Abstract: A beam for a fire-rated suspended ceiling structure wherein the beam has an inverted-T construction and includes a central web having a bulb at the top and a pair of oppositely disposed flanges at the bottom for supporting ceiling tiles, and an improved expansion relief section of the beam comprising a section of the web having a pair of spaced vertical cuts in the web and an horizontal cut extending between the upper ends of the vertical cuts to form a tab extending upwardly from the pair of flanges, the tab having an inverted triangular cut-out portion the apex thereof adjacent the pair of flanges and dividing the tab into two portions, a pair of protuberances formed in the upper edge of the tab portion contacting the upper portion of the web, and a section of the bulb having a crushed portion opposite the apex of the triangular cut-out portion, the crushed portion of the bulb having a substantially Z-shaped configuration whereby when the beam is subjected to expansion forces accompanying fire conditions th

Abstract: Feed gas is directed tangentially along the non-skin surface of gas separation membrane modules comprising a cylindrical bundle of parallel contiguous hollow fibers supported to allow feed gas to flow from an inlet at one end of a cylindrical housing through the bores of the bundled fibers to an outlet at the other end while a component of the feed gas permeates through the fibers, each having the skin side on the outside, through a permeate outlet in the cylindrical casing.

Abstract: A container for use in mailing product samples is formed from a flat blank sheet of cardboard, pasteboard, or similar material delineating a central display panel and a central bottom panel, a first interconnecting panel contiguous with the upper edge of the central display panel and the lower edge of the central bottom panel, a tab extending from the lower edge to the control display panel and a second interconnecting panel extending from the upper edge of the central bottom panel, a pair of side panels extending from the lateral edges of the central bottom panel, and a pair of lateral side wing panels extending from the lateral side edges of the central display panel. The blank is adapted to be folded along the edges and having the second interconnecting side panel adhesively secured to the tab to form a box bounding a compartment beneath the central display panel closable by the side panels and having the wing panels foldable in overlapping relationship over the central display panel.

Abstract: A dimmer switch and dimmer system is described in which dimming for the entire system is controlled from a single device while on/off switching is controlled by individual devices at multiple locations. The main dimming device contains an alternate action switching circuit for opening and closing the gate circuit of a controllably conductive device. Each of the remote location switching devices consists of respective low voltage switches, each operable to operate the alternate action switching circuit in the main dimmer device and are connected thereto by wiring which carries only signal level voltages and currents. Each remote switch may be a wall-mounted switch containing a single, relatively large area push button which momentarily closes a short movement, low activation force pair of contacts when the large area push button is depressed by pressure applied to any portion over its surface.

Abstract: A scan room is disclosed in which a magnetic resonance (MR) imager can be located that will reduce to an acceptable level outside the room the strength of the fringe magnetic fields produced by the imager and that will shield the imager from magnetic, radio frequency electromagnetic, and electric fields outside the room, while allowing the magnet of the imager to be shimmed to produce a sufficient homogeneous field to obtain the desired images. The scan room is rectangular although it could be cylindrical or spherical. Its walls, floor, and ceiling are made of a plurality of steel plate welded together. The thickness of the walls can vary as the distance from the magnet and the permeability of the steel plates varies. A steel door allows patients and medical personnel to enter and leave the room.

Abstract: A disc inclination detecting apparatus comprises a light-emitting element for projecting a light beam on a disc and a light-sensitive element for receiving a reflected light beam reflected by the disc and outputting a corresponding electric signal, in which the light-sensitive element faces the disc and is positioned together with the light-emitting element in a tangential direction of tracks on the disc. The apparatus also comprises a signal processing circuit for detecting, on the basis of the electric signal, a variation of a position of the reflected light beam on the light-sensitive element in a direction perpendicular to the tangential direction. The variation corresponds to an inclination angle of the disc.

Abstract: A cordless telephone having a base unit with automatic telephone answering function and a portable unit has an engaging means for forming an engaging circuit upon an incoming call from a calling party, when the portable unit is kept in the off-hook state over a preset period of time during sending of outgoing message from the base unit, and an outgoing message inhibiting circuit which activated by output of preset timer means and inhibit outgoing message then both parties' conversation can be recorded in recording means on base unit which is set in stand-by mode.

