Abstract: A new variety of alstroemeria plant characterized by the brilliant yellow color of its unusual and prolifically produced blooms, each of which is presented on a long, strong peduncle; and by the relatively long-lasting quality of its flowers both on the plant and as cut flowers.

Abstract: A new alstroemeria cultivar characterized by the delicate pink and contrasting yellow coloration of its blossoms which have large outer petals of an overall pink color and smaller inner petals having a pink base color overlaid with yellow and lengthwise-extending streaks bearing rows of short, brown, pencil-stripe spots. This cultivar is also distinguished by its profuse production of flowers in a more-or-less continuous manner, fewer leaves than normal and improved autumn and winter flowering production.

Abstract: A machine for automatically handling thin tubular rubber articles such as prophylactic devices or the like including a vacuum pickup to retrieve randomly oriented articles and deliver such articles to a pneumatic conveyor. The pneumatic conveyor includes a tube with air blowing therethrough to transfer the articles to a delivery position. An orienter is provided in the conveyor tube so that the article is delivered closed end first at the delivery position. At the delivery position a mandrel is provided which includes a support adapted to loosely support the article in position to receive a mandrel. Grippers grip the open end of the article on the support and hold it against movement with the mandrel while the mandrel is inserted into the article.

Abstract: An aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide containing soluble impurities such as a concentrated catholyte produced by a diaphragm electrolysis is cooled by a coolant or a heat-exchanger to form a slurry containing sodium hydroxide hydrate crystals and fine impurity crystals. The fine impurity crystals are adsorbed on bubbles which are formed by vaporizing a dissolved coolant or introducing a gas in the slurry and separated from the slurry.

Abstract: A cadmium telluride photovoltaic cell is produced with increased conversion efficiency arising from enhanced open-circuit voltage. Such voltage is achieved by altering the surface of the crystalline cadmium telluride that contacts the barrier metal by heating the cadmium telluride in the presence of oxygen prior to depositing the barrier metal.

Abstract: A process for preparing bleomycinic acid having a melting point of 228.degree.-230.degree. C. (decomposition) and an analysis of C: 40.80%, H: 5.29%, N: 16.45%, O: 24.78%, S: 4.53%, Cl: 3.37%, and Cu: 4.78% which is characterized by being soluble in water, difficultly soluble in methanol, acetic acid and dimethylsulfoxide, and insoluble in ethanol, ethyl acetate, acetone and ether, and which tests positive to Pauly and Ehrlich reactions but tests negative to ninhydrin, Sakaguchi, Dragendorf, Tollens, ferric chloride, Fehling and Molish reactions, and which has a maximum ultraviolet absorption spectrum at 246 m.mu. and 292 m.mu. and which has an infrared absorption spectrum bands at 3350, 1720, 1670, 1640, 1580, 1460, 1365, 1050, 770 (cm.sup.-1), and which can be hydrolyzed to yield 2'-(2-aminoethyl)-2,4'-bithiazole-4-carboxylic acid, L-threonine, 4-amino-3-hydroxy-2-methyl-.eta.-valeric acid, .beta.-hydroxy-histidine, .beta.-amino-.beta.-(4-amino-6-carboxy-5-methylpyrimidine-2-yl)-propionic acid, L-.beta.

Abstract: High tensile strength, high Young's modulus carbon fiber, free from holes and voids having a statistical probability of holes detected by a standard plasma etching test of less than about 2%, a tensile strength of at least about 150 kg/mm.sup.2 and a Young's modulus of at least about 15.times.10.sup.3 kg/mm.sup.2. The carbon fiber has excellent homogeneity of internal structure and excellent reliability as a composite material.A process is provided for producing a high performance, high quality carbon fiber having excellent productivity and operability and requiring only a short time for oxidation. The process comprises converting an organic polymeric fiber (preferably an acrylic fiber) to an oxidized fiber, comprising repeatedly bringing said fiber into contact with the surface of a heated body such as a heated roll or heated plate at about 200.degree.-400.degree. C.

