Abstract: A new and distinct African violet named Corsaire, particularly characterized by its large pale pink flowers with darker red-purple center, the flowers being borne in a cluster above dark green foliage, profuse and intermittent year round flowering.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Ficus plant, having leaves more ovate in shape, a straighter trunk, the trunk and main branches of a lighter grey color, and being more resistant to thrip infestation than its parent Ficus microcarpa.

Abstract: Process for manufacturing a forged article in which a preform is generated by filling a semi-rigid liner with powdered metal, providing the liner with a sealing element, and isostactically compressing the liner and its contents. The liner is then removed from the green preform, the preform is sintered, and the resulting sintered preform is forged.

Abstract: A boat hoist including a novel level lift suspension system which results in even application of forces to points on the moveable platform remote from the point of attachment of the lifting device, thus eliminating twisting of the loaded platform.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting a deep water guyed marine structure has a foundation which uses a system of piles connected to the marine structure only at a top portion thereof. The marine structure further has a mooring system which employs pairs of transversely, closely spaced guy lines connected to clump weights and further pairs of transversely, closely spaced guy lines connected from the clump weights to an anchor system. The marine structure mooring system can further provide a vessel mooring system in order to provide adequate control of the vessels during on and off loading of the marine structure and further to prevent fouling of the marine structure mooring system.

Abstract: A process of recovering the hydrocarbon values from low organic carbon content deposits comprises the hydrotreating of hydrocarbons from those deposits in the presence of supercritical alkane-containing solvent.

Abstract: Improved coating compositions are described for the protection of superalloys at elevated temperatures. The coatings are of the MCrAlY type where M is nickel or cobalt and are significantly improved by the addition of from 0.1-7% silicon and 0.1-2% hafnium. Coatings of the invention are preferably applied by plasma spraying and as so applied are found to be substantially more effective than prior art coatings.

Abstract: 4-substituted 3,3-dimethyl-butan-2-ones of the formula ##STR1## in which R represents cyano or the group --X--R',whereinR.sup.1 represents n-alkyl with 1 to 4 carbon atoms, isopropyl, isobutyl, sec.-butyl, alkenyl with 3 to 4 carbon atoms, alkynyl with 3 to 4 carbon atoms, optionally substituted aryl or substituted aralkyl, or represents cyano provided that X represents --O-- or --S--, andX represents --O--, --S--, --SO--, or --SO.sub.2 --,which are intermediates for the synthesis of fungicides.

Abstract: A hit detection device for use in a marksmanship evaluation device for providing positive and negative reinforcement of shooting techniques immediately after each shot is fired. The hit detection device comprises a transducer spaced apart from a target member and detects and provides a hit indication output when the target is hit. In a preferred embodiment, the transducer in combination with electronic circuitry provide discrimination such that a hit indication output is only provided when the target member is actually hit by a projectile directly and no output is provided if the target is hit by a ricochet or is disturbed by any other external source such as the wind, sonic booms, etc. In a further preferred embodiment, the target member is three-dimensional and at least partially surrounds the transducer to shield the same from air pressure disturbances caused by projectiles passing by but not actually hitting the target member.

Abstract: In a communication system an input predictive type signal is analyzed in successive time intervals to generate a set of prediction signals for the interval. A predictive residual signal is produced jointly responsive to the input signal and the interval prediction signals. The predictive residual signal is quantized and encoded. The quantization includes dividing the predictive residual signal into a plurality of distinct portions and selectively quantizing the distinct portions to improve intelligibility.

Abstract: An apparatus for scavenging vomitus from the interior of the helmet of a life support suit comprises a normally furled mask (10) defined by a sidewall structure (20) connecting to a suction conduit (90). The mask is expanded into registry with the mouth of the user by inflation of bellows (40) located within the sidewall structure. Suction applied to the interior of the mask positively traps vomitus on a liquid absorbent filter (85).

