Abstract: An almond tree which is large, open, vigorous, spreading, abundantly foliated with large, lanceolate leaves having a finely serrate margin, blooms heavily and prolonged with white pink-centered flowers, and a regular bearer with very heavy production of large, well-distributed nuts having a large kernel.

Abstract: A new African violet distinguished by its vigorous growth and its continuous and profuse production of dark blue flowers borne as a bouquet above foliage of a light green color, the dark violet color of the blooms being highlighted by the bright yellow anthers at the center of each flower to make a strikingly attractive display.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for an electrophotographic apparatus comprising an elastic cleaning blade with a holder arranged along a surface of a photosensitive member for cleaning the toners which still remain on the surface of a photosensitive member even after transferring of developed images to a copying paper is finished. The elastic cleaning blade preferably contacts with the surface of the photosensitive member in such a way that the axis of the blade and a tangent to said surface at the pre-cleaning side subtends an obtuse angle specified in relation with the axis line of the blade in the holder. The holder disposes the elastic cleaning blade relative to the photosensitive member to engage a substantially upwardly moving surface portion of the photosensitive member.

Abstract: In a fuel vaporizing type of combustor for gas turbines, using fuel vaporizing tubes and associated mechanism, the vaporizing tubes having a construction and configuration adapted to maintain uniform temperatures therein, the structure as well maintaining uniform temperatures in the head plate of the unit and in an associated splash plate, if used, the structure further tending to eliminate carbon build-up within the tube per se.

Abstract: An ultrasonic flaw detector for detecting irregularities in an object, such as a pipe, having a segment of annular cross-section. The detector includes a transducer with an involute transmitting surface for sending ultrasonic signals into the object at equal non-radial angles of incidence. The detector further includes transmission apparatus for maintaining a constant physical relationship between the transducer and the pipe and interpretive apparatus for correlating reflections of ultrasonic signals within the object with irregularities.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously forming a plurality of terminals from a plurality of lengths of wire and inserting the terminals simultaneously into preformed openings in a plastic part. The apparatus includes a mechanism for simultaneously moving a plurality of lengths of wire which are held in spaced relation to one another to a severing position. The wires may be arranged in both horizontal and vertical planes. At the severing position, a shear is provided for simultaneously severing end portions from the lengths of wires to form a plurality of short wire terminals. The shears and an anvil support the terminals and maintain them in spaced relation to one another after severing for insertion into the preformed openings in the plastic part. The apparatus further includes a tool which supports the plastic part. A slide moves the plastic part and the terminals into engagement with one another to thereby embed the terminals in the preformed openings of the plastic part.

Abstract: An engine control wherein a shaft driven by the engine causes a first signal to be generated and then a second signal after the shaft has rotated through a predetermined degree. The first signal starts a timer into operation, the timer producing a timer pulse of predetermined duration. Time coincidence of the timer signal and second signal indicates that a critical engine speed has been reached and such time coincidence is used to effect a control function. If the shaft rotates in the opposite direction the sequence of generation of the first and second signals in such direction is detected and used to generate a reverse-direction signal which is used to effect a control function. An automatic impedance-changing circuit enables the control to be used with a wide range of batteries.

Abstract: A collapsible tunnel liner section formed from a number of arcuate segments each connected together by hinges to form a closed loop. In collapsed condition the segments are arranged in a compact stack having a cross section less in its maximum dimension than the internal diameter of the erected liner section. Typically the stack has the appearance of a figure 8, having upper and lower cavities. .[.Air bags.]. .Iadd.Expansion means .Iaddend.are located within these cavities and are expanded to expand the collapsed tunnel liner section into its erected condition. During the expansion the liner section passes through an oversized condition before assuming its final erected condition. This ensures stability for the erected liner section. After erection, grout or other filler material is inserted between the liner section and the wall of the tunnel.

Abstract: Double-leaflet heart valves having improved flow through the orifice defined by an annular valve body include a pair of leaflets which may be arcuate or flat in cross section. Guides protrude oppositely from the leaflets and are received in complementary depressions in the interior wall surface of a pair of standards which extend downstream from the annular valve body at generally diametrically opposite locations. The depressions are preferably elongated so that, as the leaflets pivot between the open and closed positions, the guides move from one end of the elongated depressions to the other. Eccentric pivot axes provide for quick response of the leaflets, and the location of the depressions in the standards moves the leaflets out of the annular valve body, reducing resistance to the free flow of blood therethrough.

