Abstract: A new and distinct variety of blackberry plant which exhibits an absence of thorns, and two crops per season with sprouts of the second crop appearing about the time that the berries of the first crop begin to ripen. The plants have sturdy canes with generally round berries that ripen over an extended period of time.

Abstract: An African violet plant named Little Saphire having a miniature growth habit; single, violet-blue flowers; strong stems which curve toward the center of the plant; early, profuse and continuous flowering, and long-lasting, non-dropping flowers which form a flower head above the leaves.

Abstract: An African violet plant named Meg having semi-double, two-tone pink flowers; girl-type leaves; strong upright stems; early and profuse flowering; compact flower head positioned above the leaves; and long-lasting and non-dropping flowers.

Abstract: An African violet plant named Acadia having semi-double flowers and violet-blue flower color; strong, upright flower stems, each of which carries 8-10 or more flowers; vigorous growth habit, producing a saleable plant 9-10 weeks after potting; full, tight flower head well above the leaves, and long-lasting, non-dropping flowers.

Abstract: An African violet plant named Improved Atlanta having strong upright flower stems, two of which appear at each leaf axil; light pink flowers; dark green leaves with light green centers; vigorous growth habit; early and profuse flowering; long-lasting, non-dropping flowers which form a tight flower head above the foliage.

Abstract: An African violet plant named Little Rose Quartz having miniature size and growth habit; strong upright stem carrying light pink semi-double flowers; profuse flowering; continuous flowering, and long-lasting, non-dropping flowers.

Abstract: A hydraulically driven drive reversing mechanism, attachable to a combine to reverse the drive to the header and feeder house components, is disclosed wherein the reversing mechanism is contained within a gearbox detachably connected with the header drive shaft. The reversing mechanism is substantially self-contained within the gearbox and connectable to a source of hydraulic power to provide an optional drive reversing capability for substantially any combine. The reversing mechanism includes a first gear splined onto the header drive shaft for rotation therewith, a second free wheeling gear mounted within the gearbox in an intermeshing relationship with the first gear for rotation therewith and a clutch selectively engageable with the second gear to transfer rotational power from a hydraulic motor to affect a rotation of the header drive shaft in a reverse direction.

Abstract: An improved method for the distillation of a feed stream containing hydrocarbon components, which method is directed toward the production of a bottom product stream and an overhead product stream, both with desired specifications, which method comprises recycling a minor portion of the bottom product stream typically, but not necessarily, derived from said separation directly to a reflux condenser for the overhead product stream of said method, in order to effect a savings in energy in said distillative method, such as by adjusting the column operating conditions, such as the column operating pressure or the top or bottom operating temperatures of said column.

Abstract: Automatic vehicle washer. The washer includes a vehicle washing apparatus, source of electrical power, manual input, code verifier and activator. The manual input allows a driver of a vehicle to transmit a numerical signal to the code verifier. If the code verifier determines that the numerical signal corresponds to a predetermined numerical code, the energizer interconnects the vehicle washing apparatus with the source of electrical power.

Abstract: A projectile holding apparatus or rack includes a plurality of spring-biased steel bands for securing a plurality of projectiles in the rack. Each of the securing steel bands may be individually moved to release or secure projectiles disposed within corresponding projectile storage tubes. The steel bands include a part to at least partially spiral around a projectile such that projectiles of different lengths may be accommodated. A gang control may be used for simultaneously locking and unlocking the projectiles within the projectile storage tubes. The gang control is further operable to move all of the securing bands from their releasing positions to their securing positions.

Abstract: A ceramic foam material and process for making same having superior strength and durability properties wherein the impregnated foam impregnated with an alumina hydrate binder is fired at an elevated temperature so as to produce a ceramic body characterized by a solid state, sintered ceramic bond.

Abstract: An air core meter movement having return-to-zero means. Permanent magnets mounted within the deflection coils provide a field which interacts with the rotor magnet to return the pointer to zero when no power is applied to the meter. A compensating coil is also included to counteract the effects of the permanent magnets when measurable signals are applied to the deflection coils.

Abstract: In utilizing frequency dividers at high frequencies the maximum operating frequency is determined by the delay time through the frequency divider. To minimize this delay time, a digital frequency divider is provided having a binary counter constructed of flip-flops and a shift register coupled to the output of said counter, wherein the output state of the shift register is forcibly reduced to a low level in response to a control signal for varying the number of frequency division of said counter. A circuit is also provided for feeding the input terminal of the flip-flop at the first stage of said counter with an OR output made up of the outputs of said shift register and said counter. Thus, the digital frequency divider can operate at a speed which is limited only by the toggle frequency of said flip-flop circuits.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for the preparation of completely brominated derivatives of aromatic compounds comprising one or more phenyl groups which may contain substituents, side chains or be partially-brominated. The complete bromination is effected by utilizing liquid bromine as a reaction solvent whereby the starting aromatic material is reacted with an excess of bromine which contains a bromination catalyst and the mixture is refluxed for a sufficient time. Use of these brominated derivatives as fire retarding agents is nylon and polyester is also disclosed.

