Abstract: A new cultivar of Lantana is provided, characterized particularly as to novelty by the new color break of cantaloupe-peach in recumbent, weeping, forms of Lantanas, with vigorous and rapid ground cover tendency, reduced tendency to set seed and its continuous blooming.

Abstract: The cultivar is characterized by its white color. Its compact, controlled growth habit and prolific blooms provide for superb cuttings and performs equally well in hanging baskets or in a ground bed. The blooms are heat tolerant.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Spathiphyllum is provided. The plant is medium size, full, suitable for production in a 15-20 cm pot from a single tissue culture produced microcutting; grows vigorously; has early, abundant branching and dark green foliage. Natural flowering is early, abundant and year-round. Long-lasting spathes of unique shape and good quality from the onset of flowering are held on strong, straight peduncles.

Abstract: A method for treating a gas stream to remove heat, gaseous, liquid or particulate matter, or add heat, vapor, or moisture, which includes the steps of:providing a tower having a bed with fluidizable hollow ellipsoidal packing with a long semi-axis and a short semi-axis;introducing a liquid stream into the tower at a liquid flow rate L, and countercurrently introducing the gas stream into the tower at a gas flow rate G sufficient to maintain the bed in a fluidized state and a gas velocity v; andadjusting the volume ratio of the liquid flow to gas flow to cause the ellipsoidal packing to circulate predominantly in the vertical direction relative to the long semi-axis and to maintain a pressure gradient .DELTA.P/H.sub.o across the depth of the fluidized bed of at least about 1500 Pa/m, and, simultaneously, to satisfy the equation:L/G=K.sub.1 (.DELTA.P/H.sub.o v)+K.sub.2wherein L/G is the volume ratio of liquid to gas; .DELTA.P is the pressure drop across the bed; H.sub.

Abstract: An intubation tube stylet (10) is slidably received within an intubation tube (14). The stylet (10) comprises a handle (34), a flexible tube (24) and a performed tip (18) affixed to the flexible tube (24) such that the tip (18) extends beyond an insertion end (28) of the intubation tube (14). The flexible tip (18) comprises a general Z-Shape designed to facilitate insertion into the larynx and vocal cords of a patient regardless of any obstructing physical characteristics. Once the tip (18) is within the larynx, a plunger and cap (32), which is interconnected to a rod (30) through the handle (34), is activated to straighten the tip (18) allowing the intubation tube (14) to slide there along into the larynx. After the intubation tube (14) is within the larnx, the stylet (10) is removed to allow use of the intubation tube (14). The stylet (10) also provides for suction of the airway during insertion of the intubation tube (14) without the necessity of looking away from the insertion.

Abstract: A one-piece molded flexible plastic material golf club headcover for use with a golf club, including a golf club head and shank, is disclosed. The golf club headcover includes a golf club headcover section for substantially surrounding the golf club head. A flexible and resilient restricted throat is formed in the golf club headcover section which has an internal dimension smaller than the golf club head such that upon insertion of the golf club head, the flexible and resilient restricted throat deforms and expands to allow passage of the golf club head into the golf club headcover section and subsequent return to its initial configuration. Locking elements are formed in the golf club headcover section independent of the flexible and resilient restricted throat for underlying the golf club head while releasably holding the golf club headcover section on the golf club head.

Abstract: A refractory article is provided for the prevention of vortexing in molten metal as it is drained through a nozzle in a metallurgical vessel. The article has at least on rib extending substantially radially outwardly from an opening therein for draining of molten metal from the vessel, said rib protruding upwardly from an inner surface of the article so as to prevent the formation of rotating boundary layer flow within the molten metal.