Abstract: A prosthesis for forming the spherical part of a hip joint with a calotte-shaped cap is disclosed. The inner surface of the prosthesis is provided with grooves and ribs which are evenly distributed over the circumference of the inner surface and extend along planes which, in turn, extend through the rotational symmetry axis of the outer cap surface. A sleeve having jacket is provided with holes is rigidly secured at the inner end of the inner cap surface on the cap and projects partly out of the latter. The ribbing of the inner cap surface and the sleeve permit the prosthesis to be firmly and durably secured in an operation on the bone without cement.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot includes an elongated one-piece semi-rigid keel having a half dome-shaped arch and a thinned toe break region. A rigid bolt block, with a lower portion of reduced size to accommodate a cushioned heel, is fastened to the posterior end of the keel. To rigidify the foot during toe-off, a first substantially inelastic strap is provided. This first strap is fastened at one end to the bolt block, extends across a lower region of the arch, and is fastened at its opposite end to the keel forwardly of the toe break region. A second substantially inelastic strap is positioned above the first strap and is fastened at one end to the bolt block, extends across a mid-portion of the arch, and has its other end fastened to the keel between the arch and toe break region. This second strap rigidifies the foot when in a foot flat position. A flexible foot-shaped cover layer generally envelopes the two straps, keel and bolt block, fills in the toe break region and a large portion of the arch.

Abstract: An intraocular lens assembly for positioning in the posterior chamber of the eye has a plastic lens body supported in the eye by first and second flexible spring-like resilient support loops of circular cross-section extending symmetrically from opposite sides of the peripheral edge of the lens body; the outer end of each support loop is received in and biased against the equatorial region of the lens capsule of the eye from which the natural lens has been removed and has first and second outwardly protruding arcuate contact feet engaging the capsule and separated by an inwardly extending arcuate connector portion with first and second support legs extending from the opposite ends of the contact feet to chordal openings in the periphery of the lens body in which the inner ends of the support legs are fixedly embedded.

Abstract: My invention relates to a fail-safe automatic valve mechanism for water closets.This system may be operated to drain the tank either partially or completely with particular emphasis on operation of either partial or complete flushing. Previous systems have been designed where the partial flush has no definite indent or feel for the partial flush mode, making it difficult or almost impossible to select the desired flush. The magnetic trigger assembly of my invention gives positive feel to the partial flush mode, as hereinafter described.

Abstract: A wall-mounted wash-basin is supported by a mechanism which permits adjustment of the vertical position of the wash-basin by movement around a horizontal axis parallel with the wall. According to the invention the wash-basin is tiltable between an upper position, where the top surface of the basin is at least substantially horizontal and the bottom of the basin is inclined from the user downwardly towards the wall, and a lower position in which the basin bottom is substantially horizontal.

Abstract: A mattress foundation having a rigid frame covered at least in part by a continuous stationary horizontal top surface. A layer of resilient material overlies the stationary top surface. An open grid freely rests on this layer and is resiliently supported by it. A powered vibrator unit is fixed to the grid and is physically clear of contact with the frame. The grid is resiliently covered. It is capable of imparting vibratory movement about the top surface of the completed foundation assembly. In one form, a section of the grid is resiliently supported on the frame by interposed upright springs.

Abstract: A waterbed mattress incorporates an array of individual tie structures each having an elastic element that is slightly stressed under nominal fill conditions of the mattress. The elastic element has a spring constant of about three pounds per inch. The tie structures determine the firmness characteristic of the mattress and accommodate to changing and/or shifting loads. Firmness no longer depends upon the degree of fill.

Abstract: An automatic washing machine of the fresh-water, vertical-axis type has a dynamic system which includes a single perforate wash basket arranged to be driven continuously such that its central axis moves in an orbital path about another axis. The basket is restrained from rotating about its central axis when it is moving about the other axis and each point of the basket moves in a circulate path having an effective diameter which is small in relation to the diameter of the basket and having substantially the same excursion as the orbital path of the central axis of the basket. Water and soil removing agent are introduced into the basket during orbital motion and that motion is effective to induce a continuous motion of the fabric article load for washing the load. The machine tub and other working components are placed in the moving system and provide a stable base for the basket.

