Abstract: An anti-polish ring for an internal combustion engine is provided. The anti-polish ring includes an axially extending ring portion that is configured to scrape a top portion of a piston in a cylinder liner. The anti-polish ring is configured to accommodate passage of an intake or exhaust valve thereby. The anti-polish ring may include an alignment feature so that the anti-polish ring is inserted in a predetermined orientation in the cylinder. The anti-polish ring may include a heat shield and/or a seating member.

Abstract: In a vapor drying system, solvents such as isopropyl alcohol (IPA) are boiled and condensed to provide a means of removing water and other contamination from process parts loaded into the equipment. The parts enter the apparatus via an automated lift assembly. Upon entering the vapor zone, solvent condenses on the parts and fixtures due to a temperature differential, displacing the contaminants. This condensate/contaminant waste stream gravity drains to a buffer tank below via a sloped, temperature-controlled drip tray. After vapor condensation on the parts ceases, drying is accomplished using superheated vapors formed in a stabilized zone generated by one or more offset boil sumps and separate vapor heat exchangers. Any liquid solvent remaining on the parts is flash-dried in the vapor zone, so that parts emerge clean and dry. The invention incorporates a computer-implemented PLC to control process parameters, cover mechanism, transport mechanism, safety features during operating, idle and standby conditions.

Abstract: A simple and highly reliable automatic valve is disclosed which is enabled y being subjected to a predetermined pressure and actuated as pressure is reduced from that pressure. A pressure differential of several orders of magnitude between enablement pressure and actuation pressure can be obtained by providing non-linear or plural springs which oppose fluid pressure against a reciprocable piston. The piston includes an aperture or passage which seals against a surrounding bore when the valve is closed. The piston is maintained in a position where the aperture or passage is sealed against the bore by a latch. The latch comprises a band spring held in position by a protrusion on the piston and released when the piston is moved by a predetermined fluid pressure. Fine adjustment of both enablement and actuation pressures is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for serving the dual purposes of baking bread and for churning butter. The apparatus includes a processing chamber which releasably receives a pan which retains the ingredients to be processed. The pan includes a paddle which rotates to stir bread and to churn butter. The processing chamber further includes a heating element surrounding the pan which heats the pan during a bread baking operation. A power controller controls a motor which drives the stirring paddle and controls the heater during a bread baking operation. A switch is supplied between the power controller and the power supply to disconnect the power controller during a butter churning operation. The switch further connects the motor which drives the stirring paddle directly to the power source when the switch is set in a butter churning position.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for marinating foodstuffs in a short period of time are disclosed. The apparatus includes a base assembly defining a support surface, a removable cover disposed over the support surface and defining therewith an air-tight vessel for holding the foodstuffs and the marinade, and a vacuum pump assembly for withdrawing air from the vessel through a vacuum port communicating therewith. Upon withdrawing the air from the vessel and reducing the pressure therein, the foodstuffs expand and air is drawn out of the foodstuffs, creating voids therein, and, upon opening a pressure relief valve and returning the pressure therein to atmospheric, the marinade is drawn into the voids in the foodstuffs, thereby tenderizing and imparting flavor to the foodstuffs.

Abstract: A long wavelength counter top radiation oven in which the top and bottom surfaces of the oven cavity are formed by metal radiator panels each heated by an electric resistance heating element. A low temperature cured ceramic surface coating applied to each panel gives it a surface emissivity near unity to enhance the thermal efficiency of the oven. Separate high temperature thermostats control the upper and lower heating elements independently.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing cuprous chloride from chalcopyrite by means of a cupric chloride leach utilizing particular processing conditions in order to obtain relatively high cuprous chloride concentrations. The processing conditions are maintained so as to conduct the leach in accordance with the general reaction:(3X+12Y)Cu.sup.++ +CuFeS.sub.2 +8YH.sub.2 O.fwdarw.(4X+12Y)Cu.sup.++ +XFe.sup.++ +(2X-2Y)S.degree.+2YSO.sub.4 =+16YH.sup.+ +(1-X)CuFeS.sub.2under reaction conditions such that "X" is maintained from about 0.35 to about 0.9, "Y" is maintained from about 0.075 to about 0.35 and the sum of 3X+12Y is initially greater than 3.

Abstract: An electric skillet or the like cooking vessel includes a cooking pan and a removably attachable insulative handle having a temperature control assembly with a spring loaded temperature sensing "shoe". One portion of the side wall of the pan defines a raised temperature sensing area against which the "shoe" is pressed upon joining the pan and handle. A lip extends from the raised area and forms a recess between the lip and sidewall of the pan. A first end of a torsion spring mounted on the handle for rotation is received in the recess for engagement with the lip subsequent to joining the handle and pan and rotating the spring to a first, locked position. The opposite end of the spring is received beneath a shoulder provided on the handle, thereby twisting the torsion spring to cause the first end thereof to forcibly engage the lip.

Abstract: A donut making appliance includes upper and lower electrically heated grids movable into and out of mating engagement along first surfaces. Each of the first surfaces of the grids includes a predeterminedly placed annular recess having a central core. Upon bringing the grids into engagement, the recesses are aligned to define a toroidally shaped cavity in which cake or the like batter is placed for baking donut shaped cakes. The central core of the lower grid defines a well preferably having the shape of a truncated cone, open at the first surface of the grid. The central core of the upper grid comprises a plunger having a shape complementary to that of the well and extending outwardly from the first surface of the grid, for receipt in the well upon engagement of the grids. The plunger-well arrangement ensures the alignment of the recesses and the displacement of cooking oil deposited in the well upon bringing the grids into engagement.