Abstract: A swing check valve wherein the valve seat, cage and disc are in the form of a cartridge having an overall length substantially equal to the length of the valve body. The valve is for use between flanges where the flanges do not provide support to prevent movement of the cartridge upstream or downstream. The cartridge is held in place by cooperating shoulders and a member held in mating grooves in the cartridge and valve body by a threaded member.

Abstract: A machine for preparing soil mixes and the like utilizing a hopper and a conveyor forming a live bottom for the hopper to convey the materials into a shredding chamber. A hammer mill type apparatus is positioned in the shredding chamber to shred and mix the materials. The hammer mill apparatus works in cooperation with spring-loaded bars and with stationary bars which retard the bypassing of material around the hammer mill.

Abstract: A swing check valve wherein the valve seat, cage and disc are in the form of a cartridge having an overall length substantially equal to the length of the valve body. The valve is for use between flanges where the flanges do not provide support to prevent movement of the cartridge upstream or downstream. The cartridge is held in place by cooperating shoulders and a plate-like member engaging the cartridge and a groove in the valve body.

Abstract: A heat fused porcelain inlay formed directly in a cavity in a patient's mouth and method for making same comprising a mixture of a porcelain and a binding agent, preferably a resin. The mixture is placed in the cavity and cured therein. The cured mixture is placed in an oven to heat fuse the porcelain and burn off at least a portion of the binding agent resulting in a ceramic core. Corrective layers of the mixture may be added to the ceramic core with subsequent curing and heat-fusing. One embodiment comprises disposing a framework in the mixture prior to curing. A kit comprising a supply of porcelain and binding agent for use in making dental inlays.

Abstract: Apparatus for sterilizing contact lenses wherein the lenses are moved in a circular orbit within a microwave oven through variations of energy levels in the microwave field in the oven, with the orbit of movement being spaced from the floor of the oven.

Abstract: A system for baling strands of material wherein a predetermined quantity of strands of material is compressed into a bale of strands of material having a density of at least about 14 pounds per cubic food and having a substantial portion of the bale unmatted, the system being particularly useful for baling easter grass. The system includes a baler wherein the strands of material are compressed in a substantially enclosed portion of the baler to form the bale of material. In the system, a predetermined weight comprising a portion of the total desired weight of a bale of material is compressed, and additional portions are added and compressed until the total desired weight has been compressed into a bale of material.

Abstract: A composition comprising a silane, siloxane or combination thereof, a catalyst and an ultraviolet radiation absorber. The composition is applied to the surfaces of carbon central structures to diminish the harmful effects thereon of water and ultraviolet radiation. Some examples of carbon central structures as defined herein are fences, decks, awnings, seat covers, umbrellas, carpeting and furniture. The composition is applied to the surface to be treated and allowed a sufficient time in order to penetrate.

Abstract: A mechanically powered exercise apparatus is provided having a pair of slidable accommodated vertical bars supported in an elongated housing. Each bar has an extending hand grip, and a foot support secured at opposite end thereof. In operation, the bars are reciprocated in opposite directions within the housing for simulating a climbing motion.

Abstract: A plurality of variable pitch baffles for diffusing hot combustion gases flowing through an asphalt drum mixer is provided. Each baffle, which is internally mounted at an intermediate location within the drum mixer, includes a plurality of opening therethrough.

Abstract: Apparatus for sterilizing contact lenses wherein the lenses are moved in a circular orbit within a microwave oven through variations of energy levels in the microwave field in the oven, with the orbit of movement being spaced from the floor of the oven.

Abstract: A flower pot for containing growing flowers or plants made by forming a sheet of material into a container having an upper end and a lower end with an object opening extending through the upper end and extending a distance through the container, the container having a plurality of overlapping folds for contributing to the rigidity of the container for cooperating in tending to maintain the formed shape of the container, and the container having a skirt extending a distance outwardly from the upper end of the container. After forming the container with the skirt outwardly extending therefrom, the skirt is formed in a downward direction to a position wherein the skirt is disposed generally near the outer peripheral surface of the container. When the plants or flowers are ready for shipment or display, the skirt again is formed or turned in the outwardly extending direction.

Abstract: A phototool having a first frame assembly hingedly connected to a second frame assembly by way of a hinge assembly wherein each frame assembly comprises a frame member with an insert opening through the frame member defining an edge and a glass member having an edge. The glass member is insertable into the insert opening with the edge on the glass member being spaced a distance from the edge on the frame member defining a connecting space therebetween and an adhesive is disposed in the connecting space for connecting the glass member to the frame member. The glass member is connected to the frame member by establishing a vacuum in the connecting space for pulling the adhesive in the connecting space. The adhesive in connecting space is cured for connecting the glass member to the frame member via the cured adhesive.

Abstract: An animal holding chute with a head bar and means for moving the head bar from a storage positon to an operating position wherein the head bar engages the animal's head and moves the animal's head generally toward one side of the animal holding chute, the head bar operating to substantially secure or stabilize the animal's head and neck in this bent position.

Abstract: A cotton cart with a discharge control apparatus in the basket is provided. A tray-shaped member is mounted in the basket for movement between a retracted position and a discharge position. The member is supported by a system of links so that the member pivots about a moving pivot point. As a result, the leading edge of the member follows an eccentrically arced path which conforms substantially to the inner contour of the basket to facilitate evacuation of the basket. The member is operated by a hydraulic cylinder, thereby enabling the operator to manipulate the cotton bolls during the discharge procedure.

Abstract: The impellor of a blood pump is supported by permanent magnets on the impellor and pump housing and stabilized by an electromagnet on the housing. A control circuit supplies current to the electromagnet to maintain the axial position of the impellor at a control position in which the impellor is in mechanical equilibrium under permanent magnet forces and static axial forces on the impellor to minimize energy consumption in the support of the impellor. The impellor is rotated magnetically and stator coils in the housing are supplied with electric currents having a frequency and amplitude adjusted in relation to blood pressure at the pump inlet to match the flow characteristics of the pump to physiological characteristics of the natural heart. A cavity is formed in the impellor to match the average specific gravity of the impellor and portions of the suspension and drive systems thereon to the specific gravity of blood to further minimize power consumption by the pump.

Abstract: A method of regenerating spent hydrophobic materials, and recovering material sorbed thereon whereby sorbed materials are removed by contacting same with a surfactant solution. The surfactant solution, is of sufficient concentration to form micelles which are aggregates of surfactant molecules with a hydrocarbon-like interior which solubilize a portion of the sorbed material. The resulting solution is removed from the hydrophobic material and the material contained therein separated from the solution. Any residual surfactant on the hydrophobic material may be flushed from the hydrophobic material, if necessary.