Abstract: Machines and methods are disclosed for making arepas from corn flour dough in a cavity situated between abutting, opposing forming members. When the forming members are closed, dough occupying the cavity is circular in the plane where said members abut, and is of progressively increasing thickness dimension toward its axis. The forming members are then moved apart from each other and the arepa preform is disassociated from the forming members and its entire outer surface, but not its interior, is cooked using primarily radiant and/or convective heat. In some embodiments, the dough is extruded directly into the cavity while the forming members are already abutting each other. In others, the dough is extruded, a preform plug is severed from the extrusion, the cavity portion of one of the forming members is pressed down against the preform plug while it sits on a distensible surface backed by a backing member having a circular central void.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for removing palm hearts from the tapered and "meristem" sections of cut lengths of stalks of palm, each of which had included a large "meristem" section joined to a smaller diameter top section by an intermediate tapered section, and had a palm heart that runs the length of the stalk as a core member inside an intermediate layer that is surrounded by a thorny outer bark layer. After removel of the smaller diameter section from the remainder of the stalk, the remaining tapered and "meristem" sections are caused to be retentively positioned in coring means by which, backed by means for retaining the work piece in position, a coring knife moves substantially coaxially to the piece from one of its ends to core out and remove the palmheart core from the remainder of the work piece. Embodiments include such means per se and methods for carrying out the foregoing processes.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for removing palm hearts from cut lengths of stalks of palm each of which includes a large "meristem" section that is joined to a smaller diameter top section by an intermediate tapered section, and has a palm heart that runs the length of the stalk as a core member inside an intermediate layer that is surrounded by a thorny outer bark layer. Each such stalk is caused to move longitudinally through bark removal means for slitting the outer bark layer of its smaller diameter section and removing the bark from the remainder of the stalk. The smaller section, after having been severed from the rest of the stalk, is caused to move longitudinally through intermediate layer removal means for slitting and removing the intermediate layer from the underlying palm heart. Embodiments include each such means per se and acting cooperatively with the other, and methods for carrying out the foregoing processes.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention include pressure differential barrier members for separating selected substances from fluid, gaseous and/or liquid, and methods of making same. They include separation material which, with respect to the fluid to be treated, is pervious and exhibits desired separation capabilities. They may also, at least in part, include material which is substantially impervious to the fluid. They include bridges spanning flow paths to form lateral flow paths, and they may also include flow paths that are unbridged. All flow paths through such embodiments are either through structural elements which themselves have desired separation capabilities or are occupied by separation material that is pervious to the fluid being treated and is of such desired characteristics.

Abstract: Fiber reinforced composite structures and preforms for making same, and methods for making such structures and such preforms, are disclosed. In the preforms, at least two constituent elements are woven from yarns made from material of desired characteristics and the elements are joined at a juncture therebetween by fibrous material that is common to and integral with said elements. At least one of the elements includes at least one internal pocket that is adapted to contain a reinforcement member that produces improved shear stiffness and/or shear strength in the preform when it is matrix infiltrated. In preferred embodiments, three such elements are oriented at right angles to each other, with reinforcement pockets included in two of the three elements. Preforms so made may then be infiltrated with matrix material.

Abstract: This invention comprises laminar flow generation devices that are adapted to be affixed to the upper, substantially flat surfaces of a rain gutter deflector system. They have at least one water diverting surface which rises abruptly from such upper surface and provides for the smooth redirection of water from the region of its top end through an angular displacement preferably not in excess of 90 degrees to the other of its ends from which the water is discharged. Embodiments may have two such water diverting surfaces with a common leading edge to divide the water and redirect the resulting flows away from each other. They may be further adapted for affixation to gutter deflector surfaces which intersect each other at an angle, as at the site of a roof valley. The diverting surfaces may include apertures to provide flow paths for water to further reduce the volume of the water discharged at the egress end of the diverting surfaces.

