Abstract: An African violet plant having relatively large star-shaped flowers having a deep red flower color; shiny foliage; fast and vigorous growth; very strong and upright stems, and long blooming period.

Abstract: An African violet cultivar having vigorous growth and generally purple flowers and medium green leaves. The cultivar has 10-15 upright and strong flower stems, with each stem carrying up to 10 flowers, thereby providing a very strong and full flowerhead.

Abstract: A new variety of almond tree with upright, stocky growth of medium vigor and size. The tree is further characterized by having heavy foliage of medium size leaves, an abundance of heavy white bloom, and being a regular and heavy bearer of medium size, sweet kernel almonds. The blooming time being after Nonpareil Almond (unpatented) but just ahead of Mission Almond (unpatented) and the harvest time being early, essentially with Nonpareil Almond.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is a new and distinct variety of miniature rose plant of the miniature class resembling the variety Over The Rainbow (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 3,472) but differing especially in the brillance of its orange color and the contrasting light color of the reverse side of petals.

Abstract: A writing instrument is provided which generates electrical signals indicative of the force applied and the direction of motion taken by the writing instrument as one is writing with it. The writing instrument uses strain gauges for providing these signals.

Abstract: A method .Iadd.and means .Iaddend.of treating burn and decubitus patients in which a generally nonadhering disposable laminated fabric having nonwoven non-migrating fibrous surfaces is interposed between the patient and a surface on which he is supported.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in assembling hot and cold food portions onto moving trays. The apparatus includes a generally rectangular cabinet section which may be mounted on casters for portability. The top surface of the cabinet is provided with a plurality of hot food wells and frost plates adjacent each of its longitudinally extending sides. Mounted centrally on the top of the cabinet and extending upwardly therefrom is a tray conveyer assembly. Food trays carried by continuously rotating tray carriers mounted on the conveyer assembly pass in front of attendants who place the required portions of hot and/or cold food upon the trays.

Abstract: Blow-molding apparatus for the fabrication of hollow bodies from thermoplastic material, wherein a pre-cast element positioned on a blow pipe receives its finished shape in a hollow mold by blowing compressed air through the pipe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for deriving an oxygen association .[.rate.]. curve for a blood sample wherein the sample is introduced into a transparent-walled cell and is deoxygenated by contact with a deoxygenated fluorocarbon material. The cell is located in the optical path of two time-shared respective monochromatic beams, one having a wavelength at which there is substantially no change in absorbance as between oxygenated and deoxygenated blood and the other having a wavelength at which there is a relatively large change in absorbance as between oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. The difference in absorbance through the cell of the two wavelengths is measured and recorded while oxygenated fluorocarbon titrant material is pumped through the cell, the cell having a restricted flow passage for the titrant material which acts to separate the blood therefrom and retain it in the cell while the titration is taking place.

Abstract: An improved method for the manufacture of wood fiberboard according to the wet system with a closed white water system includes the steps of drying the incoming lignocellulose containing material, prior to the dilution step, to a dryness, or solid consistency, which is higher than the dryness of the wet lap or sheet before final drying to produce the fiberboard product. Formaldehyde is added to the resulting white water which is homogenized to atomize occurring precipitations through efficient agitation and dispersion prior to being recirculated for use for diluting the incoming fiber material. Thus, there is obtained an efficient closed white water system which results in a reduction of environmentally harmful discharge of polluted water as well as the production of fiberboard with enhanced appearance.

Abstract: Sulfur dioxide is removed from gas mixtures such as flue gas containing the same by contacting the gas mixture with a solid sorbent comprising a porous gamma-alumina base, about 2 to 20 percent by weight (based on alumina) of a coating of a refractory oxide such as titanium dioxide, zirconium dioxide, or silica, and an active material, such as copper oxide, which is capable of selective removal of sulfur oxides from a gas mixture.

Abstract: A urethane elastomeric impact modifier is provided for 15 rigid thermoplastic polymers. Polyester and polyether urethane elastomers are grafted to the acrylic polymers. Preferred is a polyester, diisocyanate and glycol urethane elastomer terminated with a functional monomer capable of ethylenic polymerization grafting with the acrylic polymer. The modified polymers offer an improved balance of physical properties including higher impact strength, clarity, and weather resistance.

