Abstract: A multi-stage microwave gyrotwystron amplifier is disclosed having two or more stages comprising rectangular cavities to facilitate tuning. The first two stages comprise rectangular tuneable cavities that are oriented orthogonal to each other which produces a homogeneously modulated electron beam that is directed to a cylindrical output cavity which increases its power output as compared to prior art devices havig an output cylindrical cavity excited with a non-homogeneously modulated electron beam.

Abstract: It has now been found that certain novel benzyloxyphenyl-substituted heterocycles are useful as pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides. These compounds are represented by formula I: ##STR1## where Q is 1-substituted-6-trifluoromethyl-2,4(1H,3H)-pyrimidinedion-3 -yl, 4-difluoromethyl-4,5-dihydro-3-methyl-1,2,4-triazol-5(1H)-on-1-yl, 4-halo-5-difluoromethoxy-1-methylpyrazol-3-yl, a 3,4,5,6-tetrahydrophthalimid-1-yl, 8-thia-1,6-diazabicyclo?4.3.0!-nonane-7-on-9-iminoyl, 4-methyl-1,2,4-triazine-3,5-dion-2-yl, 3-chloro-4,5,6,7-tetrahydroindazol-2-yl, 1,4-dihydro-4-(3-fluoropropyl)-5H-tetrazole-5-on-1-yl or a 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1,2,4-triazolo-?4,3-a!pyridin-3(2H)-on-2-yl moiety; Z is oxygen, sulfur or CH.sub.2 ; n is 0 or 1, and W, X, Y, R, and R.sup.1 are as described in the specification. Preferred are those compounds where W is oxygen; X is hydrogen or fluoro; Y is methyl or ethyl; n is 1; Z is oxygen; R is methyl; and R.sup.1 is hydroxyalkyl or CH.sub.2 OCONHCH.sub.3.

Abstract: A process for preparing bis alkylene glycol esters of an alkali metal salt of 5-sulfoisophthalic acid. The subject compound is useful in preparing modified polyesters which can be dyed with basic or cationic dyes. The process is economical and low cost since intermediate reaction products are not purified.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of rose plant of the miniature class is provided which abundantly forms attractive double red flowers. A bushy growth habit is exhibited. The plant propagates well from cuttings. The blossoms possess no fragrance. The plant can be grown as attractive ornamentation in the landscape or as a decorative pot plant.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of rose plant of the Hybrid Tea class, having attractive clear white blooms; long stems; excellent cut flower production; and long vase life.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Hybrid Tea rose plant is provided which abundantly forms attractive Chartreuse Yellow blossoms that are edged with Azalea Pink. Such blossoms commonly possess a configuration that resembles that of a peony blossom. The plant exhibits medium green and glossy foliage, as well as good disease resistance. The new variety is particularly well suited for growing as attractive ornamentation in the landscape.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of apple tree, originating from a controlled cross of `Splendour` and `Gala`, substantially illustrated and described, which is most similar to `Fuji`. The variety is distinguished by the small to medium sized fruit with the skin having 80% to 90% pink/red blush over a yellow ground, and large white lenticels The flesh is yellow, crisp, firm, and juicy. The fruit is short globose conical in shape, with little or no ribbing, weak crowning of the distal end and a long stem. The variety was named `Chinook` in 1997.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Osteospermum named `Sunny Gustaf`, particularly characterized by its spreading growth habit and white flower color, medium season flower timing and medium green foliage, and suitability to 6 inch pots, and 8 and 10 inch hanging basket cultures.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum plant named `Morena`, characterized by its decorative spray-type inflorescences that are about 6 cm in diameter; attractive golden yellow ray florets with a green inflorescence center; numerous inflorescences per stem; numerous ray florets per inflorescence; and exceptional postproduction longevity with inflorescences maintaining good substance and color for about four weeks in an interior environment after one week of cool storage.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Spathiphyllum characterized particularly as to novelty by leaf morphology that has a surface textured in a corrugated manner with margins having an undulating appearance, the resulting plant having desirable characteristics sought for commercial production.

