Abstract: A dental operatory system is disclosed which converts generalized space to a multi-operatory dental clinic at minimum expense. Each dental operatory unit is generally L-shaped and forms a wall-like partition structure between a first operatory and a second operatory. The L-shaped structure incorporates lead-lined protective panels. An x-ray unit and light unit are mounted so as to be accessible to each operatory. Drawers are also cooperatively mounted to ease of access by the dentist or assistant in each operatory.

Abstract: Highly concentrated nitrogen suspension fertilizers which have excellent long-term storage and handling properties in both warm and severely cold weather are produced from urea, ammonium nitrate, water, and attapulgite clay and contain urea crystals suspended in a saturated solution containing urea and ammonium nitrate. The compositions must be maintained within a very narrow range to produce suspensions satisfactory for commercial use. This narrow composition range is such that the saturation temperatures and nitrogen contents of the products fall within specific ranges. Deviation from these ranges results in poor quality, commercially unusable products. If the saturation temperature or nitrogen content is too high, the product is too viscous to be pumped or applied to the soil. If the saturation temperature is too low, the product contains excessively large crystals which settle to the bottom of storage and shipping tanks and clog spray nozzles in suspension application equipment.

Abstract: A bipolar transistor isolated by deep recessed oxide 19, with shallow recessed oxide 15 separating the base 32, 37 from collector contact 35, with polysilicon contact 26 to base extrinsic region 37, the polysilicon being self-aligned with the emitter 36 and the emitter contact.

Abstract: There is disclosed headwear including an outer head covering and a removable protective impact resistant shell. The outer head covering is provided with a crown portion having an integral bottom peripheral edge defining a shell receiving opening, and a brim extending outwardly and peripherally from the crown portion. The protective impact resistant shell includes a protective crown portion and an integral bottom rim configured to define a generally circular head receiving opening. A fastening arrangement including a strap is provided for securing the protective shell within the outer head covering. The strap has exterior sections which extend from the exterior surface of the protective shell through generally aligned openings in the outer head covering to secure the protective shell within the head covering.

Abstract: An apparatus to assist esophageal speech in an individual who has undergone a laryngectomy who has a tracheastome and a tracheal-esophageal fistula. The apparatus comprising an elastomeric tube with an open tracheal end and an esophageal end having a one-way slit valve normally closed which allows air to be diverted from the trachea to the esophagus when the tracheastome is sealed and the patient exhales. The elastomeric air tube has an elliptical cross section which contributes to higher rates of air flow and comfortable expiration pressures by reducing the bending movement of the portions of the tube located on either side of the slit or flapper valve. The contacting surfaces of the slit valve are coated with an adhesion-reducing compound to further reduce opening pressure. A retaining flange formed in a plane extending generally perpendicularly from the air tube does not cover the portion of the neck having the tracheastome, thus forming no significant obstruction to breathing.

Abstract: The invention contemplates an intra-ocular-lens structure for implantation in place of a cataracted natural lens. The construction features a lens element of requisite prescription power, and multiple-sheet fenestrated haptic structure engaged to the lens extends radially outwardly for stabilizing contact with wall features of the anterior chamber of the eye. The haptic sheets are in permanently bonded laminated relation to each other, with circumferentially continuous supporting engagement to front and back sides of the rim of the lens element.

Abstract: A quiet water closet rim and a method for venting air from a rim cavity of a water closet. The rim has a horizontally oriented annular cavity and is selectively supplied with pressurized water by a flush mechanism. A series of perforations in the rim permits the pressurized water within the rim cavity to exit the rim in the form of a spray. The rim is also provided with a vent passageway having an inlet open into an upper portion of the cavity and an outlet open into the atmosphere. As pressurized water fills the cavity, a portion of the air within the upper portion of the cavity is vented through the vent passageway.

Abstract: A portable toilet having an improved valve arrangement for minimizing abrasion of the holding tank inlet seal. The valve arrangement includes a valve member which moves generally normal to a sealing plane defined by the seal when the valve is opened or closed. A wiper element is disposed adjacent the holding tank inlet and is positioned to exert a wiping action on the sealing surface of the valve member when the valve is operated.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing flexible interconnecting pipes primarily in a whirlpool bathtub or spa assembly and comprising an improved venturi fitting having a snap-in bracket for receiving an elongated semi-flexible rod around the outer periphery of the tub wall and a plurality of primary pipe support brackets each also having such a snap-in bracket and a pair of C-shaped retainers for receiving the air and water flexible pipes interconnecting the venturi fittings. The rod support brackets may be provided with an optional interconnecting member for receiving an additional C-shaped secondary bracket providing means for supporting additional flexible pipes such as the suction and drain lines of a whirlpool bathtub assembly.

