Abstract: A new variety of Streptocarpus plant is characterized by its purplish blue flower having dark violet striping in the throat. It has large flowers, long permanence and is generally nonfertile.

Abstract: A new variety of Streptocarpus plant is characterized by its pure white flower having veined royal purple color. It has large flowers, long permanence and is generally nonfertile.

Abstract: A new variety of Streptocarpus plant is characterized by its violet flower having a yellow throat. It has large flowers, long permanence and is generally nonfertile.

Abstract: A new variety of Streptocarpus plant is characterized by its pure white color. It has large flowers, long permanence and is generally nonfertile.

Abstract: There are disclosed several embodiments of a well tool which is adapted to be connected as part of a pipe string through which drilling fluid is circulated, and which comprises inner and outer members which are rotated with respect to one another by a motor between them.

Abstract: Data recording camera in which content of an externally adjustable means for specification of data to accompany a photograph of an object is viewable in a viewfinder means of the camera, whereby a photographer while carying out normal procedures for taking of a photograph may check that content of the data specification means and position of this content relative to a subsequently produced photograph of an object also viewable in the viewfinder means are correct. Reproduction of this data content together with a photographic image of the object is dependent on actuation of means provided on the exterior of the camera and actuable by a photographer, who may therefore effect production of photographs accompanied or unaccompanied by related data in one and the same camera.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel water-soluble thermosetting resin which has the property of providing paper with a nearly constant wet and dry strength over a wide pH range according to methods of wet-end additions or surface applications.

Abstract: A total synthesis of canthaxanthin, a known food coloring agent from alpha or retro ionone.

Abstract: A soft protective construction for body protection, such as a bullet-proof vest or shirt is disclosed wherein a double layered bullet-stopping arrangement of mutually moveable rectangular or square protective plates is provided which plates can preferably be inserted into pockets of a carrier material. The outer layer of plates lying on the bullet impact side consists of steel and at least in portions thereof said outer plates are overlapped in scale-like fashion. The inner plate layer, which lies closer to the body than does the outer layer, is designed to absorb or largely destroy the impact energy of a striking bullet.

Abstract: The article is a combination of a protective pad, a cover element and two elastic strips. The protective pad is somewhat wider than it is long. The top and bottom edges of the pad are substantially straight, while the central portion of each side edge is cutaway, leaving two protrusions at the opposite ends of each side edge. The cutaway opening in each side edge extends a substantial distance into the pad, and a further keyhole-shaped opening, central of the cutaway opening, extends even further inwardly of the pad. The pad is covered with the stretchable fabric cover element, which follows generally the outline of the pad. The two strips of elastic connect the opposed side edges of the pad-cover combination at each end thereof, with the elastic strips being sufficiently short that they tend to draw the sides of the pad-cover combination toward each other, thereby curving the surface of the combination so that it will conform to the user's limb.

Abstract: A bowling glove including an appendage portion extending from the back portion along the back of the index finger for substantially the entire length thereof, a first elongated pocket extending from an opening at the free edge of the wrist encircling portion along the palm portion and partially around the thumb opening, a first thin bar member disposed within the first pocket along substantially the entire length thereof with one edge extending partially around the thumb receiving opening, a second elongated pocket extending from an opening at the free edge of the wrist encircling portion along the center of the back portion and offset along substantially the entire length of the appendage portion, and a second thin bar member disposed within the second pocket along substantially the entire length thereof, the first bar member having a transverse bend adjacent the wrist joint and the second bar member having a transverse bend adjacent the wrist joint and a transverse bend adjacent the base of the index finger

Abstract: The fastener is formed within a protective helmet provided with a crown suspension and a head suspension. The crown suspension has a central portion adapted to contact the top of a wearer's head and has radially outwardly extending legs. The head suspension includes an outer strap which encircles the wearer's head at approximately the level with respect to the wearer's head of a normal hat band. A barb is joined to the end of each leg and tapers in thickness from its juncture with the leg to its end. A barb is also joined to a portion of the strap at its upper edge and likewise tapers in thickness from its juncture with the strap to its end. A number of flaps are connected to the inside wall of the helmet. Each flap has a slot through which the leg and strap extend, and above which the barbs connected to the straps are positioned. The barbs connected to the legs are accommodated in the space between the flaps and the inside wall of the helmet.

Abstract: A joint endoprosthesis including a pivot body with a radially extending hole; a pin press fit in the hole; a recess extending into the pin from its end in the hole; wedging means for spreading the pin from its end in the hole; wedging means for spreading the pin end in the hole in the body to securely hold the pin.

