Abstract: A container for packaging popping corn kernels under pressure in a bottle simulating that traditionally used for champagne and other sparkling wines wherein a valve is disposed between the bottom of a stopper and the upper level of the popcorn kernels for preventing the popcorn kernels from being expelled from the bottle upon removal of the stopper.

Abstract: An electronic circuit for disengaging an electronic speed control system when the rate of change of the automobile engine speed exceeds a predetermined amount is disclosed. A ferrite or powdered iron ring current transformer generates an input signal to the electronic circuit from one of the spark plug wires in the engine. The pulses from the ring current transformer are passed through a monostable multivibrator circuit and a filter network to a differentiator. The output of the differentiator is connected to a high limit detector and a low limit detector. When the rate of change of engine speed exceeds a predetermined amount, a signal is generated to disengage the speed control circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing the car door section of an elevator car from being opened when the elevator car is not located at an authorized landing zone in the elevator shaft. A car door locking device includes a locking mechanism connected to and movable with the car door section. The locking mechanism has a first member, a second member, and apparatus for connecting the second member for limited guided movement with respect to the first member between a locked position and an unlocked position. A spring is provided for normally urging the second member toward the locked position with respect to the first member. A first stop is attached to and movable with the second member. A second stop, fixed in position with respect to the car door section, is provided for selectively engaging the movable stop.

Abstract: A transition forming unit is provided for forming a strip of U-shaped cross-sectional configuration into a generally annular shaped cross-sectional configuration. The forming process is performed by a plurality of roll assemblies adjustably mounted on a pair of spaced longitudinally extending beams, one disposed on each side of the longitudinal axis of the forming unit. The beams are adjustable in respect of the longitudinal axis of the forming unit. A hold down assembly is provided for controlling the alignment of the U-shaped strip as it passes through the forming unit. The roll assemblies are mounted on each beam to absorb thrust loads produced during the forming process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a seat recliner adjustment mechanism for a wheelchair having an upper back rest frame pivotally mounted to a lower seat frame. The adjustment mechanism includes an elongate rack member pivotally mounted to the lower seat frame and having a plurality of spaced apart detent engaging means extending along one side thereof. A locking mechanism is mounted on the back rest frame and includes a detent element engageable with a selected one of the detent engaging means of the rack member for maintaining the back rest frame in a selected reclined position. The locking mechanism includes a wedge element normally biased in a locked position to urge the rack member into locking engagement with the detent element. The wedge element is moveable to a released position wherein the rack member is disengaged from the detent element to enable the back rest frame to pivot relative to the lower seat frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates, as new industrial products, to (.+-.)-, (+)- and (-)-2,4-diacetyl-5-(3-alkyl-amino-2-hydroxy-propyloxy)-benzofurans of general formula: ##STR1## where R is CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2 or C(CH.sub.3).sub.3, and to their acid addition salts. These products are useful in therapeutics, particularly as cardioselective beta-blocking agents.

Abstract: The invention relates to a closure system for pressure vessels, the closure consisting of a cover and of two clamp halves each of which can be moved into closing or open position by means of guiding elements. The clamp halves, the cover, and the pressure vessel housing being equipped with stop surfaces, the stop surfaces of the clamp halves being opposite to those of the cover and of the pressure vessel housing in closing position. The closure system is especially suitable in cases where an entirely automatic closing device is required for pressure vessels having an operating pressure of more than 10 bar.The clamp halves are connected by means of tensible flexible bearings to guiding elements to allow for a cover movement in axial direction. The tension of the flexible bearings is sufficient for automatic resetting of the clamp halves into zero position after depressurization of the vessel.

Abstract: A simple and inexpensive apparatus for rapidly measuring the inside diameter of a bore includes an elongated cylindrical tube which has a first pair of diametrically opposed tapered slots formed in one end thereof. A second pair of diametrically opposed slots of uniform width are formed in the other end of the tube, oriented perpendicularly to the first pair of tapered slots. A linear translation indicating device such as a dial indicator is provided to measure the distance between the opposing sides of the one end of the tube. A pair of extension arms are secured to the other end of the tube. By pressing the opposing sides of the one end of the tube together, the opposing sides of the other end of the tube will move inwardly such that the bore gauge and particularly the extension arms can be inserted into a bore to be measured. When released, the opposing sides of both ends of the tube will expand outwardly until the outer faces of the extension arms contact the inside wall of the bore to be measured.

