Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of African violet plant named Improved Louisiana characterized by its compact habit, strong and upright flower stems, frilled flowers which are light pink accentuated with darker pink spots around the center and in certain instances darker pink at the edges, and by its dark green and indented leaves.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of African violet named Baltimore characterized by its very compact growth habit, girl type leaves, wire-like flower stems each of which carries seven or more flowers, white flower color, with purple tinging at the center of each petal and around the edges of certain of the petals, very long lasting flowers which do not drop, and by its ability to be grown close together with other plants without leaf stretching.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of African violet plant named Betty characterized by its compact growth habit, dark green serrated leaves, strong, upright flower stems, each of which carries 5-7 and more flowers, the flowers being frilled and waved and mainly white in color with dark purple centers, uniform growth habit, long lasting and non-dropping flowers, and its ability to produce a saleable plant with a fully developed flower head 8-10 weeks after potting.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of African violet plant named Improved Alabama characterized by its vigorous and compact growth habit, strong and upright flower stems each of which carries 7-9 or more relatively large white-purple variegated frilled flowers, and by its relatively dark leaves.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for producing a crimped continuous multifilament yarn by the sequential steps of air-jet texturizing to form multiple random filamentary loops, immediately pulling out metastable loops formed in the yarn without heating and without stretching or deforming the yarn filaments, next shrinking and heat setting the yarn at a temperature of about 150.degree.-245.degree. C., and then winding the yarn onto a spool at a predetermined yarn tension. The resulting spooled texturized yarn has valuable properties and characteristics in subsequent processing and textile operations.

Abstract: A system for individually adjusting tie bars of a die casting machine during operation includes a threaded sleeve securing one end of each of the threadless tie bars to a backing plate with an adjustment nut positioned between the backing plate and threaded sleeve for adjusting the machine lockup tension on the tie bar. The adjustment nut associated with each of the four tie bars has gear teeth and can be adjusted by means of disengagable idler gears commonly engaging a centrally located bull gear for selectively adjusting one or more of the tie bars. In one embodiment of the invention, strain gauges are placed on the threaded sleeves for detecting the lockup force applied to the tie bars through the sleeves and an electrical control circuit is employed for automatically controlling the tie bar adjustment mechanism to maintain tie bar tension within prescribed limits during production operation of the die casting machine.

Abstract: A camera body having a camera body and an interchangeable lens engageable with the camera body has an improved contact arrangement between camera body and lens. A lens mount has a first flat surface, a camera mount engages a lens mount to join the lens to the camera body, and the camera mount has a second flat surface abutting the first flat surface when the lens mount engages the camera mount. One or more first electrical contacts in the lens mount are movable normal to the first surface between a retracted position approximately flush with the first surface and an extended position projecting from the first surface. A spring urges the one or more first contacts toward the extended position.

Abstract: Material obtained from animals, poultry, or fish and containing edible flesh along with normally inedible relatively hard or tough components, such as bone, gristle, tendons, etc., is fed in ground condition into one end of a perforated conduit that has a conveyor screw therein which progressively decreases in conveying capacity from the feed end of the conduit to an imperforate discharge end thereof. Such inedible components are compacted within the imperforate discharge end of the conduit by an extension of the conveyor screw prior to discharge following build-up and conveyance along the interior surface of the perforate portion of the conduit as a filter mat through which edible flesh is forced toward and through the perforations of the conduit to provide a substantially bonefree edible product.

Abstract: A video disc player is described for use with a video disc having frequency modulated video information recorded thereon in the form of a plurality of concentric circles or a single spiral. The information track comprises successively positioned light reflective and light non-reflective regions. A focused light beam is caused to be positioned over the center of an information track and the light reflected from the information track is gathered by an objective lens for application to electronic circuitry for recovering the recorded frequency modulated video signals. Radial tracking means are described for maintaining the focused light spot to impinge upon the center of an information track. Lens focusing means are described for positioning the objective lens at the optimum focused position above the information track for gathering the maximum amount of reflected light from the information track.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vest for use in a polluted atmosphere. The vest is intended to create a fresh air zone outside the vest. To this end, the vest has an air-permeable portion extending around at least a part of the vest, preferably around the entire vest, and a supply air connection for supplying fresh air to the interior of the vest and out through said air-permeable portion.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a gastight seal for rubber suits. It incls rubber bladders containing viscid material and has annular rings attached to a pleated bellows-like section of a main body of the rubber suit. A strap is used to actuate the rubber bladders which interlock the annular rings which join two sections of the main body of the rubber suit. Thus, an integral gastight seal on the rubber suit section is achieved.