Abstract: A composite interlining sheet material for garments and the like is disclosed. The composite interlining sheet material comprises a substantially continuous internal layer of porous material having low heat conductivity and high resilience. The internal layer is of a substantially uniform thickness and consistency, and its composition and thickness is such that it is supple and drapable. A continuous layer of flexible reflective material is bonded to the outside of the internal layer at at least spaced intervals and functions to reduce the conduction of heat away from the internal layer and decrease the emissivity of the composite sheet, the outside being the side which is to be disposed away from the body of the wearer or person when used as a interlining of a garment or the like when it is desired to maximize heat retention.

Abstract: An insulated ski glove having an outer shell formed to surround the hand is disclosed. A portion of the outer shell is fabricated from a material which is permeable to water vapor and impermeable to liquid water. The glove is lined with a material having low thermal conductivity, a portion of which is permeable to moisture.

Abstract: A waistband assembly is provided including a woven stiffening strip having a smooth fused edge. The edge may be formed by an ultrasonic slitting process as the strip is made with a high thermoplastic content. Sufficient warp yarns are provided within the strip to insure adequate fusing along the edges. This prevents the fill from working its way out and thereby forming an irregularly shaped edge. A rough edge, which could damage the shell fabric of a garment, is accordingly avoided even after numerous dry cleanings. Because the edge is made from the same materials as the strip itself, it will last as long as the strip.

Abstract: This invention is an amendment of patent application Ser. No. 06/612,847 filed May 22, 1984 relating to the method of extracting objectional odors from toilet bowls utilizing its present structures and installation. A powered exhaust fan attached directly above are designed overflow tube will suck the foul air from the bowl through the water outlets under the rim of the toilet seat; through the flush valve assembly; into the overflow tube and forcing the same air through twin charcoal filters incorporated into the odor extracting device. Emphasis of the instant invention is on the design of the water tank overflow tube which is critical to the effectiveness of an odor extracting device. The redesigned overflow tube, while retaining the function of the conventional overflow tube, will allow for the recycling of previously filtered air. Also, the fan motor in the instant invention is so constructed that easy access to the interior of the odor extracting device is facilitated.

Abstract: A seat bath unit for elderly, frail or otherwise handicapped persons is provided wherein a sidewall of the bathtub is displaceable for complete opening to the seat part for access thereto. A catchment trough beneath the bathtub is provided for receiving the total amount of water from the bathtub when bathing is complete so that the bathtub can be quickly emptied.

Abstract: A sponge bath and rinse platform on which the user (patient) lies for cleansing. The device is formed with a peripheral wall (defined by side walls, a head end wall, and a foot end wall) and a central area having a number of specially contoured areas for raising selected portions of the body above a gently sloping grade plane. The lowest region of the central area is located near the foot end wall, and defines a liquid collection area. The contoured areas define supports for the head, upper trunk, lower trunk, arms, and legs. Thus, the device includes a head support, an upper trunk support, a lower trunk support, first and second arm supports, and first and second leg supports.

Abstract: A baby sleeper mountable on an automobile seat in conjunction with an existing standard seat belt, comprising a base having a surrounding inflatable tubular wall; an arrangement of straps mounted on the underside of the base, terminating in aligned loops through which the existing seat belt passes, one of the straps terminates in an oppositely located hook attachable to the automobile seat; an additional strap mounted over and across the tubular base wall; and a harness for holding the baby, mounted onto the additional strap.

Abstract: A low tension waterbed mattress has a top with a plurality of expandable folds molded therein so that the top wall stretches when a user lays on the mattress so that the user is not laying on a taut sleeping surface. The folds have an aesthetic appearance. The mattress is typically filled to a volume providing a depth at least 3 inches less than the capacity of the mattress. The top wall of the mattress has a surface area at least 3% larger than the surface area of the bottom wall of the mattress.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a massage arrangement of the pneumatic type comprising a mat body provided with a plurality of juxtaposed air chambers, said mat body being subjected over the entire or local surface to repeated rhythmic wave motions involving expansion and contraction by repeating a successon of feeding and discharging of compressed air into and from said air chambers, whereby effective and stable massage is applied not only to the waist and back regions but also the neck and shoulder regions.