Abstract: A stress transfer garment for an individual in a low gravity environment to minimize bone deconditioning and the migration of fluids to the torso. The garment includes members made of elastic or resilient material which cover the torso and multiple limbs. The members extend down the long axis of the body, with each member interlaced with the member on each side at least once to form a mesh-like structure. The garment is fitted for an individual in a first position, preferably the fetal position. Any movement by a part of the body covered by the members from the fetal position, stretches those members. The stretched members deliver a physical strain along the long axis of the body to the underlying bone structure. The garment may also be designed to deliver a physical strain across the short axis of the body which is greater across the torso than the limbs and is sufficient to prevent body fluids from the limbs from migrating to the torso. The garment may be formed as a one-piece or two-piece garment.

Abstract: An improved visor includes a C-shaped band which fits around the head of the user and includes a brim attached to the band. A pliable cloth sleeve is provided which removably fits over the visor. The sleeve is removed for washing when soiled.

Abstract: A ball catching apparatus has a a thumb inserting portion and first and second cover members provided on a non-ball-catching side of the apparatus for forming the thumb inserting portion. The first cover member includes an extension portion extending along a direction of inserting the thumb. The second cover member is provided at least around the extension portion. The thumb inserting portion is formed by connecting the first and second cover members to each other at the extension portion, with the first cover member covering at least a portion of the second cover member.

Abstract: An elastic body suit constructed of two breathable, durable elastic layers quilted together over a series of flexible weights. The first, inner layer of elastic is lighter than the second, outer layer. Air ports for body cooling and air circulation at the arm pits and the backs of the knees are formed from the inner layer. The flexible weights are constructed of polyurethane and metal blended material made through an extrusion process normally used for making tubing and hoses. The suit can be made with an optional third layer of stretchable material to enhance its appearance, i.e.--spandex or latex.

Abstract: A slot machine glove is disclosed, which is adapted for use on the hand of a slot machine player. The glove has a front glove portion for covering the palm and the palm side of each digit. The front glove portion is also for extending around the end surface of the tip of each digit, and for covering at least a part of the upper surface of each digit. The front glove portion has a rear peripheral edge, a pair of lateral peripheral edges and a forward peripheral edge. The glove also has a back glove portion, for covering the portion of the back of the hand not covered by the front glove portion. The back glove portion has a rear peripheral edge, a pair of lateral peripheral edges, a forward peripheral edge, and an outer surface. The front glove portion and the back glove portion are joined at their lateral peripheral edges and their forward peripheral edges so that the front glove portion is seamless at the end surface of the tip of each digit.

Abstract: A bicycle helmet is disclosed having a flexible, articulated member depending from the rear of the helmet, providing a closer fit to an individual wearer's head and improving stability of the helmet on the head, particularly for mountain bike riding. The articulated member contacts the wearer's head beneath the occipital region and applies a forward and upward pressure against the head. The general embodiment of the invention includes an elastic strap stretching from one side of the helmet, across the back of the articulated member, to the opposite side of the helmet. Adjusting this strap allows the wearer to adjust the forward and upward pressure exerted by the articulated member on the wearer's head.

Abstract: A personal hygiene fixture is provided as a retrofit unit designed to mount directly onto a toilet tank inlet, being interposed in the fresh water supply line where it attaches to the tank. The appliance has a diversion valve which diverts water from the supply line to a tube leading to an irrigation nozzle mounted to the underside of the toilet seat. The knob controlling the irrigation is part of the valve, and is thus rigidly mounted to the tank fill valve so that it is easy to install and operate. A second diversion valve with a flexible line leading to a douche wand can also be incorporated in the valve unit to provide a dual-function hygiene appliance.

Abstract: A toilet seat lift including a foot operated cable push/pull mechanism; a cable assembly; and a cable anchoring mechanism. The cable assembly includes a sheath that is attachable to the underside of an existing pivoting toilet seat. The push/pull mechanism pushes and pulls a cable disposed through the sheath and having an end anchored to the rim of the toilet bowl. When the cable is pushed, the cable generates a force between the pivoting toilet seat and the cable anchoring mechanism that acts to cause the pivoting toilet seat to pivot upward.