Abstract: An oxygen sensor having a main body member with an interior chamber, made from material which is an oxygen ion conducting solid electrolyte when at specified temperatures. Electrodes made from material which is porous to oxygen molecules are positioned opposite each other on the main body member, within the interior chamber an d on the outside of the main body. Via a port which extends through the main body, changes in the absolute pressure of gas to be tested in the environs of the outer electrode are transmitted to the gas in the environs of the inner electrode. As a result of reference gas being introduced into the interior chamber of the main body through an orifice at a pressure sufficient to maintain the rate of flow at its critical (and therefore constant) rate of flow, the environs of the inner electrode are occupied by reference gas and a flow of gas results, through the main body member from the region of the inner electrode and out through the port.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention include devices for removing particles, such as the fly ash from gaseous effluent produced by the combustion of pulverized coal, comprising arrays of ceramic rods that are contained within a housing having ingress and egress openings for the effluent. The rods are so oriented as to create tortuous paths for the effluent and thereby effectively render the rods in the aggregate into an impact separator. The rods are made from material which exhibits electrical resistance such that when the are sufficiently energized electrically, ash accumulated thereon liquefies or otherwise looses its adhesive strength, releasing such accumulations which then, by gravity and/or the drag forces of the gas stream separate from the rods for subsequent collection and removal.

Abstract: Shear-type cutters for hard and/or large thickness workpieces having a pair of shearing-action cutting jaws, laterally abutting each of which jaws is a hold-down clamp member having a hold-down surface positioned opposite the other of said jaws. Each hold-down surface is moveable with respect to its associated jaw away from the jaw it opposed through a wide range of distances, normally is in alignment with the cutting surface of the jaw to which it as affixed, and is resiliently biased against being so moved. Thereby, when the jaws close on a workpiece of any of a wide range of thicknesses, the hold-down surfaces of the clamps come into contact with and yieldingly remain pressed against the outer surfaces of the work piece to hold it in place as the cutting jaws impinge upon and cut through it.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to the field of identification devices. Embodiments include a shoelace, near the center of which is affixed a flexible strip, made from textile, plastic, or other suitable material, that is adapted to be wrapped about the shoelace and retained in that position. Desired information, such as name, address, telephone number, blood type, medical facts of special concern, or the like, may appear on the surface of the strip which is to be concealed by the strip having been overlaid by itself as it is wrapped about the shoelace. The strip, so marked and so positioned, may be surrounded by a protective cover material, such as a short, tubular segment of clear plastic, to protect the strip while keeping the distinguishing indicia visible. Such protective cover and/or the surface of the strip which is exposed when the strip is so wrapped may include distinguishing indicia to notify interested persons, such as police, medical workers, etc., of the existence of the enclosed information.

Abstract: This invention relates to devices for sawing hard material such as stone, and includes extenders to be affixed to the peripheral surfaces of a sawing core. Each has vertical sidewalls which are spaced-apart from each other by top and bottom spacer elements. The cavity created thereby opens to the front (i.e., in the direction of travel of the core when in use) and to the rear of the extender. The bottom of the cavity, which is formed by the upper surface of the bottom spacer element, inclines upward toward the rear to deflect water that has been sprayed onto the device to lubricate, cool and clean it, onto the next succeeding extenders and their associated cutting surfaces. The top spacer element receives a slideably replaceable cutting member base from said front direction, that may have a U-shaped mounting base and has a matrix element affixed to its top that is adapted to provide desired cutting surfaces.

Abstract: This invention relates to devices and methods for installing ceilings made from tiles that are supported by a suspension grid that is not visible from the underside of the ceiling. One embodiment comprises channels that form the suspension grid, channel wall supports for supporting the grid where the ceiling abuts the walls, and hangers that are capable of establishing the ceiling level as well as supporting the suspension grid in its mid-span regions. Another embodiment comprises a method of installing the wall hangers, suspension grid channels, and hangers.

Abstract: Filters, catalytic converters and the like, for separating particulate matter and/or other constituents from a stream of gas or liquid so arranged that substantially all of the fluid passing through the filter must pass through separation material which permits the passage of the fluid therethrough while separating out and retaining the selected substances. Continuums of material are arranged parallel to each other in planar arrays, with periodic spacings between the continuums in each array. Such arrays are superimposed to form a "laminated" grouping, with each continuum in each array angularly oriented with respect to and in contact with the continuums in each next adjacent array which that continuum crosses. Internal distribution paths for the fluid thereby formed by the spacings between the continuums include passageways which extend laterally within each layer and cross-array or translaminar distribution channels produced by aggregations of intersecting paths of the lateral array channels.