Abstract: A tool for making a plug connection between a plastic tube and a plastic case for electrical conductors has a cutting head which is designed to encircle the shell of a tube and which can be turned relatively to the tube. Extending into the interior of the cutting head is a first knife for chamfering the end of the tube as well as a second knife, at a distance from the first, for cutting a fircone-shaped rib in the shell of the tube. The cutting head is firmly connected to one end of a bar-shaped handle, which is provided at its other end with a bore head for making a hole in the wall of the case. The bore head comprises a cutter on an end of a steel hollow cylinder connected at its other end to the handle and projecting out from its respective front end.

Abstract: A baseplate carries an axially-advanceable rotating cutter. A V-block and clamp head are aligned on the plate to locate and secure a robot-positioned welding torch nozzle in a vertical attitude. After clamping the nozzle in position, the rotating cutter is advanced into the nozzle bore to remove accumulated internal weld spatter. The machined-away weld spatter can therefore be discharged under the influence of gravity or by a blast of purging air applied to the torch nozzle.

Abstract: Flue cleaning apparatus comprises a bladed scraper head suspended by cable in a flue from pulleys on a mounting attachment secured at the top of the flue so that the cable can be operated from outside of a building of which the flue forms a part, to move the scraper head up and down in the flue for cleaning creosote and like deposits from the surfaces thereof. The scraper head incorporates alignment blades for guiding the scraper head off of irregularities which might be present in a flue, and a movable weight which can be used to hammer against the scraper head should it become lodged in a flue thereby assisting in dislodging same.

Abstract: A refill unit for a windshield wiper blade having a resilient wiping element and a backing member with sidewardly extending flanges. A wiper blade superstructure has at least two articulated yokes or holders with claws on one of the yokes or holders engaging the flanges on said backing member. Abutments are struck from the walls of the body portion of the backing member for forming stops which engage the opposite ends of the wiping elements to prevent the wiping element from separating from the backing member. The abutments may be struck from the back of the backing member or from the sides of the backing member with the faces on the abutments facing toward the center of the blade.

Abstract: A combined vacuum cleaner and steam iron comprising a housing having a substantially flat bottom, which housing being provided with a chamber for containing water and another chamber for collecting dust, a heating device mounted in the water chamber by which steam is generated and thus discharged through a passage out of the water chamber, means for connecting various suction tubes, which means being formed integrally with the housing, a casing connected with the housing, in which casing a motor and a fan are provided for generating a suction force which is operable to introduce the dust through the suction tube into the dust chamber.

Abstract: A hinge is mountable on the frame of a cabinet and includes a base plate, an intermediate part and a hinge arm. The intermediate part is held in slide grooves in the base plate, and the intermediate part and the hinge arm are held together by a screw.

Abstract: One leaf of a spring hinge has a center knuckle and the other leaf has aligned top and bottom end knuckles which are spaced apart. The center knuckle of the one leaf fits between the two end knuckles of the other leaf and is maintained in alignment with them by top and bottom hinge pins, the former extending from the top knuckle into the center knuckle and the latter from the bottom knuckle into the center knuckle. Whereas the bottom pin is attached to the center knuckle, the top pin is attached to the top knuckle, but its angular position is easily changed. Each pin has a threaded portion that is located within the center knuckle, and the end convolutions on a coil-type torsion spring are threaded over these threaded portions to secure the spring to the hinge pins. Each hinge pin also has a shank which extends from its threaded portion through the interior of the spring where the ends of the two shanks abut.

Abstract: A skewering device comprising a frame structure defining a magazine adapted to receive a cartridge, a cartridge adapted to receive food to be skewered and thereafter loaded into the magazine, and a skewering assembly carried by the frame structure operative when actuated to pass a plurality of skewers in parallel fashion through the food in the cartridge with the cartridge loaded into the magazine. The frame structure comprises a pair of parallel rails, and the skewering assembly includes a plurality of parallel tubes positioned between the rails, a plurality of parallel push rods positioned with their one ends extending into one ends of the tubes, and a power cylinder positioned at the end of the frame structure opposite from the magazine with the free end of the piston rod of the cylinder secured to a cross member mounting the other ends of the push rods.