Abstract: A flushing device which permits flushing with two different amounts of flushing fluid. The bottom valve member of the device comprises two float rods which are each connected to a float. The float rod for the small flushing amount is fixedly connected to the bottom valve member, whereas the float rod for the large flushing amount is connected to the bottom valve member via a lost-motion coupling to make it possible for the bottom valve member to move upwards and downwards relative to this float road. In the resting position, the float rod for flushing with the large amount of flushing fluid is locked by means of a lock, such that the float connected to this float rod does not affect the lowering of the bottom valve member towards its valve seat during flushing. The flushing with the small amount of flushing fluid will thus be determined completely by the movements of the other float rod and its associated float.

Abstract: A tub grab bar adapted to be removably mounted to a bath tub includes a main body portion having at least one grasping region oriented generally perpendicular to the tub wall. The bar has first and second clamping members adjustably positionable relative to one another in a direction generally parallel to the at least one grasping region. The clamping members are adapted to secure the grab bar to the bath tub wall. The bar farther includes first and second tub gripping elements. The gripping elements are mounted to a respective one of the clamping members. At least one of the gripping elements is multi-accurately, pivotally mounted to its respective clamping member to permit the gripping element to fully engage the bath tub wall when the clamping members are secured to the bath tub wall. The main body portion of the grab bar includes a pair of generally parallel, spaced apart stabilizing elements positioned with at least one of the clamping members therebetween.

Abstract: Embodiment (14) of the present invention has powered rotating drive rollers (44, 46) on each side of the bed's mattress (30). The drive rollers are connected to articulating arms (56) which pivot about axis (58, 59) near the center of the head end (21) and the foot end (22) of the bed. A transfer/turning sheet (66) removably connects to the drive rollers. By raising the drive roller on one side of the bed a patient (80) will be rolled over toward the opposite side. That drive rolled will then be lowered and the transfer/turning sheet will lay flat on the mattress again. The patient can be transferred laterally (47) across the bed by turning the drive rollers.

Abstract: A four-point rope sling hammock system (10) including a rope sling bed (12) connected to a stand (14) by four chains (16, 18, 20, 22) each extending between respective bed spreader bars (34, 36) and stand support members (44A, 44B) in a line generally parallel to the longitudinal axis (28) of hammock bed (12).

Abstract: A hammock includes a frame for supporting a support sheet material. The frame includes two beams having end portions secured together and each having a free end. A pair of posts include lower portions secured on the free ends of the beams. The posts are arranged slightly inclined relative to the beams and include two hooks secured to the upper ends for supporting the support sheet material. The support sheet material may be stably supported in place by the frame without securing to trees. The frame may be folded to a compact configuration.

Abstract: An air mat comprising an air mat body constructed by two sheets of outside and rearside respectively made of soft non-ventilation synthetic resin sheets and a plurality of forming partition sheets, and various parts welded to the air mat, such as air supply and exhaustion taps an automatic pressure controllers. A swelled condition of a plurality of air chambers formed by the partition sheets is held under the atmosphere or under a supporting pressure previously set. The air mat is manufacture by various steps including a welding step in which respective partition sheets and the outside and rearside sheets are simultaneously welded by upper and lower electrodes of a double high frequency welding machine.

Abstract: A patient support means (16) of an operating table comprises several patient support sections (18,20,22,24) connected to one another and in the region of one of the sections is releasably connected with a support apparatus (10). The support section (18) connectable with the support apparatus (10) includes a lower plate portion (30) couplable with the support apparatus and an upper plate portion (32) translationally adjustably guided on the lower plate portion and connected with the remaining sections (20,22,24) of the patient support means (16), with the lower plate portion (30) being made in the form of a closed box in which the drive mechanism for the adjustment of the upper plate portion (32) is arranged.

