Abstract: A sweet gum having an unusual coloration during the fall season including on the same tree at any given time multi-colored leaves of purplish blue, red, orange, pink and yellow, of various hues, with the coloration lasting longer than is normal for the species.

Abstract: Fuel saving apparatus for controlling the supply of fuel to one or more selected cylinders of a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine comprises a remotely and independently controlled fuel saving valve operably positioned to provide selective communication between the cylinder clearance volume and a filtered air portion of the engine carburetor. The valve is closed for normal, full power engine operation, and open for predetermined low engine power demand periods. The opening of said valve so severely reduces cylinder intake vacuum and resultant air-fuel influx as to render temporarily ineffective the cylinder, thereby reducing engine fuel consumption.

Abstract: A protective suit--for diving, gas protection and rescue work--has a body of flexible elastically yieldable material and a head gear in form of a flexible elastically yieldable hood having an inner and an outer wall which defines therebetween a clearance for a layer of thermally insulating air or gas.

Abstract: A baseball glove, usable by both right-handed and left-handed players, has two outer finger stalls, two intermediate finger stalls and a middle finger stall, at least the latter three stalls being integral with front and rear pieces of leather or similar sheet material held together by lacing which also links one of the outer stalls and the adjoining intermediate stall to an interposed web. The two outer stalls may be structurally identical, so as to receive either the thumb or the little finger of a player according to the latter's handedness, and may have downward extensions protectively overlying the player's palm. Alternatively, all five finger stalls may be integral with the two coextensive sheets to be selectively used as either the front or the back of the glove; the lacing in that case may be unitary but loose enough in places to allow flexing in one direction or the other, depending on which hand is inserted between one of these sheets and an intervening padding.

Abstract: A convertible women's ensemble capable of satisfying a range of apparel requirements, a single ensemble making it possible for the wearer to be appropriately dressed for active wear, for informal and formal occasions and for rain or shine. The ensemble is constituted by a long jacket and a pair of slacks, the jacket being preferably fabricated of waterproof material and having a removable hood in sac form equipped with a drawstring, whereby the hood is usable as a carrying bag. The jacket includes a removable liner which when removed functions as a long skirt to replace the slacks which are then stored in the carrying bag.

Abstract: The bone implant is made from elements which have different mechanical properties and which are maintained out of contact from each other by means of a plastic member. The plastic member is disposed in and fills a gap formed by the implant elements. In addition, the plastic member has thin-walled extensions which are engaged in narrowing sections at the outer boundaries of the gap. These extensions guard against any creep in the plastics member under the forces imposed on the plastics member during stressing of the bone implant.

Abstract: A system for controlling ground water level in a particular surrounding area is disclosed. In particular, a dewatering system to safeguard the integrity of an in-ground swimming pool against damage or disruption caused by excess water accumulating at or near the soil surrounding the swimming is described. Such contiguous ground water, when it rises to an undesirably high level, for example, such as at a level higher than the level of water in a swimming pool, as a consequence of the resulting hydrostatic pressure, will cause adverse effects. The invention provides a system for the removal of ground water accumulating in a given area in excess of a predetermined level, such as around a swimming pool, until the desired level is restored.

Abstract: A cover for a water closet seat which includes an annular panel of flexible fabric having an inner peripheral edge and an outer peripheral edge, and adapted to fit across and cover the upper surface of a water closet seat. A band of resilient material is mounted at and around the outer peripheral edge of the panel and constrictively urges the outer peripheral edge to a contracted, converged position. A hem channel is carried by the panel at its inner periphery, and is transversely traversed by a channel closure which blocks the channel at one point around its peripheral extent. At a location spaced along the hem channel from the channel closure, a channel opening is provided. A two-ended, resilient stiffening member is positioned in the channel with the two ends thereof abutting the channel closure.

Abstract: A sofa bed has a multi-section bed assembly which is partly storable in the sofa back to become the back cushion support for the sofa and is partly storable sandwich-like in the seat cavity of the sofa to be the seat cushion support for the sofa thereby allowing the bottom of the sofa to be reduced in depth, back to front, permitting the structure to be moved through narrow doorways and the like not heretofore possible in convertible furniture.

Abstract: An adjustable bed is particularly adapted for the care of patients at home, and comprises a stationary frame, and a mattress support having a head section, a center section, and a foot section, which are hingedly interconnected. A lift arm has opposing ends thereof pivotally connected with the frame and the mattress support center section respectively, and includes a power device which selectively pivots the lift arm to raise and lower the mattress support thereby adjusting patient elevation. A longitudinally extending motor has opposing ends thereof pivotally connected with the frame and the mattress support center section at a point spaced from the lift arm center section pivot, whereby motor extension and retraction pivots the mattress support about the lift arm pivot, thereby bodily tilting the same for adjusting patient inclination.

