Abstract: A new and useful method for extracting propolis from substantially clean raw material to obtain a dry propolis powder. Depending upon the method employed, either a water soluble propolis powder or an organic soluble propolis powder may be obtained. A unique method for purifying the propolis extract is also disclosed. Both the methods for extracting propolis-containing raw material and the water soluble dry propolis powder are claimed. The propolis powder exhibits, among other things, bactericidal viricidal, analgesic, anaesthetic and regenerative properties.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system for supporting potted plants in closed environment such as a nursery, wherein the plants are supported by flexible wires under tension. A pair of truss members are parallely disposed and ridigly set on the ground. Each truss member is provided with a plurality of support bars. A plurality of intermediate vertical structures are provided, and each one is provided with a plurality of spacer bars. A metal tube is used to connect the top of the truss members with a concrete foundation on the ground for support. A plurality of substantially parallel and flexible wires are connected to the truss members and are tensioned to provide rigidity. The wires are supported vertically by a plurality of support bars connected to each intermediate member.

Abstract: A flat plate manometer includes a rectangular mercury column having calibration scales and a plurality of closely spaced stainless steel contacts disposed along the column. The mercury closes a circuit between a common contact and the column contacts as the mercury rises. The manometer is fabricated from acrylic plastic to provide a lightweight, low cost device. The input and output ports include microporous filters to prevent accidental loss of mercury.

Abstract: A reusable bottle holder is disclosed adapted to be used in connection with bottles now commonly used for soft drinks such as the two liter bottles that have a flange like projection at the neck of the bottle. The bottle holder has a locking portion adapted to cooperate with the flange like projection of the bottle in order to provide a secure friction fit for the handle.

Abstract: A molded hearing aid of the self-containing type having a rechargeable battery disposed therein, in the form of a molded plug which will fit in the ear of the user. A light emitting diode is disposed through the external surface of the plug and is internally connected in series with an iron core inductor with the series combination in parallel with the internal chargeable battery. A battery charger is provided having a cup for receiving the molded plug and having a multiturn coil wound around the periphery of the cup. The coil is connected into an oscillator circuit and tuned to cause the circuit to oscillate at about 30 kHz. The oscillator coil couples to the iron core inductor in the plastic plug thereby inducing a 30 kHz ac voltage across the coil. The light emitting diode rectifies the alternating current and is connected in a polarity so as to charge the internal battery of the hearing aid.

Abstract: The present invention is used in conjunction with a musical instrument having a bell including a tapered inner surface, an upper end and a lower end. The stand includes a round disc having upper and lower surfaces, and a side surface formed from an elastomeric material. The side surface gradually tapers inward between the lower and upper surfaces of the disc. The diameter of the lower surface of the disc is slightly greater than the diameter of the inner surface of the lower portion of the bell of the musical instrument. The dimensions of the disc and the inclination of the side surface of the disc cause the disc to exert a frictional locking force between the side surface of the disc and the bell of the musical instrument to maintain the musical instrument in a fixed position with respect to the disc. A base is coupled to the disc and maintains the disc in a level position.

Abstract: An automatic gain controlled preamplifier for use with a laser detector and having a wide bandwidth and a low-noise figure. The preamplifier includes a voltage controlled input attenuator stage feeding a low noise wideband amplifier stage which drives an output amplifier stage. Each stage has independent AGC drivers which permit sequential control of the three stages by AGC voltages of different ranges. The output stage is controlled for low level signals, the attenuator stage for medium level signals, and the low noise stage by large signals, thereby maintaining the low noise characteristic for weak signals. The preamplifier is implemented in form for production as a monolithic circuit.

Abstract: An electronic scale is provided with two or more load cells in which the first load cell covers a low load range, and each successive cell covers a greater load range than the preceding cell. The cells are connected mechanically in tandem such that a load on the scales is applied to each cell simultaneously. Electrical signals from each load cell when performing a weighing operation are processed by a microcomputer to digitize the signals and to select the signal coming from the first load cell in the tandem connection which is not overloaded. The microprocessor scales the measurement signal and displays the weight on an alphanumeric readout. Memory circuits are included for storing tare weights and for storing unit weights during counting operations. When a number of units in a group is to be counted, the microprocessor divides a measured weight by the unit weight and outputs the count to the alphanumeric readout display.