Abstract: A convertible wheel chair/bed for paralyzed invalids comprises a support on which the invalid rests, the support comprising a plurality of support segments which define a support surface. The support segments can be moved simultaneously so the parts of the skin which were in contact with some support segments are relieved from pressure and exposed to air so that perspiration on that portion of the skin can evaporate, while other parts of the skin of the invalid are engaged and supported by support segments.

Abstract: Synthetic polyester fiber pillows have improved ticking fabrics of continuous filament polyester yarns, particularly of microdenier, and that may be sanded.

Abstract: A process is described for the removal of residues, in particular of unfixed dyes, dye degradation products, chemical and/or processing agent residues from textile substrates. For this purpose the textile substrates are arranged in an apparatus and treated there with an aqueous liquor for a predetermined time to remove residues, whereby a decreasing amount of fresh liquor is introduced into the apparatus and simultaneously a decreasing amount of liquor loaded with residues is removed from the apparatus as the treatment time progresses.

Abstract: A shoe stretching last includes a tiptoe portion and a heel portion. A body is connected to the heel portion and a stem is connected to the tiptoe portion and is slidably mounted within the body. A locking plate and a pushing plate are slidably mounted on the stem within the body. A first spring normally biases the locking plate into an inclined condition to prevent sliding movement of the stem toward a position of minimum length of the last. A second spring normally biases the pushing plate to an orthogonal position relative to the stem. A control lever is pivotally mounted on the body for engagement with the pushing plate to move the pushing plate to an inclined position whereupon it grips the stem to lengthen the last. The pivotal movement may be repeated to incrementally increase the length of the last. Upon pivotal movement of the lever in the opposite direction, the lever engages the locking plate to unlock the locking plate from the stem to allow the last to move to the minimum length position.

Abstract: A method for construction of waterproof footwear includes providing an upper defining an internal volume for receiving and protecting a wearer's foot against external elements, lasting and securing an inner liner having a waterproofing layer within the internal volume of the upper, securing the inner liner at a lasting edge portion of the liner to an insole having an external surface, securing a gasket element over the lasting edge portion of the liner and external surface of the insole, lasting the upper over the inner liner, and securing an outsole to the lasted upper. Performing two independent lasting operations ensures that during use, even if water somehow penetrates the upper, the lasted inner lining provides independent protection to the wearer's foot.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning depositions of particulate matter from the inside of tubular piping while the piping is in use. The apparatus is remote controlled in order to operate in hazardous environments. A housing containing brush and shaft assemblies is mounted on top of the tubular piping. Pneumatic cylinders provide linear motion. A roller nut bearing provides rotary motion. The combined motion causes the brush assembly to rotate as it travels along the tube dislodging particulate matter.

Abstract: An improved handle relating generally to applicators for applying body lotions is provided, wherein the handle may be easily held and retained by a user with limited gripping strength or limited gripping ability due to arthritis and other physically challenging limitations, for instance. A preferred embodiment of the improved handle comprises a curved elongated shaft having a gripping portion integral to one end and a pivotal mounting portion for mounting an applicator pad to an opposing end. The gripping portion defines an orifice, preferably D-shaped, through which fingers or a thumb of a hand may be inserted for damping of the gripping portion between the fingers and the thumb. The gripping portion provides multiple subshafts separated by integral sidewalls.

