Abstract: An oleophilic composition comprising a powdery or granular substance having a hydrophilic surface and a surface modifier comprising an aluminum chelate compound of the formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is selected from hydrogen and C1-6 alkyl, R.sup.2 is selected from methyl and phenyl, R.sup.3 is selected from R.sup.4 --, R.sup.5 O-- and R.sup.6 NH--, A is selected from R.sup.7 O--, R.sup.8 COO--, R.sup.9 SO.sub.3 --, R.sup.10 OSO.sub.3 --, ##STR2## R.sup.4, R.sup.5, R.sup.6, R.sup.7, R.sup.8, R.sup.9, R.sup.10, R.sup.11, R.sup.12 and R.sup.13 are C1-22 alkyl or C3-22 alkenyl, aryl, aralkyl or alkylaryl, R.sup.3 may be the same as or different from R.sup.7, R.sup.8, R.sup.9, R.sup.10, R.sup.11, R.sup.12 and R.sup.13, with the proviso that at least one of R.sup.3, R.sup.7, R.sup.8, R.sup.9, R.sup.10, R.sup.11, R.sup.12, and R.sup.13 is a substituent having at least 8 carbon atoms or a polymerizable alkenyl group, and m=0.5 to 2.7, n=0.3 to 2.5 and m+n=0.8 to 3.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for removing wrinkles from a pantyhose portion surrounding a crotch area to which a gusset is applied, the pantyhose having a pair of leg portions and a panty portion, which comprises an edge stretcher for stretching the edge portion of the pantyhose surrounding the crotch area, a guide for receiving the pantyhose from a feeding mechanism and transferring the pantyhose to the edge stretcher which includes a receiver for receiving the pantyhose, a holder for holding the leg portions in a fixed position, then moving the receiver to move the panty portion towards a hollow head associated with a gusset sewing machine for moving the panty portion into the hollow head, and suction devices which cooperate with the holder for maintaining the pantyhose portion surrounding the crotch area stretched on the hollow head, the legs being held stretched by pincers, and then the legs are sucked by suction from the receiver into the hollow head.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring corneal thickness. A transducer is provided that transducer includes a plurality of piezo-electric arcuate segments arranged in a circle to form an annular member. The segments are electrically and acoustically isolated from each other. Leads are connected to each segment for the transmission of electrical signals. The transducer is one component of a system for measuring corneal thickness. Also included in the system are a transmitter which is connected to the leads for applying an electrical signal to the segments to produce respective sound pulses, respective receivers connected to the leads for converting the signals into distance measurements, an averager capable of averaging the distance measurements and a display device to display the average distance.

Abstract: The invention relates to various energy saving measures for use in the smelting, refining and melting of metals, and in particular in the manufacture of steels, alloy steels and ferrous alloys. In such processes fuel consumption is reduced and efficiency improved by using in the oxy-fuel or air-fuel burner a fuel (referred to as an "X-type" fuel) which has an exothermic heat of decomposition or which has only a zero or a very small endothermic heat of decomposition.The invention also relates to an oxy-fuel or air-fuel burner for use in a metallurgical process using an X-type fuel, which burner uses as coolant for the burner walls and tip the fuel used in the burner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling an electric motor, in particular a motor for driving hand tools, saws, and the like, the rotational speed of which is automatically reduced in no-load idling operation and increased when working under load to pre-determined speed values corresponding to desired working speeds. A current sensor picks up the current absorbed by the electric motor and causes the speed of the electric motor to be abruptly changed when a load condition has been detected. A timing relay maintains the electric motor at the higher working speed for a pre-determined period of time after termination of the operation under load. The threshold value of the sensitivity of the current sensor is raised simultaneously with the change-over to the higher working speed.

Abstract: An improved apparatus is provided for creating circulation and heat transfer capability within a large body of fluid. The apparatus comprises a vertically extending stackpipe, and large bubble generator means for generating an upward current flow through the stackpipe. Improved efficiency in generating liquid flow is obtained by providing an inclined guide surface to gradually introduce a large bubble from the generator into the stackpipe through a lateral opening into the stackpipe. Most preferably, the cross-sectional area of the stackpipe is expanded beginning at about the level at which the bubble enters the stackpipe and extending to a level at or above the top of the lateral opening into the stackpipe. In this way, interference with the flow of liquid in the stackpipe is minimized and the efficiency of flow generation is maximized.

Abstract: In an optical fingerprint image processing apparatus a light beam is scanned across a finger placed against a transparent platen in order to provide a reflected modulated light beam carrying fingerprint information. The modulated light beam is imaged and the image is intercepted by an array of photo receptors that detect the image and convert the optical signal into electrical signals. The improvement is in placing a diffuser element, which may be a ground glass wafer, in the interrogating light beam. The diffusion of the light beam acts as an effective filter to eliminate the higher spatial frequency components of the optical image and thus provide a fingerprint image having improved continuity.

Abstract: A sewing machine has a bobbin mechanism, a sewing needle mechanism, and a mechanism capturing and severing bobbin thread comprising a stationary blade, a picker having at least one hook for capturing a bobbin thread and wherein the picker is movable towards the blade to sever the bobbin thread. At least one notch is disposed on the picker for capturing at least one needle thread and is cooperative with the blade for severing the needle thread upon movement of the picker towards the blade.