Abstract: A pillow case having a receptacle upon its upper side in which a baby bottle is retained during a time of nursing, and the pillow case upper side including a sideward extending flap upon which a baby rests its head while sucking on the bottle nipple.

Abstract: A foot supporting strap for beds including a strap having fastening means secured to the ends thereof and to the frame of the bed for detachably mounting the strap to the frame. Means are provided on the underside of the strap for spacing the strap from the mattress whereby in the regions adjacent the spacing means there is formed a space into which the feet of the patient can at least partially extend. The strap thus provides a brace against which the feet of the patient can push to permit movement of the patient to a more comfortable position.

Abstract: A supportive framework is disclosed for a boat having a hull which consists of a flexible plastic skin wherein the bottom frame element of the frame network is tubular and includes a rounded bottom wall which flexes inwardly to absorb stresses upon impact and more widely and uniformly distribute the stresses over the impact area.

Abstract: An aquatic swimming aid comprising spaced-apart floats and an elongate rigid structure fixed at its ends to said floats so as to hold the floats rigidly spaced apart, the elongate structure being sufficiently long to permit several swimmers to be supported thereby side-by-side. There are longitudinally-spaced openings along the one side of the structure which may be grasped by a swimmer and at least one handhold opening at the other side which may be grasped by a swimming instructor.

Abstract: A piggy back ski (10) comprises a first ski section (12) secured to a second ski section (14) by a plurality of releasable fasteners (16). The first ski section (12) includes a foot binding (18) secured thereto. The second ski section (14) can be selectively disengaged during skiing to permit continuation on the first ski section (12). If desired, a releasable fastener (34) can be used to prevent disengagement of the ski sections (12, 14) during skiing.

Abstract: A method and a device for automatically arranging individual paper sheets in a set of papers with the edges of said paper sheets in alignment with each other in combination with stapling said set of papers. A set of papers having unaligned edges is positioned on a lower edge of a vibrating table and the papers are joggled so that one edge of the paper sheets in the set of papers become aligned. The set of papers is thereafter urged against a lateral edge of the table while being vibrated, whereby all edges of the paper sheets become evenly aligned. In this final phase a stapler staples the set of papers together.

Abstract: A toothbrush having a handle formed of a thermoplastic material with a glass transition temperature in the range of about 110.degree.-140.degree. F. The handle is heated to soften the plastic shaped to a desired configuration while pliable, then allowed to cool so as to retain the desired configuration when it hardens. The brush bristles may be detached from the handle when worn and replaced by a fresh set.

Abstract: A roofer's mop comprises a plurality of glass yarns with randomly disposed fibers bound together in a fixture to provide a lightweight, bulky mop head which will withstand temperatures in excess of 800.degree. F. to spread molten tar for prolonged periods of usage.

Abstract: A feather duster being adapted to be retracted into a protective casing and having the feathers arranged in such a manner so as to create a static electrical charge on the feathers which results in a more efficient gathering of dust.

Abstract: Double insulated, electrically energized liquid handling apparatus, usable without a separate ground line connection, e.g. a jet hot water extractor for dispensing and wet vacuum extraction recovery of rug and carpet cleaning liquids,including an electrically insulating container, e.g. of non-conductive material such as plastic, thereby providing a first exterior insulating barrier, which protectively contains a reservoir connected to a delivery pump adapted for connection in turn with an external applicator for pumping, preferably hot, liquid from the reservoir for application to a surface to be cleaned, an electrically isolated delivery motor, e.g. an open coil induction motor, including a rotatably mounted shaft operatively connected for driving the pump, preferably via a pump journal having a leakproof double seal bearing, and insulating mounting structure, e.g.

Abstract: An attachment for converting a conventional filament trimmer into a vacuum or blower for removal of grass clippings. The attachment includes a fan housing removably mounted to the trimmer in either a vacuum or blower mode of operation and a fan removably mounted to the rotatably driven shaft of the trimmer. The fan housing has an air inlet scoop and air discharge chute.