Abstract: A rear-closure surgical gown having a one-piece-belt system is disclosed in which either sterile or nonsterile gowning assistance can be used. One end of the belt is releasably attached to the front of the gown. The other end of the belt is releasably attached to a transfer device. The transfer device is releasably attached to the front portion of the gown. The belt is looped through a tunnel disposed on the gown by a belt hanger so as to insure sterility of the belt. The middle section of the belt is releasably attached to the back margin of the gown. These features enable positive closure of the gown, and enable both vertical and circumferential adjustment of the belt with respect to the wearer.

Abstract: A fashion trim article for the protection and decoration of corners of cloth such as collars and ties comprises an angled enclosure formed and stamped from a sheet and having a front plate with bent-up and -over side sections and a back plate spaced from the front plate for receiving therebetween the cloth corner.The back plate has outwardly bent parallel bearing wall sections with opposite bores receiving the bearing pins of a pivotable retaining flap provided with a tab projecting into the opening defined between the bearing wall sections for engaging the cloth material introduced into the space between the front and back plates. The tab on the retaining flap not only engages the material to retain the material but also moves the material further into the trim member when the flap is closed.

Abstract: A shock attenuation system useful in protective headgear is disclosed wherein shock is attenuated by the axial compression and lateral deflection of elastomeric columns. Cushioning material occupies the spaces between the columns.

Abstract: A dispenser for cleaning and maintaining the cleanliness of a toilet bowl of a flush toilet is provided to co-dispense doses of two or more chemical solutions in response to the change in water level in the toilet tank reservoir during a flush cycle. The dispenser is to have an operational life based on an approximately predetermined number of flush cycles and includes a first internal reservoir containing a quantity of soluble solid-state first chemical sufficient to provide a saturated dose of first chemical cleaning solution in response to each flush cycle throughout the operational life of the dispenser to thereby maintain bowl cleanliness.

Abstract: An adjustable sleeve for supporting plumbing fixtures in a high security type environment wherein the sleeve is composed of telescoping type frames which are easily adjustable to the wall thickness yet can accommodate security type devices such as reinforcing bars. The adjustable wall sleeve of this invention includes at least two frame members which telescope with respect to each other with one of the sleeve members having cutout portions to accommodate security bars normally associated with a sleeve of this type. In still an additional embodiment, a third frame member can be easily secured to the two frame members to provide for additional adjustment in the wall thickness. The frame members are readily secured to each other either by screws or welding and at the same time will accommodate various types of plumbing units which can be securely attached to them yet will provide the security needed in a high security environment such as a prison.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sanitary cleaning equipment which includes a flushing portion adapted to direct a jet of cleaning water against a selected area, a deodorizing portion for withdrawing odoriferous air from the neighborhood of the selected area and deodorizing the same, and a dryer portion adapted to direct a jet of warm air against the area. The above deodorizing portion has a first wind tunnel including a deodorant and the above dryer portion has a second wind tunnel including a heater, the first and second wind tunnels being constructed so that they are selectively communicated with a single fan by switching operation of a damper device, thereby providing a sanitary cleaning equipment which is compact and has a high warm air blowing efficiency and a high deodorization efficiency.

Abstract: A pneumatic wave generator for a surf pool, comprising a caisson divided into a plurality of wave generating chambers, a ventilator space provided with a powered source of air and a system of conduits coupled to inlet and outlet valves which together are capable of alternately effecting forced aspiration and expiration above the water surfaces in the wave generating chambers thereby to generate waves in a body of water in communication with the chambers. According to the invention, in each of the wave generating chambers, the coupling of the air inlet valve and the air outlet valve, provided with a common drive, is of great advantage in improving the system efficiency. The expiration may be enhanced by coupling the expirating chambers to the air input of the powered air source forming a closed air pressure system in which a partial vacuum is thus applied to the expirating chambers.