Abstract: Fried chips comprising potato solids are made by blanching pieces of raw potatoes containing in excess of 0.2 percent reducing sugar to gel starch contained therein, drying said pieces to a moisture content of about 25 to 60 percent, forming a dough comprising at least about 60 percent by weight of potato solids from said pieces, mixing said dough with yeast and allowing said mixture to ferment for a time sufficient to lower the sugar content below about .[.0.27.]. .Iadd.0.2 .Iaddend.percent by weight of original raw potatoes, forming said dough into chips, drying said chips to a moisture content of from 6-20 percent by weight and frying said chips.

Abstract: A process for simultaneously texturizing a plurality of yarns including feeding a plurality of yarns separately through the inlet of a texturizing device to a cylindrical chamber, supplying a hot compressed fluid to the cylindrical chamber to advance the yarns therein, the hot compressed fluid escaping into an outer closed chamber, and maintaining the outer chamber at a pressure less than the feed pressure of the hot compressed fluid and greater than atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: An electric motor for driving a mechanical load at variable speed and constant torque includes a stationary housing containing a magnetic field rotor driven by alternating current and surrounding a drive rotor. The rotors rotate in opposite direction when the drive rotor is coupled to a load. The motor can be of induction or synchronous type. The means for adjustably varying retardation of the field rotor and consequently the speed of the drive rotor .[.may be by.]. .Iadd.is .Iaddend.a direct current energized magnetic coercive force clutch mechanically coupled to the field rotor .[.or by other electromechanical means connected in circuit with the field rotor.]. .Iadd.to provide constant output torque throughout the speed range of the drive rotor.Iaddend..

Abstract: In the exposure control apparatus disclosed, a photo-electric element converts light to which it is exposed to an electrical quantity. A pulse entry circuit responds to the photo-electric element and enters a sequence of sets of pulses into a memory. Each set of pulses corresponds in number to the electric quantity and erases the previous set. A timing clock responds to a signal from a shutter opening member and keeps reading out the content of the memory until the memory is empty at which time the circuit, in conjunction with the memory, produces a shutter closing signal.

Abstract: A substantially rigid dome-shaped shell encloses a deformable cap-like headpiece of uniform thickness. The headpiece conforms to the contour of the wearer's head and cooperates with the shell to define a dome-shaped cavity which is sealed around its bottom portion. The cavity is filled with an expandable plastics foam material which hardens and conforms to the contour of the headpiece. In one embodiment, spacer members are positioned within the cavity and extend from the headpiece to the shell for positioning the shell relative to the headpiece, and in another embodiment, the shell is spaced within a slightly larger outer shell by resilient energy-absorbing foam pads. In a further embodiment, separate earpiece units are contour fitted to the wearer's head with a resilient expandable plastics foam material, and a modified helmet shell is used as a holder for fitting the headpiece and earpiece units.

Abstract: A generally conventional welders' shield is provided including a support frame for placement over and support from the upper portion of a welder's head and a rearwardly opening upstanding shield body pivotally supported from opposite side portions of the frame. The shield body includes a viewing aperture therein to be in horizontal registry with the eyes of the wearer of the frame when the shield body is in an upstanding position and the upper margin of the viewing aperture is at an elevation to be at least horizontally aligned with straight forward vision of the eyes of the wearer of the frame.

Abstract: A bib-tray structure for use during the feeding of an infant is fabricated from suitably stiff and tear resistant thin sheet material such as paper cut and folded so as to comprise a bib portion, a tray portion, and an interconnecting transition region having accordian folds adapted to provide adjustability of height of the structure. The bib portion contains neck straps which are adjustably interengagable. The tray portion contains borders which permit facile assembly of a serving surface bounded by retaining walls.