Abstract: A power driven mechanical toothbrush is disclosed. A replaceable toothbrush head member has tuft blocks retained generally therewithin and extending laterally outwardly from the a cam shaft. Each tuft block has at least one tuft of bristles, usually four, secured within the tuft block and extending upwardly therefrom. Each of the bristles has a distal end at a distance from its tuft block, and the bristles in each tuft are generally parallel to each other. The toothbrush head member is adapted to receive and retain the tuft blocks in sliding relation therein, so that each tuft block slides linearly in a direction parallel to the longitudinal tuft axis as guided by guide rails within the head member, between a retracted position and an extended position. Each tuft block is driven from its retracted position to its extended position by the rotatable cam shaft.

Abstract: A brick placing machine consisting of a horizontally disposed substantially rectangular rectangle the length of which corresponds approximately to the maximum width or height of any brick panel to be formed, a substantially horizontal mould on which a brick panel can be formed arranged adjacent to the receptacle the receptacle being constructed to receive bricks constituting part of a panel, the bricks being arranged in the receptacle in a configuration in which they are to be placed on the mould, the receptacle having in it clamps for clamping the bricks in their correct relative positions with appropriate spaces between bricks and between courses of bricks for the reception of mortar, the receptacle being movable to a position over the mould in which position the clamps are released to leave the bricks on the mould in the desired position, the receptacle then being moved clear of the bricks placed on the mould and moved relative to the mould so that the receptacle can be suitable refilled with bricks and th

Abstract: An automatic soldering machine for soldering a rope chain comprises a pair of gears, each with a peripheral surface defining a trench which engages one of the strands of the rope chain and which is rotatable to precisely feed and place successive link junctions of the chain relative to hollow solder applying needles. The needles are reciprocally movable and serve to apply a premeasured amount of solder paste at the link junctions of the rope chain. A heater, for example, an induction heater, heats the chain, causing the solder to flow and then set and thereby secure the chain links together.

Abstract: In a tube eversion apparatus a first chamber in which the eversion pressure in developed is controllably sealed by a sphincter-type valve, the valve being in turn actuated by pressure developed in a preferably separately controllable and adjustable second chamber, another chamber preferably being provided above the sphincter-type valve for containing a supply of liquid and limiting turbulence from any escape of fluid past the sphincter-type valve, the other chamber also providing apparatus for supplying heated fluid to a lay-flat hose adapted to be pulled through the sphincter-type valve by the tube being .?.exerted.!. .Iadd.everted.Iaddend.. Use of the improved apparatus involves appropriate modifications of the usual eversion process involving applying and controlling the everting pressure and the pressure exerted against the sphincter-type valve by the fluid in the second chamber.

Abstract: An optical fibre for use in fibre lasers has the lasing additive eg Er.sup.3+, concentrated in center of the core. Preferably the core has an inner region which contains the additive and an outer region which is dopant free. The concentration of the dopant reduces the pump threshold for a laser and improves the gain performance for a given pump power. The fibre is conveniently made in MCVD. The use of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 in the inner zone appears to reduce loss of dopant during tube collapse.

Abstract: An optical element is provide which has a durability enhancing layer. There is provided an optical disk comprising a support having on one surface thereof, in order:a) a recording layer such that said recording layer does not cover the entire surface of said disk but leaves an annular portion at the outer diameter;b) a reflective layer such that said reflective layer does not cover the entire surface of said disk but leaves an annular portion at the outer diameter;c) a first protective layer having a thickness between about 2-20 .mu.m, said protective layer being of a material having good adhesion to said support and covering a portion of the surface of said disk having said reflective layer, including at least a portion of said annular portion;d) a second protective layer having a thickness of at least about 3 .mu.m, said second layer covering at least the area of said surface having the reflective layer and having good adhesion to said first protective layer.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions containing a 3-hydroxypyrid-2-one or 3-hydroxypyrid one in which the hydrogen atom attached to the nitrogen atom is replaced by an aliphatic acyl group, by an aliphatic hydrocarbon group, or by an aliphatic hydrocarbon group substituted by one or, except in the case of ionizable groups, more than one substituent selected from aliphatic acyl, alkoxy, aliphatic amine, aliphatic amide, carboxy, aliphatic ester, halogen, hydroxy and sulpho groups and, optionally, in which one or more of the hydrogen atoms attached to ring carbon atoms are replaced by one of said substituents, by an aliphatic hydrocarbon group, or by an aliphatic hydrocarbon group substituted by an alkoxy, aliphatic ester, halogen or hydroxy group, but excluding compounds in which said replacement of hydrogen atoms in the compound is effected only by aliphatic hydrocarbon groups, or a salt thereof containing a physiologically acceptable ion or ions, are of value for removing toxic amounts of metals, particularly iron, f