Abstract: A flexible implant for replacing the scaphoid bone of the wrist includes a one-piece body of resilient material. The body defines an inferior surface of slightly convex and oval shape with the apex of the surface lying in substantially a single plane and defining a trapezium articulate facet and a trapezoid articulate facet. A stabilizing stem extends outwardly from the inferior surface and generally perpendicular thereto. The body further defines a superior surface having a smooth, slightly convex shape and being adapted to articulate with the radius. An internal surface defined by the body has a lunate articular facet and a deep concavity, the latter adapted to articulate with the capitate. An external surface of generally smooth and convex shape is bounded by the inferior surface and the superior surface and defines a dorsal edge of the internal surface concavity. A posterior surface extends between the external surface and the proximal edge of the lunate articular facet.

Abstract: A protectable device for preventing lacerations or tearing of a surgically implantable, flexible prosthesis by sharp bone edges includes a member having a generally curvilinear shield portion configured to conform to the prosthesis and a stem portion extending from the curvilinear shield portion and dimensioned to cover at least the top surface of a prosthesis intramedullary stem.

Abstract: The present invention is an intraocular lens for implantation into the posterior chamber of a human eye. The intraocular lens includes a plano-convex lens which is formed from an optical material that is suitable for an implanatable lens. The plano-convex lens is adapted to be inserted into the posterior chamber of the human eye within the capsular membrane thereof. The intraocular lens also includes a first supporting loop and a second supporting loop, which are formed from a material that is suitable for implantation into the eye, mechanically coupled to the peripheral edge of plano-convex lens and disposed at an angle in the range of 0.degree. to 25.degree. to the plane surface of the plano-convex lens so that their end portions are below the plane surface of the plano-convex lens.

Abstract: A shower cabinet comprises a base, side and back panels upon the base and a door. The base construction which may be used in combination with the cabinet and door may be adapted for use in conjunction with other available shower cabinets and enclosures. The base includes an upper floor and a lower base plate, the base plate having a pair of selectively usable knockout drain discs formed therein providing normally closed openings adapted to selectively receive a drain assembly. The base plate has an upstanding side will therearound and an outer upstanding peripheral side flange defining therebetween an intermediate support shoulder adapted to receive and support the upstandng shower cabinet walls.

Abstract: Feet support arrangement for detachable mounting on the front lip of a bowl of a lavatory to support the feet of a person sitting upon the lavatory. The feet support generally has a vertically disposed body member with a hook means at the upper edge thereof. The hook means extends over the front portion of the rim of the bowl of the lavatory and has a dependent flange extending downwardly therefrom on the inside of the bowl with the body means extending downwardly on the outside of the bowl. The flange member functions as a splash guard to prevent the passage of liquid between the rim of the bowl and the seat. An upper surface of the hook means is provided with a sealing means to engage the lower surface of the seat when the seat is in the down position. A pair of oppositely disposed feet support means extend outwardly in opposite directions from side edges of the body means.

Abstract: A trap to be installed in a wall leading to a drain comprises an assembly of interfitted modular units, molded or deep-drawn from corrosion-resistant synthetic resin, which include an upwardly open housing of rectangular outline, a conduit with a bottom inlet and a lateral outlet removably inserted in that housing, a catch basket receivable in the housing alongside the conduit, a lid for the housing, and a possible extension interposable between the housing and its lid. The inserted conduit may be provided with an externally manipulable shut-off valve between its inlet and outlet, and/or with a hinged flap serving as a check valve; alternatively, it may have an internal tongue designed to raise its liquid level for a more effective stopping of the escape of sewer gases. One or more extensions may be secured to the housing with the aid of external clamps engaging outer peripheral flanges thereof.

Abstract: A portable bed for a small animal has an elongated center section of rectangular configuration. A rounded end section is hinged to each elongated side of the center section. Rigid sidewalls extending in the same direction perpendicularly from the short edges of the center section and rounded edges of the end sections define an enclosed area. The rounded end sections are dimensioned to give a nesting relationship between the sections when they are folded toward each other. The sides of the bed opposite the sidewalls may be equipped with resting knobs to maintain the bed a short distance from the floor when it is in use. A handle connected to the outer sidewall (when the bed is in folded position) enables the bed to be carried readily. A cushion substantially coextensive with the surface provided by the center and end sections completes the assembly.

Abstract: A tent peg mallet and extracting tool is provided which includes a variety of functional portions to perform operations on wooden, metal, or plastic tent pegs or the like. The tool includes a mallet portion having a face for pounding wooden or plastic pegs without damage, a rigid plate secured to the mallet portion for pounding metal pegs, a tab extending from the end of the mallet portion for digging or prying to loosen the pegs, and a peg removal loop secured to the mallet portion to facilitate peg pulling.

