Abstract: An automobile navigation system which provides spoken instructions to the driver of an automobile to guide the driver along a route is disclosed. The heart of the system is a computing apparatus comprising a map database, route finding algorithms, a vehicle location system, discourse generating programs, and speech generating programs. Driver input means allows the driver to enter information such as a desired destination. The route finding algorithms in the computer apparatus calculate a route to the destination. The vehicle location system accepts input from a position sensor which measures automobile movement (magnitude and direction) continuously, and using this data in conjunction with the map database, determines the position of the automobile. Based on the current position of the automobile and the route, the discourse generating programs compose driving instructions and other messages according to a discourse model in real time as they are needed.

Abstract: A separable flange retainment system includes a first boss on the flange and a mating second boss on a valve body. The boss on the valve body has a threaded aperture for reception of a suitable fastener. A generally U shaped retainer device having an orifice in its bight portion straddles the bosses and is secured in position by the fastener. The retainer device precludes lateral and rotational movement between the flange and the body.

Abstract: A spray device is used to deliver a liquid, liquid containing a solid or a solid in a shaped flow onto a surface. The spray device can be used to deliver the material downwardly, laterally or upwardly in the form of droplets, a curtain or a mist. The spray device consists of a housing which uses a center shaft to deliver the material from the feed end to the discharge end. At the discharge end this center shaft has a flange which rotates with the center shaft. This flange is adjustable. Disposed over this center shaft flange is a flange fixedly attached to the nozzle housing. The material that is being delivered is shaped into the desired form in this flange region of the spray device. This spray device is non-clogging. In a preferred embodiment the surface that is being coated is the surface of an edible food product such as a cookie, biscuit, cracker or candy. The coating can be an oil, an oil containing dissolved or suspended flavorants, or a confection such as chocolate.

Abstract: A fluid valve for use in elevated pressure and temperature conditions. Composition material wiper rings are provided in the packing bore between the packing follower and the packing box ring. The composition wiper rings have an inner diameter substantially the same as the valve stem diameter to inhibit the extrusion of packing material during sliding valve operation.

Abstract: A fluid valve with improved valve trim for reliable fluid shut off in high pressure applications. The improved valve trim includes a flexible metal seat with a lip portion which flexes outwardly upon sealing contact with a valve plug seating surface. A deformable seal mounted in the seat is prevented from substantial outward movement by a rigid metal seal retainer and is squeezed outwardly around the plug seating surface as the seat lip portion flexes outwardly.

Abstract: Active dried yeast is prepared using an osmotically active aqueous solution of a water soluble salt of magnesium or calcium in an initial salt treatment of the yeast cream. The resulting active dried yeast shows greater retention of activity in the final drying step than corresponding active dried yeasts obtained using osmotically active solutions of sodium and potassium salts in the same first step.

Abstract: A cushion for supporting the head of a user reposing in a sitting or semi-reclining position comprises a relatively stiff body constituting a segment of a torus. The length and curvature of the body are such that when the body is positioned on the user's shoulder at one side of the midsagittal plane, the body extends from a location adjacent to the mastoid process behind the user's ear forwardly to a point beyond the midsagittal plane to the mental terminus of the user's mandible so that said body provides positive anatomically correct support for the user's head no matter which direction the head nods or tilts to said one side of the midsagittal plane. A novel method of making the cushion is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for uniformly coating pieces of food with a viscous, particulate-containing composition in which the coating, e.g., a flavored oil containing, for example, spices, is fed to a rotatable, enclosed, frustoconical reservoir enclosed within a housing having a series of serrations along its upper rim. Centrifugal force radially sprays the coating through the serrations, which serve to limit the size of the particulates in the coating. The coating spray exits the housing and coats pieces of food transported external to the housing.

Abstract: A cushion for supporting the head of a user reposing in a sitting or semi-reclining position comprises a relatively stiff body constituting a segment of a torus. The length and curvature of the body are such that when the body is positioned on the user's shoulder at one side of the midsagittal plane, the body extends from a location adjacent to the mastoid process behind the user's ear forwardly to a point beyond the midsagittal plane to the mental terminus of the user's mandible so that said body provides positive anatomically correct support for the user's head no matter which direction the head nods or tilts to said one side of the midsagittal plane. A novel method of making the cushion is also disclosed.

Abstract: A welding cable reel system including an insulated reel mounted on an electrically conducting bearing assembly, the assembly in turn mounted on a hub which is rotatably mounted on a shaft which is connected to an insulated support post. A cable being connected to the hub so as to receive current which is transmitted to the support post and carried through the shaft and hub to the cable.

Abstract: The basic module comprises a frame, a support which is mounted to reciprocate vertically on the frame adjacent the rear thereof, and a printing screen, which projects horizontally forwardly from the support in cantilever fashion. A cable, which is attached at one end to the support and at its opposite end to the frame, passes intermediate its ends over a plurality of pulleys, certain of which are mounted on the frame, and one of which is attached to a counterweight located beneath the frame. The weight is carried on one end of a pivotal treadle, the opposite end of which is adapted to be manipulated by the foot of an operator standing in front of the frame. Normally the weight is in a lowered position in which it causes the cable to retain the screen in an elevated position, but when the foot treadle is depressed, the weight is lifted and the screen and its support drop by gravity to their lowered positions.

Abstract: Dispensing apparatus for individually dispensing folded newspapers, magazines, or like articles from a stack of articles, comprises a reciprocal dispensing assembly having movable fingers mounted thereon for engaging within a fold of the article to pull the article to a dispensing position from its stacked or stored position. The fingers are laterally spaced and adapted to be extended and inserted into respective lateral ends of the fold. Alternatively, the fingers can be made responsive to the opening of an acess door. In both embodiments, movement of the fingers between their extended and retracted positions is controlled by a pair of longitudinally spaced stops. An adjustment is provided for accommodating the dispensing of articles having varied thicknesses, while maintaining the fingers in the center of the fold of a particular article.

Abstract: A simplified and inexpensive book holder for use by readers without arm mobility is operable for both reclining and sitting readers. Reading visibility is not obscured by page holding clamps. Thus, a set of monofilament lines is horizontally disposed across the open pages of a book to hold them in reading posture. These lines also provide simple page turnability by means of a stick held in the mouth. The construction thus is basically a four walled framework with two or three monofilament lines across one open end. A set of clamps extending inwardly from the walls holds a book cover in place with the pages open. A pivoted set of clamps attached to the walls will mount the book holder on the edge of a table for reading in vertically oriented sitting position or horizontally oriented reclining position.

Abstract: A mechanical device for abrading the surfaces of workpieces is disclosed in which a power driven perforated abrasive coated endless belt comes into intimate parallel contact with a rotatably driven slotted disc platen. The perforated abrasive coated endless belt is oriented so that its noncoated side contacts the slotted disc platen. The periodic alignment of the slots of the revolving disc platen with the perforations of the abrasive coated endless belt allows an operator to continually observe a workpiece while its surface is being abraded.