Abstract: Substituted pyrroloquinoxalinones and diones, useful as anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic agents.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to tape decks having a detection system responsive to a silence between recorded programs. A key board panel is provided for inputting a desired number to a down counter in order to position a head of a program after skipping a desired number of programs recorded on the tape at the fast movement speed. The count of the down counter is decremented once for every occurence of a detection signal from the detection system representative of the silence between recorded passages. The tape drive is stopped or returned to its normal playback speed when the contents of the down counter become zero.

Abstract: A device for handling filled sacks in a stacking machine comprises a gantry; means for securing the gantry to a transportation device; a platform for supporting the filled sacks, suspended from the gantry so as to be moveable therealong between a forward position and a retracted position; and a fence mounted in a fixed position with respect to the gantry and located above the platform to act as a barrier against movement of any sacks supported on the platform as the latter is withrawn from the forward to the retracted position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for coating a substrate with a thermoplastic polymeric powder, especially polyester powder, by forming an emulsion containing fine particles of such powder, applying the emulsion to the substrate, and heating the coated substrate to a temperature sufficiently high to evaporate the liquid from the emulsion and thermally bond the particles to the substrate. The emulsifying agents are fatty acid esters of glycerol.

Abstract: Shifted photographic dyes which have good storage stability, yet rapidly unblock under processing conditions contain a blocked hydroxy group and a neighboring group that anchimerically assists the hydrolytic cleavage of the blocking group under processing conditions.

Abstract: Disposable plastic film aprons are prepared from plastic film strip material folded longitudinally in indefinite lengths and the folded film strip packaged in roll form and perforated to provide a plurality of readily separable aprons. The plastic film strip has a plurality of perforations extending transversely thereof to separate one apron from the next on said strip and defining a curved bottom to each apron. The strip has perforations defining straps positioned on opposite sides of each apron extending longitudinally thereof to provide tie straps operable to be tied around the neck of the user and also has perforations extending from the longitudinal fold to define a neck opening. The material is cut away in the portion providing the tie straps but the material remains in place at the neck opening and is removed only after severing of the apron from the roll.

Abstract: A cape having a back panel and two front panels. The cape is provided with interior zippers and handle members. The cape, when reversed and folded, may be zipped together to form a utility bag for carrying sporting equipment. The cape may be provided with pockets and a hood as well as an insulative liner.

Abstract: A ureteral prosthesis comprises a generally tubular member (9) of a urine-resistant and physiologically acceptable flexible material. The tubular member (9) has at least one permanent distortion (7) along its length, and has at least one anti-reflux valve (5) at its downstream end. The permanent distortion (7) is formed so that it co-operates with valve (5) in use of the prosthesis so as to vary the internal volume of the aforesaid prosthesis under the influence of physiological movement of a body part of a patient in which the prosthesis is implanted, which movement results in deformation of the flexible tubular member (9), whereby a pump-action is obtained in the prosthesis.

Abstract: A metallic cardiac valve prosthesis having an aortic as well as a mitral application, the purpose of which is to obtain an ample, highly physiological and laminar flow of blood, includes a ring, the outer contour of which is circular and the inner contour of which is oval. The interior of the ring is provided with a lenticular plug acting in the same way as the plug of a butterfly valve.

Abstract: In a bone joint endoprosthesis, the spigot of the metal shank is externally threaded to mate with a thread inside the ceramic head of the prosthesis; the thread on the spigot has greater depth in the radial direction, with flat sides, and the depth of the thread in the head is more shallow.