Abstract: A chimney cleaning apparatus for cleaning the walls of the chimney comprising a support member selectively placed in the chimney having a top mounting bracket and a bottom mounting bracket. The support member has a clevis arm pivotally attached at one end to the support member. The clevis arm has a cutting blade mounted at the other end which is in contact with the wall of the chimney. There is a first spring connecting the clevis arm to the top mounting bracket and a second spring connecting the clevis arm to the bottom mounting bracket, such that the first spring and the second spring bias the clevis arm in a substantially horizontal position and such that the cutting blade is biased to contact the chimney wall when the support member is moved upwardly or downwardly in the chimney.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wet/dry carpet cleaner having a large tank assembly for fluids. A bladder containing fresh or cleaning water is positioned in the large tank for dispensing the cleaning water to a brush. A vacuum nozzle for vacuuming and returning soiled fluid to the recovery tank portion of the tank assembly is also provided. The present invention stems from the development of a brush head assembly which is pivotably secured to the chassis assembly and includes the driving motor, rotating brush, and spray mechanism. The pivotal securement results in the weight of the brush head assembly applying a constant force on the brush throughout the entire cleaning cycle, independent of the amount of fluid contained in the recovery tank or the bladder. Secondarily, the present invention is addressed to configurating and proportioning the bladder to insure a relatively constant load on the nozzle.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner includes a suction port body and a handle body which incorporates a fan motor and a dust collecting case and which is mounted to the suction port body to be tiltable about the rotating shaft of the fan motor as the tilting fulcrum. The suction port body is constituted by a suction port base, having a substantially rectangular suction port at a front lower surface thereof through which a rotary brush is exposed, for rotatably axially supporting the rotary brush, and a suction port hood detachably mounted to the suction port base.

Abstract: A blower vacuum device of the kind having a motor (2) which is located in a housing (4) and which drives an impeller (12) located in a the volute (16). The volute (16) has an air inlet (18) and an air outlet (20). When the device is used as a blower a blower attachment (28), formed in a single piece from a blower duct (28) and a grill (22), is releasably attached to the volute so that the grill (22) is attached over the air inlet of the volute and the blower duct (28) is attached over the air outlet. When the device is used as a vacuum, a vacuum attachment (36) which is formed in one piece from a suction duct (30) and a collecting bag duct (34) is releasably attached to the volute so that the suction duct (30) is attached over the air inlet and the collecting bag duct (34) is attached over the air outlet. This means that it is easy to change the device between a blowing mode and a vacuum mode by detaching a single piece blowing attachment from the device and replacing it with a single piece vacuum attachment.

Abstract: A sweeping machine has a body, wheels supporting the body for movement over a surface to be swept and a rotatable brush mounted to the body transversely of the direction of movement of the sweeping machine. There is a debris hopper adjacent the rotatable brush and positioned generally forwardly of the direction of rotation of the brush. The body mounts a dust collection chamber and a vacuum fan, with the vacuum fan drawing dust laden air from the area about the brush through the debris hopper and into the dust collection chamber. The improvement is directed to a dust control side skirt assembly mounted on each side of the body generally in alignment with the brush. Each assembly includes an inner skirt and an outer skirt spaced outwardly from the inner skirt throughout at least a substantial portion of its length. There is an ambient air opening between the skirts generally at the rear end thereof.

Abstract: A stick cleaner is provided with a dirt cup that can be inserted partially into the housing of the stick cleaner and swung to a fully mounted position by an automatic camming action. The dirt cup includes a latching mechanism which also cammingly engages a latch hook on the suction tube of the stick cleaner to maintain the dirt cup in an assembled position.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner floor tool is provided with a vacuum chamber housing top cover, and parallel front and rear floor engagement bars. Floor engagement bars are provided with a plurality of air bypass slots extending up from a floor engaging bottom surface of the front and rear bars. Said bypass slots together have a total cumulative cross-sectional area within the range of 85% to 115% of the cross-sectional area of a top cover orifice. The top cover orifice is interconnected to a wand-receiving socket. A brush is provided attached to the rear beater bar.

Abstract: A grommet for sealing an opening in a panel such as the firewall of an automobile having a sealing passageway for engaging a member passing through the panel and being supported by the grommet. A base portion of the grommet is made from a softer and more resilient material having a durometer hardness in the range of 20 to 90 Shore A. A harder portion of the grommet which forms a locking element, a wing and an axially extending sealing surface has a durometer hardness in the range of 40 to 90 Shore D. The grommet seals to the panel and to the member passing through the grommet and panel.