Abstract: This invention relates to devices and methods for installing ceilings made from tiles that are supported by a suspension grid that is not visible from the underside of the ceiling. One embodiment comprises channels that form the suspension grid, channel wall supports for supporting the grid where the ceiling abuts the walls, and hangers that are capable of establishing the ceiling level as well as supporting the suspension grid in its mid-span regions. Another embodiment comprises a method of installing the wall hangers, suspension grid channels, and hangers.

Abstract: A joint socket member for a joint prosthesis, in particular a hip joint socket member of a hip joint endoprosthesis in which, in accordance with the invention, the cup element is formed from preferably two cup portions, disposed at least in two cup planes arranged radially at a spacing with a free intermediate space relative to each other, wherein openings are provided at least in the cup portion which is towards the bone, the number, distribution, shape and size of the openings, during the operation, permitting the introduction and secure holding of spongiosa or loose bone substance into the intermediate space and thereafter ensuring growth thereinto of new strong bone substance.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and methods for producing formed articles such as tortillas. Embodiments include apparatus comprising a non-sticking, heat tolerant, endless conveyor belt moving at desired constant speeds to position tortilla dough balls between the heated platens of a tortilla press. The press is moveable in the direction of the path of travel of the belt at the same speed as the belt when the platens are in their closed position with the dough balls squeezed between them. Thereafter, the press may be opened sufficiently for the upper platen to disengage the flattened dough and then slowed, stopped and moved counter-directionally to the direction of travel of the belt. At a pre-determined position, the press is again stopped and reversed to cause it to travel again in the direction of travel of the belt.

Abstract: This invention relates to devices for removing covers for utility installations, such as water meter shut-offs, that are located under streets, sidewalks, and the like. Such covers provide accessible protection for the utility devices that they cover. Embodiments of this invention include a tubular shaft, and a hammer rod which is slidably insertable within the shaft and has a combination chisel point - claw hook at its the lower end for penetrating through pavement material, dirt and the like that may have become deposited in the aperture of the cover, to enable the claw hook to latch beneath the cover and pull on one side of the cover to lift it upward. Through impact on the top of the shaft by the hammer arm via corresponding impact surface, the chisel point on the shaft may be hammered downward to cause it to penetrate into the aperture.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and methods for producing formed articles such as tortillas. Embodiments include apparatus comprising a non-sticking, heat tolerant, endless conveyor belt moving at desired constant speeds to position tortilla dough balls between the heated platens of a tortilla press. The press is moveable in the direction of the path of travel of the belt at the same speed as the belt when the platens are in their closed position with the dough balls squeezed between them. Thereafter, the press may be opened sufficiently for the upper platen to disengage the flattened dough and then slowed, stopped and moved counter-directionally to the direction of travel of the belt. At a pre-determined position, the press is again stopped and reversed to cause it to travel again in the direction of travel of the belt.

Abstract: This invention relates to vanes for gas turbines and methods for making them. Embodiments include vanes that have internal fluid travel paths and cavities to permit the passage of fluids therethrough. Such embodiments have an internal structure member supporting an outer shell which has been formed so as to have outer surfaces in the configuration desired for a vane, and has been retentively positioned on said structural member. The outer surfaces of the support member are so configured that together with the inner surfaces of the cover, they form desired internal travel paths and cavities. Embodiments include such structures and methods for making same wherein the internal support structure is made in accordance with the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 4,483,168.

Abstract: This invention relates to rain gutter devices, and in one embodiment comprises a bracket for use in supporting a rain-water deflector. The bracket is in the form of a flat continuum having a straight upper section and a double-reverse lower section. The lowermost portion includes a tab adapted for receiving the top edge of an associated rain-gutter. The upper section includes tabs for insertion into corresponding apertures in associated rain-water deflectors. Other embodiments include such brackets in combination with rain-water deflectors having bracket tab apertures, each of which consists of a central opening and side-openings that are separated from their associated central opening by a narrow web. Thereby, upon movement of the rain-water shield in its long dimension as a result of thermal expansion and contraction, the associated bracket tabs will break through the webs, eliminating restraint on migration of the shields and avoiding buckling of the rain-water shield.