Abstract: Apparatus for treating meat comprises introducing pieces of meat into a tumbling drum rotatable about a horizontal axis and which contains circumferentially spaced rods on the inside of the drum adjacent to its periphery and parallel to the axis of rotation. The rods contain teeth so that upon rotation of the drum the meat is tumbled causing the teeth to produce a mass of small cuts in the surface of the meat. The drum is sealed by a watertight door that is readily opened and closed, as needed. The tumbling process takes approximately 20 minutes. The tumbling in combination with the formation of small cuts in the surface of the meat increases the exposure of myosin protein at the meat surface and also improves color uniformity and dispersion of pickling solution in the meat.

Abstract: Artificial dentures, and a method and apparatus for preparing them are disclosed. After a dentition base plate is prepared, a temporary integral strip of gum tissue and supported teeth elements is temporarily fixed to the base plate. The assembly is then locked in a jig, the temporary tooth/gum strip is removed, and a permanent tooth/tissue strip is installed on the base plate in a position providing proper appearance and proper bite relationship with mating dentition. A jig for retaining the base plate in a given location is also provided.

Abstract: A variable impedance circuit is included between the antenna and the RF amplifier stage of a radio receiver portion of a transceiver and is responsive to a phase-inverted and amplified AGC signal to automatically protect the receiver from breaking down or otherwise malfunctioning when it receives an over-input or excessive input signal level. When the input signal level to the receiver is at the typical operating level, the circuit provides a substantially infinite impedance to ground so as not to interfere with signal transmission from the antenna to the input stage and the successive stages.

Abstract: A light fitting for underwater use is of reduced size and is structured to provide easy and ready replacement of the fitting lamp. The fitting includes a housing, a disc-shaped backing plate mounted to the housing and a lens sealingly connected to the backing plate and forming therewith an enclosed chamber. A gland housing is sealingly connected in the backing plate and forms an enclosed chamber opening. An electrical connector which supports the fitting lamp is dimensioned for passing through the gland housing and is connectable to electrical power for powering the lamp by a cable which also extends into the gland housing. A seal bushing surrounds the cable within the gland housing and provides a tight seal between the cable and gland housing when acted upon by a nut which also surrounds the cable and which threadingly engages the gland housing. Ready removal of the lamp for replacement is provided by removing the nut from the gland housing and pulling the cable and the lamp through the gland housing.

Abstract: A battery charging system includes a pair of alternators having rectified outputs which are connected in parallel. The field currents of the respective alternators are controlled by respective oscillatory switching circuits which are responsive to rectified output voltages from the respective alternators. Each respective switching circuit is coupled to an output voltage sensing circuit of the other alternator, so that oscillatory switching of one switching circuit causes oscillatory switching of the other switching circuit.

Abstract: A mobile vehicle is selectively adaptable for carrying either bulk materials or general freight loads. The vehicle comprises a trailer including a suspension comprising at least one axle with wheels attached thereto and a platform mounted upon the suspension to be carried by the axle and wheels. At least one opening is formed in the platform and a closure or cover is provided for selectively covering or exposing the opening. A framework is mounted upon the platform and a collapsible container is attached to the platform. A hopper or a slope pan is mounted below the opening to define a bottom of the container and to permit unloading of bulk materials. The container is selectively erectable for attachment to the framework and is adapted to carry bulk materials when so erected. The container may also be collapsed and stored within the hopper under the closure so that the platform may be used to carry general freight loads.

Abstract: A closed-center brake system and brake valve are disclosed. A closed-center variable displacement pressure compensated pump delivers fluid pressure to a valve inlet which carries a normally closed check valve. When a valve operating rod is partially withdrawn from the valve, the check valve opens to admit fluid to a valve chamber; fluid pressure and flow are directed from the chamber to ports leading to a vehicle left-hand brake and a vehicle right-hand brake. Should fluid pressure be lost in upstream portions of the system, further pulling action on the valve rod will collapse the chamber and manually deliver pressurized fluid to the brakes. Another brake valve outlet port, located just downstream of the inlet check valve, provides for delivery of pressure compensated fluid back to the pump to cause the pump to operate with desired characteristics.