Abstract: A liquid impervious cuff assembly for a disposable surgical gown or the like comprising a stockinette folded back upon itself to form a double-walled, substantially cylindrical cuff envelope folded at its forward end, open at its rearward end and having inner and outer walls. A layer of liquid impervious material is located between the inner and outer walls of the cuff envelope. The open end of the cuff envelope and the fluid impervious layer between the wall thereof are attached to the free end of a surgical gown sleeve. This attachement may be accomplished by sewing the inner wall, the liquid impervious layer and the outer wall at the open end of the cuff envelope to the free end of the surgical sleeve. The cuff assembly may be adhesively attached to the free end of the gown sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a ventilated head cover having a plurality of openings in the crown and also between the brim of the head cover and the sweatband and/or between the sweatband and the wearer's head to permit air to freely circulate up into and out of the crown to cool the head of the wearer. Further, the openings in the crown are shaded with an overhanging or outwardly projecting bill or bills which extend outwardly to provide a shade or sunlight barrier to exclude direct sunlight from the wearer's head.

Abstract: Cardiovascular malfunction is corrected by implantation through open-heart surgery of a prosthetic valve assembly in which a specially formed valve retainer ring, designed to be secured within a blood vessel by means of sutures, supports a plurality of valve flaps in uniquely hinged relationship. The hinged valve flaps are arranged to normally occur in a closed position in which adjacent flap edges, when in abutting relation to one another, limit hinging movement in one direction. The valve flaps are designed to closely resemble valve flaps in a human heart with hinged mountings devised to insure pronounced longevity being provided. Each valve flap, in response to systolic pressure, is free to move away from the normally closed position described. There is thus produced a central passageway through which fluid may flow in a substantial linear path of travel with little, if any, turbulence or traumatic effects being induced.

Abstract: A self-contained, recirculating flush liquid, type of water closet for passenger aircraft; wherein, the means for periodically draining the contents of the waste holding tank, comprises an inverted U-shaped tube which is separated at the bend of the U-shape or elbow thereof, into approximately two half-parts. These half-parts are joined by a movable or flexible connection in order that one of the half-parts can be moved relative to the other half-part. One end of the U-shaped tube is rigidly fixed to and projects out from the bottom of the tank; and the other movable half-part has an intake nozzle opening which when it is positioned at the bottom surface of the tank, it is at an operative waste removal position, and when it is moved to a raised position where the intake nozzle opening is at the top of the tank, the removal of waste from the tank is prevented.

Abstract: A water flow control device and method for use in a toilet flushing apparatus, having a valve member and a flushing arm and handle assembly coupled to said valve member for lifting said valve member when said flushing arm and handle assembly is operated for controlling the flow of water between a toilet tank and a toilet bowl is described. The device comprises means attachable to the toilet flushing apparatus for restricting the distance the valve member is moved when the flushing arm and handle assembly is operated so that the valve member does not float upwardly and, when the flushing arm and handle assembly is returned to its initial position, the valve member immediately returns to its initial position for stopping water flow from the tiolet tank into the toilet bowl.

Abstract: A suana includes a wooden housing, having a closable entryway and a heating device and a humidifier, each of which is disposed in the housing, and includes a control element for respectively regulating the temperature and humidity in the housing. At least one pair of space-apart electrodes are disposed opposite one another in said housing for creating an electric field within the inner space of the housing, and at least one irradiation lamp is also disposed in the housing for creating light within the total visible spectrum of light, including UV and IR irradiation.

Abstract: An automatic cleaning system for swimming pools connected to a source of fluid pressure and having a control system for allowing fluid to escape through the jets in predetermined cycles is provided. The cycling of the jets provides a sweeping action across the inner surface of the pool so that debris and sediment are progressively moved to the pool drain opening. The jets are used in conjunction with a fluid manifold system which permits the cycling to be accomplished. The fluid manifold system is conveniently fixed to the inner surface of existing pools near the water level and adjacent to the coping, or an in ground manifold system may be used in conjunction with in place wall fittings as in the case of new pool construction. The jets may be of an adjustable nature and may remain in a fixed position or allowed to oscillate.