Abstract: Cheese of the kind used on pizzas is prepared in granular form, and frozen by an individual quick freezing method to maintain granule moisture and distribution. The resulting free-flowing granules can be baked on pizzas in frozen or partially frozen condition while obtaining as good quality baked pizzas as when fully thawed granule cheese is used. The problem of undue browning and blistering heretofore associated with the use of frozen cheese is avoided.

Abstract: Compounds of the general formula (I) are potent sweeteners, especially 4,1',6'-tribromo-4,1',6'-trideoxygalactosucrose: ##STR1## in which R' represents a chlorine or bromine atom;R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 respectively represent a hydroxy group and a hydrogen atom or a hydrogen atom and a chlorine or bromine atom;R.sup.4 represents a chlorine or bromine atom; at least one of R', R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 representing a bromine atom.

Abstract: An insect proof garment for protection against mosquitoes, black flies and other insects is disclosed. The garment is made entirely from a lightweight semi-rigid insect excluding mesh and is comprised of a head net attached to an upper body portion, with the upper body portion extending from the neck to proximate the hips of the wearer and has sleeves connected thereto. There is a separate lower portion extending from the wearer's waist and having leg members connected thereto.

Abstract: A disposable protector for toilet seats having a cover of paper or similar material with a center cut-out generally conforming to the opening in the seat. The cover has a retainer member which may be in the form of a flange or tab which engage the inner edge of the seat to temporarily secure the protector in place during use. The underside of the cover may also have a frictional material such as latex or a low-tack adhesive. The cover may be treated with a suitable anti-bacterial agnt and may be provided to the consumer in a dispenser or in individualized packages that may be conveniently carried by the user.

Abstract: A combination toilet seat lifter and toilet flusher is disclosed. The combination toilet seat lifter and toilet flusher includes a body portion having a cylindrical shape and further having an open end and a closed end. The body portion contains a longitudinal hollow portion disposed in the open end of the body portion and functioning as a receptacle for the handle flusher. A grip is disposed on the closed end of the body portion and helps to stabilize the combination toilet seat lifter and toilet flusher when in use. A substantially "L"-shaped round tube having a free end and a fixed end. The fixed end is affixed to the body portion and the free end contains a bevel.

Abstract: A support structure for sanitary apparatus to be wall-mounted on a partition wall incorporating an internal framework.In accordance with the invention the support structure comprises, joined to each other in one piece by two legs (31), two crossmembers (32, 33) at least one of which comprises at least one pair of holes (34) disposed symmetrically to each other on either side of a median vertical axis (M) and adapted to fasten the sanitary apparatus (11) concerned and locating means adapted to enable fastening to it at a given location of at least one pipe or the like (23, 24, 25, 26) adapted to serve the sanitary apparatus (11).Application to the wall-mounting of any kind of sanitary apparatus.

Abstract: The therapeutic footrest is designed for use while sitting on a toilet seat. The footrest is in the form of a stool having a planar shaped front leg and a planar shaped rear leg that support a horizontally oriented top wall member. A pair of longitudinally spaced apertures are formed in the top surface of the top wall member and a pair of reflex point massage rollers are mounted on shafts in the respective spaced apertures.

Abstract: A patented valve control for use in a toilet tank having a bottom outlet for discharging water to a toilet bowl, a valve for closing the outlet, a conventional actuating lever and a chain connecting the lever to the valve for opening the latter, includes an arm carrying the valve pivotally mounted in the toilet tank for actuation by the chain to open the bottom outlet, a float on the arm biasing the valve to the open position when the tank is full and biasing the valve to the close position when the tank is empty, and a drainable container on the arm biasing the valve open when the latter is open and biasing the valve closed when the latter is closed. The amount of water discharged through the outlet during each flushing operation can be reduced by mounting a flush control device on the arm of the valve control. The flush control device is a rectangular parallelepipedic body with a groove in one side thereof for mounting the body on the arm.