Abstract: A flexible precast foot comprises a hollow flexible slipper member which has a rounded heel contour and a keel cavity. The resiliency of the rounded heel is controlled by the type of foam used in order that the compressibility of the heel may be varied during construction. A stump support is custom manufactured from reinforced plastic and the like, from a negative plaster mold and comprises an elongated socket with fenestrations being provided on each side to facilitate the engagement and disengagement of the stump. The negative socket mold is formed by a strip casting plaster technique and the finished positive stump socket is then fitted to the foot and secured to a strip of belting or similar material which extends into the keel cavity. This cavity is filled with "Flexane" rubber or any suitable elastomeric material such as nonfoaming urethane, synthetic rubber which also molds around the distal end of the stump socket.

Abstract: A voluntary closing prehensile prosthetic hand of laminated construction having a natural reaching and positive gripping action, innate biofeedback characteristics, and greater gripping strength and utility. The thumb member is a cable actuated, rotatable member, which is spring biased to return to the open position. An internal hook, three co-operating gripping surfaces, and two manual locking devices provide a variety of closed positions for holding different sized objects. The overall design, which imitates the action of the human forefingers and thumb, results in a refined gripping action while increasing reaching and grasping capabilities.

Abstract: A portable therapeutic water massage mechanism according to this invention is adapted for utilization in conjunction with conventional bathtubs, such as are typically found in homes and hotels. A pump of the mechanism is adapted to be located outside of the bathtub, if desired, and communicates pressurized water from the bathtub to a pair of longitudinal water distribution conduits adapted to be located along each of the inside side walls of conventional bathtubs. Therapeutic massage nozzles are positioned in spaced relation along the water distribution conduits and function to direct massaging jets of water toward specific parts of the anatomy of a person within a bathtub.

Abstract: This invention relates to water conserving devices to be used in the water closets of bathroom toilets. The devices may also find applications in other liquid containing and discharging vessels. The invention consists of a partition wall or alternatively a minitank installable in the water closet of a toilet so as to divide the water closet into two separate liquid holding compartments. A flapper valve with a magnetic closure, fitted into the partition wall or into the minitank, opens and closes a port which communicates between the compartments. The actuating means of the flapper valve is operably connected to the existing trip lever of the water closet in such a way that the valve will be actuated only after the existing discharge valve has been actuated first. This arrangement permits the user to discharge water from one or both compartments of the water closet according to his needs.

Abstract: A mechanism for releasing a selected volume of water from a tank has a U-shaped bracket which mounts on the interior of the tank via a bushing which passes through a hole in the wall of the tank. A rod is pivotally supported by the bushing and, in turn, supports a valve which mates with the tank drain when the rod is pivoted to raise a valve support arm to which the valve is attached. A key on a latch arm pivotally mounted on the bracket falls into a notch in the periphery of a latch collar on the rod when the rod is pivoted to raise the valve so that water is drained from the tank so long as the key is engaged by the notch. A float collar journally mounted on the rod is positioned by a float as the water level falls to move an electrical contacting member on the float collar along an arcuate path.

Abstract: A water saving apparatus for a tank flush mechanism in which the trapped air in the flush discharge valve is vented to terminate the flush when the water level in the tank drops to a predetermined level. A pair of water level responsive actuators, set to respond at different water levels, cooperate with a normally closed vent valve coupled to the air chamber in the flush discharge valve. As the water level in the tank drops after a flush is initiated, the actuator set at the higher level in the tank will normally respond first to open the vent valve to exhaust the air from the discharge valve and terminate the flush. To provide a large volume flush, the higher level responsive actuator is rendered non-responsive by the user's manipulation of the flush handle, thereby allowing the flushing action to continue until the other actuator responds to the falling water level to open the vent valve.

Abstract: A bed assembly including a plurality of mattress support members that can be moved to an articulated position with respect to a straight line interconnecting the centers of the members, and which also can be moved to an angled position to roll a person on the bed from one side to the other as desired, which is especially useful for hospital beds. An actuator for moving the patient include first and second levers, a rotatable shaft, and a cable interconnecting the shaft and the levers. Actuating means for moving the support members to the articulated position can be of a conventional type, the lever, cable, and shaft actuating means not interferring with the operation thereof.

