presenting at the front side complementary shapes capable of interleaving in one same plane, connected rearwardly to the ends of a conveyor band, by sticking, vulcanization, riveting, clamping, thermoplastic molding, or formed directly by moulding over the ends of the conveyor band, each one of the flexible elements comprising at the front side oblong strips (L.sub.1, L.sub.2, L.sub.3, l.sub.1, l.sub.2, l.sub.3) in the longitudinal direction, separated by notches (E.sub.1, E.sub.2, E.sub.3, e.sub.1, e.sub.2, e.sub.

Abstract: An interlocking attaching system for removably securing objects such as pets to a garment. The system having at least one object and a garment, and where the object has at least one strap thereon for removably engaging the garment in an interlocking fashion. The garment and the object having webs thereon for removably receiving the straps in an interlocking fashion in order to effectively, removably mount the object to the garment.

Abstract: A connector for joining an end of a watchband to a watch case, the end of the watchband having a terminal link and the watch case having first lugs separated by first sockets with first apertures extending through the first lugs. The connector includes metal bottom and top components. The bottom component has a rear end configured to underlie the terminal link of the watchband, and a front end with mutually spaced projections, at least two of which define hollow guides. The top component has a rear end configured to overlie the rear end of the bottom component, and a front end with mutually spaced flanges aligned with and bent around the projections on the bottom component to form second lugs separated by second sockets. The top component is joined to the bottom component with the terminal link of the watchband captured therebetween. The first and second lugs are adapted to be received respectively in the second and first sockets.

Abstract: An expansion anchor to be anchored in a hole of one member to connect thereto another member includes a head to abut a surface of the one member. A shaft extends from the head to be inserted through the hole in the one member. The shaft has extending therefrom fins that are deflectable toward the shaft upon insertion of the fins with the shaft into a hole and that are resiliently expandable away from the shaft when the fins have passed through the hole. Thus, the fins abut the opposite surface of the one member to prevent removal of the anchor from the hole. At least one stopper member is positioned relative to the shaft to cooperate with an inner edge of the hole to maintain a desired position of the shaft laterally relative to the hole. The fins have respective projections dimensioned such that, when the fins have passed through the hole, the projections extend into the hole and cooperate with the inner edge thereof to maintain the desired lateral position.

Abstract: A fastener for securing an object is formed of a resilient material and includes an opening therethrough. At least two lines, such as a shoestring, cord, rope, twine, siring, or similar article, extending from the object are disposed through the opening in substantially the same direction. By pulling on respective ends of the line in opposite directions, the fastener is distorted for providing a gripping action between the fastener and the lines. In one embodiment, the fastener is an annular member having the lines wrapped at least once around a wall of the fastener. As the ends of the line are pulled, the annular member twists and rolls into a shape having at least one loop, such as a figure eight type shape. In another embodiment, the fastener is a tubular member. As the ends of the line are pulled, one open end of the tubular member rolls toward an opposite open end of the tubular member.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing multilayer steel wool filter pads includes a gantry which orbits heads about a central axis. The heads transfer portions of steel wool cut from a web onto a rotatable turntable to form a multilayer steel wool filter pad. Detection devices and a tool controller cooperate to synchronize the rotation of the turntable with the transfer of the steel wool portions to the turntable, so that each of the layers of the steel wool filter pad has its steel wool filaments oriented differently from those of the adjacent layer by an angle of approximately 90 degrees. A method for making rectangular steel wool filter pads involves advancing multiple steel wool webs through rollers, with each of the webs moving at the same rate, to form a combined web. The combined web is then cut into square portions with sides at least twice as long as the width of the rectangular steel wool filter pads. The portions are stacked so that the filaments of overlying layers are shifted 90 degrees from each other.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically welding and handling welded tailored blank composites. The method comprises the steps of transferring first and second sheet component parts from respective input stacks to an assembly table of a welding machine. The sheet components are disposed in a butt joint or an overlapping lap joint configuration and the blanks are welded together along a weld seam thus defining a welded blank. The welded blank is conveyed in a timed step manner from the welding machine to an output stacking machine via a magnetic stepping conveyor and the blank is transferred from the conveyor to an output stack of completed blanks with a stacking machine. An apparatus is provided to carry out the method.

Abstract: An internally supported and ready-to-use erect garment bag having in its front panel a T-shaped configuration of two horizontally oriented zippers and a third vertically oriented zipper wherein the opening of all zippers provides a large-sized opening facilitating the fitting loosely of the garment bag upon its internal support, the closing of the two horizontal zippers makes the fit taut, and the third zipper provides ready access into and closes off the garment bag clothes-storage compartment.

Abstract: A composite socket member for use with a prosthetic appliance for a residual limb which comprises an outer socket which defines an inner cavity generally conforming to the outer surface of a residual limb, an inner socket which defines an inner cavity and being adapted to receive said residual limb, with said inner socket conforming to the shape of said outer socket and when nested within the cavity of said outer socket defines an air space between the inner surface of said outer socket and the outer surface of said inner socket and an inflatable bladder being disposed between the inner surface of said outer socket and the outer surface of said inner socket. The inner socket contains at least one flex area in its side wall at a preselected weight-bearing location whereby upon inflation of said bladder, pressure is applied by said bladder against said side wall at said preselected weight-bearing location of the residual limb to control the movement and rotation stability of said prosthetic appliance.

Abstract: A composite flange providing the low cost and bonding capability of molded flanges with the torque capacity near that of metal flanges. Multiple layers of braided fiberglass enveloping a fiberglass ring are placed into a mold of the desired shape. After the mold is closed, liquid resin is injected and the flange is cured to the desired state. After demolding, the flange is machined as necessary for installation onto the drive shaft.