Abstract: A dual-head flow controller having a positive-head and a negative-head for supplying a sample fluid from a source to a restriction at a constant rate, with the magnitude of the negative head about the same as that of the positive head, independent of the pressure of the source fluid. A positive-head tube having a distal open end connects for fluid communication with the supply. The positive-head tube extends a first predetermined distance above a mean elevation of the restriction in the measuring chamber. A negative-head tube communicates fluid from the restriction to a distal open end. A portion of the negative-head tube extends downwardly a second distance below the mean elevation of the restriction. The fluid, being communicated in response to the combined head pressures, flows at a constant rate through the restriction, independent of changes in the pressure of the source fluid.

Abstract: A sampling syringe for collecting a blood sample, in which an elongated tube open at one end communicates with a sampling needle attached at the other end. A plunger rod with a plunger cap slidably inserts into the open end of the tube. The plunger cap comprises a body that encloses an air permeable filter. A front portion of the body slidably contacts the inner wall of the tube for forming a fluid-tight first seal. The plunger cap includes means for forming a fluid-tight second seal spaced from the first seal. The second seal is effected by elastically deforming the body from a first position to a second position. Blood, being communicated through the needle into the tube by moving the plunger rod axially away from the needle, displaces air rearwardly through the filter against the second seal. The air then escapes from the tube upon return of the second seal to its first position.

Abstract: A hem former (16) for folding the margin of a sheet of material in preparation for sewing is mounted to the sewing bed (11) of a sewing machine (10). The hem former has a mounting plate (17), a guide plate (18) having a guide edge (23) and channels (24) extending therethrough, a support plate (22) having a front edge (28) reciprocally mounted upon the guide plate, and a guide cap (36). The guide cap has air nozzles (38) coupled to a supply of compressed air so as to generate an airstream directed beneath the front edge of the support plate and into the channels of the guide plate. The airstream urges the margin of material over the front edge of the support plate and into abutment with the guide edge.

Abstract: An electrical therapeutic apparatus (10) for the treatment of body pain and edema. The apparatus has an electrical pulse producing device (11) coupled to wrap (12) by conductor (13). The wrap is comprised of nylon coated with silver which forms an electrode. A second electrode (14) is coupled by conductors (15) to the device.

Abstract: A dual fuel control system (10) for use with an internal combustion engine (11) is disclosed which controls the flow of liquid fuel alone or in combination with a gaseous fuel. The system has a stored supply of gaseous fuel and a fuel metering actuator (22) which regulates the flow of the gaseous fuel to the engine. The system also has a stored supply of liquid fuel and a fuel control actuator (47) which regulates the flow of diesel fuel through the movement of the shutoff valve (31) of a diesel fuel pump (28). A controller (45) controls the actuation of the actuators in response to signals received from an accelerator sensor (37), an R.P.M. sensor (45) and an exhaust temperature sensor (41).

Abstract: A stack of lumber (10) is inhibited from checking as it dries by being sheltered with an air pervious plastic material (16). The plastic material has a material to air density of greater than 50% to restrict sunlight and rain and less than 90% to allow adequate ventilation.

Abstract: An adjustable flight bar system (10) for advancing articles along a predetermined path includes a pair of conveyor chains (11) and a series of adjustable flight bars (13). Each flight bar has a support member (23) and an auxiliary member (24) coupled to the support member through cross links (25). The auxiliary member is movable between a retracted position adjacent the support member and an extended position away from the support member to accommodate articles of different sizes.

Abstract: A retaining wall 10 comprises an array of juxtaposed piles 11 and precast panels 12 mounted between adjacent piles. Laterally adjacent panels are mounted to each other and to a common pile 11 by links 38 and 39 pivotably mounted at each end to the panels so as to allow the panels to move with respect to each other and to the pile.

Abstract: A banjo has a resonator (24) mounted about the pot (11) and acoustical links (25) that acoustically couple the resonator with the banjo head (14). When the instrument is played acoustical waves pass from the head through the acoustical links to the resonator which amplifies the sound produced by the banjo. An adoption of this invention is also disclosed for a guitar.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for constructing a flexible container (10) with a tubular fitment (13). The method includes placing the fitment upon a mandrel (22), positioning the mandrel supported fitment between the unsealed sides (25, 26) of the container, sealing the top edge (28) of the sides about a base portion (18) of the fitment and fully withdrawing the mandrel from the fitment and from between the sides so that the side edges (29) and top edge of the sides may be sealed to form a completed container.