Abstract: A stuffing machine having a displaceable connector engagable with a cored casing article held in a stuff position for communicating the cored casing article to a discharge outlet of the stuffing machine. The machine further has a centrifugally operated drive clutch which is displaced onto the casing article and which thereafter upon activation closes about the casing article for rotating the article about its longitudinal axis during stuffing.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for processing fish heads, especially for separating pieces suitable for human consumption, especially the cheeks, the chin flesh and the tongue resp. the gills, the latter being unsuitable for human nutrition. The device is characterized in that a feeding trough receiving the fish head in swimming position is provided, a feeler being arranged at its end to activate a conveyor which engages the fish head behind the lower jaw while opening the pharynx and pushes it on the spear-shaped end of a guide. In the region of the guide the fish head is taken over by a conveyor extending over and along the guide and guided to a cutting device for separating the fish head, the gills being ripped out beforehand by spreading flaps arranged on the flanks of the guide.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of discontinuous filament bundles, which comprises applying a drawing force and/or a shearing force to a bundle of continuous filaments while or immediately after contacting the bundle of continuous filaments with a medium maintained at a temperature lower than -5.degree. C. to cut the respective single filaments constituting the bundle. The individual filaments of the resultant bundle may have on at least one terminal thereof a sharp end cut obliquely and an inclination angle .alpha. of the cut top end to the filament axis of less than 70.degree..

Abstract: Apparatus for making a fibrous web comprises a plurality of carding drums (3, 4, 5, 6), which closely succeed each other in the direction of travel of the feed web and rotate in the same sense. An air-permeable collecting surface is provided, on which the fibers of the feed web are deposited which fly from the carding drums (3, 4, 5, 6). Each carding drum (4, 5, 6) which succeeds another (3, 4, 5) in the direction of travel of the feed web constitutes a worker roller associated with the preceding carding drum. In order to increase the permissible speed of travel of the feed web, an additional worker roller (20) and a clearer roller (21) are associated with each carding drum (3, 4, 5, 6) on that side thereof which is remote from the collecting surface (7).

Abstract: In order to guarantee the sealing quality of a joining between a pipe socket and a tube by means of a clamp pressing a tube on a pipe wall, where the press-on power to be exercised by the tube clamp will act as uniformly as possible all over the total pipe circumference and cause no damage to the tube, it is suggested that the clamp is an open tube clamp being operative by its inner clamping power over a relatively wide-ranged press-on surface, being moved into its acting position by a tool overcoming the clamping power, and where an almost uniform pressing is provided extending over the total press-on surface (F) by a cross section increasing from the open ends (E1, E2) in direction to the clamping dead center (R).

Abstract: A clamp for gripping a towel draped over a towel rail so as to prevent the towel from sliding off the rail comprises a pair of arm members with jaw-forming portions at one end and handle portions at the other end, a pivot bar connecting the arm members between the ends, and a spring assembly connected between the arm members adjacent the pivot bar, the spring assembly urging the jaw-forming portions of the arm members toward one another to grip the towel therebetween. Release of the clamp to allow removal of the towel from the rail is effected by squeezing the handle portions toward one another to open the jaws against the spring action.

Abstract: A rasp handle has an elongate body portion with a pistol-type grip extending therefrom and rasp retaining structure at its front end. Such structure includes a fixed jaw and a slide jaw constructed and arranged for sliding movement relative to the fixed jaw between a forward closed locking position where a rasp is locked between the jaws and a rearward open rasp receiving and releasing position. A lever is connected to shift the slide jaw between its closed and open positions. A pivot interconnects the lever and the slide jaw so that the lever is free to move between a locked position adjacent the body portion and an unlocked jaw manipulating position away from the body portion.

Abstract: A burnishing machine and method employing a pair of oppositely disposed burnishing gears. The invention involves the use of two syncronously driven gears which operatively engage teeth on opposite sides of a spline or a gear. In one embodiment, for generally elongated articles, the axes of the workpiece and the gears are generally horizontal. In another embodiment for generally flat articles, the axes of the workpiece and the gears are generally vertical. In both embodiments the gears are rotated at an angular velocity sufficient to hold the workpiece translationally stationary. In the preferred embodiment the burnishing gears have different pressure angles and therefore burnish different portions of the workpiece tooth profile.

