Abstract: A switching system comprising a cross-point switch and a Delta network. The two switches are connected in parallel with common port adaptors. When a port desires a specified time reservation to another port, it sends a request message for the specified time over the Delta network to the requested adaptor at which a reservation processor grants a connection for completion at a fixed time in the future. The reservation grant is then returned via the Delta network to the requesting adaptor which, at the fixed time, sets the cross-point connection on the cross-point switch line associated with the requesting adaptor.

Abstract: In a private communication network (10) served by a provider of call interconnection services, e.g., a carrier service node (15), the number of trunks (50-52) used within a call path is reduced without affecting the private nature of the private network. The service provider serves customer calls by means of a service node controller (SNC 40)--a switch such as a PBX. The SNC directly interconnects trunks (50,51) that connect it with a call-source and a call-destination node (20,21) of the customer, without routing the call through the customer's tandem node (24). The SNC merely queries the customer's tandem node over a control link (53), such as an ISDN D channel, to obtain requisite call-routing information from the customer's database (60). The customer retains ownership and control of the tandem node and its database, thereby preserving the private nature of the private network.

Abstract: A dough ball conveyor loader apparatus includes a flat conveyor belt supported horizontally and a loading unit positioned above the belt. The loading unit positions each of a series of dough balls on the belt. The loading unit also forms a flat on each of the dough balls against the flat belt to prevent movement of the dough balls upon movement of the belt.

Abstract: A socket adapter for converting a conventional bottom connected watthour meter housing to a socket-type watthour meter housing. The adapter includes a housing having a watthour meter receiving portion including a plurality of electrical contacts which removably receive the blade terminals of a watthour meter. The contacts are connected via electrical conductors to terminals mounted in an integral terminal portion of the housing. A cover member is removably mountable over the terminal portion of the housing to provide access to the terminals. The terminal portion and the cover cooperate to form guide surfaces which direct the building conductors into engagement with the terminals within the adapter. A surge protector in the form of a pair of wires embedded within the peripheral surface of the watthour meter receiving portion of the housing are connectable through a connector mounted on the back wall of the housing to earth ground.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the electrical plug receptacle units and particularly to multiple electrical receptacle units adapted to be attached to a wall-mounted receptacle.

Abstract: A fingernail protector comprises a fingernail shield, an attachment device or fastener for temporarily securing the protector to a user's finger, and a connector or coupling portion for pivotably connecting the shield to the fastener so that the shield is disposed distally of the fastener in a use position of the shield and so that the shield is swingable about an axis oriented substantially transversely to the user's finger. The connector includes a toggle hinge which enables the shield to be pivotably connected to the attachment device or fastener so that the shield is swingable between a first stable toggle position and a second stable toggle position. The fingernail protector is an integral piece formed by injection molding.

Abstract: A body cover, or clothing, for athletes is disclosed. The body cover is comprised of a first material portion adapted to be placed over the anterior portion of the body of the athletes. The first material portion is comprised of a plurality of longitudinal, attached panels of "NEOPRENE" having a thickness of preferably from about 1 to 3 millimeters. The first material portion is waterproofed, provides insulation and wind protection, and is adapted to hold liquid against the anterior portion of the athlete's body such that the liquid absorbs body thermal energy. A second material portion adapted to be placed over the posterior portion of the body of the athlete is comprised of a plurality of longitudinal, attached panels of "LYCRA". The second material portion allows evaporation of liquid on the posterior portion of the body of the athlete and radiation of thermal energy therethrough. Third material portions attach the first material portion and the second material portion to form the body covering.

Abstract: An emblem bearing cap attachment has a substantially planar, relatively stiff body defining a forward surface and a rearward surface. A primary crease extends centrally across the planar body defining an upper facing panel and a lower backing panel. The primary crease facilitates folding of the body about and capturing the band of a baseball style cap to position the rearward surface of the facing panel in confronting relationship with the inside surface of the crown rearward portion whereat are fastening means to secure the backing panel to the cap. The facing panel allows the display of emblems or other indicia thereon whether the facing panel is folded upwardly or downwardly.

Abstract: A footrest for use by a person seated in a wheel-chair facing a toilet facility includes an upper surface capable of accepting a foot thereon and slanting downwardly generally towards the front of the toilet facility. The footrest also includes a lip attached to the upper surface for retaining the foot on the upper surface at a fixed location.