Abstract: A dirt remover for a water tank, which can readily remove not only the dirt floating on the water surface and the dirt suspended in the water but also the dirt settling to the tank bottom without inflicting any injury on the bottom surface of the tank, includes a frame formed of a rear frame member, two lateral frame members extending forward from the opposite ends of the rear frame member, and a frontal frame member set in position straight between the leading ends of the two lateral frame members. A net is hung from the inner sides of the frame loosely enough for the middle portion thereof to sag down, the net forming a scooping portion in conjunction with the frame. A handle has a leading end thereof attached to the rear frame member of the frame, the handle serving for the operation of the scooping portion.

Abstract: An improvement of a combination motor and auxiliary cleaning mechanism actuator is included in a manually operated, rotary cleaning machine. The actuator includes an elongated actuator member mounted on the handle of the machine for movement among at least three actuator positions. The actuator member extends alongside the handle grip portion of the machine handle between two handle grips. Springs bias the actuator member to the first actuator position. Movement of the actuator member to the second actuator position places a first switch in an energizing state for energizing the motor of the machine, and movement of the actuator member to the third actuator position places a second switch in an energizing state for energizing an auxiliary cleaning mechanism of the machine.

Abstract: A rotating brush assembly is disclosed for a vehicle washing apparatus. The brush assembly includes a brush and a flexible plastic brush shaft which permit the brush to swing or tilt in response to the force exerted on the brush by the movement of the vehicle relative to the vehicle washing apparatus. The brush motor rotates the brush in a direction which walks the brush along the surfaces of the vehicle. The combined action of the rotary reaction force of the brush against the vehicle and the flex of the flexible plastic brush shaft causes the brush to turn the front and rear corners of the vehicle to wash the front, side and rear surfaces. In addition, a brush assembly pivot mechanism is installed on the brush assembly to permit the brush to pivot in a direction parallel to the path of the vehicle in the event the vehicle is inadvertently driven into the brush while the brush is not rotating. The brush assembly pivot mechanism prevents damage to the vehicle and the brush assembly.

Abstract: A multi-element paint applicator including a housing or splatter-guard, a roller assembly including at least two cylindrical rollers arranged in parallel, mounting the rollers within the housing, and a handle centrally disposed on the housing. The rollers are disposed within the housing so that the weave of the cover of the first roller is the reverse of the weave of the second roller to provide a smooth painted surface.

Abstract: The window washer is suspended from the top of a building by a suspension line and moves up and down the line while cleaning the side of the building. Cleaning liquid is dripped onto brushes which scour the surface to be cleaned. A squeegee in wiping contact with the wetted surface wipes the cleaning liquid from such surface and collects it generally at a leading edge portion of the squeegee. Then, collected cleaning liquid is removed by suction.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning textile fiber tufts, composed of an endless, continuously rotating, air-permeable conveyor belt provided with openings whose width is less than the size of the tufts, a device for continuously supplying textile fiber tufts to the upper side of the conveyor belt, a device for sucking air away from the belt, a device disposed for emitting surges of compressed air in the direction toward the conveyor belt and located at the side of the conveyor belt facing away from the side to which the tufts are supplied, and a perforated cover plate disposed to the side of the conveyor belt to which the tufts are supplied and located at a distance from the conveyor belt, with the device for sucking air away being connected to the perforated cover plate.

Abstract: An improvement in a traveling pneumatic cleaner for vacuum collection of fiber waste from a textile mill room in the form of a filter disposed in a receptacle for separating fiber waste from an air current passing through the receptacle. The filter defines a surface of revolution, preferably taking the form of a substantially conical foraminous surface about a central axis of the receptacle, and so arranged relative to the receptacle that the air current will be directed around the filter and then through the same with the velocity of the air current being diminished and lowered as it passes through the filter. Optionally, the filtering may be augmented by a foam filter medium cooperating with the foraminous surface.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided with holding devices on the sidewalls of its housing on which brushes can be mounted which enable baseboards in a room to be dusted while the vacuum cleaner is being moved about to clean the carpet.

Abstract: Raw mollusks at room temperature are fed to a crusher wherein a mechanical shock is introduced to the mollusks with the magnitude of the shock being sufficient to release attachment between the mollusk meat and the mollusk shell by rapidly accelerating and then rapidly decelerating the mollusks using a rotating roller having a minimum surface speed of about 2800 feet per minute.

Abstract: An assembly is illustrated for use in connection with a main cylinder and the like wherein an annular shroud has a segmental portion of reduced thickness for providing a ledge type bearing surface for support and securement directly to a frame, the shroud also having a bearing receiving recess so that the cylinder mounting shaft may be supported within the shroud. The bearing has a pair of parallel inserts, spaced on each side of the shaft, having thickened inner portions for engaging the inner race of the bearing for removing the bearing while the cylinder is carried within the frame. The shroud provides an arcuate mounting surface for positioning stationary card flats facilitating the provision of means for resiliently carrying the flats yieldably urging them downwardly while permitting adjustment of the settings.