Abstract: A starter motor of the pre-engaged type has a stator, a rotor, a rotor shaft and a pinion assembly mounted on the rotor shaft for rotation therewith and axial movement relative thereto into and out of an operative position. A solenoid is mounted in a casing of the motor and includes a coil and a plunger assembly. The plunger assembly includes a spring biased plunger carrying a plate having a slot therein. A nylon moulding is mounted in the slot and biased by a spring against an end of the slot remote from the plunger. The nylon moulding itself has a pair of slots therein which receive respective ends of a bifurcated lever. The lever is pivoted intermediate its ends and is provided with a yoke connection with the pinion assembly. The bifurcated form of the lever and the slots in the nylon moulding reduce wear of the lever in service.

Abstract: Improvements in a check valve are disclosed. The check valve contemplated is of the type used to halt fluid flow in a fluid-carrying pipe system, and comprises an annular seat adapted to be mounted in the fluid line, a head-mounting yoke, and a head carried by the yoke and adapted to slide axially into and out of fluid-sealing engagement with the seat. One improvement comprises a pair of valve sleeves extending, respectively, axially upstream and downstream of the valve seat; each valve has a mouth adapted for mating connection with adjacent fluid-carrying pipe structure. Each sleeve terminates adjacent the valve seat in a diagonal flange formation, and a clamp including a V-shaped collar fits over the sleeve flanges so as to urge the sleeves toward the valve seat and toward one another. A gasket having a U-shaped cross section provides a fluid-tight seal between the sleeves and seat.

Abstract: A wireless seed detecting and monitoring apparatus includes one or more transmitter units mounted at the seed planter and a receiver unit mounted in a monitor console located at a remote location. Seeds being planted produce a signal which modulates an r-f transmitted signal during the planting operation. A receiver is responsive to the r-f transmitted signal and detects the modulated signal information corresponding to seeds being planted. This detected signal is then delivered to monitoring circuitry to indicate the operation of the seed planter.

Abstract: A dividing conveyor system is disclosed for directing articles such as milk bottles traveling along a stem conveyor to either a first or second branch conveyor. The divider conveyor system includes a diverter assembly disposed over the intersection point of the stem, first and second branch conveyors, and a diverter positioner for locating the diverter in an appropriate position to divert articles from the stem conveyor to either of the branch conveyors. A first branch sensor is located near the first branch conveyor and downstream of the conveyor intersection point, and a second sensor is correspondingly located near the second conveyor and downstream of the conveyor intersection point. Appropriate switching circuitry includes logic elements to divert articles from the stem conveyor to a branch conveyor at which the associated branch sensor has sensed the absence of articles on that branch conveyor.

Abstract: There is disclosed a valve comprised of a valve body defining a cavity with inlet and outlet port means opening to and leading from said valve cavity. A plug member is rotatably disposed in said valve cavity and spaced from the bottom wall thereof to define a valve chamber, with the outlet port means leading from said chamber. The plug member includes an end segment disposed in said valve cavity and provided with a pair of concave, axial elongate surface portions opening to the end face of said segment, with said concave portions being separated by convexed surface portions. The concaved surface portion cooperates with the inner wall surface of the cavity to define a pair of relatively movable channels which can be placed in communication with the inlet port means to interconnect said inlet ports with the valve chamber. The segment of the plug disposed in said valve cavity is constructed from a resilient material, and of a slightly larger diameter than the valve cavity.

Abstract: There is disclosed a wire clamp assembly which includes a screw member and washer or clamping member in mounted relation on the screw member, and adapted to provide a terminal assembly for a terminal block or the like. The washer or clamping member comprises a generally rectangular plate-like washer having a central aperture, engageable by the screw member to be advanced downwardly for clamping a wire or wires against the surface of a terminal member. The surface of the washer member facing the terminal member surface includes two pairs of opposed ramps spaced apart from the central aperture and extending downwardly and diverging outwardly toward the outer periphery of the washer member. The same or undersurface of the washer further includes downwardly sloping corners defining sloping edge portions, for biting engagement with the wire to establish and maintain, together with the ramps, electrical and mechanical connection between the wire and the terminal member.