Abstract: A water conserving refill valve for a reservoir connected to a pressurized water supply. The valve includes a hollow body divided by a diaphragm into a first and second chamber and a hollow plunger extending through the diaphragm between the chambers. The first chamber communicates with the reservoir through a port and the second chamber selectively communicates with the reservoir through a relief valve. The plunger closes communication between the liquid supply and the first chamber while providing communication between the supply and the second chamber in a first position. In a second position, the plunger provides communication between the supply and the first chamber. The plunger is biased to the first position by a float lever. The reservoir includes a flush valve operated by a movable lever and the relief valve is connected to the movable lever to be opened when the flush valve is opened.

Abstract: A compact, self-contained, portable vacuum toilet system having a sump for collecting waste liquids by means of gravity, a differential pressure-operated discharge valve for regulating withdrawal of waste liquids from the holding sump for transport to a vacuum collection tank during a transport cycle, differential pressure-operated sensor and controller valves for regulating operation of the discharge valve in response to a hydrostatic pressure condition inside the holding sump, and a push button-operated water valve for adding water to the toilet bowl during and immediately after a flush cycle. A sink and its own push button-operated water valve may also be provided.

Abstract: An improved swimming pool construction and cover includes a swimming pool cover laid on the water of the pool and having a marginal edge provided with one component of the two component elongated locking member. The second component of the locking member is disposed in the pool coping or deck edge accessible at the pool interior for engagement by the locking member component on the pool cover. The locking component associated wit the pool is provided in a retrofit configuration by securing a locking component to a vinyl liner bead lock secured in the vinyl liner bead channel in a pool coping. In a new vinyl-lined pool construction, a coping is provided with a secondary channel with one component of the cover locking member secured therein. In a gunnite pool, a channel is formed in the deck edge and a component of the releasable cover locking member is secured in the channel for securement of the pool cover thereto. Apparatus and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A urination station with a pair of foot mats straddling a urinal basin. Each mat accommodates a foot at a height from the floor which discourages the user from stepping partially on a mat and partially on the floor. Each mat has an adhesive layer which fixes it in position on the floor.

Abstract: A sliding transfer device comprising a lower support plate and an upper seat. The upper seat is removably attached to the lower support plate, and slides and rotates over the top surface of the plate. A person being transferred from one location to another, such as the edge of a bed to a wheelchair seat, is placed upon the upper seat, and is transferred as the seat slides across the top surface of the lower support plate. The lower support plate may be straight, curved, or S-shaped and may be constructed by joining top and bottom sections that are hollow and reinforced by cross members or ribs.

Abstract: A slatted bed base comprising a series of units (13) each of which includes an upper slat (3) on a lower support (5) mounted on a rigid, central and longitudinal beam (7) which is fixed in relation to the floor. The lower support (5) and the upper slat (3) are connected by a flexible linking element (14) allowing relative movement between the support (5) and the slat (3). The units (13) are spaced apart so that they can move independently of each other.

Abstract: A sealable, composite cushion is disclosed having a plurality of resilient support member horizontally disposed to one another and surrounded by a fluid impervious membrane. Each resilient support member has a known Indentation Force Deflection (IFD) value and is located in the cushion based upon medical criteria to provide zones of varying support. In an embodiment, the resilient members are bonded to the membrane and act as tension members to maintain the cushion's form while under a load. As a result, the cushion resists further deflection not only by the resilient members' resistance to compression, but also by an increased internal pressure. Accordingly, the cushion of the present invention is a composite of fluid flotation and compression resistance. A valve may be incorporated into the cushion to regulate the fluid floatation characteristics of the cushion or to assist in its transportation.

Abstract: An improved hand tool having a plurality of semispherical projections, which can be attached to or formed integral with, the handle of a hammer and which enables a carpenter to use his hammer to quickly and easily carry sheet material and to hold the sheet material in place and to nail it without the loss of time entailed in setting his hammer down and subsequently retrieving it.

Abstract: An athletic shoe (10) having interchangeable components for the customizing to the particular needs of a wearer. The wearer's weight, weight distribution, type and level of activity, and other variables are considered when determining the degree and location of support. The athletic shoe (10) includes a base portion (12) which defines a sole member (14) and an upper (16). A plurality of recesses (24) are defined at selected locations by the sole (14) for the receipt of sole inserts (18). The upper (16) defines a plurality of indicia receiving regions. The sole inserts (18) and the indicators (20) may be permanently attached to the athletic shoe (10) by any selected process such as ultrasonic welding. Additional support members may be placed within the athletic shoe (10) as desired to provide further support for selected portions of the foot, including the ankle and the arch.