Abstract: A caster pad permanently attachable to the underside of a receptacle to permit a caster to be quickly mounted to the receptacle by insertion into the caster pad and to be quickly removed from the receptacle by releasing it from the caster pad. In one embodiment, the caster pad employs no specialized parts but instead is formed from a single piece of sheet metal to which standard bolts are affixed for locking the caster into the caster pad. In addition to the bolts, the caster pad consists of a unitary piece of metal whose edges are bent out of the plane of its flat central portion to form flanges which help to retain the caster and which include threaded holes for attaching the bolts.

Abstract: Suspension system for a drapery, particularly a drapery comprising vertically aligned wooden slats. There is provided a traverse rod suspension system for a drapery comprising a plurality of vertically arranged wooden, or other substantially rigid, slats, same being pivotally related to each other along adjacent vertical edges. The system provides a traverse rod preferably slotted along its bottom with a series of composite hangers, provided therein, such hangers being connected by a flexible member, as a cord. Said composite hangers each has an upper portion arranged in sliding, nonrotatable, relationship with said rod and a bottom section which may be fixed appropriately to the drapery and is pivotally and releasably connectible to said first section. In the preferred embodiment, the first section has a side opening slot with a slightly constricted entry and the lower section has a headed hanger receivable snappably into said slot.

Abstract: An integral hinge structure for securing a cover to a terminal base includes a generally cylindrical strip of material extending along one edge of an opening to be covered. The cylindrical strip is integral with the base but is spaced from the base by a thin, continuous neck. The cover includes a generally C-shaped strip of material circumscribing an arc of at least 180.degree.. The outer diameter of the cylindrical strip and the inner diameter of the C-shaped strip are approximately the same, allowing the C-shaped strip to be snapped onto and retained by the cylindrical strip. The cover is aligned by one or more radial ribs on the cylindrical strip and one or more complementary slots in the C-shaped strip.

Abstract: The invention relates to a base or adjustment plate for a cabinet hinge for the adjustable attachment of a hinge arm to a cabinet part. The base or adjustment plate consists of an intermediate carrier which can be fastened to a cabinet part and of a bearing element which is fastened to the intermediate carrier in a manner such that it is adjustable along a first axis in space extending parallel to the surface of said cabinet part and serves for the adjustable attachment of the hinge arm in at least one second axis in space extending perpendicular to the first, a guide with lateral guide surfaces being formed between the intermediate carrier and the bearing element by at least one recess extending in the direction of said first axis in space and at least one guide extension engaging into the recess, the guide preventing displacement of the bearing element perpendicular to the first axis in space. Means are furthermore provided for pressing the bearing element against the intermediate carrier.

Abstract: A textile card cleaning apparatus is provided which comprises a plurality of suction hoods disposed within the arcuate chamber defined by the continuous belt of flats disposed above the main cylinder of a textile card. The plurality of suction hoods is adapted so as to draw cotton dust and lint both from the arcuate chamber wherein they reside and up between the flats from the working space between the main cylinder of the textile card and the lower operative run of flats adjacent thereto. The cotton dust and lint is then drawn off to a remote location by suction means fluidly communicating with the plurality of suction hoods.

Abstract: A strap tightener including means to lock an operating lever in a rest position adjacent to an anchoring element for fixedly anchoring the strap tightener.Said means include a hook projecting from a driving pawl on the operating lever for receiving, in the rest position of the operating lever, a holding pawl on the anchoring element.

Abstract: A full ejection stud assembly adapted to be coupled to one member and removably interconnected with a receptacle coupled to a second member to form a fastener assembly for holding the two members together. The stud assembly includes a stud having an enlarged head and a reduced diameter shank extending from one side of the head. A cup is provided with a through passageway for slidably extending the shank of the stud therethrough. The cup is adapted to be mounted on the one member in position with respect to an opening in the one member so that the shank of the stud can pass reciprocally therethrough. A retainer is on the cup and stud to limit the reciprocal movement of the stud shank through the passageway of the cup and the opening in the one member between a closed position for interconnection with a receptacle to hold the two members together and an open position free of the receptacle to permit separation of the two members.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to mechanical compressive shrinkage apparatus of the type comprising opposed feeding and retarding rollers arranged for cooperation with a confining shoe. Fabric or the like is advanced over the feeding roller, being maintained in contact therewith by the confining shoe. The feeding and retarding rollers are arranged to form a nip, and the fabric enters this nip immediately after its emergence from between the feeding roller and the confining shoe. The retarding roller, moving at a slightly slower rate of speed than the feeding roller, and having a superior grip on the fabric, causes the fabric to be decelerated at the nip and mechanically compacted between the nip and the shoe. The disclosed improvements are directed specifically to the construction of the confining shoe itself, enabling manufacture of the shoe to be accomplished at significant savings and facilitating maintenance and repair of the shoe.