Abstract: An improved shower arrangement is provided for invalid bathing units and the like, such as those comprising a sit-down bathtub having a lateral opening in one side to permit ingress and egress therethrough, and a vertically slidable door to selectively open and close the bathtub opening. The shower arrangement includes a plurality of fine-spray, wide-angle nozzles mounted along the left and right-hand sides of the bathtub, which collectively produce a gentle, blanket-like mist that completely covers the front of the bather. Preferably, a separate, fan-spray nozzle is mounted on the rear wall of the bathtub, and flows a thin sheet or film of water therealong, which cushions and baths the back and bottom of the seated invalid.

Abstract: A sofa sleeper having a foldable bed frame connected by a collapsible frame support linkage with a sofa frame. The collapsible frame support linkage includes a novel styling structure that permits the pitch of the seat, when the bed frame is in the sofa position, to be adjusted as desired. This styling structure, in preferred form, includes a styling link incorporated in the collapsible frame support linkage that cooperates with a vertically adjustable styling bolt mounted on the sofa frame. The abutment position of the styling link against the styling bolt, which position depends on the vertical location of the styling bolt relative to ground, determines the collapsed position of the collapsible frame support linkage, thereby establishing the seat pitch of the sofa.

Abstract: A castor control assembly for an adjustable bed includes a linkage mechanism having rigid link elements, and a single pedal actuator. The pedal may be actuated from the control station to shift the linkage mechanism and operate individual castors for selection of swivel, locking and steering modes, as desired.

Abstract: A bed assembly is provided particularly for geriatric use. The bed includes a mattress supported by a frame having a plurality of supporting legs, and bolsters are provided on either side of the mattress, mounted so that a top surface of each is substantially even with the top of the mattress. An undercarriage support structure including a pair of horizontal channel members are provided for receiving the legs of the mattress supporting frame and preventing substantial movement thereof with respect to the bolsters. The horizontal channel members include a pair of end portions which are received by passageways associated with the bolsters and allow the bolsters to be slid up and down off of and onto the undercarriage. A rail is mounted on each bolster for movement from a position below the top of the mattress to a position above the top of the mattress wherein it performs a roll-off preventing function.

Abstract: In order to maintain at a constant value the quantity of liquor applied in the wet-on-wet application of two liquors of differing composition, it is necessary that the fabric web which is wet from the preceding wet treatment is first uniformly partially dewatered and the second liquor is then applied uniformly. By using high-moisture measuring instruments after the dewatering and also controlling the same with the aid of measured values, and by proceeding similarly after the repeated application of liquor, it is possible to stay within the tolerances which are necessary to ensure the uniformity of the two processes.

Abstract: A roller brush (9) is horizontally arranged in a solvent vessel (7). The essentially vertical portions of the lateral surface of the brush (9) are sealingly surrounded by contour plates (11,12). The contour plates are sealingly connected to a cover (14-16) which is in turn sealingly connected to the edge of the vessel. The brush (9) is partially immersed in the solvent and is driven for rotation. The contour plate (11) which is conjoined to the upwardly moving peripheral portion of the rotating brush (9), extends down into the solvent so that the brush, in cooperation with the contour plate (11), pumps solvent up to the scrubbing area as the brush rotates. A conveyor path (1) for objects to be cleaned extends through the upper peripheral portion of the brush. The bristles of the brush (9) form, in cooperation with the cover (14-16) and the contour plates (11,12), a seal between the interior of the vessel and the surroundings of the vessel.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for mounting downwardly depending vehicle washing mitters. It includes a frame suspended above a vehicle washing station, a horizontally disposed support for the mitters, the support being rotatably mounted to the frame about a vertical axis to permit rotational oscillation thereof, a suspension extending from the frame to the support, the suspension being radially offset from the axis, and an oscillator for oscillating the support means about the axis. Thus, the suspension causes the support to vertically oscillate as the support is being rotationally oscillated.

