Abstract: An earthquake-proof structure is supported on a foundation by a seismic shock absorption system adapted to isolate the structure from movement of the foundation. The shock absorption system comprises a plurality of elastomeric pads supporting the structure on the foundation to isolate the structure from horizontal and vertical movements imparted to the foundation when the ground areas surrounding the foundation are subjected to seismic activity. The elastomeric pads are secured between the structure, such as a building, and the foundation. The shock absorption system is adapted for use on level ground, as well as for side-hill applications.

Abstract: An apparatus for vacuum sealing plastic bags of the type disclosed in applicant's U.S. Pat. No. 4,756,422 comprises a hood adapted to define a vacuum chamber when it is moved to a closed position on a support surface. An elastomeric seal, circumventing the vacuum chamber, is adapted to engage and statically seal outer surfaces of a bag. The seal isolates an open end of the bag and the vacuum chamber from ambient and maintains such open end in communication with an evacuative chamber of the bag. A vacuum system and sealer are provided for evacuating and heat sealing the bag. The hood can be pivotally mounted on a base or can be used as separate, self-contained unit adapted for placement on a support surface defined on a counter top or the like. The apparatus is further adapted for connection to a unique vacuum sealing attachment for a container whereby the container can be selectively evacuated.

Abstract: Improved methods of operating batch or continuous blenders (10) having a tub (11) and twin agitators (17,18) extending parallel to each other, each agitator having a horizontal shaft (19) and an agitator ribbon (12) wound helically around the shaft. For batch blending, the two agitator ribbons are wound in the same direction around the shafts, and the shafts are rotated in opposite directions for folding the product into the middle of the tube for mixing. The agitators are periodically reversed in direction of operation to prevent the build-up of product at the end corners (36,37) of the tub and the consequent mechanical breakdown of ingredients which has occurred with previous blenders. For continuous blending to be carried out in a tub with twin agitators, the agitator ribbons are wound in opposite directions on their shafts.

Abstract: A specimen collection apparatus particularly useful for urine samples is disclosed the apparatus includes a container or beaker and a screw on self-locking top that cannot be removed without damage either to the top or the beaker.

Abstract: A packaging system comprises a first bag portion defining an inflated first chamber and a second bag portion defining an inflated second chamber with the bag portions overlying each other to define a pocket therebetween having an article compressed and retained therein. The bag portions are pivotally connected together at a rearward side of the system and overlying edge portions of the bag portions are heat-sealed together at opposite lateral sides of the packaging system. The frontal side of the packaging system is open to permit insertion of the article into the pocket whereafter the packaging system is preferably inflated with a pressurized fluid, such as air, to compress superimposed panels of the bag portions against the article to retain it within the pocket.

Abstract: An organizer, particulary useful in a dental clinic practicing operative dentistry, comprises a portable tray having compartments defined thereon to retain at least one syringe, a needle encased within a protective sheath, and a hermetically sealed cartridge containing a liquid anesthetic or other liquid drug or medication adapted to be administered to a patient. In the preferred embodiment of this invention, one of the needles encased within an opened protective sheath is mounted in the same compartment as the syringe and aligned therewith whereby the syringe can be readily attached to the needle. A reciprocal finger button is mounted on the tray and has a detent engageable with the protective sheath to facilitate removal of the syringe and the attached needle from the sheath.

Abstract: A pressure modulated flow control valve, particularly adapted for water irrigation applications, comprises an unitary elastomeric pin defining a flow passage therethrough, a sub-chamber formed entirely in the pin and communicating with an inlet to the valve, and a flexible diaphragm separating the sub-chamber from the flow passage. In operation, the diaphragm is exposed to water pressure prevalent in the sub-chamber to flex into and vary the size of the flow passage to control and modulate the flow rate therethrough. The interchangeable pin is mounted in a housing of the control valve to effect a preselected near constant flow rate through the flow passage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tetraketone of the structure ##STR1## wherein M is a metal atom and R is selected from phenyl, alkyl substituted phenyl or halogen substituted phenyl. The process to prepare this tetraketone is disclosed. The present invention also relates to a process to produce the tetraketone structure (I). The present invention also relates to the novel polymer of the structure ##STR2## and to the process to produce this novel polymer. R is as defined hereinabove and Ar is a tetraamine substituted organic moiety having at least one aromatic ring. These polymers are useful as liquid crystals and in nonlinear optical devices.

Abstract: Ion content of the air in a clean room or the like is controlled by generating positive and negative ions during alternating time periods using positive and negative high voltage generators connected to ionizing electrodes. Ion generation periods are followed by off intervals during which the ions disperse away from the electrodes before ions of opposite polarity are generated. In one aspect of the invention, each period of actuation of a high voltage generator of one polarity is followed by a momentary actuation of the high voltage generator of opposite polarity. This produces ions that are attracted to the electrode of the one polarity and then neutralize residual charge on the capacitors of the generator of the one polarity thereby assuring an abrupt termination of ion generation which can otherwise extend into the subsequent off period.

