Abstract: A two-piece device for use in holding and guiding items of food, particularly small items, into position for slicing or other processing by the cutting blades of a food processor comprises a holder including an elongate food-holding member for pressing pieces of food against an inner surface of the feed chute of the food processor, and an elongate pusher having a food-engaging end, for controlling and pushing pieces of food along the holder toward the rotary blades of the food processor. A guide plate, to which the food holding element of the holder is connected, orients the food holding element and covers a portion of the feed chute. A gauge plate connected with the pusher prevents insertion of the pusher into the feed chute beyond a safe depth, and covers the remainder of the opening of the feed chute when fully inserted therein.

Abstract: Filter apparatus and a method for removing dry combustible particulate material from a stream of gas in two steps of separation, utilizing a primary separator to remove the majority of the material from said stream of gas and a secondary filter apparatus which includes water sprays and a wetted filter pad to remove additional material. Portions of the filter pad are sequentially backwashed at periodic intervals, and the particulate material washed from the filter pad is thereafter introduced into the stream of gas being cleaned, permitting collection of all removed particulate material from a single collection point associated with the primary separation apparatus. The material washed from the filter pad of the secondary apparatus is introduced into the stream of gas to be cleaned in the form of a slurry, the moisture from the slurry thereby reducing the likelihood of explosion of the particulate matter within the stream of gas.

Abstract: Portable apparatus for shredding waste materials, particularly reinforced resilient materials such as used pneumatic tire casings, in which generally cylindrical cutter rolls, each comprising a plurality of cutter discs, are intermeshed with one another to shear scrap material into smaller pieces, and feeder-stripper rolls, each comprising a plurality of feeder-stripper discs, are intermeshed with the cutter rolls but spaced apart from one another. The cutter rolls are rotated in opposite directions, and each feeder-stripper roll is rotated in the same direction as the cutter roll with which it is intermeshed, thereby feeding scrap material between the two feeder-stripper rolls toward the cutter rolls. The feeder-stripper discs extend deeply between the cutter discs to eliminate clogging. The feeder-stripper rolls may be movable to provide greater separation for receiving and feeding larger pieces of scrap material into the casting mechanism.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the location of a target surface by projecting a periodically scanning pattern of light onto the target surface, and comparing the time of projection of a predetermined point of the pattern along a predetermined path with the time of observing an image of the predetermined point of the pattern reflected along an intersecting receiver path. An apertured disc is rotated between a light source and a collimating projection lens assembly to produce scanning pattern of light. Photoelectric sensors generate reference and receiver electrical signals in response to projection and reception of the pattern of light, and the distance of the target surface from a reference location may be electrically determined as a geometrically defined function of the phase angle between the electrical signals.

Abstract: A storm window unit incorporating extruded metal frame members assembled in the form of an inner frame including slide tracks for holding removable, slidably movable window panels, and an outer frame comprising a plurality of expander caps fitted about the inner frame and movable by jackscrews to expand the outer dimensions of the window unit. The expander caps extend preferably along three sides of the inner frame, and corner caps are provided to fill any gaps created between the ends of adjacent frame members by expansion of the outer frame, so that the window unit can be installed to fit snugly and sealingly within window openings which are slightly oversize or which are of distorted or otherwise irregular shape.

Abstract: A fuel-saving energy storage vehicle drive system which saves fuel, primarily under stop-and-go driving conditions, by collecting, storing and using energy normally lost in the braking or deceleration of the vehicle, by automatically controlled operation of the engine under certain conditions, and by automatically controlled use of the stored energy and engine respectively as alternative or supplemental prime movers for each other for driving the vehicle. Subsystems for preventing waste of deceleration energy and stored energy are provided, and compact transmission layout and packaging are provided which facilitate installation of the new system in existing vehicles.

Abstract: An assembly protectively housing an electrical component includes electrical test points connected to the electrical component and accessible by electrical test instrument probes to enable testing of the electrical component while the assembly is physically mounted in an operational location and electrically connected in a circuit. In one embodiment an end of a lead is exposed flush with the end of a rectangular housing. In another embodiment an end of a lead is exposed within a small well defined in an outer surface of the housing. In a third embodiment of the invention openings are provided in a cover portion of a housing to permit test probes to contact electrical circuit conductor terminals protectively contained within the housing.

Abstract: A direct current power supply for receiving power input from a high voltage transmission line and providing direct current power to an electrical load operated at or near the potential of the transmission line and remote from electrical ground is disclosed.

Abstract: A flexible-route transportation system, primarily utilizing privately-owned vehicles to provide ridesharing transportation for the public, is described. Interactive communications terminals are provided through which drivers of the vehicles may rapidly transmit ride offers via a telecommunications network to a central operations coordinating station, equipped with a general-purpose programmable computer. Rider interactive communications terminals, located at public and private facilities, are also connected by the telecommunications network with the central coordinating station, permitting eligible members of the public to quickly request rides from one location to another. The central coordinating station matches the ride requests with the ride offers, on a trip-by-trip basis, comparing the driver's indicated origin, destination, seating requirements and time with the rider's requested origin, destination, seat availability and time.

Abstract: A sports racket such as a tennis racket has a head comprising a pair of concentric frames wherein an inner frame equipped with tensioned strings is supported resiliently within an outer frame by an inflated tube lying within opposing parallel channels extending respectively about the periphery of the inner frame and along the interior of the outer frame. Variation of the pressure of inflation of the tube controls the elasticity of the support of the inner frame, and deflation of the tube permits rapid removal and replacement of the inner frame.

Abstract: An improved drive assembly for a powered chain saw or the like, which drive assembly includes a drive sprocket having a hub portion centrally and presenting a hub extension at one end for coaxially registering within the centered opening of the end wall of a clutch drum, and an axially extending apertured reinforcing washer disposed between the teeth of the sprocket wheel and surrounding the tips thereof in the region of abutment of the drive sprocket and clutch drum so as to register within the recesses of the sprocket teeth and present an extended joining area therebetween for securing same against separation.

Abstract: The holder of the present invention is comprised of a clamp for receiving and securing a measuring tape with its zero end being located at a known position. The clamp is pivotally joined to a base which contains a magnet for attaching the base to a ferro-magnetic surface. The apparatus is attached to the surface by positioning the base in a manner such that the zero end of the tape is located at a first meausring point. The tape is then extended by the user to measure the distance from the first measuring point to a second measuring point, which is remote from it, without the necessity of having a second person to hold the zero end of the tape.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is connected to a fixed displacement pump normally having its inlet connected to a reservoir and its outlet connected to an accumulator. To start the engine, selectively operable valves connect the inlet of the pump to the accumulator and the outlet to the reservoir to drive the pump as a motor to rotate the engine. Also, a fixed displacement motor has an inlet connected by a forward solenoid valve to the accumulator and pump and connected by a brake solenoid valve to the reservoir. The motor also has an outlet connected to the pump and the accumulator by a reverse solenoid valve and connected to the reservoir by a neutral solenoid valve.

Abstract: A chrysanthemum plant originating as a sport of Bronze Princess Anne, characterized by its reddish-bronze blossoms.

Abstract: A rose plant of the Hybrid Tea Class obtained as a seedling from a seed parent of the Ilone variety and an unnamed pollen parent provides long lasting blooms which maintain their true color from bud through leaf petal, on a continuous basis in a greenhouse.