Abstract: A collapsible portable shelter or changing room comprising a body of circular bellows like configuration capable of manufacture on current plastic mold equipment with current plastic materials. The bellows like walls overlap vertically and integrally down the side around a large aperture in a spring-like manner from tension on the rib folds by manual downward pressure. The accordion-like wall, when fully collapsed, substantially fits within an optional carry case fastened to the shelter floor. The structure is raised for use from a collapsed into an extended form by manual release of fasteners, causing the bellows wall to spring upward, without assistance, providing a large interior volume sufficient to enclose a person for use as a toilet shelter or changing room.

Abstract: A diverging section is defined in a lower water passage such that the outlet or downstream end of the diverging section becomes substantially equal to the width of a front curved water passage and to the height of an upper water passage and/or one or more guide vanes are disposed within the front curved water passage such that the outlet of each of water passages defined by the adjacent guide vanes is larger in size than the inlet thereof while the intermediate section of each passage is more enlarged in size than both the inlet and the outlet thereof.

Abstract: A pneumatic wave-generator for a wave pool, comprising a caisson divided into a plurality of wave-generating chambers, a ventilator space provided with a powered source of forced air, and a system of conduits coupled to an air-directional valve which is capable of effecting forced aspiration and expiration above the water surfaces in the wave-generating chambers. The air-directional valve efficiently and selectively directs air into and out of a chamber, as desired, provides a seal against the unwanted flow of air, has a reduced number of moving pieces, is mechanically efficient, and has limited wear points.

Abstract: A self-cleaning whirlpool system for spas, including bathtubs, is disclosed. The system comprises a circulating pump connected to a water intake pipe, a filter and a hydraulic circuit having nozzles for whirlpool massage. An air intake circuit is provided for mixing air into the water delivered to the nozzles. Valve means are provided to close the nozzles to form a closed circuit. Cleansing agent is metered into the closed circuit, together with water, and is circulated through the closed circuit by means of the circulating pump. After the closed circuit is cleansed, the dirty water and cleaning agent are drained off.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved support frame and extender for an adjustable bed which comprises an inclinable head frame portion 14 and an adjustable extender 19 slideably mounted on said head frame to bridge the space, S, between the head frame and the bed's post and filler apparatus 12 independent of the head frame angle of incline. The extender is slidably fastened to the head frame through the use of extender brackets 39 and is further supported by support bracket 40 and is interposed between the post 29 and first filler rod 36 of the post and filler assembly. As the head frame is inclined causing the space S to increase, the extender can be mannually slided to bridge the space thereby preventing inadvertant patient injury.

Abstract: The train comprises transport vehicles (16) for the new (T1) and old (T2) ties, followed by a storage vehicle (12) for the ties, a railroad car (1) as a dismantling car, articulated to the storage vehicle (12), and a laying unit (17) constructed in a manner such as to be mobile between a working state and a state of rest when running light. When working, this mobile unit (17) bears at one end on the car (1), for example via a wheel gear (22), and at the other end on a running support (24) which moves on the new track (R2). In the state of rest, the mobile unit (17) is moved and loaded onto the car (1), the running support (24) being retracted. The running support can also be formed by a railroad vehicle (26) or by a bissel truck (28), coupled to the car when running light.

Abstract: An air suspension bed is disclosed which is structured for installation in a vehicle and comprises a frame which is configured to hold a cushion. Two fluid suspension units include air bag assemblies and an upper housing unit and a lower housing unit with the upper housing unit being connected to the frame by mounting members, connecting members and resilient devices. The mounting members are generally U-shaped members which are fixedly attached to the frame. Connecting members are rod-like structures which pass through apertures formed in the mounting members and the upper housing units and allow the frame to move along the rod-like structures but is restrained in movement by resilient devices carried on the rod-like structures which along with the air bag assemblies cushion the movements of the truck which are transmitted to the frame of the bed.

Abstract: An inflatable cushion in the form of a pillow including an inflatable bladder having a hand operated air pump for inflating the bladder and an adjustable valve providing for a controlled rate of escape of air from the bladder and thus providing for a controlled rate of deflation of the bladder.