Abstract: A platen for printers is disclosed. The platen has a tubular resilient sleeve with an outer cylindrical circumferential surface. Shaft means is contained within the sleeve. The shaft means has portions exposed at the ends of the sleeve which are concentrically aligned with the sleeve's outer surface. A molded in place core fills the space between the sleeve and shaft means to connect the two together and to prevent their relative rotation. The method of manufacturing the platen includes filling the sleeve with moldable plastic material and subjecting the plastic to a curing operation while holding the shaft portions in concentrically aligned position relative to the outer surface of the sleeve.

Abstract: The controlled deflection roll comprises a stationary, non-rotating roll support member and a roll shell mounted to rotate about the stationary roll support member. The roll shell is not directly supported at the stationary roll support member by means of hydraulic support elements, but through the intermediary of additionally provided traveling rings each of which defines a travel path for the related hydraulic support element. The traveling rings have an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the roll shell and they are arranged to be rotatable independently of the roll shell. During operation of the controlled deflection roll the traveling rings, therefore, roll along the inner surface of the roll shell. As a result, the flexibility of the roll shell is improved in circumferential direction as well as transversely to the pressing line of the controlled deflection roller. In this arrangement stiffness of the roll shell in circumferential direction is insured by the traveling rings.

Abstract: An improved method of making an airfoil includes stacking plies in two groups. A separator ply is positioned between the two groups of plies. The groups of plies and the separator ply are interconnected to form an airfoil blank. The airfoil blank is shaped, by forging or other methods, to have a desired configuration. The material of the separator ply is then dissolved or otherwise removed from between the two sections of the airfoil blank to provide access to the interior of the airfoil blank. Material is removed from inner sides of the two separated sections to form core receiving cavities. After cores have been placed in the cavities, the two sections of the airfoil blank are interconnected and the shaping of the airfoil is completed. The cores are subsequently removed from the completed airfoil.

Abstract: A transmission direct clutch drum removing and installing tool for use on a General Motors Corporation Turbo-Hydromatic 400 automatic transmission. The tool comprises a round plate platform base (20) and a spacer channel (26) attached to its periphery, each having an opening in the center. A plurality of legs (30), each having a retainer (34) on its lower end, are pivotally connected to the bottom of the base (20). A T-shaped operating handle slideably penetrates the opening in the base (20) and channel (26), and contains a leg directing expansion guide disc (40) on the end opposite the handle grip. Between the base (20) and disc (40) is a free floating locking disc (46) that assures the alignment of the legs (30) without binding or internal bowing. To operate the tool, the handle extended allowing the legs (30) to be grouped together and placed within the sides of the clutch drum. When the handle section (36) is pushed downwardly, the legs (30) are forced outwardly grabbing the sides of the clutch drum.

Abstract: A staple forming and driving tool (10) employing a vertical front portion of a staple head base (34), and sheath (40) to provide a space for reciprocating former member (70) and driver (80). Spring (50) urges base (34) toward sheath (40) with spacer lugs (33) maintaining a defined distant between base (34) and sheath (40). A belt (94) is fed through an opening (100) in base (34) by a cartridge (90) which protrudes into opening (100) and belt advancing means (104, 112) is held inoperative by forming tang (75) during a portion of the forming and driving stroke to prevent movement of staple wire (200) during critical periods of such stroke. The former (70) is moved during the forming and driving stroke through a path which permits former lugs (72) to guide the former staple down to a point adjacent the workpiece (300).

Abstract: A tool bit for facilitating the application of a cigar lighter socket to an apertured mounting plate in an automobile, comprising a driving member having a shank receivable in the chuck of a power tool, and a separate shouldered plug member carried by the driving member and having a portion receivable in the mouth of the cigar lighter socket for the purpose of rotatably driving the same. Threads at the rear of the socket are screwed into mating threads of a clamping shell which is usually hand-held at the rear of the panel. The driving member and plug member can rotate with respect to one another against the action of a spring-charged clutch or detent on the members. When the plug member is inserted into the socket mouth it becomes keyed to the socket and effects a rotation of the same as power is applied to the driving member. When the desired torque is reached, the clutch slips, thereby insuring against overtightening and possible damage to the parts.

