Abstract: A movable type frame assembly includes upright rods, connecting seats, support rods, and frame bodies. End portions of the connecting seats are provided with insert slots along X, Y, and Z-axes. Each connecting seat is further provided with a vertical insert hole corresponding to a position between two adjacent insert slots. One insert slot of the connecting seat receives a top end of the upright rod. The horizontally insert slots receive support rods such that they make a frame structure. The frame body is placed on the frame structure, and has comer end portions provided with indentations for butting against the connecting seats. Each indentation is provided with a hook for engaging the insert hole of the connecting seat. The vertical insert slots of the connecting seat may receive an additional upright rod or support rod of the same diameter to permit formation of a multiple-tier frame assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus for the treatment of volatile material(s) in contaminated material(s) including a retort assembly which includes a rotatable retort disposed at least partially within a combustion chamber with a heater to indirectly heat the contents of the rotatable retort. A feeder feeds the contaminated material(s) to the retort. The apparatus further includes a pathway for passing contaminated material(s) to the retort and a conduit for passing the combustion gases from an afterburner to the retort assembly to provide additional heat for heating the contaminated material in the retort. The apparatus may also include a high temperature filter which can filter the volatiles before entering the afterburner.

Abstract: An expandable stinger planter is described which includes a base frame and a pivot frame mounted to the base frame for pivotal movement thereon about multiple pivot axes. A stinger comprised of a pair of elongated probes is mounted to the pivot frame and extending to bottom ends. A stinger mounting frame is operatively positioned between the pivot frame and at least one of the elongated probes. An actuator on the stinger mounting frame is operable to shift the bottom ends between a closed position and an open wherein the bottom ends are opened and form a plant discharge opening. An internal plant receiving receptacle within the probes is open to the plant discharge opening at the open position whereby a plant placed in the plant receiving receptacle may be discharged through the plant discharge opening.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes a movable holder portion which holds a material to be sewn, a holder drive portion which transfers the holder portion during sewing, a needle drive portion which drives a sewing needle to sew, and a controller which intelligently regulates the holder drive portion and the needle drive portion. The controller includes a) an initial motion device which initially transfers the material to be sewn before sewing or during an initial stage of sewing, and b) an estimating device which finds the mass of the material to be sewn depending on a physical value such as at least one of a moving velocity of the material to be sewn at a predetermined period of time and a moving distance of the material within the amount of the predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A method of sewing the toe of a sock is provided which can automatically take out a sock pattern of knitted fabric from a sock knitting machine and sew up the selvedge at the toe portion of the sock pattern of knitted fabric thus improving both the efficiency of production and the energy saving. When a sock pattern of knitted fabric has been fabricated by the sock knitting machine, the transfer needles mounted on a group of transfer needles equipped movable tables are advanced at their tips close to the hooks of knitting needles. Then, the sock pattern of knitted fabric is lifted up and turned inside out by suction to transfer its loops at the toe portion from the knitting needles to the corresponding transfer needles. As a result, the sock pattern of knitted fabric turned inside out is transferred from the sock knitting machine to the transfer needles equipped movable tables.

Abstract: A wind powered air/water interface craft disposed in a mechanically simple configuration(s) with means for trimming and/or adjusting the area of the various air and water foil elements either independently or together or both. All of its structural elements are useful as lifting or-driving surfaces or buoyant elements thereby minimizing parasitic drag and conflicting forces. In some configurations, free flight is also possible for brief periods of time or for longer periods in conditions where dynamic soaring is possible. The rig is able to develop vertical lift before necessarily having forward motion. Although similar in some configurations to a windsurfer, its operation is not dependent on the strength of the human operator, so that it has the capacity for power and payload greater than the strength and weight of the operator. The triangle rig configuration of the invention may develop vertical lift, but may in some instances use vertical lift only to enhance dynamic stability of a displacement craft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ensuring against explosion of the gaseous atmosphere of a closed chamber, such as the QDCD room of an internal turret of an offshore production and offloading buoy wherein the closed chamber has production risers and conduit connectors that represent a potential source of flammable gas. The method comprises mixing and diluting the oxidant content of the air by introducing within the closed chamber a sufficient quantity of inert gas to render the mixture of the air and any flammable gas non-combustible regardless of the flammable gas content of the mixture. The method includes removal of the non-combustible mixture of air and any flammable gas from the closed chamber by purging thereof to the natural atmosphere, while introducing inert gas, thereby leaving a substantially inert atmosphere within the closed chamber.

