Abstract: A new variety of Cissus rhombifolia plant distinguished by its profuse nodes, vigorous strength and growing habit, ability to be grown using only one cutting per pot, closer spacing of leaves, lesser inclination to damage, and lesser aptitude to show disease damage as new shoots are readily present or grow readily from nodes which have lost leaves.

Abstract: A safety valve for use in a compressed air line having a supply valve and a control valve, to prevent inadvertent sudden shifting of the controlled part when the line is exhausted and later repressurized. The safety valve comprises a normally closed piston-operated poppet valve, the piston chamber and outlet port being connected to the supply port through a bypass with an adjustable restriction upstream of the valve member. In one embodiment, the adjustable restriction comprises a replaceable plug threaded in the valve body. In a second version, the adjustable restriction comprises a needle valve mounted in a housing cover.

Abstract: A conveyor-trailer for transporting cotton, which is mounted on a long-bed truck trailer. The conveyor-trailer is pivotally mounted on the bed of the truck trailer and hydraulic means moves the conveyor-trailer between a horizontal position and a position inclined upwardly toward the forward end of the truck trailer. Mounted on the conveyor-trailer is a servo mechanism which engages automatically a wheel on the truck trailer when the conveyor-trailer is in the inclined position and disengages automatically the wheel on the truck trailer when the conveyor is in the horizontal position. An hydraulic drive motor is connected to the conveyor of the conveyor-trailer to impart movement thereto under the control of the servo mechanism. When the servo mechanism is spaced from the wheel of the truck trailer, the conveyor of the conveyor-trailer is idle.

Abstract: Thermoplastic blends of partially cured monoolefin copolymer rubber (such as EPM or EPDM rubber) with a polyolefin resin (such as polypropylene) exhibit good physical properties and are reprocessable. The partial cure of the rubber is effected by heating the rubber with a curative such as a peroxide. The blends are used to make molded or extruded articles which have good physical properties without requiring vulcanization; preferred blends have the characteristics of thermoplastic elastomers.

Abstract: A low loss capacitor having hollow cylindrical electrodes which are coaxially interleaved. The capacitance is varied by rotation of the rotor electrodes which are mounted on a screw member for axial displacement with respect to the stator electrodes when the screw member is turned. The scew member has a frictional locking means.

Abstract: A laceless boxing headguard having a front panel, side panels including ear protectors extending from each side of the front panel, a wide band of elastic extending across the rear of the headguard between and connecting the rear edges of the side panels, and inelastic adjustable belt also extending between and connecting the rear edges of the side panels, and an adjustable and relatively inelastic web spanning the top of the headguard between the front panel and rear band and laterally between the side panels.

Abstract: A protective helmet is provided with two externally located pockets for receiving fittings adapted to carry accessories. An elongate, resilient arm at each fitting extends towards the front of the helmet, and forms one component in a pivot joint. The face shield is provided with two mounting tabs, to be attached to the elongate arms.Each pivot joint comprises a stud insertable in a bore, the mounting being facilitated by flexing the resilient arms outwards, and the tab is retained into engagement with the associated arm by a wart at the tab abutting against the shell of the helmet.At least one of the tabs is provided with a transversely running ledge, and the end of the arm is defined by two side edges arranged at right angles to each other. In an inactive position the ledge rests against one of said edges, which in mounted position runs substantially horizontally.

Abstract: Clothing made of quilted cloth, without using backing or interlining cloth, with the free cut marginal edges being finished with a flat seam so that the folded edge portions have a plain weave cotton tape interposed therebetween to be machine-sewn in two rows.

Abstract: A method of making a cap and a cap made thereby. A plurality of panels each having an upwardly extending tapered portion are assembled into a cap with hems along the tapered edges of each panel sewn to the hems of adjacent panels to form the crown of the cap. The tapered portions of the panels are surface ornamented prior to assembly with a decoration having directionally oriented portions which cross the seam of the cap at a crossing angle other than perpendicular to the seams. The directionally oriented portions are extended across the hems to the tapered edges of said panel at an angle perpendicular to the tapered edges.

Abstract: A polyurethane heart valve has a semirigid frame composed of a base ring and three struts, and an elastomeric membrane integral and unitary with the frame, the contours of which make up three leaflets of the valve. The leading edges of the leaflets which form the commissure line are reinforced with a narrow elastomer band. The leaflets are further reinforced by radiating lines projected from the frame into the leaflet and which simulate collagen formation in natural leaflets. In addition, the transition between the frame and the leaflets is tapered.