Abstract: Screening or curtaining arrangement for covering a shower door includes a curtain positioned across the door. The curtain has a rod pocket at each end containing a rod. A plurality of attachment members hook around the rod and the top and bottom of the shower door for retaining the curtain on the door. The attractiveness of the shower door is thereby enhanced.

Abstract: A flotation type apparatus used to support loads is disclosed, as well as a method for supporting a load with a flotation apparatus. The basic configuration of the apparatus is comprised of three major components, namely, a fluid filled envelope, a resilient material within said envelope, and a gas chamber located below the resilient material and within said envelope. One or more loads are placed upon the upper surface of the fluid filled envelope and are supported by a combination of the forces exerted by the liquid, the resilient material and the gas. The pressures of the liquid and gas may both be varied to alter the supportive force experienced at the surface of the apparatus. The gas chamber may be divided into a plurality of chambers, the pressure in each being individually adjustable to vary the supportive forces felt over the surface of the flotation apparatus.

Abstract: A process for washing fibre stock. The fibre stock is described is passed along a passage 14 from a stock inlet 15 to a stock outlet 16. The passage is defined by a portion of the inner surface of a substantially horizontal cylindrical screen 4, preferably a wire gauze. Washing liquid such as water is introduced into the passage, preferably by means of apertures 9 in a longitudinally extending hollow member 8. Effluent liquid passes through the screen, for extraction e.g. through outlets 24 and 25.To enable the washing of stock of high consistency e.g. up to 8%, while avoiding plugging of the screen 4, the arrangement is such that the stock only partially fills the cylindrical screen and is subjected to a tumbling action by the rotary movement of the cylindrical screen as the stock moves along the passage 14 to the stock outlet 16. The hollow member 8 is displaced downwardly from the axis of the cylindrical screen, so as to be positioned within the tumbling stock.

Abstract: Device for tensioning a shoe upper on a last and for laying its lasting margin over in the ball and shank region, wherein the shoe upper is first pressed against the last by means of a presser member, whereafter a band secured to the presser member is tensioned about the shoe upper in a direction towards the last bottom. The bands which embrace the last from both sides are brought together in tension in the middle of the insole.

Abstract: An improved pool cleaner is provided of the type for submerged random travel generally along the floor and sidewalls of a swimming pool to dislodge and collect debris. The pool cleaner comprises an hydraulically contoured housing consisting of a limited number of shell shaped housing portions designed for rapid assembly about an integrated drive assembly having a water-powered drive train encased within the housing and rotatable wheels outside the housing for supporting and driving the pool cleaner. Water under pressure is supplied through a water supply mast detachably mounted on the housing for flow into a pressure manifold from which individual water flows are coupled through appropriately sized nozzles to drive a water turbine of the drive train and through a plurality of jet pump orifices opening generally upwardly about the inner diameter of an open central suction mast through which debris is drawn upwardly into a collection bag.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of cleaning with a roll brush a three-dimensional surface of a curved glass sheet. Levels at both ends of a rotating shaft of the roll brush are independently controlled and an inclination angle of a support frame of the roll brush about the rotating shaft of said roll brush is controlled when the roll brush is moved along the three-dimensional surface. The posture of the roll brush is controlled in such a manner that the rotating shaft of the roll brush becomes substantially parallel to the three-dimensional surface and that a roll brush extended opening of the support frame surrounding said roll brush is directed in a direction substantially normal to the three-dimensional surface. The posture control of the roll brush is carried out in accordance with prestored data sampled along the curved surface of the glass sheet.

