Abstract: A pig trap closure is disclosed which includes a collar adapted to be attached to the end of a pipe, a door for opening and closing the end of the pipe, means for clamping the door to the collar and sealing means for preventing communication between the interior of the pipe and the atmosphere when the door is clamped to the collar. A testing valve is provided for indicating the presence of pressurized fluid in the pipe and means connects the testing valve to a handle used to unclamp the door for preventing movement of the handle until after the presence of pressurized fluid within the pipe has been checked by the testing valve.

Abstract: A solenoid valve comprising a housing having opposed inlet and outlet ports which communicate via a passage containing a poppet member movable in response to energization of a coil is disclosed. A flexible wall is further provided in said passage to define inlet and outlet chambers communicating respectively with said inlet and outlet ports. A second passage in said flexible wall connects said chambers, and a resilient spring urges a valve seat defined in said second passage into fluid tight engagement with the poppet member, whatever the position of the latter. The poppet member is movable between a first position in which it urges the wall against an abutment, thereby preventing any communication between the inlet and outlet ports, and a second position in which the wall is movable relative thereto, whereby said wall acts as a non-return valve between the inlet and outlet ports.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing filter-tipped cigarettes, in which a band is wound on the end of the cylinder of tobacco and on the filter tip so as to encircle them and connect them together, wherein, on the path followed by the paper serving to constitute the band before winding and connection, the paper is slit longitudinally and the two edges of the slit are spaced apart in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cigarette, as a function of the desired rate of dilution of the smoke.

Abstract: A method of assembling from kit components a solar oven and in so doing, teaching the assembler the principals involving insulation, reflection, solar ray conversion to heat, temperature conservation and the fine art of cookery.

Abstract: A process is disclosed wherein the decaffeination of solutions of caffeine in fatty media is effected with hydrophilic, phenol/formaldehyde polymeric resins having phenolic functional groups. In particular, the solutions are contacted with resin to effect decaffeination and the solvent medium is recovered, whereas the exhausted resin containing adherent caffeine and any non-caffeine solids may be regenerated for re-use. Other features of the invention are described in the specification.

Abstract: A respiration system is provided which is useful to protect a wearer thereof in potentially hazardous atmospheres which are not immediately dangerous to life or health. The respiration system comprises a flexible cape member having an aperture defining a neck engaging collar through which a wearer's head is passed. A ring structure surrounds the aperture and is attached to the cape member to form and hold an inner portion of the cape member in a ruff configuration which extends radially outwardly from the aperture to the ring structure. A conduit passes through a first orifice in the cape member, within the inner portion thereof, for release of respiratory air above an upper surface of the ruff configuration. A head enclosure is sealing affixed to the cape member and surrounds the ruff configuration.

Abstract: A pistol is disclosed that may be used by either right or left handed individuals. A spring biased U-shaped latch is located in the pistol handle and may be reversed in position without any special skills or tools. In either position the latch temporarily blocks the removal of the magazine. A force exerted on the latch in opposition to the biasing force permits removal and reversal of the latch.

Abstract: A microprocessor based system for remote starting of an automobile engine includes circuitry for automatically actuating an accelerator of the automobile to effect starting of the engine, circuitry for energizing the starter motor for a predetermined number of seconds, repeating energizing of the engine a predetermined number of times if the engine does not start, and providing a predetermined delay between each energizing of the automobile engine. A remote transmitter transmits a start command to a receiver located in the automobile, causing the receiver to cause an algorithm stored in the microprocessor to attempt to start the engine and control certain accessories.

Abstract: A method for wrapping cigars or like articles in an outer envelope, or wrapper, made of natural tobacco, which comprises the steps of: at least partially spreading out a non-stripped tobacco leaf, cutting out a first batch of wrappers from one of the half-leaves on one side of the midrib, turning the leaf over onto its other face, spreading out the half-leaf which has not yet been cut out, cutting out a second batch of wrappers from this half-leaf, then rolling cigars or like articles in these two batches of wrappers, reversing the direction of rolling when passing from the wrappers of the first batch to those of the second batch.