Abstract: A pair of leg guards for sports, particularly of the type worn by hockey players under elastic socks, each includes rigid plastic shin and knee guard sections. A thigh guard section is joined continuously to the knee guard section. The shin guard section has front and rear panels. A channel is molded preferably diagonally across the front panel in which a rigid plastic strap protector is affixed. The strap protector has a slot through which a one-piece elastic strap passes to detachably secure the guard to the wearer's leg. The one-piece elastic strap has horizontal and diagonal strap portions which wrap around the back of the knee and lower leg respectively of the wearer and connect to the shin guard section by hook and loop connectors. The rear panel and the inside of the knee guard section are fitted and affixed continuously with a detachable liner for further protection of the wearer's leg and to enhance the life of the guard.

Abstract: A reflective safety garment in the form of an apron to be worn around a person's waist is provided. The apron includes a sheet of mesh material with an upper pocket accommodating a waistband that attached the apron around the waist and a lower pocket that accommodates a strip of brightly colored reflective material. The apron is preferably worn over a portion of the user's body (i.e. buttocks, hip or pelvic area) that is facing oncoming traffic.

Abstract: The present invention is an article, namely apparel, such as clothing, footwear, fabrics, and the like, which incorporates fabrics or chemicals having a low coefficient of friction either overall or in specific areas of the apparel that will minimize the development of blisters, callouses, and irritation of the skin. The present invention also is an article such as apparel which incorporates fabrics or chemicals having a low coefficient of friction either overall or in specific areas of the outer surface of the apparel that will minimize frictional contact with external objects. The invention also includes methods for producing this low friction apparel and apparel with a low friction outer surface.

Abstract: An energy expenditure garment is made from a base fabric and includes a plurality of elongated elastic resistance elements preferably in the form of elongated elastic resistance elements preferably in the form of bands which extend posteriorly and anteriorly along the arms and extend on the chest and at the back of the wearer in the area of the shoulders. Lateral and medial bands also extend down the legs of the user. The garments are particularly designed for use in skating. Novel wrist band structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: Coveralls having a reversibly closable access opening partially dividing the front of the coveralls across the chest and arm or arms, to facilitate easy ingress and egress of the coveralls. In a first embodiment the access opening is reversibly closed by a zipper and extends from the central vertical opening dividing the front of the coveralls, across one side of the chest and down one sleeve of the coveralls. Ingress of the coveralls is facilitated by opening the front opening and the access opening, stepping into the legs of the coveralls and then closing the front opening and access opening, whereas egress is facilitated by opening the front opening and access opening and then stepping out of the coveralls. In another embodiment a second access opening extends from the front opening of the coveralls, across the opposite side of the chest from the first access opening and extends down the opposite sleeve of the coveralls.

Abstract: A fishing vest including a retractor pocket which is inverted so that it opens downwardly when the vest is worn is provided by the invention. In a preferred embodiment, the fishing vest includes two retractor pockets. A first retractor pocket is provided between the upper left breast pocket and the neckline, and a second retractor pocket is provided between the upper right breast pocket and the neckline.