Abstract: A vertically oriented carburetor for use in a model jet aircraft power plant having an essentially circular duct and a multibladed fan. The carburetor utilizes an essentially cylindrical body having a web portion to permit airflow from the fan for cooling the cylinder of a model engine and a forwardly oriented carburetor air opening for receiving pressurized air from the fan. Concentric fuel feed and throttle tubes have their adjustments for control at the top end so as to be external to the power plant circular duct to eliminate interference with the propulsion airstream from the fan.

Abstract: Fuel injector nozzle holders typically include a needle which is coupled within the nozzle holder and displaceable between open and closed positions. The nozzle holder also includes a chamber and a spring positioned within the chamber and coupled to the needle for biasing the needle toward the closed position. Prior art fuel injector nozzle holders can readily be modified to include a passageway for establishing communication with the chamber from a location external to the nozzle holder. This passageway may be dimensioned to permit an external sensing device which is capable of detecting displacements of the needle when positioned in proximity thereto to be inserted through the passageway into the chamber. A sensor holder is positioned within the chamber and aligned with the passageway to guide the sensor into a predetermined position with respect to the needle and to maintain the sensor in a fixed position.

Abstract: Method for making a breast prosthesis formed from plasticized polyvinylchloride plastic having coloring, texture, weight and feel closely approximating those of a natural breast. Liquid plastic is heated and tinted with a first portion having a skin tone and a second portion having the darker color of the areola and nipple area. The darker portion is poured into a breast mold to the depth of the desired areola area. This pour is allowed to set until tacky at which time the skin colored portion is poured, which bonds to the first pour. The mold is immediately cooled in a freezer at 5.degree. F. or less. After curing and cooling, the prosthesis is removed from the mold. An alternative embodiment used for teaching self-examination includes small objects embedded in the prosthesis to simulate tumors.

Abstract: An automobile sun visor comprising a flat visor member having opposing flat, parallel surfaces is adapted to be pivotably joined adjacent the windshield of an automobile. The member has plural slots therein, and a moveable member having slots therein is mounted against the visor member and over the slots therein, whereby a slot in the moveable member may be aligned with a slot in the visor member so that a restricted amount of light will pass through the slots.

Abstract: A cutting head assembly for a rotary motor is disclosed characterized by a flat disc member having a plurality of holes which are provided with a leading edge. A plurality of radially disposed holes are provided for insertion of a monofilament line which is the cutting element. A bar support is provided to prevent the accidental dislodging of the monofilament line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for molding plastic containers and the like and for removing unwanted flash material therefrom. In the molding step, an unwanted tail flash portion is molded to have a weakened area along the line of attachment to the bottom of the container. After ejection from the mold, the container is conveyed to a tail removal device that grips and tears the tail free from the container along the weakened line area by a downward and rearward force.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with an apparatus of potentially large size for producing electrical energy from the rays of the sun. The apparatus utilizes an air housing mounted on a hillside exposed to sunlight. The air housing, having a roof of light admitting panels, causes air to be heated and transported upwardly in a convergent manner to an apex opening which communicates with a tunnel. A bladed member mounted within the tunnel and rotated by the flow of air therein activates an electrical generator. The exit extremity of the tunnel communicates with a collector chamber which in turn communicates with a vertically oriented chimney stack which intensifies the velocity of air passing through the tunnel.

Abstract: A needle position indicator is positioned within the interior of a fuel injector nozzle holder which includes a needle having upper and lower ends, a needle seat which engages the lower end of the needle, a chamber having an upper end and a lower end through which the upper end of the needle extends, and a spring positioned within the chamber for exerting a force against the upper end of the chamber and against the upper end of the needle to bias the needle against the needle seat. The needle position indicator includes a magnet which is positioned within the cavity to generate a magnetic field within the cavity and a detector which is positioned within the cavity to detect changes in the strength of the magnetic field within the cavity caused by relative displacements of the upper portion of the needle within the cavity.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a plurality of concentric, cylindriconical, annular rings from plywood or other wood material for use in constructing cylindriconical wood products.

Abstract: A newly found seedling of a fruit bearing citrus plant characterized by the large size, bright distinctive color, pleasant taste, ease of peeling and sectioning, and flattened shape of the fruit.