Abstract: A ship convertible to a floating aircraft runway supported above water level by slender vertical buoyant legs, and capable of remaining stable during inclement weather conditions. The slender buoyant legs lifts the upper hull above the water level by pivoting downwardly from a retracted horizontal configuration to a vertical configuration by shifting ballast. Waterjet propulsion units maintain or change the position of the ship when the legs are in the horizontal or the vertical configuration. The runway has an area sized to launch and land large fixed-wing aircraft in a substantially horizontal direction without a need for a catapult or a landing assist method.

Abstract: A plasma processing system for processing a substrate which includes a single chamber, substantially azimuthally symmetric plasma processing chamber within which a plasma is both ignited and sustained for the processing. The plasma processing chamber has no separate plasma generation chamber. The plasma processing chamber has an upper end and a lower end. The plasma processing system includes a coupling window disposed at an upper end of the plasma processing chamber and an RF antenna arrangement disposed above a plane defined by the substrate when the substrate is disposed within the plasma processing chamber for the processing. The plasma processing system also includes an electromagnet arrangement disposed above the plane defined by the substrate.

Abstract: A device for gripping an animal related element comprises a base portion adapted to be connected to a robot arm, and an image capturing element provided with a housing and a lens having a viewing axis, the image capturing element being arraged on the base portion. According to the invention, alteration elements are provided for allowing the viewing axis to be altered, wherein the alteration elements comprise hinge elements and a driving element for allowing the image capturing element to be pivoted about the hinge element.

Abstract: A bird feeder equipped with an electrically powered spinning mechanism that is triggered by the weight of a squirrel on the feeder is described. Upon detection of a squirrel on the feeder, the spinning mechanism rotates the feeder at a rate adequate to centrifugally remove the invading squirrel while resulting in a minimum loss of feed contained in the feeder.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a plurality of containers, within which frogs are cultivated, supported in vertically spaced tires on an upright rack. A plurality of feed trays are provided wherein a feed tray is provided for each container. Artificial feed, in the form of a plurality of pellets, or discrete feed particles, are supplied in the feed tray. An air suction system is utilized for engagement of the discrete particles. Air is drawn through a feed engagement member so a suction force is created at the tip of the feed engagement member to engage pellets. The feed engagement member is actuated toward the feed tray to engage the pellets. Then the feed engagement member is actuated to the interior of the container where the frogs take the pellets off of the feed engagement member. The air flow direction can, in the air suction system, also be reversed so air is blown out through the feed engagement member in order to clean the same and any conduits or lines leading to the feed engagement member.

Abstract: A pet training device for use with a toilet bowl such that the pet will eventually be capable of using the toilet bowl, the device having a platform member securable to an upper rim of the toilet bowl such that the platform member extends outwardly from the toilet bowl and the removable main section having an aperture extending therethrough and a litter receiving portion located adjacent the main section aperture. After training, the main section can be removed and the pet, normally a cat, will be able to use the platform member.