Abstract: A molded work glove for providing protection to the hand and fingers of a wearer against cold and abrasion is provided. A hand portion is made of a sheet foam material having a thickness between 1 mm and 5 mm. A hand cavity is disposed in the hand portion and is defined by the sheet foam material. Finger portions are mounted to the periphery of the hand portion and extend outwardly. The finger portions have a palm side and a back side and a tip located distal to the hand portion. The finger portions are made of a sheet foam material having a thickness between 1 mm and 5 mm. Finger cavities are disposed in the finger portions and are defined by the sheet foam material. The sheet foam material is an elastic, nonabsorbent, insulating material. The finger cavity at the tip is sized to loosely fit the finger of the wearer such that a gap is formed between the finger of the wearer and the sheet foam material. At least one aperture is disposed in the palm side at the tip of at least three finger portions.

Abstract: A headband ear protector apparatus including a pair of ear protectors and a resilient head band supporting, at opposite ends of the headband, the ear protectors. This forms a band which positions the ear protectors to lie by the opposite ears of a person. The headband is formed of a combination of hard and soft materials. The hard material is formed as a main support member for the ear protectors to extend between the ear protectors and provide resilience so the ear protectors will lie by the opposite ears of the person. The main support member includes at least one region having structure to receive the soft material to provide sound attenuation for reducing sound transmitted through the headband to the ear protectors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a type of luminescent cap that possesses a function for replacing patterns. A frame that allows placement of objects is securely installed on the front edge of the cap. A luminescent board that emits luminescence and a pattern card are inserted in the frame that allows placement of objects. The luminescence emitted by said luminescent board can, through the transparent position of the pattern card, produce the effect of a luminescent pattern. Users are also able, according to need, to remove and replace pattern cards of different patterns, causing the cap to have greater practical value.

Abstract: A pair of goggles includes a pair of ring frames made of plastic material, a pair of lenses of rigid material respectively secured in the ring frames, a bridge mounted between the ring frames, and a strap. Each ring frame includes an annular protective wall formed on an inner side thereof for close contact with an eye socket. Each ring frame further includes an extension strip integrally formed from a lateral side thereof. Each extension strip is made of plastic material and deformable in response to a contour of the user's head, thereby providing a close contact with the sides of the user's head. A buckle is mounted to a distal end of each extension strip for engagement with the strap.

Abstract: An industrial protective helmet has a rigid outer shell extending upon a surface region of a wearer's head, including temple and skull base regions, a liner of rigid foam fixedly attached to an inner surface of the rigid shell, and one or more selectively-positioned, fit-adjustment elements of compressible foam material engaged upon an exposed surface of the liner with an opposite surface positioned for cushioning engagement with the wearer's head. The helmet may also include one or more of a resilient strap extending about the rear of the head, an adjustable transparent peak, a removable sweat band, a chin strap and/or a fabric cover.

Abstract: The deodorizing apparatus includes a gas duct having a suction port to be disposed within a toilet bowl and an exhaust port to be disposed outside the toilet bowl, and an active carbon honeycomb and a chemical-supporting honeycomb as disposed within the gas duct in that order in the direction from the suction port to the exhaust port. The deodorizing apparatus further includes a motor operative in response to a sensor detection signal representing the user sitting on the stool seat to drive a fan disposed downstream within the gas duct, and a timer operative in response to a sensor detection signal representing the user leaving the stool seat to control the operation time of the motor. There may also be provided a damper for opening and closing the gas duct in response to the action of the fan.

Abstract: An improved hand-activated toilet seat/lid lifting apparatus is described that is configured for attachment to the side of a toilet, both commercial and residential designs, to allow the user to lift the toilet seat without having to directly touch the seat. The lifting apparatus may also include a flushing means connected to the existing flush lever of the toilet to allow the user to flush the toilet with the lifting apparatus without having to touch the flush lever itself.

Abstract: A toilet seat raising and lowering device including a joint member that has a first end and a second end with each end having an axle rod projecting outwardly therefrom. A pair of flat mounting brackets that are interconnected with the joint member for coupling to a seat of a toilet. Included is a pedal that has a base member and a foot member pivotally coupled about an axis. The foot member is capable of recoiling away from the base member. A pair of L-shaped members are provided. Each L-shaped member has an upper cylindrical coupler with an opening, and a lower cylindrical coupler with an opening. Lastly, provided are a pair of cables with one of each within one of the pair of L-shaped members. The pair of cables extend into the upper and lower coupler for engaging the applicable axle rod and axis. The pair of cables are capable of rotating the joint member for lifting of the toilet seat when an external force applies downward pressure on the foot member of the pedal.