Abstract: An open-ended container has a sidewall from the inside of which emerge bunches of bristles converging onto the axis of symmetry or center of the container, which allow instruments with a tool or other element at its tip to be cleaned from residues after use, e.g., dental instruments, and then be disinfected or lubricated. The container also maintains the instrument in an upright position suitable for being handled again, and during the withdrawal phase of the instrument from the container, it repeats the cleaning operation, e.g., the brushing on the bristles, which had previously been done during the insertion of the tool into the container.

Abstract: A mop comprising a handle, a mop head mounted at the front end of the handle for holding a sponge or the like, a wringer for wringing the sponge comprising a squeeze mechanism mounted on the mop head for sliding movement from a retracted position in which it is disposed to permit mopping to an extended position, and for pivotal movement about a pivot axis extending in side-to-side direction with respect to the mop head from the extended position to a wringing position in which the squeeze mechanism squeezes the sponge to wring it, and an actuating mechanism for effecting the aforesaid sliding and pivotal movement of the squeeze mechanism. The actuating mechanism is operated by moving a hand piece mounted on the handle relative to the handle.

Abstract: A wiper device capable of increasing urging force of a wiper blade against a windshield of a vehicle during wiping operation and decreasing urging force of the wiper blade during out of service thereof and resting the blade at its resting zone of the windshield. The wiper device comprises the wiper blade, a wiper arm having one end pivotably supporting the wiper blade, a drive means for providing swinging movement of the wiper arm, at least one biasing spring having one end connected to the wiper arm and a movable unit adapted to change biasing force of the spring, the spring having the other end connected to the movable unit. The wiper arm has the other end pivotally connected to a wiper head coupled to a wiper shaft driven by a drive means.

Abstract: In the case of a windscreen wiper arm for vehicle windows with a fastening piece connected torsionally rigid to a hollow wiper shaft extending through a wiper bearing and a wiper arm connected with this around a swivel axle running across the wiper shaft, which has in a flexible plastic part covering the fitting a washer nozzle connected to the hollow wiper shaft, the flexible plastic part is made as a known cover (19) in register with the swivel axle (15) of the wiper arm (16), which is also in register via an internal ball pan (21) with the ball - nipple outer end (22) of the hollow wiper shaft (6) in order to ensure a desired adjustment of the washer nozzle (25) disposed in the flexible plastic part.

Abstract: A door and a substantially concealed hinge are provided, particularly for cabinets. The hinge is designed to be substantially hidden in a wedge-shaped recess in a hinge edge of the door. The recess can be made by a single pass of a cutting tool relative to the door or vice versa. The hinge includes a first hinge wing and a second hinge wing connected by a knuckle. The first hinge wing has a first portion extending outwardly from the knuckle in a generally radial direction and a second portion structurally integral with the first portion, extending at an angle relative to the first portion, and having openings for mounting the first hinge wing on the door frame. The second hinge wing has a third portion extending generally radially-outwardly from the knuckle at a narrow, included angle relative to the plane of the door and to the second hinge portion when the hinge is in a closed position.

Abstract: By increasing the mass and reducing the surface friction of the piston driving a penetrating bolt in an animal stunning gun and providing that bolt with a conically-shaped recess at its tip, maximum penetrating force with minimum gun complexity is achieved. Further simplification of the gun without the sacrifice of any performance is achieved by utilizing magnetic retention means for the bolt prior to the firing of the gun.

Abstract: A food casing article includes a hollow tubular core casing carrier provided with a casing retention element for holding the casing a predetermined distance from a connection means employed at one end of the tubular casing carrier, the retention element being formed by compressing together a part of a thermoplastic tube while softened to form an annular, double-walled flange extending outwardly from around the side walls of the tube.

Abstract: A device for dividing slaughtered poultry, comprising a stationary elongate conveyor member situated above a positioning member, and transporting the bird suspended by its legs, and with a guide member having a guide surface situated beneath the positioning member and symmetrical with respect thereto, and comprising an upwardly sloping part in front of the positioning member with a central wedge-shaped positioning groove for the bird's breast and a substantially flat part beneath the positioning member through which the cutting means extends.

Abstract: Poultry necks severed from poultry bodies during production line processing are gravitationally conveyed across a load platform of a weighing device to detect and direct heavier necks along a separate path for subsequent reassembly with poultry bodies. The load platform in its unloaded position is coplanar with an inclined slide surface onto which the severed necks are dropped from the neck cutter. A weight limit above which the heavier necks are detected is established to control the proportion of heavier necks selected for reassembly.