Abstract: A driving tool for installing and removing tamper resistant screws having conical heads provided with three equiangularly, circumferentially spaced slots extending longitudinally along the conical head. The tool includes a bit end defined by three tangs separated by a central conical recess for receiving the conical head of the screw. The side walls of the tangs adjacent the bottom end are flat, parallel sections tapering away from the bottom end toward the roots of the tangs for providing effectively large bearing surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved apparatus for use in fabricating orthodontic appliances. The apparatus includes a pair of spaced apart lower and upper horizontally extending arms. The lower arm is adapted to carry a lower dental casting and the upper arm is adapted to carry an upper dental casting in facing relationship with the lower dental casting. A pair of spaced apart parallel cylindrical guide shafts extend upwardly in a generally vertical direction from the lower arm. The upper arm is attached to a mounting device utilized to support the upper arm for vertical movement toward and away from the lower arm. The mounting device includes a pair of spaced apart cooperating guide apertures for slidably receiving the guide shafts. A locking screw is provided in the mounting device for frictionally engaging one of the guide shafts for releasably securing the upper arm in a selected vertical position relative to the lower arm.

Abstract: A backhoe bucket especially adapted for use in rock strata such as caliche, limestone and soapstone and plastic soils includes a shovel-nose configuration having a plurality of spaced-apart teeth symmetrically arranged along upwardly and rearwardly inclined leading edges of the angled bucket sidewalls. The sidewalls of the bucket to which the teeth are attached intersect a flat, horizontal bottom having a width substantially equal to the width of the tooth mounted thereto. The teeth are arranged in a symmetrical stair-step configuration with each tooth being above and behind an adjacent tooth closer to the center of the bucket. The teeth first fracture, then separate and guide material into the bucket. The rear wall of the bucket is a complex, curved panel which defines an internal volume shaped to receive and readily discharge spoil.

Abstract: A device for mixing and dispensing two or more reactive liquids into a homogeneous stream. The device includes a mixing chamber with two or more inlets for introducing separate liquid components into and an outlet for dispensing the mixed liquid components from the chamber. Separate passages connect each inlet to a separate source of liquid. Also, each passage includes an on-off valve disposed between the liquid source and the inlet and each passage also includes a pressure opening truncated cone pin check valve seated in close position in a truncated inlet to the mixing chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a membrane electrolysis cell of the filter press type with one or more plate-type electrode pairs, each comprising at least one non-continuous active central part, with a membrane provided between the electrode pairs, and with a seal installed between each electrode and membrane rim. The membrane cell is suitable for the production of an aqueous alkali metal hydroxide solution (cell liquor) as well as of halogen and hydrogen by electrolyzing an aqueous halide-bearing electrolyte (brine).The non-continuous central part of the electrodes has a grid-type structure, the grid rods of the electrode pairs are staggered by a maximum of half the rod width, the grid rods of the electrodes are arranged so that their interspace is smaller than the projection of their width, the grid rods have a convex face at least on the active side, and the thickness of the seals between the electrode and membrane rims is equal or inferior to the height of the grid rod portion protruding over the electrode rim.

Abstract: A vehicle bull-bar or fender of the kind comprising an array of fender bars mounted on a pair of upright stanchions fixed by their lower-ends to the front of the vehicle, has a C-shaped fender bar freely insertable and through holes in the tops of the stanchions and has its ends removably secured to the stanchions intermedially of their ends. One or more other fender bars extend between the stanchions parallel to and out of axial alignment with any part of said C-shaped fender bar. The ends of the other fender bar (or bars) are removably secured to the stanchions. The invention also comprises a method of assembling the parts of the bull-bar as aforesaid.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for conditioning atmospheric sea air for subsequent use as process air in floating chemical processing plants. A stream of atmospheric sea air, is injected with a salt-free aqueous spray for dissolving salt particles contained therein. The excess water is then removed by passing the over saturated air stream through a drop separator. The residual intake air is then heated to reduce the relative humidity of the air prior to its passing through a blower.

Abstract: A shield device attached to wheel patient support apparatus between a patient and an attendant, the shield device including radiation shielding material extending across wheel patient support in such a manner that attendants are shielded from the patient.

Abstract: A solar air heater comprises a plurality of elongate concentric flexible cylinders which define an outer annular insulating region, an inner cylindrical flow region and a positioning structure therefore. A plastic panel of indeterminate length may be folded upon itself and sealed to form the outer wall of the insulating annulus, the positioning structure and a middle wall. The cylindrical flow region is defined by a self-supporting tube which is inserted into the positioning structure and middle wall. Air flowing through the self-supporting tube is heated by available solar energy and the outer region, inflated by air at a pressure slightly above atmospheric pressure, acts as an insulator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a calendar holder having a unique construction which permits all components of the holder to be manufactured of a plastic material. The holder includes an inclined support platform adapted to support a pair of spaced apart arches. Each arch is of a generally inverted U-shape and includes two legs which are inserted into apertures formed in the platform. One of the legs is provided with a lower threaded end and a radially extending lip immediately above the threaded end. The radial lip is received into an annular recess formed in the upper surface of the platform about one of the apertures. The radial lip functions both as a stop member to control the height of the respective arch and as a stabilizer for supporting the arch on the platform. A retaining nut is fastened to the threaded end of the one leg to secure the arch to the platform.