Abstract: A visor assembly utilizes a movable eye screen which passes through a slot in a forwardly extending shade element. The light-transmissive eyescreen is adjustable to a shielding and non-shielding position, where it may be locked in position.

Abstract: A built-in core body (10) for forming a ready-made knot of a necktie, by which a neat knot (4) is easily formed and permanently maintained, comprising an outer shell (11), a presser member (12), and a release member (13). A narrow band (2b) of a tie body (2) is inserted in a channel (17) formed in the interior of the outer shell (11) in a double-folded state and the knot (4) is formed around the core body (10) in a conventional manner. The upward movement of the narrow band (2b) through the core body (10) is inhibited by the action of the presser member (12) while the downward movement thereof is free. Upward movement of the narrow band (2b) is allowed when the release member (13) is operated to release the presser member (12) from engagement with the narrow band (2b).

Abstract: An inexpensive novelty device for simulating a hug having a coiled flexible strip that is normally resistant to uncoiling with animated appendages attached to each end. A pair of tabs formed at the ends of the strip co-operatively associated with a notch facilitates the attachment of the simulated appendages to the respective ends of the strip.

Abstract: A protective helmet (10) characterized in that it comprises a shell (12) shaped to fit about the head of a wearer, the shell (12) comprising an interior and an exterior, a forward region (14) intended in use to be situated adjacent a forehead of the wearer and a rearward region (22) situated at an opposite end of the shell (12) from the forward region (14), and the shell (12) also comprising a basal perimeter, a resilient liner (50) comprising an inner concave side arranged, in use, adjacent the head of the wearer, and an outer convex side adjacent the interior of the shell (12) one or more securing straps (34) attached to the basal perimeter and a locking means (80) to, in use, lockably secure each strap (34), the resilient liner (50) being formed by a shaping process so that a plurality of discrete chambers (58) is located within the liner (50) or between the resilient liner (50) and the shell (12), the resilient liner (50) and the chambers (58) being intended, in use, to absorb mechanical shock imparted to

Abstract: A cap and goggles combination comprises a rubber cap and a face glass which covers the eyes and extends across an upper portion of the nose and cheeks. A rubber frame surrounds the circumference of the face glass, and includes a groove for securely retaining the face glass. The rubber cap covers the user's head, except for the ears and, and is connected to the rubber frame adjacent the top and side edges of the face glass.

Abstract: A toilet seat lid lock to reliably and releasably secure a toilet lid in a closed position above a toilet seat to deny access to the toilet bowl. The lid lock comprises a hinge arm connected to the toilet lid, a locking base connected to the hinge arm, and a locking handle pivotally connected to the locking base. The locking handle is rotatable around the locking base between open and locked positions. In the locked position, the locking handle is aligned with the locking base so as to form a stop against the toilet bowl and thereby block the rotation of the lid off the toilet seat.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically monitoring the level of water in a swimming pool, or the like, by monitoring the level of a float within a float chamber supported by water siphoned from the pool system, for detecting when the level of water has fallen a predetermined amount or distance below a predetermined desired level and for controlling the input of fresh water into the pool system in response to the detected level for restoring the water in the pool to the predetermined desired level as determined by the position of the float on the siphoned water within the float chamber being restored to a float position indicative of said predetermined desired level of water in the pool.

Abstract: In an apparatus for carrying out a continuous wrapping hydromassage over the whole body of a person only in one direction--of the type comprising, in a shower cabin, means rotating about an axis substantially coinciding with that of the body to be massaged, ejecting at least one water spout distributed according to a cylindrical helix having the same axis--said rotating means consist of a plurality of arc-shaped tube sections provided with nozzles ejecting a flat and divergent spout, said tube sections being supported in a horizontal or inclined position by a straight vertical tube feeding sid nozzles and being mounted and guided so as to rotate about said axis.

Abstract: A patient treatment table for supporting a patient laying in a generally horizontal position for treatment at an elevated level above the floor surface includes a base adapted to rest on the floor surface for supporting the table for movement between a first position for patient treatment and a second position for mounting and dismounting. The table includes a control system for moving the table between said positions having an electric motor and/or electrically activated hydraulic control valves and a safety system for deenergizing the electric motor and/or deactivating the control valves in response to a hazardous condition. The system includes a switch mat positioned on the floor surface adjacent the base which is operative to deenergize the electric motor and/or deactivate the control valves in response to pressure applied to the switch mat.

Abstract: A hospital bed footboard is provided which can be moved from the normal, vertical position of a bed footboard to a horizontal position overlying the bed. The support for the footboard in the overbed position is of a fully cantilevered nature so no impediment is placed to approaching the patient from the sides of the bed, nor is the overall width of the bed increased. The footboard when positioned over the bed can serve as a shelf for holding monitoring and life support devices during patient transport.