Abstract: A jet bath designed to use minimum water, to use a formed in place low cost waterfall type water inlet, to have pulsating and massaging air-water jets appropriately located in the tub, to allow user adjustment of water temperature, to prevent heating the water above 122 degrees Fahrenheit and prevent tripping of a manually resettable high temperature limit switch with initial filling of the tub with overheated water.

Abstract: A portable rubber bathtub seat apparatus for comfortably preventing a person from sliding down when in a seated position within a bathtub, the apparatus being supported by the bottom surface of the bathtub. The apparatus has a generally thin, flat back section upon which the person sits when the apparatus is supported on the bottom surface of the bathtub, a raised front section having a thickness substantially greater than the thickness of the back section and adequate to support all or part of the legs of the person, the front section having a cavity in the undersurface thereof, a gradually sloping transition area between the back and front sections, and a plurality of suction cups coupled to the front section and positioned within the cavity for releasably securing the apparatus to the bottom surface of the bathtub such that the apparatus is prevented from sliding in relation to the surface while a person is seated on the apparatus.

Abstract: An inexpensive, attractive, easy to install, disposable bath liner and tile shield that prevents water from contacting walls and infiltrating behind walls and into a building structure, which may be removably attached to bath walls. The disposable bath liner has a side panel and opposing end panels for covering and protecting a side wall and opposing end walls of a bath enclosure, is flexible, capable of being removably attached to the bath walls, may be transparent or opaque, depending upon a user's needs, and of a material that may be imprinted with a decorative design. The disposable bath liner is also durable and light weight, easily fits irregularly shaped walls and a variety of bath enclosure sizes, is fabricated from materials that do not corrode, rust, bleed onto, and/or soil bath walls, is installable as a retrofit to existing baths, and has cut outs for bath fixtures to fit therethrough.

Abstract: An automatic shower control for the flow to a shower head by a detection device and its control and evaluation circuitry which detects the presence of a user and includes switching device for activation and deactivation of the control. An intensity selective evaluation of the detector signal indicates whether the signal derives from an object in a close proximity range or a normal proximity range to the detector and the system is switched on by the presence of an object in the close proximity range. During operation in the normal proximity range, which can terminate when the user leaves this range, water shut off can also be effected by movement of an object into the close proximity range.

Abstract: A toilet training system in which a decal having a background scene imprinted thereon is adhesively fixed to a toilet lid and a plurality of appliques, each of which depict an entity belonging to the aforementioned background scene, are provided as individual rewards for a successful potty experience. The child attaches the appliques to the decal to build up a scene.

Abstract: A structure for bearing weight is disclosed which has a plurality of upwardly directed, horizontally spaced, hollow, elongated support posts, each with a sidewall. A first and a second generally horizontal beam, which are coplanar and horizontally spaced, extend between a first and a second pair of posts, respectively, and intersect their respective sidewalls. At least two parallel, spaced, coplanar joists are each supported by both of the beams. A first and a second generally horizontal, hollow, elongated support member is positioned parallel to and adjacent the first and second beam, respectively, and extends between and abuts the first and second pair of posts, respectively. Each of the support members has a sidewall, and at least one of the sidewall of each the support members and the pair of posts between which it extends, provides a group at least two apertures. Each aperture receives a portion of one of the joists to allow each joist to be supported by both beams.

Abstract: An adjustable foundation for use with a bed frame. The foundation includes a base part and an adjustable head end part. One or preferably a pair of improved hinges hingeably attach the head end part to the base part. Each of the hinges includes a first mounting plate and a second mounting plate pivotally connected to the first mounting plate, a hinge latch, a trigger pivotally attached to the hinge latch, and a catch fixedly attached to the second mounting plate. During the raising of the head end part the catch enters a selected one of the notches in the lower edge of the hinge latch to hold the head end part at a selected fixed raised position. When it is desired to lower the head end part the head end part is raised beyond the highest fixed raised position, which causes the catch to engage a trigger notch wherein the trigger establishes a lowering position for lowering the head end part.