Abstract: An exhaust and deodorizing system for an animal housing. The system features an exhaust unit provided with an air inlet operatively-connected to the interior of the animal housing. The exhaust unit further includes a replaceable filter, an air outlet and an electric fan. The fan is capable of moving a current of air from the inlet, through the filter, and then to the ambient area via the outlet. An important feature of the invention is a flexible mat that conforms to, and seals, the top of the animal housing. The mat includes a hole that can be placed in at least partial registration with a ventilation hole in the housing. The exhaust unit's inlet fits in, or on, the hole in the mat. It should be noted that exact registration between the exhaust unit's inlet and the ventilation hole in the housing's roof is not required.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nucleus for the production of half or mabe pearls in molluscs. The nucleus comprises a first portion having an external surface adapted to define the shape of the half or mabe pearl to be produced and a second portion which defines a bridge between said first portion and the shell of the host mollusc. The half or mabe pearls so produced have a substantially even cross section of nacre formed over the nucleus, and a generally reduced time is required for the formation of the pearl.

Abstract: A rodent cage including a cage bottom having a plurality of integral side walls, a floor and an open top end. A peripheral lip extends continuously around the top end. A pair of recesses are disposed on the peripheral lip. A feeder assembly has a frame and at least one section descending therefrom. The frame has pair of flanges extending therefrom so that when the feeder assembly is disposed in the cage bottom the pair of flanges are mated with the pair of recesses, respectively. A bonnet is dimensioned in size for sealing the top end of the cage bottom. A lock is disposed on the bonnet for preventing rodents housed in the cage from displacing the bonnet from the cage bottom.

Abstract: A livestock sorting system that uses an activity-based controller for receiving sort signals, opening a sort gate in response to each of said signals, and closing the sort gate only when no sort signals are pending.

Abstract: A torque increasing opposite direction engine employs not a combustion pressure but a high pressure medium by using a differential shifting distance and velocity per angle and a differential equivalent distance of a crank radius depending on a crank angle to thereby have a common joining section of two pistons reciprocating each other in such a way that each upper dead point of two pistons presents in the upper dead point of any one piston in an opposite site to reduce a volume of the combustion chamber in burning. The inventive crank radius is same or different and a suction and an exhaust valves are positioned to a site away from an upper dead point of the piston located at the upper dead point in burning. When one piston is an upper dead point another piston is past the upper dead point. When the equivalent distance is large, a combustion pressure in a narrow space is increased by narrowing the distance between two pistons, thereby increasing a generated torque.

Abstract: This invention relates to a valve timing control device for a vehicle engine (2) which performs combustion stop in a predetermined vehicle running condition. The predetermined vehicle running condition comprises, for example, engine startup, and combustion stop is performed by stopping fuel supply to the engine (2) or stopping ignition of the supplied fuel. The device comprises an actuator (51A, 52, 55, 61) which varies the timing of an intake valve of the engine (2) according to an input signal, and a microprocessor (16, 31) which outputs the signal to the actuator (51A, 52, 55, 61). The microprocessor (16, 31) is programmed to determine whether or not combustion has stopped (S80), and when combustion has stopped, control the signal so that the open/close timing of the intake valve is retarded compared to the case when combustion has not stopped (S94).

Abstract: This invention is the addition of a variable inlet valve damper to an internal combustion engine so that it can reduce the amount of fluid sucked into the engine by allowing some of the fluid to be pushed back out during the compression cycle. This is accomplished by delaying inlet valve 14 closing. The variable inlet valve damper is made up of damper cylinder 2, damper piston 4, check valve 6 which allows fluid into damper cylinder 2 but not out of damper cylinder 2, and control valve 8 which varies the flow out of damper cylinder 2, fluid storage tank 9, bracket 10, and attachment 11. Without the addition of the variable inlet valve damper, inlet valve 14 would open immediately when cam 18 urged it to open and would close immediately when cam 18 allowed it to from the urging of valve spring 16. With the addition of the variable inlet valve damper, the timing of when inlet valve 14 closes can be varied to optimize engine operation.