Abstract: A ripple bed has an upper and a lower inflatable layer. The upper layer has separate air passages which are independently inflatable and deflatable to provide the rippling effect. The lower layer is separately inflatable to provide support over any area of the upper layer which is deflated.

Abstract: A plier type crimping tool including a cut-off edge and complementary anvil, insulation stripping knife edges, terminal leg partial inturning formations, terminal leg full crimping formations, and high tower terminal crimping formations.

Abstract: A system and method for cleaning and drying porous fabrics such as tufted carpet are disclosed. A porous fabric is first wetted and then passed over a slotted vacuum pipe. A backup plate is positioned opposite the slot, and the fabric passes between the slot and plate. Air is forced to flow in an indirect route into the slot to maximize cleaning and drying. The gap between the slot and backup plate is adjustable to enable the system to handle fabrics or carpets of varying thickness.

Abstract: An improved vertical axis clothes washing machine and method having wash, rinse, and spin extraction operations including a tub, an agitator, a first basket within the tub, a second basket disposed within the first basket and positioned on the agitator for movement therewith. There is also a water supply for feeding hot and cold water into the machine, electrically powered drive for operating the agitator to effect washing of the fabrics and for rotating the baskets to centrifugally extract water from the fabrics. Water is allowed to flow from the baskets into the tub and may be recirculated from the tub into the baskets during the wash and rinse operations. The improvement is a separate cycle of a continuous wash and rinse operation followed by a spin extraction operation for washing clothes in only the second basket during the combined wash and rinse operation and directed to drain and not recirculated.

Abstract: A substantially circular, round lifeboat provided with a flat bottom surface and upwardly curved sides, the interior of the boat being provided with a series of concentrically arranged seats for the passengers, mostly near the bottom of the boat to provide a low center of gravity, the boat having a fiber glass hull and a fiber glass covered styrofoam interior in order that it be strong and sturdy, while being relatively light in weight, with the capability of each boat being molded in two pieces (hull section and seat and rib section) and joined together, the upper perimeter of the boat having a plurality of spaced-apart arms for supporting transparent plastic panels which extend upwardly and thus increase the free-board, the arms also providing support for a plurality of curved supporting ribs arranged in a dome-shaped fashion to support a suitable cloth material to form a complete cover for the open upper portion of the boat.

Abstract: A mechanically or electrically operated toothbrush is actuated by a reversing switch operated by a movable handle section mounted over the housing of the toothbrush. The direction of the rotation of the toothbrush is changed by movement of the handle relative to the housing while the brush is applied to the teeth to provide the desired direction for the section of teeth being brushed.

Abstract: A rotating brush assembly for a vehicle washing apparatus is disclosed in which the brush assembly, which includes a brush, a brush shaft supporting the brush, a brush motor for driving the brush shaft and a flexible elastic coupling, is permitted 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 flexing of the flexible elastic coupling, which couples the brush shaft to the support arm, permits the brush to tilt or swing in any direction. For example, when the brush assembly engages the front of a vehicle, the flexible elastic coupling permits the brush to tilt as it passes along the front end of the vehicle. The brush motor rotates the brush in a direction which causes the brush to walk along the front of the vehicle.

Abstract: A scouring pad is placed between two parallel rotating rollers mounted in a slot formed in the top of a platform. The lower surfaces of the rollers are wetted by a liquid detergent solution contained in a tank mounted below the platform. A shoe roller skate having a front pair and a rear pair of wheels is placed on the platform with one pair of wheels resting on the rollers and engaging the top of the scouring pad. The rollers rotate the skate wheels against the scouring pad, thereby removing dirt from the skate wheels by an abrading action. The liquid detergent is transferred from the rollers to the skate wheels and scouring pad, thereby enhancing the removal of the dirt from the skate wheels.

