Abstract: A plum tree which is of medium size, vigorous, spreading, and open; foliated with medium size, obovate, medium thick, smooth leaves having a crenate margin and alternate, globose glands; bears short, obtuse flower buds which bloom white; and is a regular and very productive bearer of large to medium size, uniform, globose to oblong, cordate, late-ripening, freestone fruit having yellow skin substantially overspread with red, yellow flesh, and a small stone.

Abstract: A new variety of spray type or miniature carnation plant distinguished by its profuse production of well formed variegated pink and white flowers borne on strong stems of relatively short length; by its vigorous and upright growth habit and abundant foliage; and by its continuous flowering habit with small, fragrant and long lasting blooms.

Abstract: In a railway vehicle having two brake discs on the axle of a wheel and axle assembly a disc brake comprises brake shoes on opposite faces of each brake disc and the brake shoes being suspended from the bogie frame. For each brake disc there is a pair of brake levers pivotally connected by pull-rod means with the inner ends of the brake levers being pivotally connected to the brake shoes. One of the remote ends of the outer brake levers is pivotally connected to a displaceably supported brake cylinder and the remote end of the other outer brake lever is pivotally connected to a piston rod extending from the brake cylinder. The remote ends of the two central brake levers are both pivotally connected to fixed points.

Abstract: A skid control system is provided for use with a vehicle having a pair of spaced apart wheels and having a braking system for applying braking forces to the wheels. A brake control circuit responds to a skid signal obtained from any one of a plurality of incipient detector circuits to act upon the braking system to release the braking forces. A delayed skid signal is provided whenever the difference in wheel speeds of the two wheels exceeds a given amount. A delayed skid signal is also provided if the average wheel speed of the two wheels decreases at a rate greater than a desired decreasing rate. If both wheels decelerate, a skid signal is provided upon sensing that the faster wheel is decelerating at a rate greater than a reference rate. As the wheels spin-up toward an ideal velocity for a braked vehicle, an acceleration detector serves to insure wheel roll up on low friction surfaces. If the wheels spin up at an acceleration greater than an acceleration level, the acceleration detector output is inhibited.

Abstract: A viscous damper for a bearing mounted between coaxially mounted shafts rotating at relative speeds is stabilized by mounting a spring in parallel with the damper so as to raise the natural frequency of one of the shafts.

Abstract: Color photographic elements containing silver halide and incorporated color-forming materials are described. These elements contain at least two differentially light-sensitive emulsion layers, the overlying layer being sensitive to the relatively shorter wavelengths and containing at least one yellow dye-forming color coupler which has the unusual ability to inhibit the reaction of competing couplers (such as citrazinic acid, for example) when competing couplers are used in color developing solutions in the conventional manner. Use of these couplers in the overlying (color) layer of multi-layer color photographic elements makes it possible to produce colored images having improved graininess.Couplers having this unusual capability are selected from those having the .[.structures.]. .Iadd.structure .Iaddend. ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, .Iadd.and .Iaddend.R.sub.2 .[.and R.sub.3 .]. are as defined herein.

Abstract: Compositions based on 2(N-alkylcarbamoyl.Iadd.oxy) .Iaddend.alkyl acrylate have been prepared which are useful as coatings and inks.

Abstract: Copolyimide foams made from lower alkyl esters of tetracarboxylic acids and two or more diamines. Precursors for such copolyimides. Processes for making the precursors and for converting them to copolyimide foams.

Abstract: An athletic glove for baseball players, and which includes a pad overlying the second phalange of each of the third and fourth fingers, to thereby increase the force which these fingers are able to apply to the bat. In use, the third and fourth fingers on the glove hand, and the first and second fingers on the other hand, form hinged control points at the extremities of the two hands, thereby improving the leverage which is imparted to the bat, and facilitating the directional control and increasing the velocity of the bat.

Abstract: Surgically implantable skeletal ligament having secured thereto at least one deformable collar having a velour-like outer surface adapted to invite tissue ingrowth. In use, the collar portion of the ligament is positioned within a surgically prepared passageway in a bone to protect the ligament from bone abrasion and to assist in ligament attachment by accepting tissue ingrowth into the velour-like surface.