Abstract: There is provided a valve timing control system for an internal combustion engine, which is capable of enhancing the accuracy of valve timing control. The valve timing control system 1 for the internal combustion engine 3 changes the cam phase of an intake cam 6a relative to a crankshaft 9, to thereby control the valve timing of an intake valve 4. The valve timing control system 1 fixes a desired cam phase CAINCMD at a value CAINCMDFC during an fuel cut-off, and controls a cam phase change mechanism 8 such that from a time t2 during the fuel cut-off, the cam phase is held at a value assumed at the time t2. Further, the valve timing control system 1 calculates a learned value DCALEARN of the amount of deviation of an actual cam phase CAIN based on a plurality of values of the actual cam phase CAIN detected at and after the time t2, and the constant value CAINCMDFC of the desired cam phase CAINCMD (step S5).

Abstract: The invention proposes a lever-type cam follower (1) which, for mounting a pin (7) for a cam roller, comprises bores (5, 6) in the region of its side walls (2, 3). The diameter of the bore (5) is larger than the diameter of the bore (6). Corresponding ends (8, 9) of the pin (7) are configured so that when mounted, the pin (7) is fixed in the bores (5, 6) by a press fit. Thus, the pin (7) can be inserted with its second end (8) at first through the larger bore (5) without causing damage to its raceway (8a) during assembly. At the same time, the press fit guarantees an excellent fixture of the pin (7) in the cam follower (1) with an all-round contact.

Abstract: A valve spring retainer is mounted to the upper end of a poppet valve via a pair of cotters in an internal combustion engine of an automobile. The valve spring retainer has an intermediate portion and an outer flange which is engaged with the upper end of a valve spring. The lower surface has a gap between the outer flange and the intermediate portion to decrease wear which is caused by engagement with the valve spring. There is also provided a valve operating mechanism which has a valve spring retainer which has a projection on the lower surface so as to prevent wear.

Abstract: A switching unit 10 for closing inlet passages 11 in an air intake system having a plurality of inlet passages 11 arranged side by side in an internal combustion engine. The switching unit 10 comprises one switched and one unswitched flow cross section 20 for each cylinder of the internal combustion engine, flap valves 12 and a shaft 27. The switched flow cross sections 20 can be closed and opened by flap valves 12 which are operated with the shaft 27, which is outside of the unswitched flow cross sections.

Abstract: A rotary engine including a static toroidal cavity having an inlet port for introducing fuel and air to the cavity and an outlet port for exhausting products of combustion from the cavity. A first power train including a first output shaft and a second power train including a second output shaft are located partially within the cavity and able to rotate in the first direction. A plurality of pistons are positioned around a perimeter of the toroidal cavity and between the first and second power trains. The plurality of pistons are movable with respect to the cavity and include a first set of pistons connected to rotate with the first power train and a second set of pistons connected to rotate with the second power train. The plurality of pistons defining a plurality of chambers therebetween.

Abstract: In a direct fuel injection-type spark ignition internal combustion engine including a spark plug and a fuel injector for injecting fuel directly into the cylinder, the engine can carry out stratified charge combustion by the fuel injection in the compression stroke and uniform charge combustion by the fuel injection in the intake stroke. The engine includes a mechanism which can make a tumbling stream formed in the cylinder in the intake stroke in the stratified charge combustion weaker than that in the uniform charge combustion.

Abstract: A laminated fuel swirl element is employed, in which a strong swirl force flow is imparted to the fuel at a remote position relative to an injection hole, while on the other hand, at a position near the fuel injection hole, a weak swirl force is imparted to the fuel. A complex solid cone spray can be obtained in this way, which spray has a superior dispersion characteristic obtained by attracting small diameter droplets, which are generated at an outer peripheral portion of the spray, through a spray portion which is generated in the vicinity of a central area of the spray and has a large velocity.

Abstract: An electronic throttle apparatus permits aggregating of various parts and rationalization of installation, and can simplify assembling operation and wiring operation to an engine room for rationalization of an installation space. The throttle apparatus for an engine includes a throttle body housing therein a throttle valve and disposed in an air intake of the engine, a throttle actuating motor, a throttle position sensor detecting a throttle valve angle and an air flow sensor located on upstream of the throttle valve and measuring an intake air flow rate. The throttle actuating motor, the throttle position sensor and the air flow sensor are mounted on the throttle body.