Abstract: A joint grouting tool has a mounting body (2) carried at the end of a handle (1), and incorporating a cavity which receives a grouting iron (9). The grouting iron (9) is fixed in place by a captive bolt (10). The tool is rolled over brickwork on wheels (4) carried on a shaft (3) so that the projecting portion of the grouting iron (9) enters a joint to compress and smooth grouting material therein. Excess material in the joint can be raked out as a preliminary step by using the tool in an inverted position so that the tip (14) of a raking tool (12) enters the joint in the brickwork.

Abstract: A moistened fabric pad is supported in a container having a cover configured to engage a type element. The cover is fastened to the container so that the fabric pad and type element are brought into contact. Rotation of the type element against the surface of the moistened fabric pad removes dirt and ink from all areas of the type element.

Abstract: A dental brushing aid is described which is particularly useful by persons who lack normal coordination, dexterity, or eyesight. The brushing aid comprises easily graspable handle means, brush means substantially circumferentially surrounding a terminal end portion, and an enlarged portion disposed between the brush means and gripping portion to prevent travel into the throat of a user.

Abstract: A tank unit to be removably mounted to a cleaning device having a clean water tank and a waste fluid tank displaced along a common axis and joined together by a connector which also provides an inlet to the waste fluid tank adjacent the top of the cleaning fluid tank.

Abstract: A hinge includes two hinge links connecting a hinge casing and a hinge arm. In the hinge casing both hinge links are pivotable on a common member having the form of a C. One hinge link is mounted on an intermediate part, an the other hinge link is conducted on two outer ends of the C that constitute pivot pins.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering the end of a shirred casing to the nozzle of a meat packing system where the casing is connected to the nozzle to be stuffed with meat extruded from the nozzle includes a support for supporting the shirred casing from the inner side thereof, a clamping unit for holding the end of the shirred casing opposite the nozzle by pressing the casing from within, a drive unit for advancing the clamping unit toward the nozzle and for retracting the clamping unit after the shirred casing is connected to the nozzle, and a resisting body which offers resistance to the folds in the wall of the shirred casing when the clamping unit is advanced or retracted, thereby to unfold the shirred casing into a straight tubular portion as relative movement is established between the casing and the resisting body. The meat extruded by the nozzle is stuffed into the tubular portion of the casing, after which the packed meat mass is encased by closing off and fastening the casing at both ends of the meat mass.

Abstract: Workpieces of varying dimension, points of common contour and shape are loaded on a transfer shuttle at loading station I and located on a projected line of light at a common point on the workpieces from which they vary; the shuttle moves the workpieces to first work station II; the shuttle is retracted and reloaded with workpieces; the shuttle then picks up the workpieces in station II; the shuttle then deposits the reloaded workpieces in station II, and the workpieces from station II in station III; the shuttle is retracted and station III emptied; the shuttle is reloaded and the repetition continues until the desired number of workpieces are processed. During reloading and any necessary time dwell, work is performed at work stations II and III and work may be performed during advancing movement of the shuttle.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the size of a casing filled with emulsion in an automatic stuffing machine includes a drag member between an outer surface of the stuffing horn and an inner surface of the casing sleeved over the stuffing horn. The drag member has a drag surface. A pressurized fluid system expands the drag member so that the drag surface contacts and exerts a force against the inner surface of the casing in opposition to movement of the casing on the stuffing horn as it is being filled and expanding radially outwardly. A control circuit controls the expansion of the drag member to vary the force applied by the drag surface against the casing inner surface to control the radial expansion of the casing as it is being filled with emulsion. The control circuit may include a feedback system from the portion of the casing expanding radially outward to control the expansion of the drag member in response to casing size.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for dividing a slaughtered bird into a front half 31 and a back half 28, the body 12, prior to and during the cutting operation, being brought into a position wherein the legs are positioned in front of the rest of the body while, prior to and during the cutting operation, the edge portion 26, forming the boundary with the breast, of the opening 27 present between the legs, is pulled downwards, the body being subsequently divided into two halves starting just above said edge portion 26.