Abstract: An X-ray diagnostic apparatus, includes a table underframe and a base unit for supporting the table underframe which can be swiveled about a horizontal axis, and also includes a displacement device for displacing the table underframe relative to the base unit. The device for swiveling the table underframe is usually a complex construction which is expensive to manufacture. Moreover, the supporting therein is often problematic. Therefore, in a simple construction a first point of a guide rod is arranged at a hinge point on the base unit and a second point of the guide rod is arranged at a hinge point on the table underframe, so that a swiveling motion of the table underframe is imposed upon displacement of the table underframe with respect to the base unit.

Abstract: A device for tilting the top end and/or bottom end of a bed, includes two hingedly connected frames and a control unit operably connected thereto for adjusting the spacing therebetween. One fixed frame is supported on the bed base while the other, movable frame supports one end of a mattress. The fixed frame comprises two parallel co-planar tubes and the movable frame consists of a U-shaped frame pivotably mounted on and between the tubes. The control unit is attached to the fixed frame and controls the longitudinal translation of slide blocks with worm screws. The blocks are slidable along the tubes to tilt the movable frame relative to the fixed frame. The worm screws are mounted in the two tubes and the control unit is located outside the area encompassed by the fixed frame.

Abstract: The rescue shuttle of the present invention includes upper and lower elongate cowlings. The lower enclosure cowling is adapted for carrying a patient. The lower enclosure cowling has a generally horizontal aperture defined by an upper edge thereof. The elongate upper enclosure cowling is releasably mountable on to the lower enclosure cowling around the upper edge of the lower enclosure cowling so as to cover the lower enclosure cowling. The lower enclosure cowling has laterally opposed first and second sides. The first side and the second side have a corresponding first rigid member and second rigid member extending longitudinally there along, rigidly mounted to the first side and second side respectively. The first and second sides have a plurality of channels, pockets, grooves or apertures in spaced longitudinal array there along so as to provide corresponding strap mounting locations on the first and second rigid members for mounting of straps thereto.

Abstract: A portable sand pillow for resting or supporting a body part of a user, comprising, a support member with a top side and a bottom side, a front end and a rear end. The support member having an inner cavity for holding and securing sand in a desired configuration therein. An aperture with matching hook and loop fastening elements secured around the perimeter allows for opening and closing the support member and sealing the inner cavity. The aperture being adapted to allow the inner cavity to be filled with sand and to retain the sand within the inner cavity. An upper support element is secured to the upper surface of the support member for supporting and cushioning a body part of the user, and a pair of end elements are secured to the support element, one of the pair of end elements being secured to the front end of the support element and the other being secured to the rear end of the support element.

Abstract: A recliner chair having a fabric panel for supporting the head of a person reclining on the chair. An annular resilient cushion is placed on the upper surface of the fabric panel to cradle the person's head and distribute the weight of the head onto a relatively large annular surface area of the cushion.

Abstract: A cushion that includes a base and numerous bladders locatable on the base is disclosed and claimed. Each bladder contains a quantity of filler insufficient to completely fill the bladder, and each bladder has a loose or elastomeric skin to accommodate its conforming to the shape of an object to be supported by the cushion. The top surface of each bladder acts as a hammock when supporting a cushioned object, and the bladders interact with each other to accommodate protuberance and crevices of the cushioned object. Other embodiments of the invention include a cushion that is pre-shaped in a form complementary to the shape of the object to be cushioned, and a cushion that re-shapes itself to maintain supporting forces that are generally equal across the contact surface of the supported object.