Abstract: A holding mechanism attached to a generic door closing cylinder that allows a person to pass through a doorway unimpeded while having both hands occupied, or while manipulating a baby stroller through a doorway, then closing said door without the use of the hands.

Abstract: A system for reinserting a dislodged roller of a movable overhead door and a bracket for accomplishing this result. A reinsertion bracket is positioned along both the vertical and horizontal portion of each side of a door track. The reinsertion bracket consists of a base plate and a pair of guide plates connected to the base plate at an acute angle. When a roller becomes dislodged from the wheel track, the forward or reverse movement of the overhead door will cause the roller and shaft to contact one of the guide plates of the reinsertion bracket. The guide plate contains a roller guide surface which directs the disengaged roller upward and inward until it is reinserted into the door track through a removed portion of the retaining ridge of the door track. The reinsertion bracket is resiliently mounted to the door track such that when a dislodged roller contacts the guide plate, the reinsertion bracket can flex to reinsert the roller within the door track.

Abstract: A refrigerator door handle including a pull handle and an integral one piece extruded plastic handle cover having handle extensions on opposite ends thereof, the handle extensions having legs thereon for securement to the refrigerator door. In another embodiment, the pull handle is provided with extension bases positioned at opposite ends thereof to receive the handle extensions of the handle cover in a snap-in engagement. In a further embodiment, the pull handle and handle extensions on opposite ends thereof are fabricated from an integral one piece extruded plastic profile. It is noted, that the pull handle extensions or bases can be provided with legs for securement to the refrigerator door.

Abstract: An opening/closing structure for a housing includes a box-shaped case, a cover, at least a pair of opposing first hinge members, a second hinge member, a support shaft, a groove, and a screw. The housing has an opening portion. The cover closes the opening portion of the case. The first hinge members have through holes and are formed on one of the case and cover. The second hinge member has a through hole and is formed on the other one of the case and cover to correspond to the first hinge members. The second hinge member is brought into contact with an outer side of one of the first hinge members to attach the cover to the case. The support shaft has a screw hole in its outer surface and is inserted in the through holes of the first hinge members and the second hinge member to support the cover to be openable/closeable with respect to the case.

Abstract: An improved multi-function hinge structure is disclosed. It contains: (a) two substantially symmetrical wing plates (20, 21), wherein each of the wind plates has a substantially rectangle-shaped notch (25) on an inner edge (31) thereof and a pair of round surfaces (32) separated by the rectangularly-shaped notch; (b) a connecting plate (23) received by the rectangle-shaped notches collectively; and a pair of pivots (26) for connecting the wing plates with the connecting plate together to form a hinge. The connecting plate is substantially rectangular in shape with two round edge surfaces (33) facing the wings plates, respectively. Each of the round edge surfaces of the connecting plate and a corresponding round surface of the wing plate are on the same circumference of a fictitious circle centered at a corresponding pivot, so as allow the hinge plates to turn from 0.degree. to 360.degree. relative to each other.

Abstract: A first foundation fabric having on its one surface a number of raised interlocking elements and a second foundation fabric having weft threads of monofilaments are woven or knitted integrally with each other by means of connecting threads. The first and second foundation fabrics are firmly and integrally united together by a synthetic resin layer to form a surface-type fastener having a thick foundation fabric. The surface-type fastener of the foregoing construction does not require a conventional sewing process, can therefore be produced efficiently, can readily be rolled up on a reel, obviates the need for a complicated inventory management which would occur when the first and second foundation fabrics are stocked separately in view of the dimensions and colors of the respective foundation fabrics, is able to prevent the first and second foundation fabrics from separating during use of the surface-type fastener, and hence continuously maintains the necessary strength throughout the service life.

