Abstract: A gas fireplace insert structure having a firebox formed to direct flue gases reaching the upper section thereof through a folded path to flow forward and upwardly and then return rearwardly to an exhaust opening, and a casing formed to provide a room air circulating path around the firebox, the circulating room air path including a folded path portion disposed within and following the fold of the flue gas path.

Abstract: A compact chiller for receiving supply temperature water from a source as a chilling tank in which a thermally conductive chilling probe is positioned for chilling the water in the tank. Supply water is fed through the tank and to the inlet of a valve selectively positionable between open and closed positions so that water from the supply may entirely flow into the tank or have a portion flowing into the tank and the remainder through the valve. A chilled water supply tube within the tank and the outlet of the valve communicate the inlet to a spout so that chilled water or a mixture of chilled water and entering supply water may be dispensed from the faucet. The supply water may be water from the faucet of a sink diverter valve to the chiller. Filters may be connected in communication between the faucet and the entry into the chiller tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for joining together a plurality of sets of ends of yarn includes a housing having a plurality of splicing bores communicating with at least one passageway which selectively communicates with a pressurized fluid source. A set, preferably a pair, of yarns are placed in each splicing bore. A cutting member is utilized to cut the yams while within the bore so there are two yarn ends to be joined within the bore. The pressurized fluid source is then placed into communication with the bore and the splicing process begins. The yarns may be moved relative to the axis of the bore during the splicing process with a wiping bar. The pressurized fluid source may then be selectively removed from communication with the splicing bore to complete the splicing process. The sets of yarn will then preferably be represented as continuous strands of yarn entangled, intertwined, and/or twisted at the splice joints.

Abstract: A motorcycle helmet formed from an impact resistant shell for covering and protecting the head of a user has audio receiver members mounted on the interior of the shell and has a microphone at one end of a boom within the helmet. The microphone is located for use by the user at the front of the helmet while the boom has an adapter on the end opposite the microphone. The microphone has conductors communicating with a connector which communicates with the electrical energy source and control cables. The adapter is receivable within a socket formed by a channel in an extension of one of the receiver housings so that the microphone and boom may be mounted totally within the helmet. The electrical power and control cables are connected to the microphone and the receivers by means of a quick-disconnect type connector and has a separate volume control for the microphone and for the receivers so that two motorcycle riders may adjust the audio system to their liking.

Abstract: A hanger having a product or package supporting member and a carrier or suspension member for suspending the hanger from a peg or the like, the carrier or suspension member having a decorative portion including a structure forming a letter of an alphabet. The letter of the alphabet is a Roman-style letter. A hanger of this type may thus be used by a retailer or a manufacturer of product, such as socks and hosiery to emphasize the association of the goods or the package with the retailer when the product is merchandised.

Abstract: A method and apparatus by which selected pile across the face of a web of pile fabric such as carpet may be raised or lowered in accordance with a pattern as the fabric passes through shearing apparatus so that certain pile of the pile may be sheared more than other pile to provide a sculptured affect. Nozzles extend across the width of the fabric and apply jets of air from controllable valves to impinge on the pile in its path to compress or raise selected pile in accordance with a pattern controller which controls the valves. Locating the nozzles so that jets of air impinge on the pile upstream from the shearing apparatus in a direction downstream toward the shearing apparatus will raise the pile while locating the nozzles so that the jets of air impinge upon the pile prior to the shearing location in an upstream direction will compress the pile. The pile which is raised is cut further than pile which is not raised and cut even further than the pile that is compressed.

Abstract: A vented wood or gas-log fireplace is formed from a sheet metal member bent to form side and rear panels. A pair of spaced apart sheet metal plates are connected between the side panels and have rear edges spaced from the rear panel. The rear edges of the plates are bent to form lips extending in a direction toward the opposite plate. Bracket members are secured to the plates adjacent the side panels. A rear refractory member is positioned between the plates in engagement with the lips, and side refractory panels are positioned in abutment with a respective side sheet metal panel and held in place by the bracket members, the side ceramic panels abutting the rear ceramic panel at the sides thereof. A top panel is fastened to the top edges of the side panels above the top plate and a conduit extends through the top plate with the top panel to communicate the combustion chamber with an exhaust pipe or chimney.

Abstract: Stretcher supporting and lifting apparatus normally stowed beneath the body of an ambulance has a frame in the form of a plurality of telescoping members fastened to and extendable lengthwise relative to the chassis of the vehicle and carries a lifting device on which a platform is mounted. The frame may be extended and tilted downwardly from a stowed position to the ground with the platform in its lowest position. The platform has guide tracks for the wheels of a transportable stretcher and the stretcher may be rolled onto the tracks and a patient supporting litter lowered onto the platform. The lifting device is then actuated to lift the platform and the stretcher to the desired height so that the wheels may roll onto the floor of the ambulance. After the stretcher has been moved thereon, the lifting device is lowered to lower the platform, and the frame may be tilted back to the horizontal position and retracted to its stowed position beneath the ambulance.

Abstract: A seat cushion with a carrying handle has a multi-cellular foam interior structure for holding and releasing air encased within an air impermiable covering and at least one valve member secured to the covering and having a conduit extending through the covering into the foam. The handle may span a front indented portion in which the valve is located so as to span the valve. The cushion may have a second valve permitting air to enter into but not exit from the foam so as to re-inflate the cushion gradually. The first valve permits air to exit the foam when it is open while a compressible force is applied to the foam. Thus, when a person sits on the cushion and opens the valve, air within the cellular structure of the foam is expelled in accordance with the force applied and the foam is shaped to that of the user's compression applying members. The second valve permits re-inflation of the cushion gradually if the user fails to open or actuate the first valve when removed from the cushion for an extended time.

Abstract: An underfed burner has an elongated cylindrical body closed at both ends and a feed tube connected between the ends for feeding an air and gas fuel mixture into the burner through an entry portal. A pressure dispersing baffle is formed within the entry portal integral with the body of the burner and deflected downwardly into the interior of the burner. The baffle is in the form of two flaps supported by a rib integral with the body of the burner and extending across the entry portal. The baffle is formed by a die and a punch carried by the die. The die forms a depression about the opening created by the deflected baffles to define the portals and extends gradually longitudinally away from the flaps while the punch cuts the material to form the portal, the rib and the baffle flaps. A pair of mandrels enter the body of the burner from respective ends to provide support for the die and punch.

Abstract: An atmospheric, low emission gas burner within the combustion chamber of a hot water heater in which the combustion chamber is sealed against entry of air except for the air/gas mixture entering through the burner. The burner comprises a venturi through which gas and air enter and a diffuser disposed about the venturi, the diffuser and venturi constructed to take advantage of the high thermal buoyancy within the water heater. The burner operates at low manifold pressure and creates low emissions of NOx and CO. The burner diffuser has a multiplicity of small slots disposed on the upper surface which is covered by a course mesh fabric material having relatively large openings designed to keep the flame front above and off the diffuser while maintaining a stable flame that does not flashback.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a mattress having a core formed from a plurality of elongated rows of interconnected coil spring containing fabric pockets, each row having a plurality of spaced apart pockets with a spring encased in each pocket and having an elastic strip of material between adjacent rows. A first row of spring encased pockets is placed in a tray in a horizontal position and held in the tray by fingers which engage the fabric of the pockets at the ends of each spring, there being a finger at each end of each pocket. The elastic strip of material may thereafter be bonded to the row and adhesive may be placed on the upper surface of the elastic material. The tray is mounted on a pivotable plate which is then rotated to a vertical position and moved linearly toward a table containing prior rows of the core to bond the elastic strip carried in the tray to the last row on the table.