Abstract: A web guiding device for withdrawing and gathering a fiber web discharged by a carding machine includes a guide element which is arranged immediately downstream of the web delivering assembly of the carding machine as viewed in the direction of web advance in the carding machine and which has a hollow guiding face traversing the plane of the web. The web guiding device further includes an arrangement for adjusting the position of the guide element with respect to the web delivering assembly as a function of the rpm of at least one of the rolls thereof.

Abstract: A carding machine cleaning apparatus is illustrated wherein an elongated plenum, open at both ends, is positionable between a closure member on one side of a carding machine and a suction housing having an opening therein on the other side in such a manner that the suction is automatically disconnected by moving the plenum out of alignment with the closure and suction housing opening and re-established by returning the plenum to position between the closure and the suction housing. The cleaning apparatus is especially useful when aligned above a number of transverse carding rolls of a carding apparatus so that each respective housing is removable for inspection of a portion of the carding apparatus.

Abstract: A clasp construction for use in adjustably interconnecting the free ends of a bracelet on the wrist of a wearer, including a clamp assembly that receives one of the free ends of the bracelet therein in slidable, adjustable relation and a coupling assembly that is secured to the other free end of the bracelet, the coupling assembly including a coupling member that engages the clamp assembly for removably mounting the bracelet on the wrist of the wearer.

Abstract: A fabric covered button of two-piece construction includes a button portion and a collet retainer. The button portion consists of a button head and a stem integrally formed with the underside of the button head. The backside of the button head is provided with an annular recessed cavity about the stem. The collet retainer and the peripheral edge of the fabric are substantially completely disposed within the recessed cavity. The collet retainer is of circular shape with a side wall and a concave top wall with a central hole to receive the stem of the button head.

Abstract: Self-gripping devices having a base with a plurality of the gripping element attached are disclosed. The gripping elements are capable of releasably self-gripping fibrous materials without damaging same include a stiffly rigid stem with at least one flexible self-gripping means attached thereto. The self-gripping means can be one or more retaining nibs integral with or attached to the stem and are generally inclined downward so as to offer relatively little resistance upon penetration into a fibrous material and greater resistance to pulling out.

Abstract: A temporary fabric is formed by joining groups of two or more yarn strands at a time together at various longitudinally spaced points, forming generally transverse lines of joined points across an array of a plurality of parallel strands. No weft or filler yarn is used. An apparatus for joining is disclosed including a drum having a plurality of abrasive rotating joining discs in the surface thereof. A second embodiment includes joining discs moved transversely across a plurality of longitudinally traveling strands. The fabric can be separated into individual strands by pulling the strands apart.

Abstract: A novel burnishing apparatus and method for burnishing the terminal posts of lead-acid batteries is disclosed. The burnishing brushes are adjustably mounted to service batteries with various terminal posts spacings. After indexing and alignment, each battery to be processed is located and clamped by a battery processing head, after which the burnishing carriage which is slidably mounted thereon is moved relatively towards and away from the battery terminals to bring the burnishing brushes into contact with the battery terminals to effect the burnishing operation. The direction of rotation of the burnishing brushes is reversed when the burnishing brush carriage begins to withdraw from the battery terminals.

Abstract: There is disclosed a technique for tightening threaded fasteners in which values of offset torque, initial tension rate relative to angle, final tension rate relative to angle and other joint related factors are empirically determined by instrumenting a plurality of fasteners of the type ultimately to be tightened. In one embodiment, torque and angle are monitored during tightening. Calculations are conducted, while tightening, to determine the tension prevailing in the bolt at a particular angle of advance. By using the calculated tension value and the particular angle of advance, an instantaneous position of threading advance on the tension-angle curve of the fastener is established. From this instantaneous position, it is determined how much greater angle of advance or how much torque is required to tighten the fasteners to a final desired tension value. The same technique may also be used merely to monitor tightening which is terminated by a different tightening strategy.

Abstract: A special purpose tool for assembling an elbow joint wherein a rubber gasket is compressed into a collar surrounding a pipe and the collar secured against the elbow member flange so that a clamp may be affixed is disclosed. The device consists of opposed, bifurcated jaws, each jaw having an integral lever and a common adjustable pivot for said levers, said jaws being bifurcated to define arcuate configuration with an upper and a lower gripping flange extending outwardly from, respectively, the upper and lower jaws of said device. The gripping flanges urge the collar and elbow flange together so that a clamp may be affixed therearound.