Abstract: A support for a traveling strand of rubber yarn being wound on a winder is disposed intermediate a rubber yarn supply in the winder with the support including a vertically oriented support member disposed upstream of the winder and downstream of the yarn supply and a first frictionless bearing movably mounted to the support for selected vertical movement of the bearing to allow entanglements of rubber to dissipate as the yarn travels the vertical distances between the supply and the first frictionless bearing and the first frictionless bearing and the winder.

Abstract: Radiographic images may be produced electronically for diagnostic purposes during radiation therapy by utilizing a portable cart-based electronic portal imaging system wherein a photo-stimulable phosphor screen is mounted on the cart by a manipulable stanchion/arm assembly enabling selective positioning movement of the screen horizontally, vertically, and angularly relative to the cart among various spacial orientations as necessary to subtend the radiation beam. A camera and a computer are mounted on the cart to photographically capture and digitize X-ray images produced by the screen and to remotely transmit such images for diagnostic purposes of confirming and, as necessary, adjusting patient positioning.

Abstract: This invention relates to a microcomputer and method for selecting foodstuffs from a foodstuff database, nutrients from a nutrient database, minerals from a mineral database, vitamins from a vitamin database and physical activities from a physical activity database, maintaining a record of the foodstuffs, nutrients, minerals and vitamins eaten and the physical activities exercised, and by computational means to analyze the selected and recorded foodstuff, nutrient, mineral and vitamin nutritional data along with the selected and recorded physical activities exercised to compare the user's daily dietary and physical activities to the user's RDA (recommended dietary allowance).

Abstract: An apparatus for pneumatically aspirating a yarn end from a spinning cop (15) with a suction nozzle (33) whose working position is adjustable has a housing (16) defining a vertical aspirating slit (19) over which a sealing belt (31) is disposed. An air passage (32) is formed in the belt (31) with the suction nozzle (33) fastened on the belt (31) about the passage (32). The belt (31) is selectively displaceable between a sealing position completely closing the aspirating slit (19) in the housing (16) and various aspirating positions wherein the air passage (32) of the belt (31) is in communication with the aspirating slit (19) of the housing (16) to apply suction through the nozzle (33) to initiate an effective, yet gentle loosening of a yarn end (46) from the conical windings (43) or the surface area of a spinning cop (41).

Abstract: A cushion for supporting humans and animals, particularly domestic pets, includes a plurality of layers including a layer of absorbent and anti-static material providing a cover, a first intermediate layer formed from an absorbent material, a second intermediate layer formed from polyester fill material, and a fluid impermeable inner layer having a plurality of cushioning elements formed therein. The pet bed of the present invention is stain-resistant, washable, hypoallergenic and non-toxic.

Abstract: A servicing apparatus for automatic repair of yarn breaks in open-end spinning machines is provided with a device for replacing finished yarn packages with empty tubes, and a multi-functional yarn manipulating element having a work head equipped with a yarn brake and a contoured yarn guide element, the manipulating element being selectively movable between a position (c) at a top end of the tube for forming a top winding at the completion of winding a full yarn package, a position (a) at a base end of the tube for forming a yarn reserve winding upon beginning the winding of an empty tube, and a position (b) moving axially along the tube to prevent the creation of parallel windings during the repair of a yarn break.

Abstract: An adjustable flooring structure for a pool includes a platform and three groups of hydraulic cylinders. The first group of cylinders is vertically mounted to the platform and is extendable between a minimum first length and a maximum first length for lifting the pool from a minimum height to an intermediate height. The second group of cylinders is pivotally mounted to the platform and movable between a horizontal disposition and a vertical disposition for lifting of the platform. The second group of cylinders is extendable between a minimum second length and a maximum second length for lifting the platform from the intermediate height to the maximum height when the second group of cylinders are vertically disposed. The third group of cylinders are pivotally mounted to the platform and are pivotally mounted to the second group of cylinders for moving the second group of cylinders between the horizontal disposition and the vertical disposition when the platform is at the intermediate height.