Abstract: A body joint endoprosthesis includes an anchoring member having a shaft anchored in a first bone and a pivot member connected to the anchoring member by a pivot joint. The pivot member includes a first body joint member and a support element that bears against a seating surface of the first bone. The first body joint member and a second body joint member, connected to the second bone, form the body implant joint.

Abstract: A toilet riser is disclosed herein and composed of a high strength to weight ratio material which includes a substantially oval shaped body having an annular sidewall base portion and an upwardly sidewall tapered portion. The upper and lower sidewall portions are joined by an integral stiffener which encircles the entire body of the riser. The opposite sides of the lower or base sidewall portion of the body includes vertical stiffening segments and the upper sidewall portion terminates in an opening defined by a substantially circular lip. A toilet seat and lid are hingeably carried on a support section integrally formed with the lip and the upper body sidewall portion. A splash panel or plate is integrally formed in the body immediately below the toilet seat and lid mounting portion.

Abstract: A semi-rigid collector receives and contains urine discharged by a female in a sitting position. One end of the collector is configured to create a seal against the outer edges of the labium. The central section of the collector channels the flow of urine to the container end and includes concave sides configured to follow the curvature of the thighs and help maintain the collector in place during urination. The container end of the collector serves, in conjunction with the central section, as a depository for the urine during collection and as a storage compartment until disposal of the urine can be effected.

Abstract: A device for flushing a drain pipe of a sink by applying water under pressure to the interior of the pipe. A conduit for passing water therethrough under pressure is connected to a seal which fits over the mouth of the pipe and provides a water tight seal. At least two L-shaped members having threaded portions extend through the seal and engage an anchor point in the mouth of the pipe. A disc extends transversely between and interconnects the L-shaped members, and the conduit extends through a control aperture in the disc. Pressure is exerted on the conduit when nuts mounted on the threaded portions of the L-shaped members are urged against the disc to bring the seal into sealing engagement with the pipe. An apertured locking member is firmly secured to and interconnects the L-shaped members at a point between the location of the nuts on the L-shaped members and the ends of the L-shaped members opposite from the anchor point.

Abstract: A folded frame assembly for an infants cot, the frame being foldable from a first substantially rectangular configuration to a compact configuration in which the members are in substantially superimposed alignment.

Abstract: Soft-sided waterbed construction including water absorbent mattress foam support frame surrounding a water filled mattress at its perimeter and water retaining mattress liner means juxtaposed the water filled mattress, said water retaining liner encompassing at least two sides of the triangular shaped foam support means, the uncovered surface side of said foam support means juxtaposed said water filled mattress whereby in the event of water filled mattress leak, the water is retained within the liner and the water absorbent foam support.

Abstract: A water mattress construction for a water bed having a foam assembly forming a cavity for surrounding and supporting a water-filled bladder. The foam assembly is formed of several layers of foam having different densities to provide strong support for the water bladder and prevent bulging. There are layers of low-density foam on the top and bottom of the foam assembly and a center core or frame of a medium density enclosing the cavity and bladder installed therein. The entire foam structure and bladder retain their shape by being bound on the sides and bottom by a high-strength, non-stretchable, non-woven fabric bonded securely to the foam assembly. The foam and bladder assembly is then covered with a low-density foam having a high recovery factor. The entire structure is then covered with a heavy-duty material and ticking which is quilted and has the appearance of a conventional mattress.

Abstract: A waterbed construction having an inner rigid frame member and a supported flexible bottom member for holding and laterally supporting a water filled bladder or vinyl mattress. The inner rigid frame member and bladder are covered and interlocked by a cushioned "cap" having rigid side walls and a flexible top member. The cushioned cap fits closely over the inner rigid frame member in much the same manner as a cover fits over a box. This arrangement provides additional strength for containing the lateral forces generated by the water filled bladder and at the same time provides maximum sitting comfort. In addition, the use of a close fitting cap having outer rigid side walls in combination with an inner rigid walled frame member, provides a sealed container for the bladder and virtually eliminates the possibility of water loss in the event the bladder develops a leak.