Abstract: Structure is provided which provides a changeable bow configuration for a floating hull which requires a bow configuration which facilitates travel through water only part of the time. An amphibious vehicle is an example of such a requirement, wherein the bow of the vehicle hull in the land mode is relatively snub-nosed presenting a hard unyielding surface to ground obstacles such as rocks and mounds as it travels over the terrain. The amphibious vehicle in a sea or water traveling mode generally requires additional buoyancy in the bow to prevent a diving tendency when underway and also requires a shape better adapted to travel along the surface of the water than the snub-nosed bow configuration of the land mode. Left and right moveable bow segments and a lower bow segment are retracted in the land mode to form the snub-nosed or bow.

Abstract: A safety leg construction for a dockboard which acts to limit normal slow descent of the ramp, as well as rapid descent of the ramp, after a truck pulls away from the loading dock. Legs are hinged to the undersurface of the forward edge of the ramp and are biased to a forward supporting position and can be pivoted to a retracted non-supporting position. The legs are coupled to the lip of the dockboard by a coupling member which is pivoted to the leg and has an abutment positioned to be engaged by a cam attached to the lip as the lip is extended to thereby move the coupling member and the leg to the retracted position. An acceleration responsive latching element serves to lock the coupling member to the leg so under normal operation they move as a unit.

Abstract: A street sweeping vehicle with a single engine both for the purpose of propulsion and generation of hydraulic power. The hydraulic power is used to drive individual hydraulic motors controlling the main broom, gutter broom and debris elevating system. Each separate hydraulic motor is so positioned as to operate effectively while accomodating various drine positions, yet minimizing wear and tear on the mechanism driven.

Abstract: A brush adapted for cleaning of the teeth, mouth, and gums of the user, comprising a toothbrush handle, ordinary toothbrush bristles affixed to one surface of a brush head at one end of said handle (hereinafter deemed the "brush end") in the usual and customary manner, and shorter, softer bristles, (hereinafter deemed "mouth bristles") for cleaning of the interior of the mouth and for massaging of the gums affixed to all surfaces of the above-mentioned brush head at the brush end of the toothbrush handle.

Abstract: A cord clamp for binding flexible cords and the like having a sleeve and plunger which are axially movable with respect to one another. One end of each of the plunger and sleeve is provided with a shoulder to prevent separation as the pieces undergo axial movement, and a channel and rib are provided to prevent relative rotation of the plunger and sleeve. The plunger and sleeve are each provided with alignable openings in offset relation to the rib and channel assembly, and these openings move into and out of radial alignment as the plunger and sleeve are axially moved with respect to one another. A spring is provided to urge separation of the plunger and sleeve so that the openings are biased to be out of radial alignment. A cap member seals the entire structure at an end opposite the shoulder formed on the sleeve.

Abstract: A plurality of elongated concrete tubular vaults are arranged upright resting on closed lower ends and are interconnected in mutual lateral support, leaving auxiliary spaces between the vaults. End-opening tubular caskets are vertically disposed in the vaults and the vaults are closed by step-fitted covers. Threaded central openings in the covers of the vaults and the caskets receive ring bolts for lowering the casket into the vault and lowering the vault cover to close the vault.

Abstract: A magnetic recording device employing a thin foil member is fabricated by radially compressing a ring member, securing the periphery of the foil member to the compressed ring, releasing the compression on the ring so that it expands to produce tension in the foil member.A magnetic coating may be applied to the foil member either before or after securing it to the ring member.

Abstract: Apparatus for forcing threadless joints of pipe axially into a coupling to effect a string of pipe. The apparatus includes a main frame movable longitudinally along the projected path of a pipeline to be constructed. A pipe gripper is mounted to the main frame for slidable movement longitudinally along the pipeline. The pipe gripper comprises a plurality of pipe engaging dies remotely actuated to grip and release a marginal length of a pipe. A coupling holding fixture is affixed to the main frame in spaced relation respective to the pipe gripper. The fixture includes a movable wall which enables a coupling to be releasably held in fixed relationship respective to the main frame, and remotely released when desired. A coupling is placed within the fixture, a joint of pipe is placed within the pipe gripper which forces the pipe axially into the coupling whereupon the pipe connection is effected to thereby enable a pipeline to be fabricated.