Abstract: A scrubber cleaner for cleaning the unsucked face and peripheral chamfers of a semiconductor wafer. A wafer holder capable of holding the wafer by vacuum suction and turning the wafer circumferentially, and including a wafer suction head for fixing the wafer on it and a motor to rotate the suction head. A brush assembly including a rotatory plate having a brushing surface on one side consisting of a flat ring portion and a side-of-cylinder portion, and being capable of shifting axially and in radial directions; a motor for rotating the rotatory plate circumferentially; an air cylinder for shifting the rotatory plate axially; and another air cylinder for shifting the rotatory plate in radial directions.

Abstract: There is disclosed a highway tunnel surface cleaning vehicle having an adjustable boom at generally the center of the vehicle that extends over the cab and which carries a brush assembly made up of an array of linearly aligned brush units, the units rotationally supporting a number of driven brushes being articulated into a number of different positions by separate power devices to allow positioning of the brush units, and particularly their brushes, to accommodate the changing conditions of the surface to be cleaned. Also disclosed is a support structure for the brushes that allow selected brushes to be held out of operation, and a construction that allows the brushes to be flexibly supported and the cleaning liquid to be applied in close proximity to the brushing zone and prevented from escaping from the zone.

Abstract: An improved handle for a hand operated implement of the type for which it is desirable to control the force of application. The handle has bifurcated sections which are connected by a means for sensing the applied force and indicating a variation of the applied force from a desired level.

Abstract: A support system for a flexible closure such as a shower curtain comprising a rod with a channel running lengthwise and a plurality of carrier assemblies freely movable within the channel. The carrier assemblies each further comprise a roller assembly and a button assembly, the roller assembly having two wheels joined together by an axle and rolling on rails formed in the rod's channel, and the button assembly having a button and a stop joined by an axle. The roller assembly and button assembly each fit into a different hole in the carrier assembly, the holes both having a large portion and an adjacent smaller portion connected by a tapered passage that forms a keylock to allow the assemblies to be securely seated in the smaller portions.

Abstract: A 180.degree. concealed hinge includes two pivots which are advantageously arranged to provide a deterministic opening sequence. The hinge comprises a frame leaf member and a door leaf member which are pivotally connected to a mounting leaf member. In one embodiment of the invention, the deterministic opening sequence is obtained by employing a loose fit pivot and a friction fit pivot. The deterministic opening sequence is such that rotation occurs first about the loose fit pivot from a closed position to an approximately 90.degree. open position when an opening rotational force is applied to the door leaf member. Upon reaching the 90.degree. open position, further rotation about the loose fit pivot is prevented by a unique stop arrangement. Then, rotation can occur about the friction fit pivot for an additional 90.degree.. Further rotation about the friction fit pivot is prevented by also employing another unique stop arrangement.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for producing a band of rectangular cross section having at least two layers of material. The apparatus includes means for advancing a first band along a predetermined linear path and means for guiding a second band into layered alignment with the first band. The apparatus further includes a roll around which the second band is partially wrapped prior to contacting the first band, the second band having an initial tangential contact position with the roll along a line on the surface thereof extending generally axially with respect to the roll. The roll is tiltable in a plane defined by the axis thereof and the initial tangential contact position of the second band, whereby the lateral take-off position of the second band may be controlled by tilting the roll so as to guide it into aligned juxtaposition with the first band to form a layered, substantially rectangular tow band.

Abstract: A reinforced ear structure for use in a clamp whose clamping band is intended to be contracted by relatively large tightening forces; the ear consists of two outwardly extending leg portions and a reinforced bridging portion interconnecting the leg portions; the bridging portion is provided with a generally pan-shaped, relatively hollow, depressed reinforcement formed by a bottom portion and connecting portions between the bottom portion and the remaining non-depressed bridging portion; the connecting portions thereby extend over substantial parts of the length and width of the bridging portion and the bottom portion is relatively flat.

Abstract: A strapping device includes a base and a handle pivotally coupled together by two shafts, and a ratchet wheel engaged on the shafts and rotated in concert with the shafts. Each of the shafts includes a flange formed on one end and an aperture formed in the other end for receiving a pin; and each of the shafts includes a hollow interior and includes two edge portions extended inward of the hollow interior, whereby, the shafts have high strength and low manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A belt buckle for selectively displaying an ornamental member. An ornamental member is attached to the front face of the belt buckle plate utilizing a screw insertable through an aperture extending through the belt buckle plate. The ornamental member includes an ornamental plate having a threaded socket. The screw is inserted through the aperture and into the threaded socket so that an ornamental member may be attached to the belt buckle plate.