Abstract: A safety clasp which may be used in particular for a necklace or bracelet chain, comprises two pieces sliding one in the other, namely an outer sleeve and a slide element housed inside the sleeve. The sleeve has hooked thereto, at one end, the first end link of a chain. The sleeve also has a slot which defines a transverse arm opening and a connected longitudinal arm opening which extends in the direction of the end of the sleeve opposite to where the first end link is hooked. The sleeve is adapted to move longitudinally with respect to the sleeve and presenting, in its rear part, a notch for receiving the second end link of the chain. The inner slide element presents, in its front part opposite that part where a notch is provided, an elastically deformable arm terminating in a tooth engaging in a hole for locking provided in the wall of the sleeve.

Abstract: A track for a suspended combined electric current collection and traction system including a base (22) and a resilient shield (26, 28) together defining an elongate space divided into two halves by a resilient beam (32), each of which contains a conductor (33). Spaced contact members in the form of bars (34) forming a rack on each side of the track or two rows of Z shaped contacts (82) extend through the shield and are normally spaced from the conductors. Embedded in the base are two parallel flexible metallic cables (40; 70) connected together by connectors (42; 74) by which the track may be suspended. In use, the reaction wheels (60) of a locomotive engage the tops of the cables (40; 70) thus drawing a current pick-up member (52; 86) into contact with the contact segments pressing them against the conductors (33) to pass electric current to an electric motor.

Abstract: Doll with limbs subject to motor for its movement, having an esophagus which leads to the mouth in order to introduce objects/food sensitive to the passage of the objects/food, to give a start signal to such motors with at least one sensor organ, electrically connected to the motor, and on such connection is placed an individual timer, to stop the motor after a prefixed time. Apart from movement, the response of the doll to the introduction of objects/food can be equivalent to the movements and/or reactions of a child, obtained by means of the aforesaid sensor organs, using a motor or timer or equivalent, with the purpose of giving an alimentary education, a relation cause of the introduction of the food, which has prefixed values, and the characteristics and metabolism.

Abstract: Apparatus for rapid loading of pantyhoses onto a stocking finishing medium having a pneumatic reversing mechanism including two tubes for receiving the legs of the pantyhoses. The apparatus includes a carrousel structure including at least two intermittently rotating radially arranged arms, each of the arms including a support for a panty portion of the pantyhoses, prongs to engage an elastic edge portion of the panty portion for opening thereof and stretching it into a generally rectangular configuration, removing the panty portion from the support and superimposing the panty portion on the tubes, then reversing the panty portion thereon while the pneumatic reversing mechanism draws the legs into the tubes. A track extends radially from the center of the carrousel towards the outer periphery thereof, and a carriage moves the prongs with the pantyhose thereon from the support to the tubes.

Abstract: There is disclosed an end structure of a surface material of a vehicle seat cushion which is disposed on the lower rails of a vehicle so as to be slidable in the forward and backward direction of the vehicle. On an end portion of the surface material covering the upper surface of a cushioning material fixed on a seat frame there is provided at least one connection piece at a position opposed to the outer periphery of the frame, each connection piece is fixed to the outer peripheral side of the frame and at the same time the lower edge of the surface material is extended to a position lower than the connection piece to form a cover surface to conceal the mounting portion of the connection piece to the frame. Thus, the mounting portion is prevented from being seen from the outside thereby making the seat cushion aesthetically attractive. The lower edge of the surface material can be protected from damages.

Abstract: A method for continuous casting of light-alloy ingots, consisting in pouring a melt, acting upon the melt with ultrasound using at least one radiator to purify the melt and to refine the structure of the solidifying ingot, the radiation being applied uniformly throughout the cross-section of the melt in an intensity of 2 to 60 W/cm.sup.2 depending on the cross-sectional area of the solidifying ingot, the radiator being immersed into the melt to a depth equal to between 1/12 and 1/4 of the sound wavelength in the material of the melt and the melt temperature being maintained by 60.degree. to 150.degree. C. above the liquidus temperature of the melt, and subsequently withdrawing the ingot.

Abstract: A clasp is provided for a jewelry chain, particularly a chain adapted to hold interchangeable designer elements. The clasp has a male and a female member, the male member locking within the female member and being so sized that, when the clasp is opened, the interchangeable beads are easily slid over it and onto the chain; the female member is sized so as to prevent the decorator elements from being removed from the chain. The male member is preferably a spring which is depressed for insertion into the female member, the spring action causing a portion of the male member to lock with a portion of the female member.

Abstract: A tubular surgical instrument such as a thrombectomy catheter or gall stone dislodger comprises a shaft of plastics material with a coiled spring projecting from its forward end. A portion of the spring is secured in a coupling portion at the distal end of the shaft. The coupling portion has an outer surface with a recess which flares forwards from a shoulder of the shaft towards an annular support surface. The spring is secured in the coupling portion. A balloon is inflatable by fluid pressure applied through a lumen in the shaft. An end of the balloon is located in the recess and is secured by a tie. The balloon is secured directly or indirectly to the spring by a second tie forward of the first. The instruments are primarily intended for use as aortic or venous catheters and especially thrombectomy catheters, but can also be used for example as gall stone dislodgers.