Abstract: A multiple-piece buckle having a socket member and at least one plug member, wherein the plug member has a resilient tongue which defines an aperture or other opening near a distal end thereof, and wherein the socket member includes a lug or pin which is adapted to fit into the aperture to lock the plug member into the socket member. The socket member includes a hinged plate or button in a top face thereof which can be depressed to force the resilient tongue of the plug member away from the pin to release the aperture so as to disengage the buckle.

Abstract: Burial capsule with an internal inert gas atmosphere for use to contain the human corpse, or other valuable items, and to protect such items from decay and/or decomposition for an infinite period of time. The burial capsule comprises a one (1) piece elongated, cylindrically shaped enclosure, accomplished by chemically welding two (2) identically configured, homogeneous plastic parts together along a common interfacing surface area. The enclosure contains a single, minute aperture at each opposing end, into which a compatible plastic material female reducer means is chemically welded. A plastic hose adapter is temporarily installed into each reducer; a remote vacuum pump is attached to one (1) adapter, and a remote inert gas means is temporarily attached to the other adapter. The simultaneous activation of the pump and gas means effectively evacuates essentially all of the contaminated gases, and injects an oxygen free, inert gas, environment directly into the confines of the burial capsule.

Abstract: Containers are described for retention of human or animal remains for extended periods. The bags are constructed of laminated materials and sealed, which prevents the escape of noxious or odorous decomposition gases or harmful decomposition fluids into the ambient surroundings. The invention also provides for infusion or extraction of gases to retard the decomposition of the contained remains. The container is constructed of flexible multilayer laminated walls forming an interior chamber for accommodation of remains, and after the remains are emplaced the container's opening is sealed. The multilayer laminate includes at least two layers of polymeric sheet material with a metal foil layer between them, although use of more complex polymer/metal laminates is also described. The polymeric layer materials include polyolefin, nylon or polyvinyl sheet materials and the metal foils are normally aluminum foil.

Abstract: A method of forming a tampon is disclosed wherein the tampon is useful in preventing premature leakage of body fluid from a woman's vagina, especially during her menstrual period. The method includes the steps of cutting individual absorbent members from an absorbent strip. Each absorbent member is then shaped to form an elongated absorbent having an outer periphery. A liquid-permeable cover is secured to the outer periphery of the elongated absorbent to form a softwind. The softwind has a first end and a second end. The softwind is then folded on itself such that the first and second ends are aligned adjacent to one another and the softwind contains at least two folds therebetween. The softwind is then compressed into a pledger and a withdrawal string is secured thereto to form a tampon. Alternatively, the withdrawal string can be attached to the softwind before it is compressed. The withdrawal string facilitates removal of the tampon from a woman's vagina.

Abstract: The apparatus enables a saddle-shaped parallel connection tapping to be installed on a pipe from the top of a hole in the ground. The apparatus comprises a frame having a tipping thrust device in the form of a spade controlled by rodding and designed to take up a position beneath the pipe, and a removable tapping positioner guided in the frame and including a tubular column that is split along one of its generator lines and that is fitted at its bottom end with a disconnectable module engaging the rims of the tapping. Means are provided on the frame to exert downwards pressure on the tapping support module in selective manner, and the removable module includes means for welding the tapping to the pipe. A device for driving a plug or a perforator device can be inserted in the cylindrical column of the tapping positioner from above.

Abstract: The brake spring tool includes a shaft cooperative with a slotted collar. The slot may be fitted over the lead wire of the spring and the shaft tightly engaged against the lead wire to facilitate installation or removal.

Abstract: A valve seat retainer is formed having a flange that extends over the valve seat and that applies both a radial and a longitudinal force to the valve seat. The flange extends an order of magnitude further than typical prior art valve seat retaining flanges. The flange is created by a rolling method with a roller having a unique surface profile. The roller surface has a pair of spaced ridges with a groove in between, and a curved convex surface adjacent to one of the ridges. When a downward force is applied to the roller, the curved surface on the roller causes the roller to move radially inward while at the same time material from the upper surface of the engine block is disposed in the groove and is moved to create the flange.