Abstract: An educational toy comprising support means arranged or arrangeable to define a plurality of adjacent stations, a supply of elements each bearing at least one character from which elements the solution of a problem represented by the stations can be built up by placement of the elements on respective stations, and co-operating means on the stations and elements, for verifying that a correct element is mounted on any station, characterized in that the supply of elements is divided into a plurality of groups each having a distinctive visible coding and the stations each bear the appropriate group coding, so that an appropriate element can be chosen from a predetermined number of possibilities corresponding to the number of different elements in its group. The support means can consist of a board marked with a device showing the problem and associated means for receiving the elements, and constituting the stations. Alternatively, the support means can consist of reference elements, cryptically marked e.g.

Abstract: A buoyant, flexible, resilient aquatic mat for use on water surfaces adapted to support one or more persons. The mat comprises an elongated slab and a headrest formed of the same material. The material of the mat comprises a unicellular, non-water absorbent, plastic foam having a tough plastic coating over the entire surface. The headrest comprises a transverse void which provides additional buoyancy. Several embodiments of the aquatic mat are described, and in addition, a modification applicable to all the embodiments, wherein the void of the headrest is enclosed at both ends to provide a closed air chamber and alternatively, the closed air chamber can have vent holes communicating therewith through the bottom of the headrest.

Abstract: An indexing device for obtaining and maintaining the desired rotation of an electrode in an electric discharge machining apparatus wherein the coarse annular adjustment of the electrode is accomplished by manually aligning indexing scale lines with a reference line, and then effecting a fine adjustment by means of a reverse reading micrometer.

Abstract: A process for performing reactions in a reaction vessel contaning a catalyst bed of solid particles wherein the reaction between reactants is enhanced by imparting pulsating motion to the solid particles. The pulsating motion can be produced by pulsating introduction of at least one of the reactants, pulsating the introduction of recycled reaction products, etc.

Abstract: A process for the separation of solids containing residues from a liquid fraction containing higher boiling fractions produced in a coal hydrogenation process at elevated temperatures and pressures. The separation process involves two expansion steps, one step in an expansion engine and a subsequent expansion-evaporation step in a pressure release means and a separator chamber, whereby the higher boiling fraction is evaporated and separated from the residue fraction. The separation process in the chamber can be facilitated by creating vacuum conditions therein, or by introducing a foreign gas, preferably heat exchange with the removed hot residue fraction, to thereby reduce the partial pressure of the evaporated higher boiling fraction. The foreign gases can be steam or/and gases obtained from the hydrogenation of the coal.

Abstract: A process is provided for removing pollutants from flue gases generated in a steam generating power plant. The flue gases are partially cooled and directly contacted with a portion of the cooling water of a circulating cooling water system used to remove waste heat of the generated steam in a waste heat condenser. The pollutants are thereby washed out of the flue gases into the cooling water and thereafter removed from the cooling water. The heat exchange of the cooling water and the flue gases can take place in a cooling tower, wherein ambient cooling air is drawn in to cool the circulating cooling water. The flue gases can also be further cooled prior to the direct washing thereof by indirect heat exchange in the cooling tower with said upwardly moving cooling air and washed flue gases.

Abstract: A device comprising a combined clipboard and flexible storage pouch with closure means. The clipboard has a conventional flexible clip in its face and has the pouch secured to the rear side thereof for storage and carrying of various articles. The pouch is secured peripherally to the rear of the clipboard and a coplanar member secured to the rear of the clipboard.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary steam engine comprising a peripheral, circular casing with side walls defining an interior cylindrical section wherein a rotor is adapted to rotate therein. The rotor comprises a series of spaced transverse lobes with spring-biased transverse seals at the outer circular periphery thereof, which are adapted to engage the inner circular periphery of the casing. The casing comprises a series of spaced spring-biased transverse vanes adapted to engage the outer periphery, seals and lobes of the rotor. A series of chambers are defined by the seals and lobes, outer periphery of the rotor, the inner periphery of the casing and the side walls. A series of steam inlets and exhaust steam outlets pairs communicate with said chambers as the rotor is rotated by expansion of live steam against the vanes in said chambers.

Abstract: A rotating cooking spatula for use in the cooking and turning of items of food such as eggs, hamburgers, and the like. When cooking and/or frying foods, the rotating spatula device of this invention would be used to pick up the food item. The user then by operating appropriate control mechanism rotates in turn the especially configured spatula receptacle with cover top approximately 180.degree. in order to turn the food item over. The item of food then can be slid out of the spatula tray back on to the frying surface. However, the spatula tray itself may be used to retain the food item and also to effect the cooking thereof. One embodiment uses a rotatable knob together with a 180.degree. limit stop structure. Another embodiment employs a slide and helical thread structure to effect the 180.degree. turning of the spatula tray structure. The third embodiment employs a slide knob together with rack and pinion structure connected to the slide knob by a flexible cable in order to effect the turning function.