Abstract: A toilet system comprising a collecting tank, a pump extending downwardly into the collecting tank and having an inlet, a drain opening in the bottom surface of the collecting tank a selected distance beneath the pump inlet and having a size sufficient to receive large glass objects therein, a drain conduit extending downwardly from the drain opening, the pump including a recirculating conduit, the recirculating conduit being selectively positioned and having a selected size for discharging pumped liquid across the pump inlet whereby bottles which are being drawn upwardly into the pump opening will be deflected downwardly through the drain opening into the drain conduit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a ballcock type flush valve that has all moving parts above the water line of the tank, thereby eliminating corrosion. The valve configuration is such that it is designed to shut-off the flow of water, thereby providing a positive shut-off, and further it is unique in that it has no seat or seal to leak that is below the water line. Fail safe features include a flush mechanism that will remain inoperative until the tank has regenerated its water supply, thereby providing a full flush. Anti-syphon means are included in addition to prevent back flow of bowl water into the water system. The ballcock flush valve combination is so constructed that ingress of additional water due to a faulty seal is impossible thereby conserving water.

Abstract: An attachment for conventional beds whereby a bed is made to tilt, rotating generally about the centerline of a person lying in the bed, the attachment including a pair of stanchions, each stanchion having a stirrup pivotally connected thereto, each stirrup having cups for receiving the feet of a bed, and a tilt control means for shifting the stirrup with respect to the stanchion, the stirrup rotating about the pivotal axis which is generally aligned with the centerline of a person lying in the bed.

Abstract: The combination with a spring assembly of pairs of structures designed to be applied transversely to the top and bottom supporting surfaces at one or more longitudinally spaced intervals to enhance the resistance to sinking of the supporting surfaces, bowing at the longitudinal sides and collapse between the surfaces at the longitudinal sides comprising pairs of elongate parts which extend transversely across the assembly at the top and bottom sides from one longitudinal side to the other, said parts being transversely inextensible and resistant to flexing and at one end thereof a polygonal structure disposed between the border wires in the plane of the sides, two sides of which, the top and bottom, are parallel to the border wires and the other two sides of which embody oppositely disposed spring arms.

Abstract: A reinforcing structure for the corners of innerspring assemblies comprising spaced parallel parts disposed diagonally across the top and bottom sides of the innerspring assembly, spring members at the opposite ends of the spaced parallel parts disposed between the top and bottom sides which yieldably resist displacement of the top and bottom sides relative to each other and clips fixing the structures to the top and bottom sides of the assembly. The spring members are torsion springs comprising a coil and angularly disposed arms and these are disposed with the arms situated in the planes of the sides and ends of the assembly. Optionally, the top and bottom parts are longitudinallly adjusted to vary the distance between the spring members.

Abstract: A preformed grid of perpendicularly intersecting wires equally or unequally spaced apart and welded together or part of such grid such as a pair of parallel wires and a binding cross wire, are tightly joined together as well as to the top turn or ring of a coil spring by an inverted U-shaped wire clip detached and fed preferably automatically from a cemented group of such clips much like conventional staples. An upper grid wire is arranged to span the ring diametrically while a pair of lower wires parallel to each other are arranged as respective opposed chords of the ring each spaced inwardly at its weld from the adjacent perimeter of the ring just enough to permit the insertion of a clip leg or legs at an inward and downward slant into the space between the perimeter of the ring and the chord portion of the other wire while straddling the spanning wire.

Abstract: A foam-padded article such as an auto seat cushion having an outer upholstery integrally adhered to the foam is made by vacuum forming an airtight upholstery layer to which the foam adheres and then introducing the foamable cushioning material and foaming it into contact with the formed upholstery. Controllable folds are intentionally formed in desireable locations in the article, as for example, in one or more corners of a cushion not subject to heavy wear, by pressing one or more fold-forming plates into the upholstery layer in the forming mold before the foamed cushioning material sets thereby tensioning the remainder of the layer. The apparatus yieldably clamps the edges of upholstery surrounding the area to be folded while non-yieldably clamping it in areas to be tensioned. The folds so formed may be sealed with an adhesive before foaming occurs thereby assuring more permanent tensioning of the upholstery in the product.

Abstract: An improved variable contour cushion operating system comprising an imperforate flexible casement containing myriad amounts of tiny spherical plastic micro-bearings which displace in response to an occupants body weight during an equalized atmospheric-pressure mode of use, but respond enmasse to an induced low-pressure air differential condition by fixing to an instant position through virtue of said micro-bearings deforming temporarily into inter-joining polyhedrons; wherein said casement in this new disclosure is additionally subjected to a "floative"-mode of operation involving positive air-pressure greater than former ambient-atmosphere, thus achieving an enhanced cradling effect in the "contour"-mode for greater comfort & security to the occupant.

