Abstract: A nut cracking machine constructed with a cracking unit having a first reel of generally cylindrical configuration with a periphery having a series of uniformly spaced first cracking faces and a second reel of generally cylindrical configuration disposed within the first reel with a periphery having a series of uniformly spaced second cracking faces oppositely facing the first cracking faces, the first reel and second reel being rotated together on displaced axes that are parallel, the machine having a nut dispensing mechanism for dispensing nuts between the opposed cracking faces where the nuts are cracked as the reels rotate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing applesauce utilizing unpeeled apples that have been cored or reamed on the stem and blossom ends. The apples are divided into portions and pumped into a heater which raises the temperature of the portions of the apple to approximately 71.degree.-73.degree. C. A finisher then separates the waste parts from the flesh of the apple portions. The apple flesh is pulped and pumped to a second heater which raises the temperature to approximately 90.degree.-104.degree. C. The applesauce product then travels through a dwell line to an expansion chamber for collection.

Abstract: A vertical dryer for granular materials the dryer having a substantially vertical chute into which granular material is deposited, the chute having walls that are at least in part air pervious for passing heated air through the chute, the chute having incline baffles for intercepting and redirecting the granular material during its descent in the chute.

Abstract: A multi-fuel precombustor unit having a housing with an internal precombustion chamber and a passage communicating between the precombustion chamber and the main combustion chamber of the engine on which the precombustor unit is installed, the unit having a valve member blocking the communicating passage with an actuator allowing controlled retraction of the valve member upon activation of a valve actuation mechanism. A compressed air delivery passage regulated by a valve communicates between the main combustion chamber the precombustion chamber for delivery of compressed air to the precombustion chamber, the air delivery providing a carrier for fuel metered into the passage for delivery to the precombustion chamber for initial combustion before release to the main combustion chamber.

Abstract: A monorail public transport system utilizing a plurality of independent cars that circulate a main route with shunting of select cars to passenger loading stations without substantial interference of the continuous circulation of the remaining cars on a circuitous main route, wherein the shunting is accomplished by a high-speed switching mechanism having multiple segmented articulated rails having one segment that is pivotally anchored for pivoting the rail.

Abstract: A self-propelling transport having utility as an elevator system in a high rise building, the transport having a vehicle unit that rides on a track unit that includes a stationary drive chain that is engaged by a sprocket wheel assembly on the vehicle unit, the vehicle unit having a suspended passenger cab and a propulsion unit that engages the chain to retain the vehicle unit against the track during movement with the drive chain being magnetically retained on the track unit by electromagnets that are demagnetized where the drive chain is engaged by the sprocket wheel assembly.

Abstract: A carpet tucking device utilizing a rotatable member having a core and a removable cover for the core. The cover possesses an outer surface capable of contacting the carpet and further includes a first flange portion and second endless portion. A handle is connected to the rotatable member by a connecting element which forms an obtuse angle between the handle and the rotatable member.

Abstract: A compact disc removal device for removing compact discs from their storage cases, the removal device is a hand held implement with an extension having a suction cup that engages the surface of a disc and a fulcrum pad that contacts the pronged center retainer in the case to release the disc from engagement with the retainer during removal, the device including a suction release for disengaging the disc from the removal device when desired.

Abstract: A lighting system using a PL fluorescent lamp which is capable of screwing into a standard electrical lamp socket utilizing a base member possessing a mechanism for mechanically supporting a PL fluorescent lamp. A male fitting is connected to the base member and includes an outer surface which may be threaded in configuration. An adaptor is also used in the present system and is capable of mechanically and electrically connecting to a standard Edison electrical lamp socket. The adaptor includes an external threaded outer surface for threadingly engaging the standard Edison lamp socket, and also includes an inner surface in the form of a lamp socket. The inner surface lamp socket of the adaptor is capable of mechanically and electrically contacting the outer surface of the male fitting. The adaptor inner lamp socket and male fitting are of a non-standard size. The adaptor locks into the standard Edison electrical lamp socket, preventing its usage by standard incandescent lamp bases.

Abstract: A polymeric resin for the preparation of peptides utilizing a polymeric matrix such as polystyrene-divinylbenzene copolymer. A vanillyl alcohol (HMBA), Trityl alcohol, or Trityl Amine group is attached to the polymeric carrier for use in the building polypeptides by solid phase peptide synthesis employing the Fmoc protecting strategy.

Abstract: A netting system for orchard trees for fruit or nut collection, the system having netting units constructed with a number of uniformly spaced struts angularly disposed around each tree with one end lodged in an anchoring device next to the tree trunk and the distal end aerially disposed, and a brace structure secured to the trunk of each tree with horizontal support members connected to the ends of the struts to stabilize the struts with a perimeter line interconnecting the distal ends of the struts and with net panels between struts connected to the perimeter line and to the struts to form a funnel-like, trapezoidal structure directing fruit or nuts to the base of the tree trunk where a basket gathers nuts for periodic collection and where in an orchard setting the perimeter line of the net panels at the top corners of the trapezoidal structure for one tree are interconnected with the perimeter line of diagonally adjacent net panels of another tree.

Abstract: A rodent trap that is constructed with a housing having a rodent entry and containing a launching mechanism that is activated by a photo sensor when a rodent enters the housing, the launching mechanism ejecting the rodent through an opening in the top of the housing and into a receptacle for disposal.

Abstract: A waste gas scrubber utilizing a liquid body within an enclosure. The enclosure forms a chamber to confine the body of liquid to a portion of the chamber. A rotatable member includes an inside and an peripheral portion and possesses a multiplicity of passages extending from the inside portion to the peripheral portion. A stator surrounds the rotatable member and forms a channel between itself and the stator. The stator includes the first opening communicating with the body of liquid, permitting liquid to pass to the peripheral portion of the rotatable member, and into the channel between the stator and the peripheral portion of the rotatable member. The stator includes a second opening to the liquid body in the chamber. Waste gases traveling through the rotatable member are purified by turbulent contact with liquid forced into the channel. The purified gases are then led from the chamber to the outside environment.

Abstract: A device removing the stem and blossom portions of fruit utilizing a support for the fruit which is capable of orienting the stem or the blossom portion of the fruit in an upright position. The support permits access to either the stem or blossom portion of the fruit and is spanned by a pair of fruit reamers. Each fruit reamer is capable of completely dressing out the stem and blossom portions of the fruit when the first and second reamers are brought toward one another.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine that can operate at a very high efficiency over a wide range of load conditions. In one important feature of the invention, combustion gases are discharged along two paths, one with constant energy and the other with energy that varies in accordance with the engine load. The constant energy discharge drives a turbine that, in turn, operates a compressor for the engine at a constant, high efficiency. Alternatively, the compressor is driven at a speed that varies inversely with the engine load such that the engine operates at a high efficiency for all loads. In another, independent feature of the invention, the combustion occurs at a stoichiometric ratio of fuel and air, with the turbine blades being protected from the vastly increased combustion gas temperatures by an internal array of passageways through which cooling liquid, e.g., liquid fuel, and air are channeled.

Abstract: A jewelry support utilizing an element extending outwardly along a selected dimension. The element includes an outer skin capable of being repeatedly punctured without substantial damage to the same. A hanger device possessing an elongated member is capable of puncturing the element. The hanger device also includes a tab portion connected to the elongated member which may be engaged by jewelry. The elongated member and tab unit is capable of supporting jewelry to the element when the elongated member punctures the element. The tab is constructed with a friction surface to aid in the support of the jewelry.