Abstract: A worker hangs birds on a series of movable modules M by placing the hocks of previously slaughtered and eviscerated birds in the pair of forks 30 affixed to the support plate 29 of each module. The thighs are received in the pair of tiltable forks 31. As the modules are conveyed about the machine a mandrel 28 carried by each module moves down into the cavity of the bird to stabilize the bird, and the bird is moved with the module through several cutting discs 1-7 which cut the carcasses into sections. The modules are rotated to orient the bird with respect to the cutting discs, and the legs of the bird are stretched by the tiltable forks 31 as the leg joint is cut.

Abstract: A combing machine for textile fibres has a gill for combing a sliver of fibres, and at least two contrarotating tearing rollers for tearing successive tufts from the sliver of fibres as these are combed, the torn tufts being partially superimposed on each other to form a continuous combed web which is delivered to a conveyor belt. The tearing rollers are in direct contact with each other and are located upstream of the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A belt fastener of non-metallic composition for use, in particular, with conveyor belts used in conjunction with metal detectors, the belt fastener including one or more top plates having bolt receiving apertures; one or more bottom plates with bolt receiving apertures in registry with the bolt receiving apertures of the top plates and bolts adapted for insertion through said apertures and through openings of a belt located between the plates to hold the fastener in place to fasten two ends of a flexible belt together. Annular flanges, about the periphery of the bolt receiving apertures, downwardly depending from the top plates and upwardly extending from the bottom plates, prevent contact between the belt and bolts while providing lateral support for the bolts. The plates and bolts are preferably manufactured of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene.

Abstract: A clamping device is disclosed of band material and including an adjustment device similar to a conventional hose clamp however having a variable accessibility achieved by a drive screw being orientable perpendicular to the conventional drive screw and parallel to the axis of the gripping aperture. The perpendicular drive screw can include a locking tip at the opposite end from the head thereof to facilitate securement within the housing of the adjustment device to facilitate retaining of the screw herein or facilitate removal of the screw therefrom selectively. The housing may include a single or double aperture to facilitate driving of the screw in the opposite direction for tightening or loosening selectively by positioning of the screw. The drive screw can also extend through the opposite side to achieve this same purpose by driving of the conventional drive gear in the opposite direction.

Abstract: The specification discloses a plastic component having a cylindrical connecting portion with a contoured interior space designed for acceptance of a threaded or profiled bolt or stud. The interior space is designed with resilient gripping members which are attached at one end to the walls of the interior space and protrude obliquely into the interior space. The members are designed to firmly grip the stud or bolt without undergoing permanent deformation or deforming the cylindrical connecting portion.

Abstract: Holder especially for a chuck key for a drilling or other machine tool, for which it is necessary to use a chuck key for opening and closing the chuck holding the working tools. The chuck key is attachable to the power cord of such a machine tool in such a way that it remains rotatable although not removable from the machine tool. To achieve this there is provided a locking device (2) mounted on the shaft of the chuck key, which locking device is inserted in a mounting device, which is attached to the power cord.

Abstract: The pin-nipper chain consists of holders detachably secured on links and is composed of two holder parts of U-shaped cross section. On the underside of one of the holder parts a slider is detachably fastened in a sheetmetal part. On an inner side of the other holder part a slider is enclosed, likewise detachably, also in a sheetmetal part. The other holder part is exchangeable for a holder part which is provided, instead of the slider, with a vertical axle on which a ball bearing is arranged.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a moving multicavity texturing method for simultaneously texturing filaments which are commingled to form a yarn. The yarn readily knits producing a fabric which upon subsequent dyeing and shrinking produces a variable textured fabric similar in appearance to fabrics knit from natural fibers.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a solenoid operated valve of the double valve seat type ensures that the stroke distance of a ball valve between two valve seats is accurately provided. The ball valve is positioned on a portion of a first valve seat member, and a first jig is mounted on the ball valve. The jig is pressed until an end surface thereof and an abutting surface of the first valve seat member are contacted, thereby forming a first valve seat. The ball valve then is positioned on a portion of the second valve seat member, and a second jig is pressed toward the ball valve until an end surface of the second jig abuts an abutting surface of the second valve seat member, thereby forming a second valve seat. The abutting surfaces of the two valve seat members are abutted, and the two valve seat members are assembled.