Abstract: A pile-detecting apparatus is used in a machine wherein a pile fabric is deflected over a smooth surface of a roll to detect the edge between the pile-free portion of the fabric and the portion with the pile, which edge runs parallel to the displacement direction of the fabric over the roll. The apparatus has a support plate, a frame carrying the plate, a plurality of rollers mounted on the frame and riding on the surface of the deflecting roll, and at least one light source on the plate for generating light beams and directing same tangentially of the surface. Respective detectors on the plate receive the respective light beams.

Abstract: A dropper separating mechanism comprising droppers each having an asymmetrical mountain position at an upper end thereof and alternatively superimposed in a first direction so that the asymmetrical mountain portions of two adjacent droppers do not overlap each other, a pushing member provided in a rear side of the droppers to push the droppers forward from the rear side, a pair of movable pawls provided so that they are movable in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the pair of movable pawls also being oscillated between a first position in which the mountain portion of a foremost dropper of the droppers is limited to move forward and a second position in which the mountain portion of the foremost dropper is separated, and a fixed pawl to limit a forward movement of a lower end of the foremost dropper.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bar turning lathe comprised of a main spindle (10), a first primary tool-holder turret (12) and a second primary tool-holder turret (16) which both carry tools (13, 17). The second turret (16) carries a transfer spindle (19) arranged to take a part (11) from the main spindle (10) that is already partially machined by the tools of the first (12) and second (16) primary turrets. The body of the second primary turret (16) carries an auxiliary turret (20) axially movable and carrying a tool (21) capable of machining the part (11) carried and rotated by the transfer spindle (19). Such an arrangement allows simultaneous machining of a new part (11) carried by the main spindle (10) and a partially machined part (11) carried by the retaking spindle (19).

Abstract: A device for laying and attaching a resistance wire (2) to a thermoplastic support film (1) for the production of a laminated glazing that can be heated electrically. The device includes a support (26, 27) for a wire bobbin (28), a wire guide device and a heated pressure roller (10) embedding resistance wire (2) in the support film. Between support (26, 27) for wire bobbin (28) and heated pressure roller (10), two gears (21, 22) are provided which mutually mesh, grasp wire (2) between them and deform the wire in an undulating manner. At least one of gears (21, 22) is driven by pressure roller (10) rolling over support film (1).

Abstract: Sucker rod guide clamping devices which in a first embodiment include a scissor clamping device provided with a pair of pivotally-disposed clamping jaws pivotally attached to corresponding pivoting jaw arms. One of the clamping jaws is provided with a projecting plate for engaging a sucker rod and the oppositely-disposed clamping jaw includes a pair of engaging flanges for receiving and seating a slotted sucker rod guide, wherein the sucker rod guide is installed on the sucker rod by pressure applied to the jaw arms. In a second embodiment a piston clamping device includes a C-shaped frame, in which is mounted a fluid cylinder, with a pair of engaging flanges provided in the frame for receiving a sucker rod guide and a fluid cylinder piston adapted to engage a sucker rod. Operation of the fluid cylinder extends the piston, forces the sucker rod into the sucker rod guide slot and installs the sucker rod guide on the sucker rod.

Abstract: A hand-held press is provided for installing fasteners in a sheet of fabric. The press has a frame with a pair of arms forming a C-shaped recess into which the fabric may be inserted. The frame has a handle extending outwardly from a press axis with a lever pivotally attached to the frame adjacent the handle enabling a user to squeeze the handle and lever together. A shaft is oriented along the press axis and slidably cooperates with the frame. An advance sear on the shaft is engaged by the lever to cause the shaft to incrementally advance when the lever is squeezed with the handle. A retract sear cooperates with the shaft and the frame to prevent the shaft from retracting. A pair of die elements attached to the frame and the shaft facilitate the installation of fasteners in a sheet of fabric.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a thin film beam spring vent valve is provided. The thin film beam spring vent valve is provided in a squeeze pump package. The package includes an outer resilient bottle and a flexible bag with a relatively rigid fitment. The outer resilient bottle is provided with a substantially cylindrical internal surface portion and an aperture to enable fluid communication between the interior and the exterior of the outer bottle. The valve includes a thin film beam spring located adjacent the aperture such that the beam spring will seal the aperture upon exposure to a positive dispensing pressure within the bottle. The beam spring will allow air to enter the bottle upon the application of negative pressure within the bottle. An automated mechanism is provided for cutting and grasping (e.g., utilizing a vacuum mandrel) a beam spring comprising a predetermined length of a band of flexible material.

