Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preserving the flavor and freshness of meat products, particularly hamburgers, that are prepared at the central kitchen of a fast food franchise and shipped to a retail outlet. Pursuant to the method, a hamburger is cooked and then immersed into a hot bath of flavoring solution comprising salt, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, corn syrup solids, sugar, seasoning powder, flavor enhancer, and other ingredients. The treated hamburger is then frozen and shipped to a retail outlet. At the retail outlet, the hamburger is heated in a second bath of flavoring solution that is similar to the first, and is then ready to be served. Hamburger patties prepared according to the present invention taste fresh and moist even several days after they have been cooked. The method of the present invention also significantly reduces the amount of smoke and oil produced at a fast food retail outlet.

Abstract: Computer-processed or computer-generated objects can be used to build holograms whose images are close to or straddle the hologram surface. No preliminary or first hologram is required. The hologram is built up from a number of contiguous, small, elemental pieces. Unorthodox views from inside the object are required for the creation of these elements. One method of generating the views employs unique object manipulations. The computational transformations ensure that no singularities arise and that more-or-less conventional modeling and rendering routines can be used. With a second method, a multiplicity of conventional object views are collected. Then, all pixels in these conventional viewplanes are reassigned to new and different locations in the new viewplanes for the elemental views. These methods may be used to build rainbow holograms or full parallax holograms. When properly executed they are visually indistinguishable from other types.

Abstract: Flatproofing liquid is provided to tires through a one-way disposable valve assembly. In accordance with the method, the valve stem core is removed from the tire to allow the liquid to be freely admitted. A one-way valve is attached to the valve stem, and the tire is filled with the flatproofing material. The flatproofing material is then allowed to cure in the tire and in the valve. After curing, the valve is removed and discarded. The apparatus includes an inexpensive one-way valve for connection to the valve stem at one end and supply hoses at the other.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining the position of a mobile vehicle relative to a fixed location marker device which comprises a coil energized to emit a magnetic field composed of lines of magnetic flux extending radially and arcuately from the ends of the coil's longitudinal axis. A sensor unit mounted on the mobile vehicle comprises four identical sensing coils each responsive to the frequency of the magnetic field of the marker device and each having a major axis. These sensor coils are supported in two pairs with the major axes of the sensor coils of each pair disposed on either side of a common central plane and extending parallel thereto, this common central plane extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the marker device coil. Each pair of sensor coils is arranged in an X pattern in which their major axes cross each other medially and perpendicularly to define a center for the coil pair.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for chemically deicing aircraft on the taxiway. The apparatus includes a series of nozzles to dispense deicing solution onto the wings of an aircraft, and utilizes photoelectric sensors to detect when the nozzles are appropriately positioned to dispense the deicing solution, thereby conserving deicing solution. Recycling means are provided to collect, purify and concentrate used deicing solution for further use. The apparatus is further provided with extendable telescoping lift cylinders and rotating delivery arms from which the nozzles depend, thereby allowing the device to accommodate aircraft of different dimensions and design.

Abstract: A bite indicator for indicating a bite by a fish on a line of a fishing rod includes an arm that is free to swing upward or downward and a line engagement device secured to the arm for engaging the line. A change in the tension on the line causes the line engagement device to rise or fall as the arm swings upward or downward. The line engagement device includes a body provided with a channel and a pivoting gate that pivots between closed and open positions. In the closed position the gate extends over the channel to form a closed loop with the body that surrounds the line when the bite indicator is in use. In the open position the line is free to move out of the channel. The body is oriented with respect to the arm so that the line tends to open the gate only after the arm swings to an upper position beyond a predetermined level.

Abstract: A circuit that includes a latch and an oscillator is attached to a common lamp control switch to cause the lamp to flash when the switch is manipulated in accordance with a prescribed pattern. The flashing draws attention to the lamp and is used, for example, in an emergency. In a first embodiment, the circuit is placed in parallel with the switch. In a second embodiment, the circuit is placed in series with the switch. In both embodiments, the circuit is small enough to fit within an existing switch box.

Abstract: A method of applying graphic images to a fibreglass surface. The graphic image is applied on an absorbent cellulose-based paper sheet. A coating of clear fibreglass resin is applied to the fibreglass surface and printed paper is then applied to the surface, before the resin has cured. A further coating of fibreglass resin is then applied on top of the paper, thus encasing it in resin.