Abstract: There is disclosed a shrimp processing machine which includes a new and improved cam arrangement for splitting the shrimp shells open to thereby expose the sand vein of the shrimp to facilitate the deveining of the shrimp and ultimate separation of the shrimp meat from the shrimp shells. The machine includes a plurality of processing stations including a cutting station for cutting the shrimp lengthwise through the shrimp shells along the shrimp sand veins and an adjacent deveining station for removing the sand vein of the shrimp. A carrier means transfers the shrimp through the processing stations and includes cam actuated clamp means for gripping the shrimp shells. A cam means disposed between the cutting and deveining stations is arranged to controllably act upon the clamp means of the carrier to cause an increase in the grip pressure on the shrimp by the clamp means after the shrimp have been cut for splitting the shrimp shells open to thereby expose the sand vein of the shrimp to the deveining stations.

Abstract: A safety system operatively connected with a door, includes an air line, a pressure difference generator communicating with the air line and operatively connected with the door for altering the pressure of air in the air line when the door moves from a closed position to an open position and a pressure-responsive switch operatively connected with the air line for presenting an output indication in response to the alteration of air pressure in the air line.

Abstract: Oxide refractory materials (for example, alumina-zirconia mixtures) can be cast to have an extremely fine crystal structure by casting them onto a non-reactive, non-melting particulate solid cooling media of a material other than that of the oxide refractory material (for example, steel spheres having a size ranging from about 5 to about 60 mm). By using steel spheres as the cooling media, the spheres can be removed from the solidified material with a magnet. The solidified material, when crushed and graded, has exceptional utility as an extremely tough abrasive grain.

Abstract: A clamp for a bundle of cables has a resilient plastic base (11), a C-shaped resilient arm (12) integrally formed with the surface of the base and having a clamp operating portion (13) projecting outward, a guide portion (21) provided around an escape hole (17) on the base (11) so as to oppose to and meet with a free end (14) of the C-shaped resilient arm, and an engaging portion (23) provided opposite to the guide portion (21) with an inserting groove (22) therebetween and having an inclined surface (24) supported by a thin support wall (26), a claw part (25) connected to the lower end of the inclined surface and a release operating portion (27) projecting outward, the C-shaped resilient arm (12) being provided with a plurality of ratchet-shaped projections (16) in tiers on the outer surface near the free end (14) except both edges (15) thereof, the clamp being adapted for guiding the free end (14) into the inserting groove (22) by the inclined wall (18) of the guide portion (21) and the inclined surface (24

Abstract: A dead-end appliance for linear bodies including a pair of elongated legs, each of which is helically coiled along the length thereof for grippingly receiving a portion of a linear body. An integral connecting portion connects the legs at one end thereof and includes integral pin receiving eyes and a bight portion. The eyes have eye axes lying in a plane extending perpendicular to the legs, and the bight portion is positioned for attachment of a linear body tensioning device thereto extending therefrom on the same side of the plane as the legs.

Abstract: A slide fastener stringer having a continuous thermoplastic molded coupling element strip attached to a longitudinal edge of a tape. The strip includes a row of spaced coupling elements interconnected by a pair of series of first and second thermoplastic molded connecting portions. Each first connecting portion extends between first legs of two adjacent coupling elements and each second connecting portion extends between second legs of two adjacent coupling elements. A pair of connector threads extends parallel to the first and second connecting portions, respectively, along the full length of the strip and is embedded in the first and second legs, respectively, of each coupling element.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus includes a first member defining a slot aperture with a wider portion and a narrower portion, and a second member with an arcuate portion for extension about an object to be clamped between the members. The second member has an end portion defining a plurality of pairs of notches, the notches of each pair being defined in opposite side edges of the end portion and being adapted to engage in the slot aperture of the first member upon insertion and rotation thereof relative to the first member. Fastener means, preferably a threaded fastener, is adjustable in position relative to the first member to retain and space the second member portion from the first member a selected distance to clamp an object of particular size between the first and second members.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a clamping device for clamping together a scaffolding pole and the flange of a construction member. The device comprises two body parts having arcuate seats, the two body parts being connected together at one end thereof for relative pivotal movement, and the device comprising clamping means to secure the body parts in clamping engagement with the scaffolding pole.The arcuate seats are spaced apart in the axial direction, and one body part comprises an integral extension portion, which extends generally parallel to the longitudinal axis, such that the arcuate seat on the other body part lies (in the axial direction) between the arcuate seat of said one body part and a flange-engaging surface of the extension portion. In this manner by tightening a single nut the clamping means may be operated to secure the clamping device to the scaffolding pole, and simultaneously clamp the flange between the extension portion and the scaffolding pole.