Abstract: A method for individually setting the position of a door striker plate (20) relative to the latch body which has to engage with the striker plate. The tool (22) comprises a plate (40) which locates around the striker plate, and which can be clamped by means of vacuum to the door pillar (14) at any position. The method provides that the striker plate (20) is loosely secured to the door pillar (14), the door (10) is closed so that the latch mounted on the door moves the stalker plate to the correct position for that latch, the tool is operated to clamp the striker plate in that position, the door is opened and the striker plate tightened in that position before releasing the tool.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a printed can be draw-forming or draw-redraw-forming a preliminarily printed metal blank or laminate. By forming an original plate for printing by an image processing by a computer, a print image faithful to the original image can be manifested on the side wall portion of the can, and formation of an undesirable stripe pattern can be prevented. Furthermore, a print image excellent in the linearity can be displayed without an error on the draw-formed can in due consideration of the anisotropy owing to the plastic flow of the blank.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a metallic ornamental plate is provided comprising the steps of press-forming a light metal plate to provide a first planar region having a first surface, and a second planar region having a second surface elevated from the first surface; and machine-finishing the elevated second surface of the second planar region to define a distinct ornamental pattern against the first surface wherein the machine-finishing step removes material from the elevated second surface.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a thin film magnetic head assembly including the procedure of hardening a portion of the upper pole-tip photoresist mask to create a planarizing stitching pedestal in the region where the upper pole-tip overlaps with the upper pole-yoke. The upper pole assembly is deposited in two steps to create a stitched pole consisting of an upper pole-tip joined to an upper pole-yoke element at the stitching pedestal. The method reduces process complexity by eliminating masking steps and also eliminates the usual close alignment requirements for upper insulation and pole-yoke deposition procedures, thereby improving process yield.

Abstract: A rotor assembly (10, 20) for use in a dynamoelectric machine such as an electric motor has counterweights (18, 28) installed on it to reduce vibrations when the machine is in use. Apparatus (30) is for attaching a counterweight to each end of the assembly to reduce machine vibrations when in use. The apparatus comprises a support (32) on which the rotor assembly and counterweights are installed. The counterweights are installed in a predetermined relationship with the assembly so when they are attached, an unbalanced rotor assembly is produced. The rotor assembly is mounted in a predetermined position on the support. The support is indexed from a first station (S1) at which the rotor assembly and counterweights are installed on the support to a second station (S2) at which the counterweights are attached to the respective ends of the assembly.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a fibrillated pultruded electronic component includes the steps of providing a rod comprising a plurality of conductive fibers embedded in a matrix material, the rod having a first end and a second end. The rod is rotated and a liquid is sprayed onto the rod at a distance from the first end of the rod. The matrix material is abraded away from between the fibers of the rod. The fibers of the rod are then cut. A disk is formed which has a plurality of conductive fibers embedded in a matrix material. However, the ends of the disk include only the conductive fibers and not the matrix material. This enables the ends of the disk to have a fibrillated brush-like structure which is particularly well suited for low energy electronic/microelectronic signal level circuitry typified by contemporary digital and analog signal processors.

Abstract: A wire-travelling path between feed rollers 111 and an intermediate stripping unit 200 is set by an adjusting unit 100 disposed therebetween so that the distance of a wire 50 from a cutting-off position of cutters 141 to a cutting-into position of cutters 202 is equal to the sum of the length of the cutting-off wire and the distance from the end of the cutting-off wire to one end of the intermediate stripped area of the wire. If the wire 50 is fed by the length to be cut off, the wire 50 can be positioned simultaneously at the cutters 141 and 202. Consequently, it is possible to carry out only one time of feeding and resting of the feed rollers 111 in a cycle of operation and to reduce the rest period from the time when the feed rollers rest to the time of a following treatment, thereby producing a harness efficiently.

Abstract: Multilayer circuit assemblies are made by stacking circuit panels having contacts on their top surfaces, through conductors extending between top and bottom surfaces and terminals connected to the bottomend of each through conductor. The terminals and contacts are arranged so that when the panels are stacked the terminals on the bottom of one panel are in alignment with the contacts on the top surface of the immediately underlying panel. The panels are selectively treated on their top and/or bottom surfaces so as to selectively disconnect or connect each contact to a terminal on the bottom surface of the same panel. For example, the top surface of the panel may be selectively etched to disconnect a contact from one through conductor and hence from the associated terminal. The aligned terminals and contacts are nonselectively connected to one another at each interface so that wherever a terminal and contact on adjacent panels are aligned with one another there are connected to one another.