Abstract: A unitary accessory control for a waterbed fixed to the waterbed frame. Within the unitary accessory control are such accessories as a pump for filling (emptying) the waterbed, a heater, a vibrator, a sound system and a mechanism to control the environment of the room in which the waterbed is located. The user can thus regulate to his taste, the temperature and degree of motion of his sleep surface, and even change these variables at will. Additionally, he may create a total surrounding environment completely of his own choosing as to sound and/or room lighting and temperature without moving from his sleep surface.

Abstract: Combination tool comprising an elongated tubular handle; one or several individual or combined tool members adapted to be inserted into at least one end of said handle; and a locking device for releasably connecting said tool members to said handle. The combination tool is characterized by two opposite slots at at least one end of said handle; a support block fixed to the outer surface of said handle and covering one of said slots; stop means fixed to at least one side of the tool members for engagement with the inner surface of the handle opposite to the slot covered by the support block; said locking device comprising a leaf spring fixed to the outer surface of the handle; a transverse locking pin fixed to at least one end of said leaf spring; at least one transverse aperture in said handle; and at least one groove in the back edge of the tool member, said groove having a shape complementary to the locking pin.

Abstract: A die assembly comprising a reinforcement case formed with a tapered bore, a forming die inserted into the tapered bore from therebelow, and a stock die supporting the forming die in fitting contact with the bottom of the forming die and formed at its lower portion with a guide stem of reduced diameter. The guide stem extends downward through the center of a threaded bore formed in the lower portion of the reinforcement case. A pushing-up member having a center bore through which the guide stem extends freely movably is screwed in the threaded bore of the reinforcement case and supports the stock die. The forming die and the stock die are formed with knockout pin passageways in alignment with each other.

Abstract: A method of forming flat four-sided fastener parts from an elongated strip of sheet material by causing the material to progressively pass through a work station where a series of longitudinally spaced openings are formed in the material, and thereafter the material is periodically severed along an irregular line extending from one side to the other of the sheet material for the purpose of separating individual fastener parts from the material.

Abstract: A pair of longitudinally extending cantilevered beam-type structural members are interconnected for the transmission of shearing forces between them. A part is secured to and projects longitudinally from the cantilevered end of one of the structural members into a horizontally displaceable bearing in the other. A reinforcing part is rigidly connected to one of the structural members and extends in the longitudinal direction of the structural member from its cantilevered end into and is supported by at least one longitudinally displaceable bearing in the other said structural member. The reinforcing part can be a single element or a pair of elements with one being a compression element and the other a tension element.

Abstract: A hand tool particularly useful for concrete work and for providing the combined operations of raking, leveling and setting grade. The tool includes a base plate, a vertically upstanding handle and an adjustable sight collar slidably mounted on the handle with a sight groove and adjustable thumb screw to allow for accurate grade checking.

Abstract: Brush where in bristle tufts are bound to a brush core by a helically wound notched strip of a suitable material such as metal spaced radially of the core, the roots of the bristle tufts passing through the notches in the strip. The strip has longitudinally spaced formations integral therewith for spacing the strip radially of the brush core, thereby avoiding the use of a further, separate strip for that purpose.The invention also includes a machine for and a method of making the above brush. The bristle binding strip is notched as it is fed toward means for feeding bristles to the notched strip to form bristle tufts, and the bristle tufts and binding strip are fed to the brush core to be wound thereon, such notching also forming strip spacing tabs.

Abstract: A hairbrush has a body member provided with a plurality of apertures, and a plurality of substantially rigid pins mounted on the body member and each extending through one of the apertures. Each pin extends through the respective aperture with play relative thereto so as to be pivotable relative to the body member. Each pin has a shaft part extending with play through a front portion of the aperture adjacent to the outer surface of the body member, and a head part received with play in an enlarged rear portion of the aperture.