Abstract: A guide for aligning pickets during the building of a picket fence includes a beam having a lower straightedge against which the tops of the pickets may be abutted during installation. The beam has a length approximately that of the typical distance between adjacent fence posts. The "picket end" of the beam is supported on the top of the last placed picket, with the beam face resting on the picket top, and front and rear legs at the picket end straddle the placed picket and the top rail and are spaced apart a distance equivalent to the thickness of the rail and picket to stabilize that end in the proper supported position. At the "rail end" of the beam, stabilizing legs are spaced apart a distance equivalent to the thickness of the rail; and a spacer block adjustably mounted between these legs rests on the top rail and establishes the rise of the beam at this rail end of the guide.

Abstract: Anchor track for attachment thereto of a seat cover through intermediation of C-rings, with the anchor track having serrations for locking C-rings thereto, and being secured to bottoms of front and side channels of automotive front seat frame.

Abstract: A series of steps are performed at a plurality of stations on a component as it is automatically transferred from one station to the next during a manufacturing operation. Means and methods for measuring and recording the time cycles for each of the steps are provided. The recorded times cycles may then be compared with predetermined standards to determine the location of any faulty operation.

Abstract: A method of forming in a silicon substrate an active region bounded by a field of silicon dioxide is described. On top of a mesa formed in the silicon substrate is provided a three layered structure including a first thin layer of silicon dioxide in contact with the top of the mesa, a second thicker layer of silicon nitride overlying the thin layer of silicon dioxide and a third layer of silicon dioxide overlying the layer of silicon nitride. A further layer of silicon nitride is formed over the three layered structure and the exposed surfaces of the silicon substrate. Spacer portions of silicon nitride are formed on the sides of the mesa and the three layered structure by anisotropically etching the fourth layer of silicon nitride. By controlling the thicknesses of the first, second and third layers, the width of the spacer portions is optimized to prevent lateral oxidation of the active region.

Abstract: A process is described for producing isolated semiconductor devices in a common substrate which have self-aligned and pre-located isolation walls, buried layers, and channel-stops. The isolation walls are formed from a stacked arrangement of a dielectric region and a polycrystalline semiconductor region, above a doped channel-stop region which acts as a field guard. A single mask layer determines the location and spacing of the buried portions of the isolation walls, the channel-stops, and the buried layers.

Abstract: An improved power semiconductor device and manufacturing method are described wherein the external, thermally conducting, heat transfer face of the device is electrically insulated by a glassy dielectric which is intimately bonded directly to the conductive heat spreader supporting the semiconductor die. By forming the exposed corners of the heat spreader to be substantially smooth curved surfaces having a predetermined minimum radius of curvature greater than the thickness of the glassy dielectric, formation of a ridge of glass at the corners and edges of the heat spreader is avoided. For ease of assembly the piece parts are initially substantially flat and parallel. A molding compound of controlled shrinkage is used to avoid distorting the substantially flat smooth insulated heat transfer face which remains exposed in the encapsulated device.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved heated nozzle for injection molding and an improved method of manufacturing it. The nozzle has an elongated body with a melt bore extending generally centrally through it. The cylindrical outer surface of the body has a variable pitched spiral channel extending around it along its length. A helical electric heating element is embedded in the channel to form an integral structure by which the temperature of the hot melt can be maintained within a narrow range as it flows through the bore. The nozzle is manufactured by forming the body with the channel and bore either by investment casting or machining. The heating element is wound in the channel and a bead of nickel brazing paste is run along the top of it. The nozzle is then heated in a vacuum furnace to braze the heating element in the channel. The highly conductive nickel completely covers the heating element and is fused to both the heating element and the walls of the channel.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a cathode for a sea-water battery by forming a particulate mixture of silver chloride and a substitute therefor.