Abstract: An edible fibrous cellulose product encapsulated in a polyhydric alcohol and gum solution to produce a low calorie base product for the manufacture of foods. The encapsulation process consists of coating the surface of the fibrous cellulose material with the gum solution, containing polyhydric alcohol, then optionally drying the mixture to provide a free-flowing product.

Abstract: A surgical tape in one embodiment having an elastomeric tubular body with the ends of the tubular body sealed to entrap air therein at substantially atmospheric pressure. A curved metal needle may be affixed to one end of the tubular body to facilitate insertion of the tape device between body structures. A clamping pad may be attached to the tubular body at a point intermediate the ends thereof. The clamping pad is adapted for use in ligating blood vessels by engaging the blood vessel between the clamping pad and a portion of the tubular body and drawing the tubular body into engagement with a jaw portion of the clamping pad.

Abstract: A declusterer device for engaging and removing clusters of pod vegetables joined together by stem sections from a mass of such vegetables and presenting such clusters to knives for cutting. A plurality of axially spaced stiffener partitions are disposed in an inclined cylindrical drum constructed of connected cylindrical segments in a conventional manner. Each partition has a central passage through which pod vegetables pass which is defined by a plurality of substantially straight primary edges. Notches are defined between each adjacent pair of primary edges by the extended end of one primary edge and a retaining edge extending therefrom in trailing relation to the point of termination of the leading end of the adjacent primary edge. The adjacent primary edges are spaced sufficiently to permit the stem sections of the vegetable clusters to be received within the notches for engagement by the retaining edges when the drum and baffles are rotated to remove the clusters from the mass.

Abstract: A coin-controlled, manually operably golf ball vending machine capable of dispensing a selected number of balls for each coin deposited in the machine. The vending machine includes a ball hopper, a ramp below the hopper defining a ball dispensing opening between them, and a gate rotatably mounted at the opening which extends partially thereacross in a closed position to cause the balls to bridge the opening. An actuating lever is pulled forward to dispense balls held in a rotatable ball receptacle, and is then returned to its initial position. This action of the lever also swings the gate into the mass of balls in the hopper to break up the bridging of balls, and release a number of balls down the ramp to fill the rotatable ball receptacle which extends across the bottom of the ramp.

Abstract: An oil heater particularly adapted to burning waste oil, having oil flow control apparatus providing substantially constant flow of oil to the vaporizer pan without regard to the viscosity of the oil being burned. The flow control apparatus utilizes a piston pump having relatively large input and output orifices, and is driven by a thermostatically controlled constant speed, reversible direction electric motor. Means are provided to transmit the power from the motor to the piston pump such that rotation of the motor in one direction provides a long pump stroke and high volume rate, whereas rotation of the motor in the opposite direction provides a short piston stroke and low volume rate of pumping to provide minimal oil flow to the vaporizer pan to allow combustion to be maintained in the heater.

Abstract: A device particularly suited for use in optics, having a planar sine plate mounted for rotation about a lateral axis, with the sine plate being capable of holding an optical device such as a diffraction grating. A pivot arm member is mounted for rotation about an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the sine plate, and is in contact with the end of the plate over a portion of its rotational displacement. A calibrated drive such as a micrometer is mounted in position to make contact with the pivot arm near the end thereof, to drive the pivot arm inwardly and outwardly a determinable longitudinal distance. The distance that the pivot arm is driven by the micrometer is related to the angle of the plate as it rotates in contact with the pivot arm. Means are provided for minimizing frictional resistance at the contact between the pivot arm and the plate and between the pivot arm and the drive member of the micrometer.

Abstract: Simulated solid consistency cohesive food products are provided by incorporating flavoring, coloring, and texturizing agents with a low calorie oleaginous fibrous food base composition. The base composition comprises a mixture of edible oil, water and particulate fibrous cellulose combined with a cohesive gelling agent to provide a product having a cohesive gel structure. Non-gelling edible gums may be mixed therewith to provide desired textural characteristics. The base composition may be produced by mixing an edible gum and a gelling agent with water, mixing an oil and emulsifier therewith, uniformly mixing particulate fibrous cellulose throughout the mass of the binding mixture, with flavoring, coloring, and texturizing agents being added as desired, and subjecting the mixture to conditions under which it sets to form a supporting cohesive gel structure.

Abstract: A survey monument having cylindrical rod sections which are assembled in end-to-end relation with threaded connectors as the monument is driven into the ground. The monument has a penetrating point which has generally longitudinal barbs spaced about the periphery of the point. Each of the barbs has a turning surface biased about 5.degree. for rotating the point in a direction to tighten the threaded connections of the monument in response to downward driving of the point into the ground. Each of the barbs has an upwardly facing retention shoulder to prevent removal. A marker cap is tap fit over the top of the uppermost rod section. The parts are metallurgically matched for ultimate natural fusion and to prevent galvanic action or electrolysis after the monument is emplaced in the ground.

Abstract: A tool for removing embedded screws and the like, having a pair of pivotally connected handles with screw removing heads at the ends thereof. The screw removing heads each have matching opposed clinching edges, including a pair of laterally spaced parallel clinching edges and a clinching edge at the bottom of each head which is perpendicular to the parallel edges and disposed between them. The parallel edges dig into the periphery of the screw head to allow torque to be applied to the screw as the handles are turned by a user, while the perpendicular clinching edges engage the underside of the head of an embedded screw to oppose slipping movement of the tool off the screw head and apply upward force thereto.