Abstract: A self-cleaning brush comprises a body member having a hollow interior compartment and an anterior wall provided with a number of spaced apertures through which the bristles of the brush can project. A bristle supporting member, including a brush head to which the bristles are affixed, is located within the hollow compartment and has a brush head operating member attached to its upper surface which projects through an opening in a posterior wall. The brush head operating member is movable reciprocably within the hollow compartment from a first position, in which the bristles project through registering apertures in the anterior wall, to a second position, where the bristles are fully retracted within the brush body. The retraction of the bristles through the apertures in the anterior wall allows for easy removal of hair or debris from the bristles. The brush head operating member may be locked in any desired position by means of a reciprocable lever member which extends from the brush body.

Abstract: A dust mop frame suited for holding a dusting fabric with a central portion of the fabric extending across the bottom surface of the frame and over opposite edge portions and extending to the top surface includes a plurality of toggle assemblies for retaining the edge portions of the fabric on the top surface. The toggle assemblies are arranged in opposed sets of at least one toggle assembly adjacent each edge portion of the frame. The toggle assemblies comprise a toggle member having a pivot axis, an arm portion projecting generally radially from the axis, a lip portion spaced from an axis projecting from one side of the arm portion and extending parallel to the axis, a curved portion having an arcuate surface disposed around the pivot axis, means mounting the toggle member on the frame for pivotal movement around the axis, a spring mounted on the frame adapted to frictionally engage and slide along the arcuate surface upon movement of the toggle member.

Abstract: A multi-motor suction cleaner of the upright type having a power-driven rotary brush operated in the usual manner with a low-suction, high-volume airflow produced by a typical first motor-fan unit in the cleaner suction nozzle housing to carry out a usual floor, rug or carpet cleaning operation. The cleaner is converted to efficient off-the-floor cleaning merely by selectively uncovering an opening in a closed suction chamber carried by the cleaner containing a second motor-fan unit producing high-suction, low-volume airflow. A converter member mounted on one end of a typical flexible attachment hose is inserted in the uncovered opening. This automatically energizes the second motor-fan unit. The selective and alternate operation of the two motor-fan units provides a single cleaner that can carry out most efficiently every cleaning operation heretofore requiring both a canister and an upright cleaner to perform.

Abstract: A hot water extraction system including a water tank having means for connection to a container containing a vacuum motor and to a water extractor and a hot water applicator, the applicator having a connection for attachment to a normal faucet, a hose from the faucet passing through a chemical cleaning solution, and a valve for the emission of a predetermined amount of the water including the solution, the vacuum created by the vacuum motor in the container creating a vacuum in the water tank and thereby providing suction through a hose leading to the water extractor whereby the hot water containing the solution which has been emitted on to a surface such as a rug by the applicator is drawn into the water tank where it is accumulated until the cleansing is completed.

Abstract: Two relatively swingable members interconnected by a pair of hinge straps are biased into either of two predetermined relative positions, 90.degree. apart, by a hairpin-type leaf spring bearing upon a projection of one hinge strap while being wound about a pintle engaged by the other hinge strap. The leaf spring consists of at least two nested plies of sheet steel, which may or may not be interconnected at one end, each having a thickness which is less than that of a single-ply spring of like material having the same degree of elasticity. The innermost ply is supported by a bushing of plastic material surrounding the associated pintle.

Abstract: A window stay for adjustable mounting of a window sash into a window frame which comprises a first mounting plate adapted for attachment to the frame of a window and a second mounting plate adapted for attachment to the sash of a window. A carriage is slidably mounted on the first mounting plate. An arm is pivotally connected by one end to the sash mounting plate and by the other end to the frame mounting plate. The sash mounting plate is further pivoted but at a point remote from the pivot coupling the arm to the frame mounting plate to the slidably mounted carriage. Means are provided which cause the carriage to be angularly displaced relative to the frame mounting plate during the initial opening and closing.