Abstract: The invention is a mop head having holder insert pockets. The holder insert pockets have thick strips of a water-absorbing and swellable material in the region of the pocket openings.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dehydrating waste food material. The food material is initially ground to a relatively small particle size and transferred to a porous container or basket in a cooking vessel. The vessel contains a quantity of oil, preferably waste cooking oil, and the oil is maintained at a level beneath the basket. The oil is heated and the heated oil is circulated from the lower end of the vessel and returned to the upper end of the vessel where it flows downwardly through the food material to vaporize the moisture and kill the bacteria in the food material. The circulation of the hot oil is continued for a period sufficient to fully dehydrate the food material and produce a dried product that can be used as an animal feed adjunct.

Abstract: An electrically driven handmixer comprises a manually actuated electric switching device for an electromotor with several switch steps (I, II, III) for permanent operation of the electromotor as well as at least one switch step (IL) for short-time operation. A coupling device is used for holding and driving various insertable tools, and an interlock ensures that after the insertion of the blending attachment or other knife-like tool into the coupling device, the electromotor remains separated from the power supply despite the activation of the switch steps (I, II, III) for permanent operation of the electromotor, whereas the electromotor remains connected with the power supply during the manual actuation of the switch step (IL) for short-time operation of the electromotor.

Abstract: Adjustable components for swimming pool cleaners or other devices are disclosed. The components, when forming part of a fluid-interruption cleaner, can accommodate a variety of diaphragms (valves) of different lengths. The exterior of the cleaner's inner tube, to which the diaphragm is attached, includes a series of spaced, concentric ribs, any selected group of which may be gripped by a cantilever ring positioned between the inner tube and the cleaner body. Because the inner tube may be alternatively positioned relative to the cantilever ring and body, it can accept and accommodate diaphragms of varying lengths. The components also facilitate removal of the diaphragm and inner tube from the cleaner for inspection or, for example, when repair or replacement is desired.

Abstract: A pasta cooking system including an automatic control which permits a cooking vat containing water to be automatically filled to a predetermined level in response to turning the system on, maintained at a constant level by the addition of water during repeated cooking cycles, remove the starchy froths resulting from a cooking cycle in response to a manual input by adding additional water to cause water to rise above the automatically maintained level and overflow a skimming weir, drained by manually opening a valve and automatically rinsed by leaving the control system on during the drain time as water is continually added by the automatic fill system to clean the pot. The water is introduced by the automatic system in such a manner to cause surface agitation during the skim procedure, and to rinse the walls of the vat during the drain cycle. A water level sensing uses a single stainless steel probe and a low voltage a.c. current between the probe and a stainless steel vat to prevent cathartic corrosion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable camp stove and barbecue grill which includes both a propane-fueled barbecue grill and a propane-fueled camp stove within the same unit. The unit stores compactly within its own case for ease of transportation and opens to cooking positions whereby both barbecue grill and camp stove sections can be used simultaneously. A metal smoker plate is substituted for lava rock in the barbecue section to facilitate compact storage, and a storable heat shield is provided which in its operating position underlies the barbecue section to keep the supporting surface cool.

Abstract: A sedimentation centrifuge includes a bowl which is supplied with a feed mixture, i.e., a solid-liquid mixture, from a supply pipe. When the bowl rotates at high speed, heavy solids are displaced radially outwardly toward and sedimented on the inner wall surface of the bowl. The solid particles are then discharged through a discharge hole of the bowl and an outlet passage by a screw conveyor in the bowl. During rotation of the bowl, fins on the screw conveyor assist in separating the liquid into heavy and light liquid phases with increased separation efficiency. The separated heavy and light liquids are separately discharged from the bowl through respective outlet passages.

Abstract: An arrangement for mixing and/or kneading of viscous, plastic, powder or grain materials, comprises a housing provided with a housing opening, a screw shaft driveably arranged in the housing opening and having a torque transmitting shaft and a plurality of screw elements arranged one behind the other on the shaft, a wedge connecting the screw elements with the shaft and having a substantially rectangular cross-section with two long sides and two short sides.

Abstract: A piston-type accumulator has a cylindrical outer case, a piston slidably fitted in the cylindrical outer case, and a cap mounted in an open end of the outer case. The piston-type accumulator includes a cap attachment structure in which said cap has two larger- and smaller-diameter steps on an outer circumferential surface. The cylindrical outer case is deformed by staking on said larger- and smaller-diameter steps. The piston has an annular recess defined in an outer circumferential surface thereof axially between two seals thereon. The annular recess communicates with the atmosphere through a collapsible tube.

Abstract: A back cleaning apparatus which is adapted to be mounted in either a shower or bathtub. The apparatus includes suction cups for removably attaching it to the wall of a shower or bathtub. The cleaning surface comprises a sponge rubber member provided with a covering member such as indoor-outdoor carpet.