Abstract: Natural tree camouflage sheet material having a three-dimensional camouflage effect for use in clothing shelters, blinds and other general purpose camouflage applications includes a sheet of three-dimensional camouflage material having the appearance of natural tree bark and including a molded portion with the molded portion being formed from a pliant material molded into a natural tree bark configuration taken from a negative relief mold, the negative relief mold being obtained from an impression of the bark from a natural tree.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the tension on a traveling strand of rubber yarn being wound on a winder includes the yarn guide defining three yarn passage regions, a first assembly for detecting the presence of the traveling strand in the second region, and providing an output as a response and a second assembly for detecting the presence of the traveling strand in the third region and providing an output as a response thereto. The apparatus further includes an arrangement for adjusting the tension on the traveling strand responsive to input from the yarn detectors.

Abstract: In a gravimetric weighing hopper, an infeed chute on the fixed hopper frame and a removable annular wall supported by a load cell are formed with respective annular edges which are angled relative to their aligned axes or are correspondingly notched or otherwise have annular portions about at least approximately one-half of their respective annular extents which are spaced axially from their remaining annular extents to enable the removable cylindrical wall to be spaced in close surrounding relation to the feed chute during normal operation and also to be readily manipulated relative to the feed chute when necessary or desired to be removed from the hopper.

Abstract: A golf club cover is disposable about the neck of a golf bag and extendable above the neck of the golf bag to define a sufficient space thereabove to enclose completely and protect any golf clubs contained in the golf bag. A zipper is provided in the cover for opening of the cover when in the extended position. When unzipped, the cover is collapsible from its extended position to wrap around the neck of the golf bag without impeding access to golf clubs in or pockets on the golf bag. Straps with fasteners are attached to the cover for tightly securing the cover when disposed in its collapsed condition around the neck of the golf bag. The cover is provided with fold-lines for controllably and predeterminedly collapsing the cover into an out-of-the-way position.

Abstract: A sliver feeding device for an open-end spinning frame, comprising a sliver draw-in roller and a sliver feed trough pivotable about a supporting shaft for movement toward and away from the draw-in roller. The draw-in roller has an annular sliver conveying collar which defines a sliver nip between the collar and the feed trough, and the feed trough has opposed laterally spaced bars for receiving the collar therebetween to guide the sliver at the nip. The draw-in roller is rotatably supported so as to permit a predetermined amount of axial movement of the collar between the guide bars of the feed trough. Similarly, a predetermined amount of axial movement of the feed trough is permitted on the supporting shaft. The collar has axial end faces each comprising a respective cleaning device. The guide bars of the feed trough have inwardly facing bevels which, in connection with the axial play of the feed trough on the supporting shaft, assure automatic pivoting of the feed trough into its operating position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing randomly variegated multiple strand wrapped yarn in twisting together two or more yarns at a plurality of yarn twisting stations. At each station a pneumatic twisting head is disposed in which randomly turbulent air currents are created in a chamber in the twisting head by compressed air flowing into the chamber from a manifold through bores in the twisting head, thereby randomly twisting together two or more yarns in the chamber.

Abstract: A tie down strap includes two end portions and a main body portion extending therebetween having a plurality of openings integrally formed therein. The openings extend in a sequential manner linearly aligned along the main body portion intermediate the end portions and are dimensioned to receive therethrough a main body portion of another strap when the main body portion defining the opening is elongated. Specifically, the main body portion comprises two side members that extend between the two end portions in spaced parallel relation and a plurality of bridge portions that extend between and secure the two side members in their parallel relation. Moreover, the end portions have securement members such as hooks and each bridge portion is configured to be received within each securement member in substantially continuous contact therewith.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveyorized toasting of sandwich buns and like bread and food items simultaneously on opposite sides comprises a central heated platen with two bun transport conveyors traveling in spaced relation along opposite sides of the platen and with a pair of auxiliary heating elements disposed outwardly of the respective food transport runs of the conveyors in facing relation to the opposite sides of the platen. Each conveyor is biased toward the platen by a pair of parallel pivot arms urged by springs into pivoted engagement against the transport run of the respective conveyor to define a predetermined desirable spacing to the facing side of the platen.

Abstract: In an underwire brassiere, a generally inelastic and dimensionally stable two-bar warp knitted fabric is provided as a covering for the underwire. One set of warp yarns is knitted in a pattern of coursewise spaced stitches with extended underlaps and another set of warp yarns is knitted in a chain stitch pattern, collectively providing warpwise and coursewise stability and elongation resistance to the fabric. The run-in ratio of the two sets of warp yarns imparts a controlled coursewise inclination to the chain stitches enabling a predetermined degree of walewise elongation for better conformation of the fabric to the underwire in fabrication of the brassiere.