Abstract: A mop comprising a frame having a center mounted pivotally attached handle rotatable through an interruption in the frame from one side to the other side of the frame, the mop also comprising a removable cover for the frame, the cover having cleaning surfaces on both sides and defining an envelope to receive the frame, a slot being provided on each side of the cover to permit movement of the handle therethrough upon rotation between the sides of the frame.

Abstract: In a mop comprising a plurality of absorptive elements, a handle, and means joining said elements to said handle, the improvement wherein said absorptive elements comprise substantially flat strips of bonded nonwoven fabric, said strips ranging in width from about 5 to 60 mm, in length from about 15 to 60 cm and in thickness from about 0.5 to 3 mm. Binder may be printed onto the elements. The elements are flat and thus there is a greater area of contact with the surface being mopped. The elements may be joined into a round or elongate cross section mop by providing the elements with cuts through which a male member projects, the male member locking with a snap fit into a female member to which a mop handle is attached. Projections may be provided in the male and/or female members to immobilize the absorptive elements.

Abstract: The present invention provides a brush-like mounting device of the type for detachably mounting a cleaning, stripping, scrubbing, polishing or the like type member, such as a pad, for commercial, industrial and/or residential applications. The device includes a generally rigid body member having at least one generally planar side surface. First retention means, including resilient filament means, extends from this surface for coacting gripping engagement with a pad; and second retention means including resilient filament means extends from said surface and angularly in respect to said first retention means for coacting gripping engagement with the confronting surface of said pad and with said first and second filament means coacting for detachably mounting said pad on said mounting device.

Abstract: A fracture resistant wearing edge is provided on unicrystalline alpha alumina material by the intersection of planar surfaces which are parallel to m-planes of the unicrystalline alpha alumina. Such planar surfaces intersect at an angle of 60.degree. or 120.degree. and the intersection of such surfaces is an edge substantially parallel to the C-axis of the unicrystalline alpha alumina material.

Abstract: A device for connecting the rod of a windshield wiper blade to one side of the channel-shaped end of an oscillating arm, the channel-shaped end having coaxial holes in its two opposite sides defining seats. The device includes a U-shaped bracket for articulated connection to the arm end. The bracket may have coaxial pins accommodated by the seats, or openings for accommodating bosses protruding outwardly from the seats. One of the pins may be spring biased to maintain the connection, or a leaf spring may be used having one position in which it interferes with disassembly of the parts and another position in which is permits disassembly.

Abstract: This invention relates to a doctor blade assembly which is an improvement of the assembly as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 3,859,690, as well as to an improved pressure finger which can be used in the assembly. The improved finger includes a bearing part on which the finger can be pivotably mounted. Extending forwardly of the bearing part are two spaced apart jaws having inner facing surfaces which define, between them, mounting slots for the doctor blade. The inner surfaces comprise a plurality of parallel, spaced, transverse grooves, with respective ones of the grooves in one surface being aligned with respective ones of the grooves in the other surfaces. The aligned grooves form vertical sets of grooves, and all fingers on the assembly are disposed so that respective sets of one finger are aligned with respective sets in all other fingers to define a plurality of transverse channels or passages.

Abstract: A downwardly open roller supported housing is provided, on its upper surface, with a handle equipped rearwardly and upwardly inclined casing. Transverse partitions, within the housing, form an air flow passageway open to the bottom of the housing and a liquid receiving chamber for used cleaning fluid. A nozzle, mounted in the housing, is connected by tubing with a source of cleaning fluid supply through a heater and detergent applicator for spraying the surface to be cleaned. A pump, supported by a housing partition, drains the used cleaning fluid chamber to a point of discharge by tubing extending through the casing. A blower, supported by a housing partition, induces air flow through the passageway for removing used cleaning fluid from the surface being cleaned.

Abstract: A nozzle attachment for use in combination with a vacuum cleaner to inflate or deflate air expandable articles, a portion of the nozzle having a relatively large diameter for coupling with the free end of a flexible hose, a relatively small extended tip portion insertable into bodies of inflation valves to mechanically open recessed check valve elements, and an intermediate cross sectional transition portion having at least one conical zone for sealing against the mouths of the inflation valve bodies. For inflation, the opposite end of the hose is connected to the fan outlet of the vacuum cleaner while for evacuation it is connected to the fan inlet.