Abstract: A method for transferring filled lettuce cartons from a field to a loading dock for shipment to an end user or buyer includes filling the cartons with head lettuce at a field site, closing and stacking the filled cartons in layers to a predetermined composite height on a plurality of adjustable pallets to form palletized carton stacks, and moving the stacks to a cooling facility and subsequently to the loading dock whereat the widths of the stacks are adjusted to fit the width of the cargo space of a transport vehicle. The stacks are then transported to the end user. In the preferred embodiment of this invention, the filled cartons are uniquely stacked on the pallets in a compact and fully supported manner whereby they remain intact on the pallets for ease of handling by lift trucks for loading and unloading purposes.

Abstract: A light-weight insulated bootie-gaiter combination for cross-country skiers and winter backpackers is disclosed wherein the gaiter is provided with a removable insulating liner along with lower attachment means for engaging the outer surface of a bootie foot cover.

Abstract: An improved composite polymeric leisure shoe having the upper portion of a shoe sole bonded to the lower surface of the shoe upper-insole using a non-visible porous interlayer (preferably a loosely woven fabric) and one or more adhesives. The bonding between the different synthetic polymeric surfaces of shoe upper-insole and the shoe sole is improved, and does not separate with normal use. A method of manufacture of the composite polymeric leisure shoe comprises applying an adhesive to both surfaces of the interlayer, placing the suitable adhesive side of the interlayer on the superior surface of the front part of a shoe upper-insole mold, bonding the interlayer to the lower surface of the shoe upper-insole by injection molding, applying the same or second adhesive to the lower interlayer surface of the shoe upper-insole and to the top surface of a shoe sole, and forming the leisure shoe by contacting the adhesive-coated surfaces of the shoe parts using suitable pressure.

Abstract: A bag filling machine, adapted to fill a plastic bag with a liquid product through a gland secured to the bag, comprises a filling head including a fill tube having a piston reciprocally mounted therein for selectively filling the bag with the product. A replaceable nozzle is positioned at an outlet of the fill tube and is releasably attached thereto. An annular seal is secured on a distal end of the nozzle for engaging an annular bearing surface of the gland in sealing contact therewith. Thus, nozzles, having seals and flow passages of varied diameters, may be selectively attached to the fill tube to accommodate glands having varied diameters.

Abstract: A bag filling machine, adapted to fill a plastic bag with a liquid product through a gland secured to the bag, comprises a conveyor for intermittently moving a series of the bags along a path. Adjacent pairs of the bags are connected together at a severable parting line, extending transversely relative to the path, and a cutting apparatus is adapted to sever the parting line. The apparatus comprises generally horizontally disposed first and second platens, spaced apart to define an opening therebetween, and extending transversely relative to the path of movement of the bags. Clamping bars are movably mounted above the platens to engage and clamp each adjacent pair of leading and trailing bags to the platens and to position the severable parting line over the opening defined between the platens. A cutter is slidably mounted in the apparatus for severing the parting line connecting the bags together.

Abstract: An elongated member having one arcuate shaped edge and on the opposite side a straight edge may be used to plant vegetative matter on a bank or hill. The elongated member is curved into a semi-circle and held in place by spikes so that a planting hole may be formed on the uphill side thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus useful to controllably vaporize and mix a volatile anesthetic, having a vapor pressure of about 760 mm of mercury at about 20.degree. C., into an effective anesthetic/diluent gas mixture to be administered to a mammal. More specifically, the present invention is an apparatus, of interconnected components including anesthetic in a canister, diluent gas supply, flow meters, tubing connections, mixing carburetor, heating means, thermoelectric temperature control means, and the like. These components are maintained within a temperature controlled chamber such that the volatile anesthetic/diluent gas is effectively and controllably delivered to the patient. A preferred anesthetic is I-653, CF.sub.3 H--O--CFH--CF.sub.3.

Abstract: A portable conveyor system comprises an extensible and retractable boom assembly mounted on a transportable stationary support. The boom assembly comprises a plurality of longitudinally spaced rungs defining a series of supporting surfaces for a primary load carrier of the type described in applicant's co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 75,410, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,793,437. The improvements described herein include a vertically adjustable hitch mounted forwardly on a frame of the primary load carrier. The hitch is adapted for attachment to the end of the cable of a winch assembly to move the endless tracks of the carrier in full contact along the supporting surfaces of the rungs. Other improvements include modified boom and overhead bracket assemblies, a resilient suspension system for the primary load carrier and a platform assembly attachable to either end of the boom assembly to alternately function as a loading or unloading platform.

Abstract: A surgically implantable connector for a transcutaneous driving system comprised of a case having a base and a lid which are shaped to provide a cavity between them with a first elastomeric pad for supporting a first set of electrical contacts in the cavity which contacts mate with a second set of electrical contacts carried by the lid, a second elastomeric pad for supporting a third set of electrical contacts inbetween the lid and the first pad and which mate with the first or the second set of electrical contacts, means for electrically connecting the firs set of electrical contacts to an implantable electrode, means for electrically connecting the second set of electrical contacts to the driving system and means for electrically connecting the third set of electrical contacts to a percutaneous plug.