Abstract: A blood pump for implant or paracorporeal use having a rigid case with inlet and outlet valves defining a pumping cavity; an integral thin walled flexible sac freely confined within a pumping cavity; and a flexible diaphragm within the cavity conforming to the shape of the adjacent side of the sac. The case includes a control ring projecting into the cavity between the diaphragm and sac. The diaphragm is moved between diastolic and systolic positions to pump blood through the valves. During pumping, the ring distributes flexing of the diaphragm over an increased area while also preventing the interior walls of the sac from contacting each other. The outlet port and the portion of the sac immediately surrounding the outlet port are less flexible than the remainder of the sac away from the port and the portion of the diaphragm overlying the outlet port is less flexible than the remainder of the diaphragm.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composite implant material comprising a sintered apatite material and a thermoplastic or thermosetting resin. Said composite material is prepared by forming a sintered apatite material and filling or impregnating a thermoplastic or thermosetting resin into the pores or holes of the sintered apatite material, which have been formed during the formation of said sintered material or perforated after the formation thereof. Said composite implant material has controlled compatibility to bone as well as excellent physical strength.

Abstract: An odor-extracting apparatus for a toilet comprising an extractor element, an electric motor having a drive shaft with one end secured to the extractor element for transmitting drive thereto whereby the odor of a toilet may be extracted directly from the toilet bowl, and a hydraulic pump secured to a second end of the drive shaft to simultaneously obtain drive from the electric motor when the electric motor transmits drive to the extractor element.

Abstract: A waterless flush toilet system comprising at least one toilet and a gravity fed waste holding tank. The system utilizes a recirculating nonaqueous flushing fluid which is stored within the holding tank. The fluid, which is lighter than the waste material and insoluble therein, forms a stratified layer on the surface of the material. A float having a flushing fluid inlet floats within the layer of fluid, the float being suspended from the top of the tank by a flexible coiled hose which is coupled to the fluid inlet. The coiled hose contracts as the waste level in the tank rises, thereby permitting the float to remain within the flushing fluid layer regardless of the waste material level. When the toilet is flushed, an electric or air-powered pump draws a fraction of the fluid into the fluid inlet of the float, through the flexible hose and finally to the toilet. The fluid serves as a medium for transporting the waste material from the toilet to the holding tank.

Abstract: A quick release for the back rest (Fowler) of hospital stretchers. The conventional threaded crank actuator carries a mating threaded block and a sliding block, the sliding block being connected to the head rest. Manually operated hook means permits disengagement between the blocks to free the back rest. Inadvertent disengagement preventing safety means, and re-engagement means are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting a patient from a zone having one level or type of contamination to a zone having a lesser level of such contamination, while minimizing the likelihood of contamination from the first zone being carried by the transport apparatus into the second zone. The apparatus includes a patient transport stretcher provided with means for locking it in end-to-end relationship with a wheeled surgical bed. The bed and stretcher are provided with rollers by which a patient-carrying litter may be easily moved from one to the other.

Abstract: The sickbed hammock which can be raised to a desired height above the mattress includes a cutout to the periphery and underneath of which a removable sanitary bowl is attached by fastening means or Velcro-strips. The bed is provided also with a timed swivel for causing a turning of the hammock within safe limits.

Abstract: An under-mattress for a bed or similar article of furniture comprises a frame having two longitudinal limbs with elastic support elements attached to the inside thereof. The elastic support elements are located opposite each other in pairs for supporting spring bridges 3 disposed transversely of the mattress. Each spring bridge has formed therein at least one slot-like recess A extending longitudinally of the bridge and dividing it over a large portion of its length into parallel spring laths.

Abstract: One-piece tubular supporting legs for a bed-carrying frame having rectangular hollow side and end rails. Top and bottom openings in the end rails define upright passageways into which the supporting legs are inserted. Each supporting leg comprises an elongated body from which an integral flange portion radially extends at a position between the ends of the body. When fully inserted into an associated passageway, the end rail surrounding the bottom opening rests on the flange portion which thus transfers downwardly directed bedding loads to the body. The top of the body extends through the top opening and is deformed to form a head which engages the rail surrounding the top opening to cooperate with the flange portion in securing the leg to the frame.

