Abstract: Apparatus for cooking meat patties and the like including a pair of opposing heat transfer plates having inner cooking faces for holding the patties therebetween and an outer heat receptor portion for receiving heat such as from the surrounding fat in a deep-fat cooker. Securing the plates a predetermined distance apart corresponding to the thickness of the meat pattie. Adjustably connecting the plates together to compress the uncooked meat pattie and/or to compress the meat pattie as it is being cooked. Providing a stack of heat transfer plates which form a series of vertically spaced compartments, with alternate compartments being used for holding a meat pattie, and the interstitial compartments receiving the heat source medium such as fat.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new and improved sports racket having head, neck and handle portions where the head portion is in a plane different from but parallel to the handle portion so that a player's form, power and timing may be significantly improved without special training.

Abstract: A lighting system for installation in a swivel chair of the type commonly found in van vehicles. The system is to display the van owner's CB "handle" or code designation and includes a bracket, attached insulated box, a nested metal container to which is mounted three bulbs and a cover with a light diffuser. The handle is painted or silked screened on the diffuser and is positioned to be seen from outside the vehicle. The system also includes an electrical connector which is used to complete an electrical circuit without interfering with the rotation of the chair.

Abstract: An apparatus for transforming the water vapor in the atmosphere into liquid water comprising a precipitating chamber, a mixing chamber, heat transfer system, and means for moving atmospheric air through the system.A method of producing liquid water from the atmosphere comprising the steps of passing a first stream of air past a heat absorbing element of a heat transfer system to cause water to precipitate onto the heat absorbing element; mixing the first air stream with a second air stream; passing the mixed air streams past the heat dissipating element of the heat transfer system; varying the proportion of amount of air from the first and second air streams to a predetermined ratio which is a function of the atmospheric conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to assemblies for use with refrigerators and refrigerators utilizing such assemblies to enable dispensing of cold water or ice made from purified water. Refrigerators of this type are provided with a unit which dispenses the cold water or ice and which units usually include a water input, and may on some occasions, include a valve in the input line. This latter valve is designed to open and close when the unit requires makeup water. An assembly is used in conjunction with the refrigerator and which assembly generally comprises a support means in the form of a cabinet for retaining a flask of purified water in an inverted position and where the water from the flask is introduced into a holding chamber in the cabinet. The water is pumped from the holding chamber by means of a pump in the cabinet, to the unit in the refrigerator through the water input.

Abstract: The present invention provides a therapeutic spray apparatus and method for alleviating human ailments and conditions thereof. The apparatus comprises a pad capable of being disposed in an area, such as a bathtub, for a person to reside in a sitting position and which pad is capable of supporting the buttocks and a portion of the thighs of the individual sitting thereupon. The pad also serves as a housing to contain certain of the components forming part of the apparatus in a kit form. One of the components of the apparatus is a nozzle capable of being disposed within an aperture in the pad and has a nozzle opening capable of directing water toward the groin area of an individual sitting upon the pad. A hose is connected to the nozzle on its underside and is capable of being connected to a source of water under pressure, such as tap water, such that the tap water is directed as a spray, and preferably as an intermittent spray, toward the groin area.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved wire stiffening member for use in a garment such as a brassiere wherein the wire member has a flexible end provided by forming a sheath about the end, which end has a line of weakening therein, and subsequently breaking the end along the line of weakening.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for clamping louvered window panes in the window frame sections of a louvered window structure. The louvered window structure usually includes a plurality of pivotably movable pane supporting elements which have elongate slots to receive the panes. The apparatus comprises a clamping device in the nature of a band having a pair of overlapping terminal portions, which form an envelope section and this band is capable of being disposed over a portion of each window pane supporting element and a portion of the pane which extends beyond the slot formed in the pane supporting element. An individual clamping device is located at each of the opposite ends of each or certain of the window panes. The clamping device includes a locking mechanism which is capable of causing locking engagement of the two terminal portions of the band, such that the clamping device can be clamped about the window frame section and the pane to lockably hold the pane in the window frame structure.

Abstract: A dispensing device for use with a variety of containers and contents such as wine and artist's paint. The device has two parts: a stationary member having three flexible flanges for engaging a container and providing a seal, a central disc and a screw thread; and a movable member having a sealing end portion, a measuring throat, a gripping surface and a drip edge. The sealing end portion provides a seal with the disc when the device is in a closed position. The device is simply constructed, reliable and relatively inexpensive.

Abstract: A photographic display apparatus which comprises a substrate, as for example, a glass sheet having a mirrored surface thereon. An orthochromatic, high contrast, graphic arts copy film, or so-called "ortho film," having a positive visual image is disposed on the substrate and is covered by a transparent sheet. These three components may then be secured together by conventional means. The image on the ortho film is viewed through the transparent sheet against the mirrored surface of the substrate and which presents a unique visual appearance, similar to that of an image etched onto glass. The ortho film may be made by using a positive print of the desired image and generating a negative film therefrom through conventional photographic techniques. This negative film may be printed and enlarged if desired during the printing process in order to produce a positive ortho film sheet which is used in the above photographic display apparatus.

