Abstract: A gas flow control valve having the means of adjusting the tension of the spring to the plunger through which the electromagnetic actuating coil moves the plunger from the valve seat in proportion to the required flow by an externally accessible adjustment means.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating portions of the arms or legs of a human body with heat and moisture by means of a moisture-resistant heating pad retained in a cylindrical configuration by means of a fabric enclosure having means to receive the heating pad and retain it in its circular configuration in close proximity to the body member being treated. A suitable moisture source is provided in the form of a pad positioned in the enclosing material.

Abstract: An appliance for slicing and shredding vegetables, fruits, cheeses and other food products having an improved safety interlock wherein the cover for the receptacle in which the slicing and shredding is performed includes means for completing the mechanical coupling between the motor and the slicing and shredding implement. The receptacle within which the slicing and shredding is performed is provided with a novel slicing and shredding implement which cooperates with the shape of the receptacle to minimize clogging and facilitate the discharge of the sliced and shredded food from the receptacle.

Abstract: A variable delay windshield wiper control system is provided in conjunction with a conventional windshield wiper system of an automobile to control the operation wiper drive source and wiper drive mechanism at predetermined variable intervals. The variable delay wiper control system operates independently of the conventional wiper switch and is effective to provide an adjustable delay interval between successive windshield wiper sweeps or reciprocative paths as is desirable during light rain or precipitation conditions.The wiper control system includes a timing circuit which generates variable duration intervals and directly effects operation of the drive source at the end of each of the intervals, and a delay control adjusted by the operator. A control switch is also provided for disabling the variable delay wiper control system and for effecting operation of the timing circuit.

Abstract: A rotary retort furnace wherein the retort is supported for rotation at only one end outside of the heated furnace shell such that the retort is cantilevered into the shell. The rotary retort has a charging door mechanism that cooperates with a skip hoist loading mechanism to provide charges of the parts to be heat treated that are of a uniform size and are introduced into the retort so as to minimize the loss of any controlled atmosphere. The skip hoist loading mechanism has a vibrating feed hopper that dispenses a weight controlled charge into a skip hoist bucket which, after receiving the predetermined charge of parts, is held in a ready position until such time as a cam mechanism controlling the opening and closing of a door on the charge end of the retort causes the door to open and the skip bucket to be moved to a position wherein the parts are dumped into the retort for heat treating.

Abstract: Electric dry shaver having a shaving head and a trimmer for cutting long hair, the trimmer being equipped with adjustable means to control the height or length to which the trimmer may cut hair. Control means within the shaver are provided to adjust the height of the trimmer guard and to retain it in the selected position.

Abstract: A bag sealer having an electrically heated wire and a pivotally mounted sealing member which is substantially parallel to and normally biased away from the wire. An integral transformer and solenoid are provided for reducing the voltage supplied to the wire and for bringing the sealing member into pressure bearing relationship with the wire. The primary winding of the transformer serves as the solenoid coil while the solenoid armature, upon being closed, completes the transformer. In order to facilitate activating the switch to energize the transformer winding, a lever extends out through the housing. Molded side pieces carry an extruded channel on which is mounted a resilient pressure bar.

Abstract: A steam iron is provided with a feed valve to supply water to a vaporizing chamber. The feed valve comprises a valve member of metal which is encased in a plastics part, both the valve member and plastics part having a through flow aperture which supplies water to the vaporization chamber in response to operation of a valve stem. The said plastics part is so shaped and arranged that it extends into the vaporization chamber. In this way deposits of lime on the outer surface of the plastics part is avoided and movement of the valve stem in the aperture prevents lime deposits on the stem or in the aperture.