Abstract: A foot stool which is attachable to a side rail of a sleeping bed, and including a horizontal step plate having two vertically upward legs which, at their upper end, are slideably adjustable inside two hollow hooks that hang over the rail.

Abstract: A bed adjustable in hardness distribution of its surface. An elastic member is interposed between a surface side member and a bottom plate of the bed, and the bottom plate is divided in the direction of its plane and each of the bottom plates thus divided is made vertically adjustable to allow the internal pressure of the said elastic member to be changed, so that the internal pressure of each part against the urging force from the surface is changed and the depression amount of the bed surface becomes uniform.

Abstract: A padded carrying case having an inclined plane structure therein. The case is made of a resilient material and when placed on a standard folding chair results in a forward-sloping seating surface. The amount of sloping or pitch can be varied by use of a supplemental shim detachably mounted within the carrying case. The inclined plane member and supplemental shim can be removed from the case and assembled to form a reading stand for musical scores and the like.

Abstract: A harness-like arrangement for securing mattress pads and the like to the top of mattresses.

Abstract: A boarding platform for transferring personnel between a fixed dock structure and a barge or the like is disclosed. The boarding platform includes a pair of vertical tracks having a carriage mounted for raising and lowering movements relative to the tracks. A boarding ramp is mounted on the carriage which is normally biased to a vertical or raised position. Counterweights are provided on the carriage so that a main raising cable carries only a portion of the weight of the carriage and the ramp. A winding motor for the main cable is suspended from a high-low weight sensing load cell which operates a mechanism to lock the carriage relative to the tracks (a) if a person stands on the ramp, (b) if the main cable breaks, or (c) if one or more of the counterweights releases.

Abstract: A self-propelled street sweeper including a main frame, sweepings pick-up means underlying the main frame and a dirt box positioned on the frame for receiving the sweepings. A main broom is mounted at a rear end of the main frame adapted to sweep sweepings to the sweepings pick-up means or conveyor so the sweepings can be deposited into the dirt box and having sweeping and road travel positions. Means is provided for driving the main broom when in its sweepings position. Means is further provided for suspending the main broom from the rear end of the main frame including suspension arms located on opposite sides of the main broom. Bearing means are provided between the suspension arms and the opposite sides of the main broom. Floating suspension means is operatively connected between the main broom and the main frame providing a floating suspension for enabling the main broom to freely float on a ground supporting surface as the main broom is dragged behind the main frame in road engagement.

Abstract: A tip for a cleaning rod is disclosed. The tip has a threaded end to be received in the threaded end of a cleaning rod, and a rag receiving loop on the end opposite the threaded end. Bristles are supported on the body of the tip between the threaded end and the slotted end, and a sleeve slides over the bristles from a position adjacent the slotted end holding the ends of the bristles to the tip. The sleeve can be slid to the end remote from the tip over the roots of the bristles allowing the bristles to diverge outwardly to thereby give the user the choice of cleaning the gun with or without the wire bristles.

Abstract: An elongated preferably plastic handle has a sleeve lock on the tip end. When a twisted wire brush is placed in the handle, there is a guy wire effect from the sleeve which holds the brush firmly in place, as the sleeve stretches slightly over a bent end of the twisted wire of the brush. The inventive handle also holds the end of a wooden toothpick, which may be broken without leaving any exposed jagged fibers which could form splinters.

Abstract: A soot blower is provided with a lance which is axially and rotatable displaceable by means of a motor. A driving wheel for effecting the axial displacement is connected with a driving shaft through two free-wheel devices having entrainment members which act in opposite directions and lost motion in the rotational direction of the driving shaft is provided for in one of the free-wheel devices.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaning apparatus is disclosed in which a wheeled carriage supports a plurality of different size collection tanks on a pivot support rod extending between upward extending portions of a handle frame mounted on the carriage base. The rear of each of the tanks includes a transverse groove dimensioned to slip onto the pivot support rod. The tanks may be pivoted about the support rod to dump the contents contained therein. A carriage anti-tilt support, pivotally mounted on the carriage, prevents tipping of the carriage during tank dumping.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner with improved carpet-wall edge cleaning ability achieved by bringing a free brush roll cleaning end and its bristle tufts and beater bars into optimum proximity with the edge to be cleaned. Aligned bearing structures within which the brush roll revolves, conventionally disposed to fetter the brush roll ends, are placed so that at least one is positioned on an inner segment of the brush roll, leaving a brush roll cleaning end free, unfettered. The space vacated by the bearing structure so treated allows extension of the free brush roll cleaning end into loose abutment with the general housing material, the bristle tufts and the beater bars comparably extended. These latter members can now function closer to the edge to be cleaned, thereby performing better. Additionally, a cutout in the general housing and adjacent materials allows of further extension of the free brush roll cleaning end into space thus vacated.