Abstract: A brake system is disclosed which comprises a primary fluid power brake subsystem and a secondary or back-up brake subsystem. The primary brake system is of the "power brake" type, and includes a power brake valve having a housing defining an elongate bore. A bi-ended rod extends through the housing end wall to be slid between spaced apart first, second and third positions. That end of the rod which is inside the housing is affixed to a reaction piston. The reaction piston cooperates with an annular piston, also carried within the bore, to have fluid flow through the valve and raise fluid pressure within a collapsible chamber defined by the bore. When the rod is partially pulled out of the valve housing, this high pressure fluid is directed to vehicle brakes to cause primary braking action. Should the primary system fail in some respect, rod pull-out action operates to energize a secondary or back-up brake system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming cured polyethylene insulation about high voltage cables by applying uncured polyethylene around a core of the cable. The polyethylene is heated, cured and then cooled to room temperature in a pressurized nitrogen gas atmosphere. In one form the molding apparatus comprises first and second mold forms which define a cavity and which include means for heating the mold halves to the polyethylene curing temperature. Means is also provided to introduce the pressurized nitrogen into the cavity and for subjecting cable portions that extend beyond the mold to pressurized nitrogen until such cable portions are sufficiently cooled to prevent their deformation under pressure, to prevent the oxidation of polyethylene and/or to prevent the formation of voids or enclosures.

Abstract: The disclosed structure comprises a self-contained surgical evacuator for closed wound suction. A fluid container is provided with a resilient structure that includes a diaphragm and which may be actuated to negative pressure applying position. Upon release, return of the resilient structure to normal position draws fluid into the container from a perforated tubing laid into the wound of the patient.

Abstract: A power brake valve and a related braking system are disclosed. The valve comprises a housing defining a first bore of large diameter and a second bore of smaller diameter, and annular pistons are slidably disposed within each bore. A biended rod, also slidable within the bores, carries reaction pistons which are radially extended to cover the annular flow space of the adjacent, associated annular pistons. When the rod is pulled in a power mode of operation, each annular piston moves toward the associated annular piston to restrict and halt the normal flow of fluid through the annular piston and create a movable end wall. As pressure rises within the chambers, pressurized fluid is discharged from the valve to brake units to cause braking action. In a manual mode of operation, pulling action on the rod causes a relatively large quantity of relatively low pressure fluid to be discharged from the first chamber so as to quickly and effectively take up systemic clearances within the brake system.

Abstract: A plug is offered to make relatively easy and simple the assembly and pre-torquing of a spring-loaded hinge for doors and the like. These hinges comprise a pair of hinge leaves, each leaf defining at least one hollow hinge knuckle aligned with a hinge knuckle defined on the opposite leaf. Through the knuckles, a bi-ended torsion spring mechanism is inserted. A first plug is affixed within one hinge knuckle and engages one end of the torsion spring mechanism. At the opposite knuckle and second spring end, the novel second plug is affixed. This second plug includes a spring-engaging finger and a capstan body adapted to fit snugly within the knuckle. Atop the capstan body is a removable head which can be grasped by a wrench or like torsioning device. After this second plug is inserted in the hinge, the spring end is grasped and torqued by rotating the plug.

Abstract: A machine for the automatic butt welding of pipes on tube plates by TIG or plasma process with or without weld metal, or of abutting pipes with TIG or plasma process with internal torch, comprising a control unit for programming the welding parameters according to cycles suitable to the different welding types and a gun which will be centered on the pipes to be welded, supporting a torch which can effect more sequential revolutions, wherein the supplies of the fluids (inert gas, cooling fluid, etc.

Abstract: A reversible doll is provided, which can be easily assembled by even inexperienced personnel from materials inexpensively offered in kit form. A fist doll head, which can be provided with oppositely directed faces, is installed upon a first stiffened chenille. To this first chenille, a second chenille is affixed, and spacers and relatively small fabric disks are alternately arrayed upon the second chenille extending in two directions away from the first chenille so as to form a first set of doll arms. Relatively large disks and spacers then can be installed below the doll arms upon the first chenille to form a first doll thorax. Below this thorax, a gown member can be installed to hide a lower, subsequently assembled second doll thorax, a second doll arm array and a second doll head. If desired, male figurines can be suggested by installing the gown immediately below the doll arms so as to cover the thorax regions and provide a tunic effect.