Abstract: A blanket and method for swaddling an infant is provided that is both physically and psychologically simulative of the snug encapsulization experienced by the infant when in utero. The blanket is comprised of an upper portion having two symmetric wings. Each wing has a shape and a size sufficient to be wrapped over the shoulder and arm of the infant in front of the infant's body and behind her back. The upper panel extends to form a necked-down panel of reduced width. The blanket is folded along the line of the necked-down panel with a lower panel of increased width being brought up and folded across the front of the infant. The opposing corners of the lower panel can then be wrapped around and behind the infant, leaving the infant snugly encapsulated within the multiple layers of the blanket with no excess accumulation or bagging of material or deficiency of material where needed which might otherwise be formed if the blanket were rectangular or another shape.

Abstract: A bedding system which comprises a rectangular mattress, a top sheet and a bottom sheet. The top and bottom sheets are releasibly connectable to the mattress via cooperating areas of hook and loop material respectively carried by the mattress and the sheets. The bottom sheet connects along its sides to the mattress sides and does not overlay a foot end of the mattress. The top sheet connects to the foot end of the mattress. The top and bottom surfaces of the mattress couple to a mattress pad and a blanket via additional hook and loop fasteners. A dust ruffle can be connected in a similar manner to the sides and a foot end of a box spring or other mattress support.

Abstract: A custom insole is made up of a plurality of layers of a thermoformable material united together at their interfaces to conform in size and contour to the bottom surface of a foot, the layers comprising at least one strength layer and at least one filler layer united to the strength layer and contoured to conform to the bottom surface of the foot; and an arch flange curves upwardly for a distance to laterally support the bone structure in the arch area of the foot. In the method of making the insole, an unformed blank of thermoformable material is placed on a resilient support portion with the ball portion on a firm surface and, by placing the foot on top of the layers and applying downward pressure, it will cause the heel of the foot to form a depression in the heel portion and the ball portion of the foot to flatten out the layers resting on the firm surface.

Abstract: In a vertically storing dock leveler, more efficient, faster storage is enabled by providing a circuit which causes the lip of the leveler to maintain its position while the leveler platform is being raised. This position retention is in contrast to prior systems, in which raising the platform automatically caused pressure in the hydraulic cylinder controlling lip movement to drop, causing the lip to retract. By maintaining the lip position, lip extension can take less time.

Abstract: An eraser mover for use with a power eraser comprising mechanical means for sliding the eraser out of its holder by inserting prongs into the eraser and moving the prongs outwardly.

Abstract: An apparatus for scrubbing and scraping the surface of a grill or the like utilizes a rotating head having a first member to which a scrubbing pad is attached and a second member to which a scraper is attached. The second member is movably attached to the first member for movement between a first position at which rotation of the head engagably moves both the scrubbing pad and the scraper across the surface being cleaned and a second position at which rotation of the head engagably moves only the scrubbing pad across the surface being cleaned. The apparatus also includes a detergent application system for dispensing liquid detergent over the region of the grill surface being cleaned and a vacuum system for removing spent detergent and materials, such as grease and grime, loosened from the surface by the head.

Abstract: A toothbrush having one or more wheel members with radially disposed bristles adapted to roll into contact with tooth surfaces. End plates on the wheel member inhibit bristle deflection. In a multiple wheel member version an intermediate wheel member serves to confine bristles against displacement. Side plates carry a spindle for the wheel member or members. A curved guard extends partially about the wheel members.

Abstract: A combination of a lint roller and encasement therefor in which two clam shell elements are pivotally connected together at one of their ends. One of the elements is a holder for a lint roller and the other is a cover/handle which when pivoted closed encloses the lint roller and when pivoted open serves as a handle. The two elements are each one-piece molded parts. The holder element includes a flexible flange extending from the end walls and between which the adhesive roller is rotatably mounted. The flanges preferably are circular in shape with protrusions extending therefrom having a diameter slightly less than the openings in the end of the cylindrical lint roller. The adjacent end walls of the two elements are inclined at each other so that the cover/handle when fully open extends at an angle from the axis of the roller providing space between the handle and applied surface when the roller is used on a flat surface.

Abstract: A children's toothbrush having a handle and an arm joined to the handle and having bristles disposed at one end thereof. A joint is formed on the opposite end of the arm for connection to the handle. The handle has a cavity for receiving the arm and the bristles therein when the toothbrush is folded. There is also a lock disposed in the joint for releasably locking the joint to maintain said toothbrush in an open position. The joint comprises a cylindrical portion formed on the end of the arm having a central pivot hole. An annular channel is formed around the pivot hole and spaced apart wing arms receiving and capturing the cylindrical portion to complete the joint.