Abstract: A vibratory transducer in combination with a water bed structure including a frame with vertical side walls, a horizontal platform within the frame and a water filled bladder mattress within the frame and supported by the platform; said transducer includes a body in seated engagement in a corner established by the top of the platform on the inner surface of one side wall, said body has an inwardly and upwardly disposed inner side with an access opening extending diagonally across said corner; a drive plate is engaged with the mattress and overlies said inner side in spaced relationship, means is provided to couple the plate with the body for limited movement relative thereto; an electro magnetic vibrator is fixed to the plate to project freely through said access opening and into the body and is operable to vibrate the plate and transmit vibratory motion into and through the mattress.

Abstract: A water mattress construction which includes an interior perimetrical air chamber comprises three similar web portions of polyvinyl material or the like. The mattress is formed by first securing an air valve through the top sheet near the edge thereof. A first seam, which is spaced inwardly from the perimeter of the sheets, is then made to join the upper and medial web portions. A water valve is then secured through the upper and medial web portions, and is secured within the confines of the first seam. A second, perimetrical seam is then made to join the outer edges of all three web portions. The chamber defined by the upper and medial web portions and the two seams is filled with air, and the chamber defined by the medial and lower web portions is filled with water. Further seams may be made to join the upper and medial web portions forming medial chambers extending longitudinally in the mattress.

Abstract: A personnel evacuation and survival device for individual crewmen aboard p having a quick don harness to which is attached a personnel lowering device and an automatically deployable encapsulating life raft. From an appropriate evacuation station aboard the ship, the crewman uses the device to suspend himself clear of the side and lower himself on a lifeline, the pay-out of which is controlled to provide a safe rate of descent. During the descent, a raft package is automatically released and a life raft is inflated which completely encapsulates the crewman prior to water entry.

Abstract: Apparatus for binding bundles of paper comprising band folding means for attaching a band to an edge of a bundle, wherein the band folding means is divided into three parts and comprises in series a press plate and a pair of band folders facing each other, at least the plate being suspended in spring means acting in direction to the upper edge of the bundle, the folders being spring-urged against each other, and the band folding means being arranged to act against the upper edge of the bundle.

Abstract: In making integrated linings to be applied to spines of a succession of books in a bookmaking process, a high speed low cost method is disclosed which includes feeding strip stock from a supply of lining material, printing simulated headbands on one surface of that strip adjacent its longitudinal side edges and cutting the strip transversely to its longitudinal axis to form a succession of individual linings to be applied to spines of a succession of books.

Abstract: A high load bearing for bridges and other structures comprising upper and lower plates and a load bearing elastomer pad between them. The pad has a concave periphery, and the bearing is provided with means preventing shearing between the upper and lower plates but permitting rotational movement between them. Means are provided which mechanically abut the elastomer pad to limit or prevent lateral movement of the upper and lower surfaces of the elastomer pad without preventing bulging of its periphery.

Abstract: An apparatus for the cleansing of contact lenses comprising a housing for containing a lens divided into a top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion may be joined or removed from the bottom portion. In addition, the top portion is movable while joined with the bottom portion and vice-versa. Within the top and bottom portions are scrubbing pad means which are used to scrub a contact lens when the top portion of the housing is moved in relation to the bottom portion. An offset dome is built into the bottom portion which causes the lens to migrate within the housing during scrubbing, thereby thoroughly cleansing all portions of the lens.

Abstract: A combination hand washer and back scrubber, comprising an elongated strip of fabric, having two lateral edges, transverse, expansible strips attached to a first side of said fabric strip, each transverse strip extending substantially the entire width of said fabric strip, said transverse, expansible strips including sponge strips and abrasive strips aligned on said first side in an alternating manner, a water absorbent strip attached to an opposite second side of said fabric strip, said water absorbent strip being non-abrasive to skin, and a transverse elastic hand strap of elongated dimension, attached at opposite ends to said respective lateral edges of said fabric strip at approximately the midpoints thereof to form a loop for retaining said fabric strip in a folded position and for allowing the hand of a person to fit within said loop to use said combination hand washer and back scrubber as a wash cloth.