Abstract: Stirring device for machines for the manufacture of ice-cream, of the type with a whipping cylinder (1) with a horizontal axis, provided with a device for extraction of the ice-cream at one head side. The stirrer consists of two stirring blades (7) of helical shape which are arranged diametrically opposite one another and extend over the entire length of the whipping cylinder at a slight distance from the internal wall of same. The stirring blades (7) are supported on a hub (8) which is integral with the operating shaft (9), while there is provided between the two stirring blades (7) a plurality of scraping vanes (11) which are capable of interacting with the internal wall of the whipping cylinder.

Abstract: A water driven cleaning apparatus for use in spas, hot tubs and like open-topped enclosures suitable for bathing and having a pressurized water system. This fast, efficient, easy-to-use cleaning system extends the pressurized water system to create vacuum pressure used to remove sand, gravel, leaves, needles and other unwanted foreign matter collected in the vessel. An in-line filter traps these particles and permits removal before they enter the primary filtration system. This apparatus can be used by the bather from inside or outside the vessel. The vessel may be located indoors or outdoors. The apparatus operates without modifying the spa, hot tub or like open-topped enclosure.

Abstract: Disc shaped cleaning pads for use on cleaning apparatus, consisting of a supporting core to which a sponge is affixed. The sponge is a microporous material made from a hydroxylated polymer, the physical properties of which can be modified in the chemical growing process.

Abstract: A vacuum apparatus for temporary installation in a fireplace or stove of the type having a central opening with a floor at the bottom and a flue at the top thereof for cleaning the flue. The apparatus includes a hollow funnel-shaped adapter member configured at its upper end to generally conform to the size and shape of the bottom portion or throat of the flue of the fireplace and has a bottom end connected by a flexible hose to the inlet of a collection container. The collection container has an outlet which receives the free end of a vacuum cleaner hose which is connected to the intake of a conventional vacuum cleaner. The adapter member is supported by a pair of spring biased telescoping legs which maintain a resilient seal at the top end of the adapter member in sealing relation with the bottom portion or throat of the flue of the fireplace.

Abstract: Holes are formed in boundary portions of a blade member between first blade sections which are spirally twisted in a clockwise direction, between second blade sections which are spirally twisted in a counterclockwise direction and/or between the first and second blade sections thereof. Thus, the blade sections are joined to each other at portions lying on both sides of the hole. That is, the first and second blade sections are joined at two points or on both side portions and therefore the mechanical strength of the blade member is high.When the fluid passes from the first blade section into the second blade section or passes the boundary portion between the first or second blade sections, it passes the hole formed in the central portion. When the fluid flows along the spiral fluid path, it flows with a turning movement and moves between the center and the side wall of the tubular member.

Abstract: A protective gaiter fits around a lubricated joint, such as a motor vehicle constant velocity joint. The gaiter has a tubular body (10) with a central flexible, folded part (18) and stepped end parts (11, 12) with channels (13, 14) for clamping devices. Folds (20, 21) are provided in the end parts (11, 12) between the channels (13, 14) so that the end parts (11, 12) as well as the central part (18) are flexible.

Abstract: A clamping fixture slides between a pair of guide rails and includes a pressure plate between the guide rails. Lock plates with internal openings for receiving the guide rails are held captive on the pressure plate. An operating bar with stepped ends, one adjacent each locking plate, is deflected by a cam mechanism to incline the lock plates relative to the guide rails, thus wedging the lock plates to prevent further sliding along the guide rails. Return springs are provided to urge the lock plates to an unlocked position when pressure on the operating bar is released. A mixing apparatus using the clamping fixture is also disclosed.

Abstract: A flow rectifier for mounting in a circular section duct conveying a fluid flow, the rectifier establishing two series of oppositely-rotating vortices in a ring, which vortices cancel one another, and are created by two series of angularly offset fins. The first series of fins is disposed uniformly around the inside surface of the ring while the second series of fins is disposed uniformly around a circumference centered on the center of the ring.

Abstract: An interproximal brush for carrying on the person has an elongated one piece body member of elastomeric material forming a planar surface disposed between two leg members from which a substantially rigid boss extends for supporting a brush member. A plurality of hinges are formed in the body member at either side of the boss and the oppositely extending leg members are folded one adjacent the other and attached for slidable movement relative to one another. The planar surface is disposed transverse to the direction of relative movement of the leg members and rotates to move the brush from a position in alignment with the direction of movement of the leg members to a position forming an angle with the direction of movement of the leg members, when the leg members are moved relative to one another. The one piece body member may also be made foldable in the opposite direction to encase the brush within the leg members.

Abstract: A mobile apparatus for turning, and otherwise agitating, compost materials in an elongated windrow, is described. The invention includes a chute structure, that can be moved into, and along, the windrow. A toothed drum, at the leading end of the chute structure, penetrates the compost material, and throws it upwardly, and rearwardly, onto an inclined conveyor. The conveyor transports the materials upwardly to a discharge point, located at the trailing end of the chute structure. Gravitational forces cause the materials to intermittently fall back toward the drum, thereby churning and mixing the materials. Pressurized air is continually sprayed onto the materials on the conveyor, in order to aerate the materials while they are being churned and transported.