Abstract: This invention describes a so-called reciprocating wiper system having a guide housing moving pendulum fashion and a wiper arm guided therein and radially retractable and extractable, wherein by various measures the volume of the guide housing is changed as compared to known embodiments and thus adapted to the space conditions in the engine compartment of a motor vehicle, wherein because of a change in the volume a lengthening of the wiper blade and thus an enlargement of the wiping area is made possible.

Abstract: A hand-guided sweeper employing a rotary brush to propel debris into a detachable hopper, a blower to facilitate pickup of dust and a filter to remove dust prior to passing through the blower includes guides on the frame of the sweeper adapted to cooperate with projections on the sides of the hopper, permitting the hopper to be inserted and removed from the front of the sweeper without notable lifting and interference to the blower and filter.

Abstract: Disclosed is a door control device that automatically repositions the driving shaft of the door closer toward and away from the door pivot, as the door opens and closes, as a means of modifying and improving the force required to open and close the door. Movement is accomplished by a double ended driving shaft having a sprocket gear on one end which drivingly engages a track which in turn repositions the slide mounted door closer to more favorable positions as the door opens and closes.

Abstract: Roller for rolling drawer guides with a wheel journaled on a stud (24) fastened to the running and/or guiding rail of the drawer guide, the wheel having a rim concentric with the longitudinal central axis of the stud (24). The wheel is divided into a hub (16) journaled on the stud (24) and a rim (18) disposed concentrically on the hub, and the rim (18) is mounted on the hub (16) for displacement in the direction of the roller axis of rotation. The rim (18) is held on the hub (16) preferably against rotation in the direction of rotation of the roller.

Abstract: A swivel bearing for a door-holding rod of a door holder of a motor vehicle. The door-holding rod is swivelable by means of a hinge pin about an axis extending parallel to the hinge axis of the motor vehicle door. The door-holding rod extends through a holder housing arranged on another structural door component. The hinge pin is of solid material and is rigidly but releasably connected to an end of the door-holding rod. The hinge pin has axially extending portions which have a different diameter from the diameter of the middle portion of the hinge pin extending through the door-holding rod. The axial portions having the different diameter are in engagement with a running fit in two bearing openings of the bearing block which are arranged at a distance from each other.

Abstract: A concealed hinge for switching boxes which is unhingeable, the hinge having a first and second hinge part. The first hinge part having a bearing eye attached to an inside of a door leaf. The second hinge part surrounds the first hinge part in the shape of a U and is connectable to a vertical frame member of the box. The second hinge part has two bearing eyes on ends of a U-shaped member. The hinge parts are connected by a bearing bolt arrangement.

Abstract: A wide angle hinge is used for articulation of a furniture door on a furniture unit with a base plate mounted on the furniture unit and a housing mounted on the furniture door; mounted on the base plate is a first gear rack on which a gear is rolled in the longitudinal direction of the hinge and meshes with a second gear rack connected with the housing. The second gear rack is mounted directly on the housing and has a circular arc shape that is concentric with the swivel axis of the door.

Abstract: An easel hinge includes first and second hinge plates, each including a substantially flat main portion, a curled or rolled barrel portion and a pair of rosette type fastening elements. The barrel portions of the hinge plates cooperate to hingeably connect the main portions for movement of the hinge between a closed position wherein the main portions are in closely adjacent, substantially parallel relation, and an open position wherein the main portions are in angular relation. The hinge further includes a pair of daps on the main portion of at least one of the hinge plates for maintaining the main portions in closely spaced relation when the hinge is in the closed position thereof so that the hinge can be more effectively plated.