Abstract: An articulated windshield wiper blade superstructure for distributing applied pressure proportionately along the length of a wiper blade which includes a central primary lever and a pair of secondary end levers arranged end to end. The end levers are pivotally connected to the central levers. A single flat spring extends from end to end through the central lever. At each end it engages a projection on the end levers which extends inwardly of the pivotal connection. The spring functions to distribute the arm pressure to the end levers and also functions as a latch to retain the blade on the arm.

Abstract: The device includes a blower impeller, a blower housing conformed to fit snugly over the bottom of a standard line trimmer, and stretch traps for maintaining the housing in position on the line trimmer. The device enables one to convert a line trimmer to a blower arrangement by the removal of the spool and head of the line trimmer and the attachment of the impeller, housing and straps in their place.

Abstract: A caster bracket is fabricated from a single flat metal plate deformed to define a caster stud receiving curl; a pair of side plates and a connecting plate. The side plates are formed integrally with the connecting plate and are arranged in an essentially right angular relationship relative to both each other and the connecting plate, whereas the curl is defined by curling an extension plate formed integrally with one of the side plates. Preferably, fabrication is completed by bonding a free edge of the curl to its associated side plate and by bonding a free edge of the other side plate to the curl.

Abstract: An adjustable hinge for interconnecting the back part and seat part of a motor-vehicle seat has a fixed hinge element secured to the seat part and a movable hinge element secured to the back part. The movable hinge element is provided with a pinion having outer teeth centered on a movable axis and is further provided with a disk riveted with the pinion to the movable element and having an outer edge surface also centered on the movable axis. The fixed hinge element has a recess with a circular inner edge surface aligned radially with the outer edge surface of the disk and centered on a fixed axis spaced from the movable axis. Furthermore the fixed hinge element is formed with an array of inner teeth aligned with the outer teeth. The tooth depth is smaller than the spacing between the axes and there are fewer outer teeth than inner teeth.

Abstract: Hinge for furniture doors, having a door-related hinge part in the form of a cup-like element for mounting in a recess in the door, in whose circumferential wall a sloping, separately manufactured knuckle subject to the effect of a compression spring is mounted for pivoting by a given angular mount and during at least a portion of the opening or closing movement slides on a bearing surface provided on the other hinge part at its extremity facing the joint and is movable past a dead-center position on this side of which it urges the door to the closed position and beyond which it exerts a pressure in the direction of opening, the bearing surface being situated adjacent the fulcrum of the knuckle when the latter is in the closed position. The knuckle terminates at its bottom end pivotally mounted in the cup-like element in a transversely disposed, relatively narrow edge and is inserted in an upwardly facing deepened fulcrum pocket.

Abstract: A device and method for molding food articles of raw finely divided beef and similar tissue containing food material that is normally subject to uneven shrinkage during cooking comprising supply means for the material, a mold comprising superimposed mold plates each having an opening each with a peripheral edge with the edges of these plate openings being adapted to be aligned to define a mold opening in which the plate openings are of the same size and shape, and a supply passage for supplying pressurized material to the plate openings when the mold is in a mold filling position with the plate opening edges out of alignment. This results in projecting food material across the non-aligned openings to fill the plate openings and there are provided means for moving the plate openings into edge alignment to comprise the mold opening and for removing the resulting shaped article from the mold opening.

Abstract: An improved machine and method for making meatballs is disclosed. The ground meat is first compressed in a compaction chamber and then extruded through an orifice located at one end of the chamber. A cutter severs a portion of the compressed meat after it is extruded through the orifice. The severed meat drops into an annular chamber formed by a semi-circular groove around the perimeter of a rotable cylindrical disc and an opposing semi-circular groove around the inner perimeter of a stationary housing surrounding the cylindrical disc. The cylindrical disc revolves causing the meat to roll within the annular chamber and form a spherical ball.