Abstract: A filtration device for filtering of temperature controlled process liquids, as for example, liquid hot melts. The filtration device includes an outer housing with a sleeve disposed within and spaced from the side wall of the housing to form a temperature regulating fluid chamber therebetween. An elongate member with a groove or channel formed therein extends between the sleeve and the housing side wall. A filter assembly having an outer casing may be removably disposed within a filter chamber formed by the sleeve. In this case, the filter casing would have a fitting extending from the casing and through the elongate groove to a process liquid inlet pipe connected to the housing side wall. Releasable bolts operatively engage the filter casing to permit holding of the casing in the filter chamber. Another fitting extends from the casing and through the elongate groove to a process liquid outlet pipe connected to the housing side wall.

Abstract: A propeller or impeller construction having a plurality of blades mounted on a hub section. The blades are essentially triangular in cross section and are hollow to achieve light-weight and permit center air flow. In addition, the blades may be tapered in such manner that accelerated internal air movement with compression toward the tip ends is enabled. The tip portions of the blades may be vented to provide for air flow through the center and out of the tips, and also the rear structural plate may be vented to the low pressure side of the blades. Blade construction may provide for variations in the pitch angle. The blades are mounted on the hub section by a unique construction which may provide both commonality and interchangeability of parts. This construction also enables the use of shims to facilitate balancing and to change and/or adjust thrust characteristics without changing blades.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical apparatus for mating two complementary objects comprising yaw and distance monitoring means, cable means for connecting said first and second objects and display means for indicating the relative yaw and distance between said objects.A method for docking two complementary objects comprising the steps of: determining the yaw and distance between said objects; monitoring the relative yaw and distance; repositioning one or both of the objects so as to minimize the yaw and distance between the objects.

Abstract: An improvement for use in image projection systems of the type which project an image from a substrate where a projector causes the image to be displayed on a receiving member such as a projection screen remote from the projector. One important facet of the improvement resides in the receiving member, i.e., the projection screen. These systems are typically used for displaying scores in bowling games from a projector at the player end to a screen or receiving member at the scoring end. Projectors of this type normally comprise a projector base with a mirror system and a socket which has a light source therein located in relation to the mirror system. The improvement comprises a bracket which is replaceable for the original socket and light source therein. The bracket includes a plate having an improved light socket mounted on the plate. In addition, the bracket includes mounting means having apertures to receive conventional fasteners.

Abstract: A passive optical switching apparatus for use with a sales display device, or with a secret security device or with a safety device. The apparatus includes two photo resistor systems which are positioned so that their optical axes and field of view intersect. Also included is the complementary electronic circuitry. If a light change occurs within the region defining the intersection a switching signal is created to trigger the device to which it is attached.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the detection of movement of body tissues and, more particularly, movements of segments of the heart muscle and method for a noninvasive technique for the detection of coronary and arterial abnormalities. The apparatus includes a probe, preferably in the form of a detector plate, utilizing electric field measurement for detection of movements of a nearby segment of the body tissue, as for example, a segment of the heart muscle. The detector plate is coupled to a variable-frequency oscillator and phase-lock system for measuring capacitive change used to shift the phase of the oscillator when the detector is placed with respect to a certain body tissue. The apparatus employs its own unique system of timing heart movement in that the detector is capable of sensing a signal having a low frequency component which provides information regarding tissue movement.

Abstract: An improved scissors lift which includes a hydraulic mechanism, in the form of one or more hydraulic cylinder/piston units, mounted on scissors linkages in an essentially vertical position in appropriate cradles between two arm pairs of the linkages, at a position in which there is substantial movement at both ends of the hydraulic unit. The cylinder/piston hydraulic unit is so mounted to exert a thrust primarily in the direction of the load for all positions of the linkages, and to provide an essentially constant load/thrust/speed ratio for all positions of the linkages, and also to permit full extension of the linkages without excessive movement of the hydraulic piston. The arms of the scissors linkages are provided with ear-shaped brackets at each end which serve to displace the pivotal axes between the arms away from the horizontal axes of the respective arms so as to permit the arms to be folded down directly on top of one another when the lift is in its collapsed position.

Abstract: A water pipe of the type for smoking grown plant substances, and particularly the rare plant substances such as herbs and the like which are relatively expensive. The water pipe includes a first elongate tube having a central water chamber formed therein with a secondary tube extending into the water chamber and terminating beneath the normal level of water contained within the water chamber. At the upper end of the secondary tube is a bowl for containing the grown substance which is capable of being ignited for purposes of smoking. Disposed within the first tube above the water level thereof is a unique adapter which may be fixed within the first tube or otherwise removably disposed therein and which prevents the spillage of water from the upper end of the first tube in the event that the device is inadvertently tipped over. This adapter effectively works as a water entrapment device which permits the passage of smoke, but also prevents the spillage of water when the device is inadvertently tipped over.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composter for the disposal of human and organic kitchen wastes through an aerobic process of decomposition wherein waste matter is moved down a helical or spiral path within a container.

Abstract: An extendable bed mechanism connected to a sofa bed to allow conversion between a sofa and a bed in an easy, facilitated manner. The mechanism is relatively inexpensive and light weight and comprises a movable panel, two pairs of brackets and two sets of wheels or rollers for supporting the panel, preventing wobble and allowing minimum physical effort. A simple locking handle is also provided for restraining the panel in an extended or a retracted position. It is contemplated that Voraspring brand expanded polymer will be used for the cushions-mattress; in combination this assures a superior sleeping surface.