Abstract: A multi-functional hand tool is provided having a handle portion to be held by a user. The handle portion is made to receive a plurality of different types of tool attachments. To secure these tool attachments, a plurality of slots are machined into an attachment portion of the hand tool. The attachment portion is simply a rigid element which can receive, retain and rigidly secure one of the tool attachments within one of the slots. The slots are sized differently to accommodate various marketed tool attachments, such as jig saw blades, reciprocating saw blades, utility knives, et. al. Further, putty knives, and striking implements can be made bearing a suitable tang for engaging one of the slots. The device is meant to be used as an all purpose sawing, cutting, scraping, spreading and striking implement which would replace a great deal of expensive tools commonly needed by apartment dwellers, students, and "do-it-yourselfers".

Abstract: A device 10 is used during washing of a brassiere 24 to protect the brassiere and maintain the shape of the cups 24a and 24b of the brassiere. It includes an inner spherical framework 12 contained within a larger outer spherical framework 14. Each framework is formed by a pair of hemispherical sections that upon being coupled together form the individual frameworks. With the inner framework 12 open, the brassiere 24 is fitted over the hemispherical sections, with one section being placed inside each cup of the brassiere. The sections of the inner framework 12 with the brassiere thereon are then closed and placed inside an open outer framework 14. The outer framework 14 is then closed to enclose the inner framework 12, and the assembly of frameworks is placed into a washing machine. The inner and outer frameworks are open structures that allow water to flow thereto during washing.

Abstract: A method and system for balancing a load in an upright washing machine. A liquid ballast system is used that includes liquid filling channels with liquid filling slots that fill individual self-contained cells spaced equally around the top rim of the spin drum. The cells are open at the top and filled with liquid, water, by the pre-existing water supply nozzle of the washing machine. In the bottom of each cell is a dump valve to release water from the cell when activated. A stationary ring attached to the frame of the washing machine activates the dump valve. In a mechanical embodiment, a mechanical arm makes contact with the stationary ring when the suspended core of the washing machine leans off center in response to an unbalanced load. In an electrical embodiment, a solenoid valve is activated when a contact point makes electrical contact with a track in the stationary ring as the suspended core of the washing machine leans off center in response to an unbalanced load.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for repeated, automatic metering of precisely metered quantities of a powdered detergent into water-carrying cleaning machines, in particular household dishwashers and household washing machines, include a detergent holder and a metering and dispensing device having a movable metering device with at least one metering receptacle. The interior of the detergent holder and a guide of the metering and dispensing device are acted upon continuously by a stream of compressed air. Therefore, clumping of the highly hygroscopic powdered detergent and an expensive, complex apparatus, which requires a high drive torque and a high air pressure, are avoided. The metering device has only one metering receptacle. The metering and dispensing device has two chambers communicating with one another. The detergent fed into the first chamber is fed gradually, during the motion of the metering device, into the second chamber, which has an opening toward the treatment vessel.

Abstract: A container constructed of an outer liquid impermeable shell with an open mouth and a liquid permeable chamber rigidly dependent from the anterior of a lid to the outer shell provides a sealed closure of the outer shell with the permeable chamber entirely enclosed interior to the closed container. The permeable chamber is configured to receive a golf ball toward the top, proximate the anterior of the lid, and allow displacement of the golf ball in the interior of the chamber to the bottom of the same after sealing the container with the lid, immersing the golf ball in cleansing fluid held in the impermeable shell. Reciprocal displacement of the contained golf ball with reciprocation of the closed container in an appropriate amount of cleansing fluid wets and brings the exterior surface of the ball into contact with scrubbing surfaces disposed upon the interior of the permeable chamber thus cleaning the ball.

Abstract: A cleaning brush is fixed to a cleaner support that is mounted to a rotary element for vertical movement with respect thereto. The rotary element is rotatably supported by a forward portion of a support arm that is pivotable about a vertical axis at the rear of the support arm. A closed space defined by a bellows is connected to air piping having a pressure gauge and a regulator. The regulator is operable in response to variations of pressure resulting from engagement of the cleaning brush with a substrate, to control pressure within said bellows whereby the latter expands and contracts to raise or lower the cleaner support relative to the substrate as required to maintain the pressure in a predetermined range. The aforesaid construction responds fast enough to allow the cleaning brush to follow warping of the substrate with facility, and by so doing clean an entire substrate surface uniformly.