Abstract: Hydraulic door closer apparatus includes means for counter-balancing the bias of a return spring, to either assist in opening the door by reducing the force needed to open, or, in an alternative embodiment and mode of operation, to open the door by over-balancing the bias of the return spring. In the latter mode, a remotely manually operable switch, such as, for example, a so-called palm button, may initiate opening the door.

Abstract: A hinge for spectacles includes two parts, the first of which has a cam profile provided by one face of a strip of generally U-shape, the other part comprising a cam follower button of generally rectangular shape. The first part of the hinge is made of a ductile metal whereas the strip providing the cam profile is made of a material having a greater hardness than the first part of the hinge. A spring urges the cam follower button against the cam profile which has a relatively large surface for supporting the face of the button.

Abstract: A door hinge arrangement permitting opening of the door alternatively at either side, comprising a mounting for attachment to the door at the upper edge thereof, and a mounting for attachment to the door at the lower end thereof, each mounting carrying two hinge sets for engagement with hinge pivots fixed to the frame of the door, a trapping member associated with each mounting, the trapping member being slidable longitudinally of the mounting in either direction from a middle position and having a guide so constructed that in the initial phase of the opening of the door at one side each trapping member is so displaced as to trap the corresponding hinge pivot in the hinge seat at the other side of the door, the hinge seats being located at the outer ends of the mountings, the trapping members having a length not exceeding the distance between the outer ends of the hinge seats, a guide being arranged for displacing the trapping members in a direction away from the side, at which the door is being opened.

Abstract: Apparatus for peeling sausages comprises means for feeding a chain of sausages in the longitudinal direction of the chain towards a pair of counterrotating rollers defining between them a roller nip located in the plane of symmetry between the rollers. The feeding means causes the leading end of each sausage in succession to meet the roller surfaces on either side of the plane of symmetry and at an obtuse angle to the longitudinal direction of the nip. Before each sausage meets the roller surfaces its casing has been slit by a knife, and due to their rotation the rollers grasp the slitted casing and pull it through the nip for removal separate from the skinned sausages which move along the rollers on the infeed side thereof until they are discharged at the end of the roller nip.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting fish roe comprises a tail holder for holding a tail portion of a fish and a head holder for holding a head portion of the fish. There is a first blade and a second blade and a mechanism for moving the blades towards the fish to pierce the fish near the back thereof and between the first and second holders. There is a mechanism for separating the first blade and the tail holder from the second blade and the head holder generally in the direction of the backbone of the fish to tear the head portion from the tail portion and expose roe within the fish. A method for exposing roe in fish comprises piercing the fish between the back and backbone with two adjacent blades and moving the blades away from each other generally parallel to the backbone of the fish to tear the fish into two portions and expose the roe.

Abstract: An apparatus for skinning fish fillets comprises a rotatable skinning roller, conveyor means for advancing the fillets to the skinning roller, and a skinning knife provided with a cutting edge at a fixed distance from and a presser face equi-spaced from the periphery of the skinning roller. The periphery of the skinning roller is provided with lands for transporting the fillet and supporting it at the skin side thereof and grooves comparatively narrow with respect to the lands and separating the latter.

Abstract: Prawns and like shellfish are shelled by holding them at the tail end, cutting the shell at a point between head and tail, drawing off the head which is discarded, and then drawing the flesh out of the tail part of the shell which is still clamped. Apparatus for performing the shelling comprises a prawn holder which moves sequentially past devices for clamping, cutting and applying suction to the prawns.

Abstract: A feed apparatus for a fibre layer on an opening roll of cards or spinning preparatory machines fed with the fibre layer, wherein a feeder plate together with a feed roll forms a clearance or gap extending from the entrance or mouth of the feeder plate. Immediately upstream of the feeder plate a presser member is arranged to be movable towards the feed roll into a position in which the fibre layer is compressed and at least to a distance essentially corresponding to the width of the clearance or gap at the entrance or mouth of the feeder plate.