Abstract: The shoulder area of wedding and party dresses are usually puffed up using crinoline netting, which is very cumbersome and difficult to work. A simple solution to this problem includes a fabric panel in the shape of a truncated segment of a circle with a pocket in the long straight edge thereof. When the convex side of the panel is pleated or otherwise gathered, the panel assumes an arch shape. Inserting of a resilient strip of plastic into the pocket and sewing of the gathered edge into a sleeve at the seam between the bodice and sleeve of a garment results in a puffy shoulder which retains its shape.

Abstract: A device for backwashing a particulate mineral bed in a water conditioner includes a tubular casing; a tube co-axial with and extending through the casing beyond the ends thereof; a cap slidable on the tube for movement between a closed position on the open top end of the casing and an open position spaced apart from the top end of the casing; a spring biasing the cap to the closed position; an opening in the tube for discharging water into the cap to cause the latter to move away from the casing to the open position; a first valve including a valve body closing the bottom end of the casing; a first passage in the valve body in fluid communication with the bottom end of the tube, the first passage being normally open to the flow of water upwardly from the bed of particulate material into the tube; a ball in the body for closing the first passage when the flow of water is reversed in the tube; a second passage in the top of the body communicating with the first passage; a second valve normally closing the seco

Abstract: Conventional massage devices of the sexual self-stimulator type include reciprocating massage heads. Some devices of this type feature rotary massage heads. A novel device includes a housing containing a drive and carrying a soft, flexible, resilient, tongue-shaped head on one end thereof, the head containing an arcuate shaft with a straight inner end connected to the drive, whereby the path of travel of the shaft during rotation defines an ellipsoid with a cone on the outer free end thereof.

Abstract: In general, the molding of tubular plastic articles such as automotive inlet manifolds with flanges thereon is a difficult and expensive procedure. A simple solution to the problem is the blow molding of the tubular article in a conventional blow molding apparatus followed by the injection molding of the flange around the tubular article in a conventional injection molding apparatus. In the case of an intake manifold, the outlet ends of the manifold pipes are placed in the injection mold, which is closed to define a cavity around the ends of the pipes, and the flange is then molded onto the pipes. Preferably, the ends of the pipes are heated for the injection molding step to ensure good adhesion between the pipes and the flange.

Abstract: A golf swing improvement device includes a harness defined by shoulder straps and a chest strap for mounting the device on the user; and a multi-sectional rectilinear, extensible wand, which is connected to a plate on the front center of the chest strap and to the top end of a golf club by eyebolts. The structure enables the user to determine swing errors, because such errors result in contact of either arm of the user by the wand, depending upon the nature of the error.

Abstract: In an effort to give a conifer seedling a chance to grow, it is common practice to apply fertilizer to the seedling itself while spraying a herbicide onto the area around the seedling. Both of these tasks can be arduous and time consuming especially in view of the nature of the terrain where seedlings are planted. Uncontrolled herbicide application can harm the seedling as much as the weeds. The present invention provides a device, which is easy to manipulate manually, and which enables the user to apply fertilizer to the seedling while simultaneously applying herbicide to the area around the seedling. The invention also provides a shroud for protecting the seedling while herbicide is being sprayed therearound.

Abstract: The invention relates to a display element and to its use in a display panel, and to a display system.This display element is generally in the form of a cube (32) and thus comprises four display faces of different color. This cube (32) is mounted so as to rotate on fixed shafts (34), in column C.sub.n and in row R.sub.m. These cubes include rotation means such as teeth and erasing means such as a recess.By virtue of the these rotation means such as teeth and these erasing means such as a recess, the rotating of a display element is simplified, and more foolproof and reliable, which improves the operation of the display panel made up of such display elements.

Abstract: A relatively simple frame for use in bikini bottoms or briefs includes two lengths of wire which are bent to define mirror images of each other, the lengths defining a major portion of an oval of sufficient length to extend around the crotch of a wearer between a V-shaped line across the rectus abdominous muscle in the front and the sacrum in the rear of the wearer. Each of the lengths of wire includes a straight, vertical rear portion extending downwardly from an inverted L-shaped top rear end to approximately the bottom center of the crotch area, and a front portion flaring outwardly and upwardly from the vertical plane of the straight rear portion to a top end and then downwardly to the vertical plane of the rear portion. The two lengths of wire are interconnected using conventional cable connectors to define a T-shaped rear and a generally triangular front with a V-shaped depression in the top thereof.

Abstract: A water distillation apparatus includes a cylindrical housing with a first cover thereon, a pair of spaced apart funnel-shaped partitions, a second cover on the uppermost partition and a skirt extending downwardly from the periphery of the cover and the uppermost partition to a location above the bottom of the housing, the partitions and skirt dividing the interior of the housing into an inlet reservoir chamber for cold water above the first partition, a lower boiling chamber beneath the second partition and an inclined condensation passage between the partitions. Cold water is introduced through a pipe and solenoid valve into the bottom of the reservoir chamber for overflow through an opening in the second cover into the boiling chamber. A heater in the boiling chamber heats the water to produce steam which rises, passing into the condensation passage and flowing downwardly to a central drain for discharge into a distilled water reservoir beneath the housing.

Abstract: In general, bikini bottoms or briefs are somewhat unimaginative in terms of shape, uncomfortable and expensive to produce. A relatively simple frame for use in bikini bottoms or briefs includes two lengths of wire which are bent to define mirror images of each other, the lengths defining a major portion of an oval of sufficient length to extend around the crotch of a wearer between a V-shaped line across the rectus abdominous muscle in the front and the sacrum in the rear of the wearer. Each of the lengths of wire includes a straight, vertical rear portion extending downwardly from an inverted L-shaped top rear end to approximately the bottom center of the crotch area, and a front portion flaring outwardly and upwardly from the vertical plane of the straight rear portion to a top end and then downwardly to the vertical plane of the rear portion.