Abstract: A method of preparing a starch adhesive ready for use in which a starch bearing, compound is fed to a pressurized system in which the starch is heated, melted, cooled and removed from the pressurized system to comprise an adhesive ready for use. The temperature of the product is maintained above 40.degree. C. to prevent irreversible viscosity increase due to system hysteresis. The adhesive product is especially useful for use in manufacturing corrugated paperboard.

Abstract: The invention is an engineered wood structure especially well suited to act as large woody debris in stream and lake rehabilitation projects. It is made using a number of small logs, typically about six to ten, assembled into a cylindrical or frustroconical structure. Normally, spaced apart opposing log pairs are joined by spars mortised into them at each end. Adjacent logs may additionally be doweled together at their ends. The spars are sufficiently displaced longitudinally so that they do not interfere spatially with each other although they may be in contact. Radial protrusions may be placed at one end or along the structure to simulate the root wad or limbs of a fallen tree and to provide anchoring when the structure is in place. A central cavity may be filled with rocks to reduce buoyancy and provide further anchoring. The structure can be field assembled in any location using only hand tools.

Abstract: A spring loaded automatic plug ejector for hole saws which utilizes a spring 50 which is increasingly compressed while a hole is being drilled. Once the hole is drilled, the spring 50 decompresses and ejects the plug from the hole saw. The amount of spring tension applied to the plug is adjusted by varying the degree to which the spring is compressed.

Abstract: An enclosure enveloping a work area with a controlled gaseous atmosphere. It is particularly useful as a welding enclosure for welding metals in a total atmosphere of inert gas. The enclosure consists of a basal portion which rests on a table or work bench of similar dimensions and geometry. A short lower portion is preferably of somewhat smaller horizontal cross section than an attached much larger upper portion. A gas diffusion ring is located inside about midway between the top and bottom. There is a recloseable gas tight opening in or adjacent the top for introducing workpieces and a one way vent valve at or adjacent the highest point on the top. When ready for introducing the workpiece the hood drapes neatly and uniformly around the workbench and the gas diffusion ring is enclosed at the lowest part of the draped portion. Argon is the inert gas of preference. When it is introduced it displaces any remaining air ahead of it and ultimately out the vent valve.

Abstract: A method whereby a significantly pregelatinized starch bearing adhesive composition may be used for bonding two laminae such as corrugated board or other panel products. A feed stream of essentially ungelatinized starch is sent to an application device. There it is significantly gelatinized within the application device and applied to the substrate laminae. The adhesive at the time of application is no longer a liquid, but is a partial gel, a gel, or a thermally melted composition. The adhesive is extruded onto the substrate as a multiplicity of parallel beads or as a full width ribbon. Temperature of the melted starch composition may be reduced prior to extrusion to limit puffing or expansion of the extrudate. The resulting laminae may be pressed tightly face to face or they may remain somewhat spaced apart by the beads of adhesive. The method allows the use of both refined and unrefined starch bearing materials to be used in the adhesive composition.

Abstract: The invention is a method of insulating an electric welding torch and the torch produced by the method. The insulation is applied in three layers. The inner layer applied directly over the metallic elements is preferably a heat resistant elastomer such as silicone rubber. The middle layer is a reinforcing fiber, preferably a heat resistant glass cloth. The outer layer is also a heat resistant elastomer. The preferred manufacturing method is to apply the first two layers and compression mold this to form a first assembly. After trimming any flash another layer of heat resistant elastomer is applied over the outside and the product is again placed in a compression mold. The process compensates for the very poor flow characteristics of the elastomer, ensures that the reinforcing is well contacted and wet out by the elastomer, and produces a product of excellent appearance and durability.

Abstract: The invention is a method of fluting corrugating medium which can be formed in conventional or unconventional flute configurations. The method employs at least one additional corrugating roll in addition to the usual two. The first pair of rolls create initial flutes in the medium. Initially fluted medium is then transferred to a third roll of lesser flute pitch than the first rolls. In this manner the initially created flutes can be reformed into configurations not possible using conventional systems. A fourth roll can be used to achieve additional flute pitch reduction. Using this method flutes with very sharply angled tips can be formed. Other embodiments enable formation of less conventional cross sectional configurations such as flutes with asymmetric patterns.

Abstract: A composting bin is disclosed that is readily assembled from modular panels. The bin is made in superposed sections, each section being formed from ventilated sidewall modules assembled into a regular polygon, usually a square. A latching arrangement is provided at the ends of each sidewall module to unite it to adjoining modules. The sidewall modules have a double wall. An outer wall provides structural support and is preferably formed of spaced apart slats firmly mounted on a frame. The inner wall is formed from screening. Free air circulation is achieved through the spaces between the slats and screening into the interior of the bin. The sections are readily stripped from composting material held within the bin to allow ready access from the sides for removal or mixing.