Abstract: In a method for setting a specifiable target speed in a motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine, actuating signals for the manipulation of the throttle valve of the internal combustion engine are produced in a speed-regulating system taking into account vehicle-state and operating variables. To improve controller behaviour in partial shut-down operation, the controller output of the regulating system is passed via a metering characteristic to produce the actuating signal which manipulates the position of the throttle valve, both full operation and partial shut-down operation being assigned a respective metering characteristic. At the time of the switchover between full operation and partial shut-down operation, the controller output is first of all passed via the metering characteristic assigned to operation hitherto and then via an inverse metering characteristic assigned to subsequent operation.

Abstract: A fuel rail for a fuel injection system is disclosed. The fuel rail includes a first portion including a generally elongated base, at least one mounting bracket and a plurality of fuel cup openings in the generally elongated base. The fuel rail also comprises a second, generally U-shaped, portion having a first and second opposing sides. Each of the first and second opposing sides are sealingly connected to the generally elongated base with a laser weld. The second portion also has a supply end having a fuel supply opening, and a closed end, distal from the supply end. The closed end and the supply end are sealingly connected to the generally elongated base with a laser weld. A method of manufacturing the fuel rail is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing visible smoke in a railroad locomotive during throttle position changes. For key throttle position changes, the present invention introduces a temporary advance in injection timing and a delay in the application of additional current to the traction motors, thereby delaying the generation of additional horsepower requested by the new throttle position. These strategies of timing advance and load application delay are used together or separately to minimize transient visible smoke.

Abstract: A fuel injection system includes at least two fuel injectors; each fuel injector including at least one fuel inlet and at least one vapor outlet, the at least one vapor outlet being located vertically higher than the at least one fuel inlet; at least two pods, one fuel injector being inserted in each pod, respectively; each pod including a fuel inlet connection in fluid communication with the at least one fuel inlet of the injector and a fuel return connection in fluid communication with the at least one vapor outlet of the injector, the fuel return connection being located vertically higher than the fuel inlet connection; and a fuel supply line connected to the fuel inlet connection of each of the pods and a fuel return line connected to the fuel return connection of each of the pods such that the pods with the injectors inserted therein are connected in a parallel arrangement.

Abstract: A device for regulating the intake air of an internal combustion engine, including a pressure box (41), a sealing system on the pressure box, and an opening (42) in the pressure box. A movable mechanical part (43) extends into the pressure box (41) through the opening (42), and the sealing system seals the pressure box (41) in relation to the movable mechanical part. The sealing system includes a synthetic resin friction bearing (45) which contacts the movable part (43) over a predetermined length and which is firmly anchored in the opening (42) of the pressure box (41) by the sealing system. A Teflon ring is arranged in the sealing system at one end of the synthetic resin friction bearing (45) surrounding the movable part (43) in such a way that it is pressure tight.

Abstract: A heater control system is provided for controlling the temperature of a heater used to heat a solid electrolyte-made sensing element of a gas concentration sensor up to a given temperature at which the sensing element is activated to provide a desired gas concentration output for controlling a preselected variable used in a given feedback control system. The heater control system controls an electric power supplied to the heater to bring the temperature of the sensing element into agreement with a target temperature value and determines the target temperature value as a function of the preselected variable used in the feedback control system so that only desired quantity of power may be supplied to the heater, thereby minimizing a consumption of the power.

Abstract: A mechanism for adjusting a rotational balance of a cutting machine, which comprises a spindle unit having a rotary spindle, a securing flange mounted on an end of the rotary spindle and having a tool-mounting portion along the outer periphery thereof, an annular cutting tool having a mounting hole that fits to the tool-mounting portion of the securing flange, and a holding flange for holding the cutting tool in cooperation with the securing flange, wherein at least two threaded holes are formed in the outer periphery of the holding flange or the securing flange in the radial direction, and balance weight screws each are screwed into the threaded holes so as to be moved forward or back.