Abstract: Sausages leaving a sausage-making machine as a string are arranged into groups suitable for packing by transferring them onto a conveyor belt, subsequently orienting them with their respective longitudinal axis extending obliquely with respect to the conveying direction of the conveyor belt and thereafter restraining the sausages to turn them to a transverse orientation relative to the conveying direction so they can be discharged in groups.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mechanically cleaning freshly caught fish. In an initial step for preparing a throat cut in a roundfish, the head thereof is bent backwards to an angle of about 30.degree. relatively to the axis of the trunk to stretch the neck and isthmus of the fish. A throat cut is then performed in two steps. The first step of the throat cut is started at the ventral side of the fish, closely ahead of the front edge of the collar bones of the fish in order to cut the isthmus joining the head and the trunk. Thereafter, the second step of the throat cut continues the first step of the cut by severing all the way into the gill cavity up to the spine and mainly following along the front edge of the collar bones. Subsequently, a belly cut is made which permits the evisceration of the entrails of the fish intact.

Abstract: Apparatus for the separation of back fat from a loin portion of a carcass and having a conveyor for supporting and moving a loin portion with the back fat lowermost, a pressure device for applying pressure to the upper surface of a loin portion, a generally arcuate blade interposed between the conveyor and the pressure device, the blade being moveable relative to the conveyor, a device for sensing the thickness of back fat on the loin portion between the conveyor and the lean portion of the loin, and generating measurement signals, and thereby moving the blade, and a method of separating back fat from loins by the use of such apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for converting tow into sliver including cutter rolls for cutting fiber to length, a collector pan for passing the cut fiber from the cutting rolls to a drafting section and a pin roll in the drafting section for combing and debonding the fiber. The collector pan is shaped to dispose the opposite marginal edges of the cut fiber web in registration with the main body of the web to ensure proper presentation of the cut tow fibers to the drafting section. The pin roll in the drafting section includes a plurality of projections having leading and trailing edges terminating in a tip. Each leading edge is angled to enter the tow web prior to entry of the associated tip. The arrangement of the converter affords high weight delivery of combed and debonded fiber with minimal defects.

Abstract: A flock extraction apparatus includes a pair of ducts which extend along a track for conveying fiber flock and a diverter chamber at one end of the ducts for directing the flock into one or the other of a pair of transport ducts extending from the diverter chamber. Plates are used to block communication between the diverter chamber and the respective transport ducts as well as to sub-divide the diverter chamber for communication with a respective duct extending along the track.

Abstract: The method provides for the replenishment of fiber bales to at least one row of fiber bales disposed on a spinning floor in operative positions extending along a path of a reciprocally mounted fiber bale opening machine. The bales are assembled in groups and delivered to a standby position on the spinning floor. When required, each fiber group is moved from the standby position into an operative position.

Abstract: A clamp that comprises a clamp column extending upwardly from one end of a base. The clamp column has a first clamping plate at its free end. An adjustment column also extends upwardly from the base and is spaced parallel to the clamp column. The adjustment column includes a threaded section on its free end. A clamp arm is disposed in spaced parallel relationship with the base and the clamp arm includes a second clamping plate in alignment with the first clamping plate. An opening formed through the clamp arm is positioned in alignment with the adjustment column. A shaft that has a lower threaded section extends through the opening in the clamp arm to threadably engage the threaded section of the adjustment column. The shaft is selectively rotated to adjust the spacing between the first and second clamp plates. An over center cam lever has one end element pivotally attached to the top section of the extending above the clamp arm shaft and a second end element forming the hand grip.

Abstract: An apparatus for crimping and permanently heat setting a fiber or tow without stress or tension, comprising a mechanical crimping means, a conveying means which receives the crimped fiber or tow, and a heating or irradiation zone through which the conveying means and fiber or tow passes.

Abstract: A method of producing a device for magnifying displacement of a piezoelectric element adapted to be displaced by application of voltage thereto. The method includes a first step of forming a movable member integrally with a frame through a connecting portion in such a manner as a space for inserting therein a piezoelectric element is defined between the movable member and a base portion of the frame; a second step of fixing the leaf spring to the frame and the movable member; and a third step of forming a separation groove in the connecting portion to separate the movable member from the frame.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing articles suitable as necklaces or bracelets, which consists of inserting on a core material which is provided in the form of a substantially cylindrically shaped helicoidal spring made of a spirally wound metal wire or a strap having a constant cross-section, a plurality of elements each consisting of a body member associated with one or more grommets or slots creating one or more closed apertures free end of the helicoidal spring is introduced through the annular spaces of a succession of elements and by causing the elements to slide toward the opposite end of the spring, so that they arrange themselves one next to the other.