Abstract: The invention relates to a doll house having a unique construction of a porch roof with columns in the front. The doll house is of the collapsible type having a novel design in its construction. It is constructed of a small number of individual panels which comprise the walls, floors, roof, etc. The panels are provided with grooves and slots so that all the panels slide together easily and support one another. No tools or screws are required for construction and the parts are locked tightly together in a rigid structure by the simple insertion of several small pegs in matching holes provided in the various panels. The doll house has a series of decorative columns combined with a porch roof on the front of the house and a unique assembly thereof is disclosed.

Abstract: A well-logging camera for producing API format with traces utilizing a unique modulated laser light path to expose an in camera processable, electrophotographic film. After exposure, the film passes through an easily removeable, developing means having means stripping the film of excess developer. The film is driven through the camera by edge drive mechanism in which rotative force from the drive rollers is effectively transferred to skewed pressure rollers for effective drive.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mammography apparatus and more particularly to the means for compressing a pressure plate of the apparatus against the breast. The mounting of the pressure plate is such that the pressure can be applied uniformly throughout the breast area. To enable such uniform pressure to be obtained, the pressure plate is connected at its opposite ends to slide means which slide on tracks mounted on the cone of the X-ray machine. For the determination of the thickness of the compressed breast tissue between the pressure plate and the film upon which the breast rests, a measuring rod is secured to the tracks and a pointer is attached to the means which move on the tracks.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel propulsion means and first and second speed change means for a bicycle. The propulsion means comprises lever means adapted to be pumped up and down by the operator for driving the rear wheel of a bicycle through the speed change means, a propulsion wheel, and sprocket means.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for soldering abutting ends of links of chains of precious metals. The soldering is accomplished by applying solder to the abutting ends, continuously feeding the chain onto a rotating surface such as a rotating table, heating the chain to melt the solder, and removing the chain from the table. The chain is fed at a slightly higher rate than the rational speed of the table to cause the links to be pushed into each other to avoid tensions from developing in said links during the heating step.

Abstract: A four wheel, pedal driven vehicle particularly adapted for two persons seated in tandem, wherein each person alone or together can operate the vehicle by pedaling and steering. The vehicle comprises a unitary frame, a front spindle yoke assembly in combination with front handle bars and with front wheel forks of each front wheel, a steering control system in combination with the yoke assembly and rear handle bar means, a continuous drive chain assembly which is in combination with sprockets and pedals of both operator positions and which is in combination with transmission means and a rear drive assembly, whereby the drive chain can be driven from either tandem position. The vehicle has an associated body shell and cowls as well as conventional brakes, lights, etc.

Abstract: This invention relates to a protective device adapted to protect the arms and hands of a driver or operator of an open vehicle such as a motorcycle, etc. The device is constructed from a resilient material, such as a plastic foam, covered with a tough, pliable plastic material or the like, and comprises a tubular member with openings at both ends. One opening is contoured to cradle the wearer's elbow and permit movement of the arm. The other opening comprises a contoured section permitting movement of the wrist of a wearer, and also comprises a flat section which is an extension of the tubular member with a curved end. Suitable fastening means are disposed in the flat section adapted to receive fingers of the hand of the wearer.

Abstract: Various embodiments of energy absorbing, protective helmets constructed of resilient foam means covered with a tough, pliable surface coating. The helmets are adapted to be worn on a person's head and have openings therein generally conforming to a person's eyes, ears, nose, mouth and chin. In modifications of the helmet, fixed or removable transparent shield means are mounted across the front openings and hemispherical plate means can be disposed at the top of the helmet. Other modifications of the helmet provide guard means across the front openings, and an additional hard outer protective liner covering the upper part of the helmet.

Abstract: A portable desk for the convenience of invalids, traveling men or others who do not have access to other desk surfaces. The lower portion of the desk is a pillow-like portion of flexible material which forms a yieldable container which is partially filled with a dry, flowable material, such as expanded styrofoam beads, particles or the like. The casing portion is secured at the top to a piece of sub-covering of suitable size, which in turn is secured to a hard, planar sheet of material by adhesive, glue or other suitable means. The styrofoam beads may be shifted or shuffled about until the pillow-like portion adjusts to the contour of the surface on which it is to be used. An upstanding abutment secured along one side of the desk top forms a stop for books, pencils and the like to rest against.

Abstract: An improved, simplified tow bar assembly adapted for towing vehicles. The assembly comprises an adjustable, spring-biased locking member adapted to be engaged on a flat portion or plate of the towed vehicle. Lever means are provided for locking the assembly against a compression spring.