Abstract: A container 10 and method of making the same preferably from a single web of flexible material wherein the method comprises placing a V-fold, or modified flat V-fold, in a sheet of such material, creating two subsections whose V-fold members (58, 60) are attached to the respective subsections preferably along a longitudinal fold line. First and second side edge weld lines (100, a,b) are made thereby connecting the respective subsections to their own V-fold members (58, 60) as well as those of the opposite subsections. Oblique weld lines (86, 88) then interconnect the point of intersection of the side edge weld lines (66,76) and longitudinal fold line. The bottom wall (2) is formed by folding the legs (80, 82) inwardly with the endmost portions of which pivoting along a lateral axis of the bottom wall (2) upwardly towards the first and second side edge weld line (100, a,b) thereby reinforcing the stress-bearing bottom.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing viscera from a poultry carcass carried substantially horizontally on a first conveyor. A frame supports a pair of continuous second conveyors attached to sprockets. The second conveyors are driven in synchronization with the travel of the first conveyor. A plurality of spoon modules attach in spaced-apart relation to the pair of second conveyors. Each spoon module comprises a pair of blocks attached to a separate one of the second conveyors with the pair being transversely aligned. A pair of spaced-apart rods connect between the blocks and slidably receives a plate for transverse travel between the pair of conveyors. A spoon including a cam wheel pivotally connects to the plate. The cam wheel follows a cam track in a V-shaped path for extending and retracting the spoon to remove viscera from the poultry carcass.

Abstract: A medical examination garment (10) has a trunk (11) and a right and left leg (19, 20) extending from the trunk. The trunk, right leg and left leg each have a front portion (17) and a rear portion (18). The garment has an opening (23) therein which extends into the front and rear portions. The garment also has a front flap (24) for covering and uncovering a front portion (25) of the opening, and a rear flap (30) for covering and uncovering a rear portion (31) of the opening. VELCRO strips (28, 29) are provided for securing the front flap to the trunk. Additional VELCRO strip (33,34) are provided for securing the rear flap and rear flaps to each other.

Abstract: A method for reducing the cold water bleed propensity of acid and premetallized acid dyed cationic dyeable nylon fibers which comprises treating such fibers with sulfonated anionic polymers, useful as nylon fixing agents, and cationic amine based polymers, useful as cotton fixing agents.

Abstract: A removably attachable casing for a ski tow signal transmitter to alert an operator of a boat pulling a skier that the skier has fallen, with an upper housing and a lower housing that surround and captures a handle of a ski tow rope in a passageway while being matingly joined together. The removably attachable casing facilitates easy installation of the safety device in different boats or rapid replacement of a broken handle or ski tow rope.

Abstract: A dish rack (10) has a wire mesh frame (11) that defines a space in which a set of dishes may be supported uprightly. A central dish support (45) and two outer dish supports (43), each having a series of notches (48), are mounted to the frame. An upper dish support (70) having a series of notches (72) is pivotably mounted to the frame for engagement with the top, periphery of a plate supported upon the lower dish supports.

Abstract: A liveload assembly including an stack guide, compressed belleville washers stacked inside the stack guide and a retainer to hold the compressed washers in the stack guide. A longitudinal slot in the wall of the stack guide permits visual checking of the compression provided by the liveload assembly on the gland follower of the valve or pump. The rotary or reciprocating shaft of a valve or pump is liveloaded by placing the liveload assembly over the bolt securing the gland follower to the stuffing box. A nut is threaded on the bolt until it contacts the washers and the retainer removed. The liveload assembly is preloaded by pushing on the stack of belleville washers with a bar driven by a hydraulic cylinder. The retainer is positioned against the stack to hold the belleville washers in compression.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for destroying syringe needles. The apparatus has an incinerator unit (16) into which a syringe needle may be inserted, crimped by a crimper (30), the needle measured between its tip and the sealing crimp, burned by passing an electric current corresponding to its measured length between the needle tip and the sealing crimp, and the burned needle severed by a cutting blade (36).