Abstract: A multi-part assembly held together by a clamp. Two or more parts are held together by a clamp which fits into two grooves formed in the outer surface of a part to be clamped. The clamp has a bail which surrounds the clamped parts, and a flexible arm holds one of the parts and the bail holds the other of the parts.

Abstract: Clips are known in which a worm wheel is meshed with teeth provided on an end portion of a band for encircling the member to be clamped, but such clips are relatively costly to produce and problems arise in maintaining the band threads meshed with the worm. Various clips are described in which an end portion of the band is provided on one side with external screw thread portions which are complementary to the internal screw threads of a nut through which the band end portion extends. The opposite end of the band may be integral with a body on which the nut is supported, or it may be identical to the first end portion also be meshed with the nut threads, so that both end portions of the band are drawn through the nut on turning of the nut.

Abstract: Method for producing an interlaced multifilament yarn comprising previously rubbing and scratching a material multifilament yarn with an intensity such that the individual filaments constituting the multifilament yarn are not substantially broken by a rotary rough surface member having sharp projections which are smaller than the cross-sectional diameter of the individual filament of the multifilament yarn; then diffusing at least one jetted fluid, each jetted in the yarn running direction along a predetermined yarn passage from a jetting aperture of a supply conduit through a nozzle formed with a rectifying and diffusing portion having a substantially uniform section with the supply conduit being fixed with respect to the members defining the yarn passage; and then impinging the diffused jetted fluid against the running material multifilament yarn so that the individual filaments of the multifilament yarn mostly vibrate in a direction which is substantially parallel to a plane defined by the yarn running dir

Abstract: A carpet seaming roller tool for drawing two sections of carpet together in a hot melt adhesive seaming operation has two, separate, cleated rollers which are disposed side-by-side so that one roller grips one section of carpet and the other roller grips the other section of carpet as the roller tool is rolled back and forth along the seam during the seaming operation. Each roller has an axle which is mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis in its own support frame, and each support frame is mounted for a limited amount of pivotal, swinging movement (about a generally vertical axis) in a main frame associated with the handle of the carpet seaming roller tool.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an installation for replacing a member in a contaminated fluid circuit. It also relates to a process for replacing this member.Installations for treating contaminated fluids, particularly radioactive fluids, comprise pipe systems in which the contaminated fluid flows. These systems or circuits have transfer, distribution, purification and cleaning members and the like, such as pumps, valves, filters, etc. These members are subject to wear, particularly when they have moving parts, and/or dirt or pollutants. It is therefore necessary to replace them by new members or overhaul them at intervals of varying length. Besides such replacements due to wear or pollution, it may be necessary to replace one member by another having different characteristics, e.g. one pump by another pump having different operating principles and/or flow rates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for the manufacture of twice the number of equal lengths of single or ribbon conductors equipped at one end with plugs or connector shells and with insulation stripped at the other end by a device for simultaneously cutting the conductors and stripping the insulation off the conductors. In order to increase the output of the manufacturing process it is proposed that an additional cutting and insulation-stripping device be arranged centrally in the longitudinal direction of the processing machine.

Abstract: An abrasive disc includes a rotatable sheet. Abrasive particles are disposed on a first side of the sheet to provide an abrasive action. Coupled to the sheet means are (1) a first portion defining at least one internal thread in spaced relationship to the opposite surface of the sheet for threaded coupling with an externally threaded mandrel, (2) a second portion extending from the first portion along the opposite surface of the sheet and providing a transmittal of force from the first portion and (3) a third portion extending from the second portion into coupled relationship with the sheet and receiving the transmitted force and providing a force for driving the sheet means. The first portion of the coupling defines a boss disposed on the opposite surface of the sheet in spaced relationship to the sheet and having an opening operative as a single-turn internal thread.