Abstract: A customized tooth cleansing device equipped with bristles whose orientation, length, and flexibility is customized to the dental characteristics of the user so as to provide proper penetration of the periodontal pockets. The device is equipped with a conduit for irrigating the mouth of the user with a cleansing, medicinal, or antibiotic solution. The device is molded to accommodate the particular dental characteristics of the user, and is equipped with a seal to prevent escape of the irrigating solution.

Abstract: An article for treatment of an injured leg of a horse includes front and rear pivotally attached parts. The two parts form a cavity for receiving the leg when in a closed position and allow the leg to be received or removed when an open position. In a first embodiment, one portion of the rear part receives the hoof of the leg, and the hoof is captured between lower portions of the front and rear parts as the front part is rotated toward the closed position but before the closed position is reached. In a second embodiment, the hoof of the leg is received by the front part. The capturing of the hoof before the front and rear parts are brought into full engagement allows the injured leg to be placed in tension to set the leg before the leg is fully encased in the inner lining of the article.

Abstract: An electrode boiler comprises a container for containing water and electrodes within the container which serves to pass electrical current through such water and which is generally upright when in use. Feed and drain systems are connected to the container to enable water to be fed to and drained therefrom. An outlet is provided through which steam generated inside the container can pass. An electrode current indicator provides an indication of the value of the electrical current passing through the electrodes. A controlling computer is connected to the feed and drain systems and the electrode current indicator. The controlling computer is set to cause the feed system to open when a predetermined drop in the electrode current has occurred owing to a boiling away of water from the boiler, and then to cause the feed system to close when a predetermined increase in the electrode current has occurred owing to the introduction of water into the boiler.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating iron ore, comprising an elongate and generally cylindrical inclined kiln mounted for rotation about its longitudinal axis. A drive motor is coupled to the kiln to rotate the latter about that axis. A moving grate is positioned at the upper end of the kiln to feed iron ore pellets into the kiln while the latter is rotating. Port-defining means are provided in the generally cylindrical wall of the kiln to enable gaseous material to be fed into the interior of the kiln at at least one position between the ends thereof. The port-defining means are of such a construction that they are open when they are underneath the iron ore in the kiln. Gaseous oxidizing material feed means are connected to the port-defining means to feed such oxidizing material thereto, whereby oxidizing gaseous material is passed through the iron ore in the kiln when the apparatus is in use so as to raise the temperature of the iron ore, by oxidation thereof, and cause the latter to be indurated.

Abstract: An article particularly useful for Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) tests includes an ampule, a resealing cap, and a protective sheath. The ampule includes a segment along its neck that is detachable for allowing introduction of a sample. The cap is used for resealing the neck after introduction of a sample, and the detachable segment is located at a narrow diameter portion of the neck so that the expulsion force on the cap generated by interior pressure is small. A flexible sheath is provided to protect the neck during shipment and to assist in removing the detachable segment.

Abstract: A novelty hat in the form of a ball cap having a visor defining an opening in which a miniature basketball net is mounted. The miniature net is held in position in the opening by a rim of molded plastic including respective flanges circumscribing the opening, on both the top and the bottom of the visor. A miniature basketball fits through the rim, but the opening in the bottom of the net is small enough to keep the ball from passing all the way down through the net. A keeper mounted on the rim is selectively movable to a position extending above a portion of the ball to hold the ball in the net and thus prevent the ball from being lost when the hat is not being worn.

Abstract: A laminated plastic card provided a lamination of a dye accepting layer, a substrate of paper or the like, and a back coat layer, on which lamination one or more patterns are printed with a volatile dye, and a transparent plastic film adhered on the lamination by an adhesive agent, wherein the adhesive agent is a saturated polyester resin having an average molecular weight of approximately 18,000 gm/mole and produced by condensation polymerization of polypropylene glycol or trimethylol propane and adipic acid or azelaic acid.

Abstract: A heater for physiological solutions that is effective at low and high flow rates includes first and second heat exchangers that have different fluid heating characteristics. The first heat exchanger is capable of heating solutions at high flow rates, while the second heat exchanger is designed to heat the solutions at low flow rates. A warming fluid is circulated through the heat exchangers, and a manifold is provided to control the flow of the warming fluid that is directed to the two heat exchangers. The solution to be warmed is directed to both heat exchangers such that a warmed solution is provided irrespective of the flow rates.

Abstract: A system for the storage of early baggage includes a storage conveyor for receiving early bags from the baggage handling system, for example, of an airport and for discharging the early bags onto said baggage handling system. The storage conveyor is arranged in a serpentine fashion for efficient use of horizontal space and includes evenly spaced entry and discharge stations. The system can deliver bags to the baggage handling system in a selected period of time to account for changes in flight departure times or changes in a passenger's travel plans.