Abstract: The product encasing machine includes a rotatable stuffing tube having a folded casing mounted thereon. The product is pumped or moved through the interior of the stuffing tube into the casing. A restrictor apparatus is secured to the stuffing tube and is positioned within the casing being filled downstream of the discharge end of the stuffing tube to spread and increase the pressure in the stuffed casing. The rotating restrictor applies torque to the sausage from the inside of the casing to impart torque thereto and causes a rotational drive to the product so that a link is formed by the twisting of the casing.

Abstract: An arrangement for opening textile fiber bales in which a row of bales are broken up from their underside. The device which performs the breaking-up process has revolving pairs of needle tables or rollers with needles inclined in relation to the working direction, so that with adjacent break up members they are inclined in the opposite direction. The rotary speed of the needle table is variable, and the rotary speed of one needle table of at least one pair of tables or rollers is changed as a function of material-specific property of the textiles fiber bales. The rotary speed may be changed automatically during operation. An input control parameter is obtained from the textile fiber bales to generate an input variable for the rotary speed of the needle table, through a control unit. The hardness of the textile fiber bales may be used as the input control parameter. The weight of the bales may also be used for this purpose of providing the input control parameter.

Abstract: A carding machine drive having an instantaneous braking system is illustrated wherein the driven main cylinder and carding components driven therefrom may be stopped instantaneously in about three seconds or less avoiding breakage of the web. A disk element is employed having opposed braking surfaces which are clampingly engaged by caliper means which are fixed to the card frame. The disk element has fixed connection and transverse alignment concentrically with the main cylinder.

Abstract: In the manufacture of non-woven fabrics waste material is avoided by determining the distribution of the weight per square unit of both border zones of a non-woven and by folding thereafter a part of the thinner border zone toward the inner part so that the resulting non-woven has a uniform distribution of weight per square unit. Especially in the case of non-woven fabrics made from slightly extensile material or having border zones which shall not be stretched, the web is guided at an angle about in the middle of the folding zone, the angle being inclined towards that level towards which the border zone is folded; non-woven fabrics with very uniform distribution of weight per square unit are thereby obtainable.

Abstract: Pressure between rollers in each set thereof in a drawing frame is maintained by oil pressure in a main pipe circuit connected to piston and cylinder assemblies allocated to the sets of rollers. A motor driven pump feeds oil from a tank through a feed pipe to the main circuit except when a first solenoid-controlled valve directs the oil through a first return-flow pipe branched from the feed pipe. So long as a pressure gauge connected to the main circuit is indicating the pressure to be below a minimum, it excites the first solenoid-controlled valve to close the first return-flow pipe. When, as a result of lapping on a drafting roller the gauge indicates a maximum pressure, it causes the machine to stop. A second solenoid-controlled valve has its excitation periodically suppressed to open a passage through a second return-flow pipe to prevent the temperature of the drawing frame from overheating the main pipe circuit.

Abstract: A pendulum arm type high sensitivity self-aligning weighting arm includes a press assembly for pressing a driven body consisting of a roller body against a driving body such as a roller body or a belt body, wherein one end of the press assembly which has the function of holding and pressing the driven body and which provides a fulcrum for the weighting arm is supported in such a manner as to be capable of executing three motions, pitching, yawing and rolling, that is, it is supported in a pivot fashion, while the other end holds a rotatable roll shaft on the driven body side. The weighting arm is characterized in that a rolling-contact bearing element is interposed in a region of contact between the press assembly using a compression spring, compressed air or other fluid pressure for pressing the weighting arm, and the weighting arm through a cap.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a fastener driving device which produces a slot around a shank of the fastener as it is being driven. It is useful in a situation where a sheet material which is subject to expansion and contraction is to be fastened to a base and wherein movement resulting from expansion and contraction must be permitted to avoid buckling. The invention resides specifically in the guide body and driver element of the tool in that the driver element is T-shaped in cross section with the central portion of the T constituting the driver proper and the portions extending laterally from the central portion terminating below the bottom of the driver proper and having a recess extending from the bottom of the driver proper through the length of said punch into which the shank of a fastener may be pushed. In this way as the fastener is driven into the base through the sheet material, a slot is formed extending to both sides of the shank of the fastener.