Abstract: A method for producing heat exchange elements having a tubular base body with ribs connected to the outer surface area for increasing the heat exchange surface area are especially suitable for base bodies having a cross-section with a width that is substantially greater than its height. According to the method, the ribs are produced by removing sheet metal strips from a roll and passing them through a corrugating device, positioning the corrugated sheet metal strips on lateral surfaces of the base body and welding the corrugated sheet metal strips to the base body. The application of the corrugated sheet metal strips, their positioning relative to the base body, and the transport of the base body in its longitudinal direction are effected by a special drive unit. For welding the sheet metal strips to the base body, laser heads are preferably used.

Abstract: A method of making a pressure relief valve includes embedding a pair of opposed plates within a pair of valve lips, forming holes in the lips, inserting springs into the holes into engagement with the plates, and tensioning the springs to constantly urge the lips toward each other.

Abstract: A cable cutter mounted within an elongate tubular housing includes cutter blades at a first end of the housing and operative handles at the second end of the housing to permit access to restricted areas such as in motor vehicles and the like.

Abstract: The invention provides a hand held razor-containing cutting device formed from two separable halves that are connected together during use along a centrally located longitudinally extending parting line. The two halves of the tool are held in contact with one another by means of frictional connecting elements that allow the halves of the tool to snap together for use. A pair of adjacent disassembly tabs are provided. One such tab is located on each half of the tool to facilitate separating the halves of the tool by prying the halves apart, usually with a screwdriver or similar tool that is placed between the tabs and then twisted to pry the tabs away from one another for separating the two portions of the cutting device so that the razor blade can be removed and replaced when required. The frictional connecting elements comprise C-shaped cooperating retaining studs that extend from one half of the tool and during assembly snap into openings provided in the other half.

Abstract: A general-purpose device of different sizes so as to accommodate use by a person, primarily, in the altering of, and the making of, all or part of a tissue paper pattern. The device is comprised of a sheet made of tissue paper material (1) on which one side of the sheet comprises a series of straight lines ruled equal distance apart vertically (2) and horizontally (3). Some of the vertical (4) and horizontal (5) lines may, at certain intervals, be more heavily marked than the rest of the lines and so stand out from the rest of the lines thereby facilitating measuring. These heavier marked lines may be numbered consecutively vertically (6) and horizontally (7) when there is a need or demand, or both, by the public for such numbering.

Abstract: A position sensor has a ring of a material of high permeability that is floated on a liquid within a hermetically sealed toroid, so as to hold the ring in a horizontal position. Exciting coils are distributed uniformly about the ring to enclose the cross section thereof, and receiving coils are distributed uniformly about the circumference of the ring.

Abstract: A spindrying apparatus for removing retained rinse water from leafy product such as lettuce, cabbage, broccoli and spinach which includes a basket of wire mesh or perforated metal and a trapdoor in its floor. A liftbar extends across the top of the basket with a centrally located hole for attachment to the chain of a conveyor hoist providing that the basket may be filled with leafy product at a loading station then conveyed to a spindryer tank where it is lowered onto the rotatable platform within the tank. The platform and basket are spun to force the rinse water out of the leafy product. The chain is reattached and the basket is conveyed to an unloading station. A latch mechanism in the bottom of the basket is operated to release a trap door forming the floor of the basket thereby allowing the trapdoor to fall open and the leafy product to fall out of the basket. The trapdoor is then manually snapped shut and the basket is ready for the next drying cycle.

Abstract: The process for deacidification of at least one book or other similarly sized cellulosic product the steps of which include:a) predrying a plurality of books or other similarly sized cellulosic product;b) deacidifying the dried plurality of books or another similarly sized cellulosic product using a deacidification solvent solution; andc) drying the deacidified plurality of books or another similarly sized cellulosic product to reduce the solvent content by use of a vacuum, wherein high frequency radiation is used along with either or both steps a) and c) to aid in drying: in which the improvement comprises, dividing the plurality of books or a similarly sized cellulosic product into two or more sections with a material having a high power loss factor to reduce the variation in the high frequency electric field in a high frequency drier and promote uniform heating of at least one book or a similarly sized cellulosic product.