Abstract: A semi-automatic bag filling and weighing machine is disclosed including a rotatable indexing table supporting a bag at four spaced locations around the table, a conveyor device for supplying articles to be weighed and filled into the bags, a weighing and filling station to which the bags are moved by the indexing table, a weighing and sensing device for actuating power cylinders operating in conjunction with the filling station, the indexing table and other control devices to move the indexing table so as to replace a filled bag with an empty bag at the filling station. Quick release bag clamping devices are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides novel 4-aryl-5-aminoalkyl-1,3-dioxol-2-ones having hypocholesterolemic, hypolipemic, antiulcer, antihistaminic and antiserotoninic activities.

Abstract: A glass mirror film of layered construction is provided. The glass mirror film comprises a pliable glass film having a supporting film secured to one surface by an adhesive layer and a reflective layer disposed on an opposed glass film surface. A gummed layer may be applied over the reflective surface if desired. The glass mirror films are particularly suitable for use in concentrating solar collectors.

Abstract: A dispensing device for discharging material under pressure, includes at least one accumulating chamber for receiving and accumulating material to be dispensed and operable to discharge the material under pressure over a sustained period of time for use as desired, and at least one expansible chamber operable to incrementally move material from a container into the accumulating chamber for storage of the material under pressure, whereby a prolonged, pressurized discharge of the material can be obtained.

Abstract: A batch process for the sterilization of particulate solid materials, in which a batch of particulate solid material to be sterilized is introduced into a rotary vessel shaped so that rotation of the vessel imparts a tumbling action to the solid material; the solid material is heated in the vessel while rotating the same to subject the material to a tumbling action; a lubricant liquid is injected under pressure into the vessel at a temperature in excess of the temperature of the solids; the lubricant liquid and solid material are held at a sterilization temperature while maintaining the tumbling action; and the sterilized solid material is withdrawn from the vessel under aseptic conditions.

Abstract: A device for checking coins or other metal pieces has an electromagnetic detector responsive to the passage of the coins which produces an output voltage which varies as a result of the passing coins. This voltage is measured at predetermined periods and compared with programmed voltage values stored in a memory and which are characteristic of the coins to be checked.

Abstract: A solar energy collecting panel for heating by solar radiation a liquid culating in a section of piping and constituted by a flat rectangular box thermally closed by a cover transparent to solar radiation and containing the said section of piping. The said box is constituted by a stamped metal sheet whose surface is less than 1 m squared and also contains a stamped copper tray in intimate contact with the piping section, the said tray supporting by itself the transparent cover and being thermally spaced from the box, the insulating pad being constituted by a in situ moulded block of rigid foam. Such a panel is intended to be used for feeding a central heating system and/or a hot water distribution system, especially for household purposes or swimming pools.

Abstract: Pipe measuring apparatus is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, a transmitter is arranged at one end and a receiver at the other end of the pipe. At the transmitter, there is a tone generator which transmits acoustic signal along the pipe. In addition, a power amplifier drives an output diode which transmits light of a specified frequency, and both are funneled along the pipe to be measured. At the receiving end, an amplifier picks up the sound. In like manner, the light which is transmitted through the pipe is also detected. Both detected signals are amplified. After amplification, their modulating envelopes are compared to one another. There is a time shift which is a function of transmission distance, treating the transmitted light as the reference. This time shift is converted by a scale factor into a multi-digit output. The conversion occurs through the use of a clock connected through a decimal counter which is gated on by the light signal and which is gated off by the advent of the sound signal.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a wrapping process for cigars with natural tobacco through stamping of a wrapping surface with a pre-manufactured tobacco core and total wrapping of said tobacco core by said surface, a process in which before the stamping operation, the wrapping surface is maintained on its two areas in the vicinity of its longitudinal edges so that they are stretched during the stamping operation.

Abstract: A composite construction panel and process for its fabrication. The contruction panel has a lightweight cellular insulation core adapted for receiving imbedded electrical conduits and further includes a cementatious fireproofing layer. The panel is completely clad within glass fiber reinforced concrete. In addition, reinforcing steel can be incorporated into the concrete encasement. Adjacent panels are designed for bolted and/or adhesive interconnection with registration of the respective conduits thus forming a continuous internal conduit network. The method of fabrication includes a molding operation wherein a rigid foam core is formed from a flowable urethane composition, the core is bonded to the fireproofing layer and then enveloped within a cement matrix having glass fibers. Mold inserts are utilized to provide void areas such as for window and door openings, bolt connection pockets and utility box placement. The panel can be manufactured in planar and simple and compound curve shapes.