Abstract: A method for stringing a racquet characterized by forming a linearly expansible pre-strung web having a plurality of rows of diamond shaped interstices and then stretching said web row-by-row along a linear axis of expansion by starting with the innermost rows of the web and proceeding symmetrically outwardly to the outermost rows of said web. As a final step, the linearly expanded web is laced to the head of a racquet. An apparatus for accomplishing the above method is characterized by an elongated base supporting a pair of carriages for reciprocal, colinear movement. A plurality of stretcher bars are supported by the base between the carriages to stretch the web row-by-row away from a central axis. Links are provided to selectively couple the stretcher bars to the carriages.

Abstract: A method of forming a plastic lined ball joint is disclosed using a preheated socket with wider than normal dimensional tolerances and a melt-in-place plastic socket liner which melts on forced contact with the heated socket so as to exactly conform with and seat in the socket whereafter the assembly is then quenched to solidify the liner to effect a tight fit with the socket.

Abstract: Modulated signal levels in the range of 1 .mu.V, as is typical for radar returns, can be used to achieve a useful modulated optical signal that can be launched into a fiber optic waveguide for transmission to a remote location for signal processing. The device of the invention achieves such a conversion by suitably integrating a high gain bipolar transistor with an electroluminescent diode, such as a light emitting diode or diode laser, into a compact monolithic structure.In one structural configuration, the bipolar transistor comprises an emitter comprising a layer of doped n-(Al,Ga)As supported on a base comprising a layer of doped p-GaAs, in turn supported on a collector comprising a layer of undoped n-GaAs or n-(Al,Ga)As. The electroluminescent diode in this embodiment comprises a light-emitting diode formed by a p-n junction between the undoped n-GaAs or n-(Al,Ga)As layer and a supporting doped p-GaAs layer, in turn supported on a doped p.sup.+ -GaAs substrate.

Abstract: At least a portion of an oxygen sensor element support to which portion an oxygen sensor element directly contacts is constructed of an heat insulating material having very low thermal conductivity, so that the heat release from the oxygen sensor element is minimized.

Abstract: A mercury-cadmium-telluride (HgCdTe) epitaxial detector array is formed on a cadmium telluride (CdTe) substrate. Connecting leads to the detectors are a molybdenum layer covered by a gold-germanium layer. These leads have excellent matches for the thermal coefficients of expansion of the HgCdTe and CdTe and provide ohmic contacts such that the D* of the array is greater than that of arrays made by prior processes using known lead materials, and the noise level is reduced by a factor of approximately three.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing frontal commutators including placing mica sheets in precut grooves of a commutator blank and contacting the blank to retain the mica sheets in place.

Abstract: A bondable electrical conductor is made of an adherent insulating resinous first layer, directly covered by an adhesive layer consisting essentially of the uncatalyzed mixture of epoxy resin, having an epoxy equivalent weight of from about 250 to about 750, and a phenoxy resin.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved method of installing an elongated heater such as a cartridge heater in a molding member such as an injection molding manifold member. First, a bore is drilled into an elongated portion of the manifold member to extend generally parallel to the hot runner passage extending through it and a filler duct is drilled from the top to intersect the bore along its length. The cartridge heater is then inserted into the bore and a filler tube with a base is set on the top in alignment with the filler duct. A brazing paste is then applied around the base of the filler tube and around the terminal portions of the cartridge heater extending from the bore. The manifold member is then heated in a vacuum furnace which brazes the filler tube in position and seals the outer end of the duct against leakage.

Abstract: A method of making composite electrode for use in a storage battery or other accumulator comprises disposing on opposite sides of a metal support provided with throughgoing openings respective synthetic-resin layers adapted to form pockets for the active mass. The synthetic-resin layers, in the form of screens, fabrics, grids or the like, are ultrasonically welded through the openings of the metal support together by the simultaneous application of mechanical pressure and ultrasonic energy. The active mass is then introduced into the pockets formed by the synthetic-resin layers which may be covered, if desired, by fine-porous cover layers applied by heat and pressure so as to weld these cover layers to the first-mentioned synthetic-resin layers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically extracting a series of integrated circuit packages from their sockets without bending the leads thereof. A plurality of extraction fingers are caused to be moved between a socket mounting an integrated circuit package and the package to an extent to permit the package to be extracted from its socket in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the socket. The extracted packages are controlled after their release to cause them to travel through a checking station to determine the condition of their leads. The integrated circuit packages that have not been damaged will continue to travel down an incline and be accumulated. The damaged integrated circuit package will be held at the checking station and then ejected automatically from the apparatus during the operation of an extraction cycle.