Abstract: A method of making a mold frame is disclosed. A plurality of rows of cavities are formed in a mold plate. The cavities of each row are interconnected by a bore. The row bores are interconnected by cross bores. The cross bores are selectively sealed off so that a cooling medium going through the mold frame follows a serpentine path.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spring compressor adapted to compress an associated coil spring of a MacPherson strut suspension system. The spring compressor includes a lower clamping member adapted to be secured to the portion of the cylindrical shroud of the MacPherson strut located below the associated helical spring platform. A pair of spaced apart elongate threaded shank members are mounted on the clamping member and extend upwardly where they are threadably connected to a pair of spaced apart upper spring engaging hooks. In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the elongated shank members are adjustably mounted to the clamping member to permit adjustment of the spaced apart distance between the upper spring engaging hooks. This enables the spring compressor to accommodate coil springs of various diameters.

Abstract: A hand held tool 211 for inserting or removing a fiber optic contact alignment tube segment 47 into a fiber optic connector 13. The tool includes a hollow shaft 215 anchored in a knob 213 and extending coaxially through a cylindrical chamber in the knob. A core 225 having an axial bore extending therethrough resides rotatably in the chamber, with the post acting as its shaft. A shroud 235 extends from the core 225 and has an arcuate slot 237 near its tip. When an alignment tube segment 47 is inserted in the hollow post 221 and the shaft 215 is turned 180.degree. relative to the core 225, an enlarged portion 48-2 of the base of the tube segment 47 enters into and is captured by the slot 237. The tool may then be inserted into a connector whose front end mirrors the front end of the tool 211. When the knob 213 is again turned 180.degree.

Abstract: A method for the assembly of universal joints with radially pretensioned fork arms, consisting of the steps of inserting and positioning the joint cross in the joint fork, pressing in the bearing and fixing them by means of pressure units, one of which supports each fork arm and pretensioning each fork arm individually during the entire pressing-in and/or fixing phase by means of the tipping force resulting from the pressure prevailing between the support element and the pressing/peening tool, reduced by a partial force following in response to the amount of the pressing force.

Abstract: A method of assembling a refrigerator cabinet having an outer metal shell with side walls, a plastic inner liner and an insulation partition separating a freezer and fresh food compartment. Mounting brackets each having a preset fastener location are mounted on each side of the outer shell adjacent the partition. The insulation partition is faced with a plastic mullion component having a cutout section at both ends. A flexible metal tension cross member is formed having a preset fastener opening at each end thereof spaced apart a distance such that when the flexible metal tension cross member is utilized to draw the cabinet side walls together and fastened at both ends at the preset fastener openings to the preset fastener locations on the partition mounting brackets the outer shell of the refrigerator cabinet will have the desired correct cabinet width.

Abstract: A tool for the manufacture of a fuel assembly, said tool comprising for each end of an assembly an inner metal plate which can be applied to the bottom of an end member, an outer metal plate which can be displaced, under the action of a jack, along sliding columns fixed to the inner plate, in longitudinal translation with respect thereto and threaded ties traversing corresponding openings in the end member and in the inner and outer plates, able to engage with the internal thread of the guide tubes, and each provided with a head on which is supported a spring for compensating the action of the jack. A method for utilizing the tool is set forth, also.

Abstract: A metal golf club head is provided, by an investment casting process, having an accurately positioned weighting insert of heavy metal rigidly embedded in and surrounded by the principle metal of the head with the presence of the insert, if desired, being entirely or substantially undetectable from a visual inspection of the finished head.

Abstract: A numerically controlled automatic tool changing machining center is provided with a rotary driven spindle concentric within which is a spindle bar that may be reciprocated out from or into the spindle by a hydraulic cylinder. Located at the forward end of the spindle bar is a tool receiving socket which is operative to releaseably engage the shank of a single toolholder or multiple spindle toolhead transferred to the spindle bar from the machine tool storage magazine by a tool transfer arm. When a large, single toolholder is engaged by the spindle bar, the spindle bar is retracted into the spindle to urge the large single toolholder against the nose of the spindle.