Abstract: A cutting tool for sectioning cakes or other foodstuffs, for removing the crown from a cake while it is still in the pan or after it has been removed therefrom, for slicing the cake or foodstuff into any number of horizontal layers and/or dividing the cake or foodstuff into any desired vertical sections. For simply sectioning the cake or foodstuff into horizontal sections or removing the crown from a cake the tool is provided with two notched vertical blades spaced apart to span the cake or foodstuff and a cutting strand is disposed between the blades and drawn through the cake or foodstuff. For simply cutting the cake or foodstuff into vertical sections the cutting strand is removed and two or more vertical blades are spaced apart the desired width and using the edge of the pan or the edge of the cake as a guide for one blade, the tool is drawn through the cake or foodstuff. If additional sectioning is required the blades may then be repositioned to make further spaced vertical cuts.

Abstract: A check valve for controlling the flow of fluid in a conduit so that flow in one direction is unimpeded and flow in the opposite direction is prevented, providing in the open position, an unimpeded flow passage permitting the passage through the valve of material separators or cleaning tools. An arcuate, saddle shaped valve sealing element developed from a tubular member is pivotable 90 degrees from a closed position in engagement with a valve seat to an open position where the sealing element is in conformal configuration with the inner wall of the valve body presenting a free flow path with no obstruction to the passage of solid objects through the valve. All elements of the valve are formable from tubular elements, eliminating the need for special castings and reducing the machining required to fabricate a valve.

Abstract: A check valve for controlling the flow of fluid in a conduit so that flow in one direction is unimpeded and flow in the opposite direction is prevented which provides in the open position an unimpeded fluid passage permitted the passage of cleaning tools or material separators through the valve. A valve seat and an arcuate valve sealing member are formed with mating bi-planar sealing surfaces, the valve seat being formed by making intersecting 45 degree cuts from the transverse end plane of a tubular member to the horizontal diametral plane and the valve sealing member being formed by making 45 degree intersecting cuts from the periphery of a corresponding tubular member to the horizontal diametral plane, producing an arcuate member, which in the open position has the configuration of the interior of the valve body.