Abstract: A childs' crib having a drop side, with a latch therefor requiring a double motion, up and inwardly toward the center of the crib, to release it for gravity drop of the drop side from its uppermost, latched position.

Abstract: A bedding foundation comprising a lower base frame, an upper wire grid and a plurality of novel spring elements interposed between the base frame and the wire grid. Each of the spring elements comprises two discrete lengths of spring wire, each of which has a center portion and two free end portions. The center portions of the discrete lengths of wire are twisted about one another to form an elongated, vertically oriented center portion of the spring element from which there extend a pair of upper spring arms and a pair of lower spring arms, the spring arms being formed by the free end portions of the two discrete lengths of spring wire.

Abstract: A product for recreational beach use is comprised of a beach-blanket type of sheet of generally rectangular shape, and an inflatable chair positioned upon the upper surface of the sheet at a site closer to the rear edge than the front edge. The chair, having a seat and an adjustable backrest portion, can be inflated either by water or by air at a pressure in the range of 5-20 psi. In preferred embodiments, the chair is removably attached to the sheet.

Abstract: A bed rail (A) includes a first vertical end member (10) and a second vertical end member (12) between which cross members (14, 16, 18) and telescopically received stub members (30, 32, 34) extend. The spacer member (B) is connected between free ends of some of the cross members to maintain the positional stability. A pair of brackets (C) slidingly receive the vertical end members. The brackets each includes a slot (64) which is dimensioned with an appropriate width to receive the cross members or the stub members adjacent their interconnection with the end members. A spring biased member (80) is biased by a spring (82) into engagement with a locking aperture (68) in the bracket. A bracket cam surface (66) cams the spring biased member inward as the bed side rail is raised. A knob (84) enables an operator to withdraw the spring biased member to lower the side rail.

Abstract: A pillow adapted to provide yieldable support of controllable softness and thickness is fabricated of thermoplastic sheet material in a manner whereby a central air compartment is surrounded by a continuous liquid compartment, each compartment being provided with valve means. The pillow may be fabricated by the interbonding of four rectangular pieces of thermoplastic sheet material. When empty of air and liquid, the pillow occupies little storage space.

Abstract: A padded cap for the footrail of a waterbed frame comprises a cushioned member, a support member, and a mounting bracket adapted for transmitting loads to both the cap and rail.

Abstract: A device for controlling the position of a semi-product of treated shoes comprises a holder, which is provided with a heel support and a toe cap support, the mutual distance of which is adjustable by means of a displacement chain according to the size of the treated shoe. The holder is arranged in side pieces which are fixed to flanges of a hollow shaft seated in a fork extension piece of a vertical spindle seated on a pin shaft fixed in a supporting platform. A piston rod of a main pressure cylinder is connected to one of the side pieces.

Abstract: A personal care powered scrub brush apparatus and recharging arrangement that uses a waterproof housing. The scrub brush apparatus is specially shaped to allow one to easily use the device and allow proper seating within a recharging cradle having contours which mate with the periphery of a head portion of the apparatus. The recharging cradle uses contacts which are spring-biased by the leaf spring operation of the contacts themselves in order to assure proper electrical contact for recharging of batteries within the scrub brush apparatus. The cradle further includes a floor slanted to a drip tube which allows water to flow to a removable basin such that the scrub brush may be placed upon the cradle for recharging with the brush in place and without waiting for the brush to dry.

Abstract: A shoe cleaning apparatus for household use includes a horizontal rotary brush to clean a toe portion of the sole of a shoe, a reciprocating brush to clean a heel portion of the shoe, and a vertical oscillating brush to clean side portions of the shoe. All the brushes are driven by a single motor which, along with the brushes, is mounted in a housing. A shoe rest bar extends across the housing between the rotary brush and the reciprocating brush. A user of the apparatus places an instep of the shoe on his foot on the shoe rest bar and pivots about the bar to vary the degree of engagement between portions of the shoe and the rotary and reciprocating brushes. The rotary brush includes baffles which cooperate with the rotary brush to create an airflow to carry away material removed from the shoe to a filter bag.

Abstract: A rotary washing apparatus for aircraft includes a rotary scrubber pivotally supported by a main body of washing machine through arms, and a torque motor for imparting a predetermined rotary torque to the arms so as to force the rotary scrubber against an external skin surface of the aircraft for washing the same by scrubbing. The rotary washing apparatus further includes a control device for preventing the rotary scrubber from being forced against a surface portion being washed of the aircraft with an excessively high pressing force. The control device is operative to sense the number of revolutions of the rotary scrubber and controls the operation of the torque motor in accordance with the number of revolutions of the rotary scrubber.

Abstract: A swimming pool cleaning brush attachment or combination wherein a transparent window responds to water motion during brushing operations causing it to open for entry of debris into a net of bag configuration for collecting said debris when the window shuts in response to reverse water motion, the transparent window and open mesh net providing visibility therethrough for viewing the debris before and after its collection in the net.