Abstract: Fluted corrugating media of unconventional configuration and the methods for their manufacture for use in corrugated fiberboard are described. These media may be asymmetrical in configuration or have very sharply angled flute tips. The new configurations are formed using at least one secondary corrugating stage to prevent tearing during formation. The flat crush strength of the medium may be enhanced by applying parallel lines of adhesive transversely to the flutes on at least one side. These adhesive lines at least partially fill the valleys of the flutes along the lines.

Abstract: The invention is a very lightweight pad or base for use with a small portable stove such as those used by backpackers or mountaineers. It provides a stable bearing surface when the stove is used on unstable surfaces such as snow or sand. The pad comprises an exterior frame which completely encloses a spider-like structure on which the stove rests. Preferably two legs of the spider have upstanding cleats to engage the base of the stove. A third leg has an attached spring which also engages the stove base to bias it firmly against the cleats and hold the stove in place. These legs are preferably spaced about 120.degree. apart. The spider may contain additional legs to increase strength and bearing surface. Since the cleats are of very low profile the pad is essentially planar and takes up little space in a backpack.

Abstract: A game device for one or two handed use, having a handle which may be elongated or grip shaped, in which is contained an electric motor, batteries, and spin and catch tips. The spin tip is motorized to produce a rapid spinning action in flying disc toys which can be caught on the motorized tip or by a low friction catch tip.

Abstract: The invention is a very highly refined arabinogalactan gum falling within the molecular weight range of 6,000-2,500,000 and having a tannic acid equivalent of less than about 0.5 mg/g. The preferred product will have a molecular weight within the range of 6,000-1,300,000 and tannic acid equivalent no higher than about 0.25. The product is nearly colorless and is tasteless and odorless. it is prepared by first making a crude water extract of a natural source such as larch wood. This extract is next refined by the addition of an active MgO to precipitate the bulk of the lignans and iron containing compounds. Following that it is processed through a membrane no larger than about 0.45 .mu.m to remove any species having molecular weights in excess of about 2,500,000. The permeate may then be treated on successively smaller membranes down to about 6,000 daltons.

Abstract: The invention is a method of prestressing a heat transfer cylinder by thermal means to create residual stresses which act to reduce the operating thermal stresses in the cylinder wall. The invention also includes a cylinder prestressed by the method. An example might be a cylindrical drum having a heat source adjacent its inner surface to be used for heating a material on its outer surface. The drum would be thermally prestressed to have residual compression stresses at its outer surface and residual tension stresses at its inner surface under conditions of no heat flow. These stresses are opposite in direction to those induced by heat flow through through the drum wall during operation.

Abstract: A thread bobbin especially useful for tying artificial flies and the like. The bobbin has a rotatable spool mounted on an arbor. The arbor also supports a yoke that holds a thread delivery tube. An annular space is defined between the arbor and an inner surface of the spool. A coiled flat spring is contained within the annular space. The spring is free in the sense that neither end is fixed to any other structural portion except by friction. In the resting or neutral position one end of the spring engages the inner surface of the spool and the other surface of the arbor. When thread is withdrawn the spring grips both the spool and arbor and the spring is tensioned. After more than a predetermined length of thread has been removed the spring slips clutch-like against the inner surface of the drum to prevent overtensioning. When tension is removed from the withdrawn thread an amount of thread up to the predetermined length is automatically rewound.

Abstract: The invention is a hollow novelty ball having a multiplicity of extending flexible whisker-like protrusions. The whiskers are generally within the range of about 0.5 to 2.5 times the diameter of the ball. Materials of construction may vary but for a small ball sponge rubber has been found to be very satisfactory ball and very small diameter surgical rubber tubing for the whiskers. As an example, a ball about 21/2 inches in diameter may have about 14 to 20 whiskers. For a larger ball the size of a soccer ball or basket ball the whiskers may be formed on basal patches or strips that are adhesively or otherwise bonded to the surface of the ball. The balls when thrown will travel straight but roll to a stop very rapidly due to the whisker action. They are particularly useful for teaching children throwing and catching skills and for juggling since, when in the air, they appear considerably larger than their actual diameter.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Bergenia characterized by its distinct winter foliage color.

Abstract: An ornamental cultivar of Fragaria characterized by continuous flowering with beautiful pink blooms.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Hebe having a semi-dwarf to dwarf compact habit. The selection is a profuse bloomer in late May to early June with later flushes in late summer and fall, especially if earlier dead flower spikes have been removed. The flowering racemes stand well above the foliage. Individual blossoms are initially of sky blue color. These fade to a paler blue and then to white, giving an unusual bicolor effect. Because of its compact habit the plant is ideal for use in borders or in containers.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Dicentra eximia which bears prolific white flowers beginning in March and continuing to flower into October, although the blooming period will depend somewhat on the age of the plant and its environment. The plant is compact and ideal for use in borders or containers.

Abstract: A new variety of Geranium which bears prolific pink flowers beginning in June and continues to flower into September. The plant has semi-evergreen foliage and is winter hardy. It has a low growing spreading habit and is ideal for use in borders and containers.