Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for applying an adhesive or flavoring solution to the coal end of a cigarette by means of a precisely controlled liquid jet spray to bond shreds of tobacco in the cigarette end and to thereby reduce the amount of tobacco which falls out of the cigarette when shaken. Electronic controls are employed to synchronize the formation and charging of a series of droplets which are deflected in prescribed paths to contact the coal end of the cigarette in a predetermined pattern. Circuits are provided to adjust the timing and phase of the charging mechanism to compensate for variations in the speed at which the cigarette is conveyed to a target area and for variations in the timing of droplet formation.

Abstract: A mechanism for removal of contaminants from a stream of material having a plurality of rotatable cylindrical doffer elements each having flights supplied with cleaning means thereon mounted substantially parallel to one another within a frame. The mechanism is provided with means for adjusting both the positions along the frame of the doffer elements as well as the vertical elevation of the doffer elements with respect to the frame.

Abstract: A system is provided for processing spot trades in selected commodities among a group of trading stations in a communication network through a series of structured stages. Each trading station is capable of initiating a transaction with any other trading station in the network by transmitting a request for a quotation on a selected commodity. The receiving, or counterparty, trading station responds by transmitting a quotation back to the initiating trader, and the trader transmits a proposal based on this quotation. The counterparty then transmits an acceptance of the proposal and upon receipt of this acceptance by the initiating trader, a confirmation signal is automatically transmitted back to the counterparty and the deal is automatically logged at both sites. Alterations of transmitted quotations and proposals and extensive negotiation are also possible.

Abstract: A hand-held corded vacuum cleaner having a housing with a motor compartment containing a motor mounted on partitions defining inlet, cooling and outlet chambers for efficient motor cooling by air which enters inlet and exits outlet vents in the inlet and outlet chambers, respectively. A dirt channel extends from a fan chamber having a fan mounted by being swaged on a motor shaft. A nozzle chamber is disposed at one end of the housing and a bag assembly is removably detached from the rear of the housing by means of a collar having a side hole through which a detent extends and which may be depressed to remove the bag assembly. The nozzle is in communication with the fan chamber and the fan pushes dirt through a dirt channel over the motor compartment into the bag of the bag assembly. The motor shaft has a pulley at the end thereof which is connected to a brush which is releasably retained in the nozzle compartment. A belt extends around the brush and the pulley.