Abstract: An automation system for cutting segments from a strip of film wound on a reel, mounting the segments in reusable fixtures and stacking the fixtures in a magazine.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved polymeric drive mandrel for the insertion of helical thread inserts into complementally tapped bores. The mandrel comprises a generally cylindrical body formed of polymeric material externally threaded for the reception of an insert, known per se, the device being characterized by the provision of a metallic drive blade extending generally axially of the polymeric portion, the drive blade including side edges juxtaposed at or intimately adjacent the roots of the threads at at least the drive end of the mandrel, whereby radial compression of the insert, experienced in the course of the driving thereof, is prevented from damaging the lead thread portions of the mandrel and driving torque is distributed over an extended length of the mandrel.

Abstract: An energy efficient process is disclosed for the continuous production of semiconductor matrices formed from depositing doped silicon or germanium films on metallic sheet substrates. The energy released from such deposition can then be used to regenerate the anode material used in the deposition.

Abstract: A worn or defective brake master cylinder is disassembled and degreased. The bore of the housing is reamed to a diameter somewhat larger than the desired finished bore diameter. A stainless steel tube is then cut to produce an insert sleeve of correct length for the housing bore and the outside diameter of the sleeve is ground to a slightly smaller diameter than the reamed diameter of the cylinder bore. The reamed bore and the exterior surface of the stainless steel sleeve are coated with an adhesive and the sleeve is inserted into the bore to the correct depth. The interior of the sleeve is then roller burnished to expand the sleeve into intimate contact with the bore. The sleeve is then drilled from the outside of the master cylinder to reopen all of the necessary ports in the master cylinder bore, following which the bore of the sleeve is honed to a very smooth finish.

Abstract: A catheter having a flexible annular balloon secured on a shaft of the catheter by a pair of annular sleeves. A method is provided for securing the balloon to the shaft by shrinking the sleeves over grooves of the shaft.

Abstract: A two part die set and method including an upper die half supporting a male die and a lower die half containing a spring biased female die receiving the male die and cutting out an area of a panel placed therebetween. The die set is actuated by a conventional machine press of the type having a ram movable toward a fixed bed. The male punch includes a shank and an annular groove forming an area of reduced diameter supporting a ferrule with integral fastening tines. Extended movement of the punch into engagement with the panel cuts out an area of said panel and further extended movement moves the tines through the panel. Continued extended movement of the male die moves the ferrule downwardly and engages angular portions of the tines with the peripheral edge of the cut out in the panel deflecting the tines outwardly on the underneath side of the panel.

Abstract: A method of potting the ends of a bundle of hollow fibers positioned in a casing is provided, for example, in the manufacture of hollow fiber artificial kidneys. The bundle is inserted into the casing through an open end thereof and the casing ends are enclosed with sealed casing closure member means. The casing ends are spun, while curable liquid sealant is inserted through side apertures in the casing. Accordingly, the liquid sealant migrates by the centrifugal force of the spinning to the interior sealed ends of the casing. After the liquid sealant has cured, the closure member means, sealant, and hollow fibers are cut through at each casing end to expose the bores of the hollow fibers. Alternatively, the closure means can be removed prior to the cutting step.

Abstract: A tool-changing apparatus for a multiple-spindle milling machine having a gantry covering a working-part table. Individual working spindles are movable from working positions side by side in unison in a tool-change position laterally from the working-part table. Tool-gripping devices are movable between a delivery station and the working spindles in the tool-change position among which each gripping device is turnable and is arranged in said change position of each of the working spindles. The gripping devices are each arranged at a separate swinging device which is movable at least in a direction of a connecting line of the working spindle or parallel thereto in relation to the swinging devices of other of the tool-gripping devices.

Abstract: For the production of V-MOS single transistor storage cells at the surface of a silicon crystal of first conductivity type, two adjoining zones of opposite conductivity type can first be produced by masked diffusion or implantation. Then, with the use of a correspondingly oriented etching mask, a funnel-shaped depression is produced at the semiconductor surface such that the two zones of opposite conductivity type are separated from one another but reach the surface of the silicon crystal within the funnel-shaped depression. This depression is then coated with a thin SiO.sub.2 layer which is provided as a carrier of the gate electrode of the field effect transistor which forms the storage cell. The two zones of the opposite conductivity type, now separated, are used as a source and as a drain and also as a storage capacitance. For geometric reasons, the two zones of opposite conductivity type can only be produced one after the other with the use of corresponding doping masks.