Abstract: A shield for use with a conveyor oven for redirecting a thermal exhaust flow. The conveyor oven has a first exterior surface defining an inlet aperture and a second exterior surface defining an outlet aperture. A first shield secures against the first exterior surface of the oven and at a location proximate and above the inlet aperture. A second shield secures against the second exterior surface of the oven and at a location proximate and above the outlet aperture. Each of the first and second shields further includes a body with a forwardly projecting and elongated front surface, first and second side surfaces, and a top surface angling in a generally upward direction between the side surfaces and from the front surface toward the associated exterior oven surface. The body further defines an interiorly hollowed and downwardly facing interior proximate the associated oven aperture.

Abstract: A heater pouch adjustably to be placed in a product container. The product container holds a product to be heated by a flameless heater. The heater pouch contains tablets of exothermic material in a flexible cover. The tablets are smooth-surfaced without protuberances so they can be distributed without interference from one another. The spacing between the container and the product, which can vary from product to product, can have complicated shapes. That can be accommodated by this pouch.

Abstract: This invention relates to dispensing apparatus for use with pressurised dispensing containers and in particular, but not exclusively, for apparatus for dispensing orally inhaled medicinal products in aerosol forms. The apparatus comprises a housing (4) adapted to receive a pressurized dispensing container (2) and a mouth piece (11). Valve means (28) is provided, moveable between a first position in which a duct is closed and a second position in which a duct is open, and a flow sensor being activatable, by means of an air flow created when a user applies suction to the mouth piece, to move the valve means (28) into its second position. Wherein the flow sensor comprises a diaphragm (60) and the diaphragm and/or housing is provided with at least one aperture (64), wherein the diaphragm comprises a first element (66) connected to the housing and a second element (62) axially slidably moveable relative thereto. The first and second diaphragm elements being connected by a flexible member (61).

Abstract: A balanced breathing loop for a rebreather is disclosed which includes a system of components that interact to provide substantial safety and alarm awareness benefits over existing methodology in recirculating breathing apparatus loops. The device relies on a specific arrangement of components to create both automatic alternate delivery of gas to replace metabolized oxygen in case of single component failures and breathing characteristic changes that warn the user that a component failure has occurred. The breathing characteristic changes allow the user to identify which specific component has failed, thus allowing for immediate corrective action.

Abstract: An inhalant medicator comprises a medicator body formed at one axial end with a capsule housing hole and at another axial end with an inhalant port, an inflow air passageway having an axial inflow passage extending in an axial direction of the medicator body and a first pin insertion hole extending in a radial direction of the medicator body for communicating the capsule housing hole with the atmosphere, an outflow air passageway having an outflow passage extending in the axial direction of the medicator body and a second pin insertion hole extending in the radial direction of the medicator body for communicating the capsule housing hole with the inhalant port, and a boring tool having pins insertable toward a capsule through the first and second insertion holes for pricking holes in the capsule accommodated in the capsule housing hole with the pins.

Abstract: A disposable respiratory mask is provided according to the invention. The disposable respiratory mask includes a bag having a first opening and a second opening and may have an optional vent hole, adhesive strips around a perimeter of the first opening, the adhesive strips being capable of attaching the mask to a face region around a nose, an interface tube having an optional vent hole, the proximal end of the interface tube capable of being inserted into the second opening of the bag, the distal end of the interface tube capable of connecting to a gas supply hose, and a retainer ring capable of being positioned over the bag and the interface tube to hold the bag on an outer surface of the interface tube when the interface tube is inserted into the second opening of the bag, wherein a gas is supplied to the mask through the gas supply hose, with the bag being inflated by the gas and the bag is therefore positioned away from a wearer's face.

Abstract: The invention concerns a female condom (10) for protection against sexually transmissible diseases to be inserted in a user's vagina, comprising a thin-walled flexible tube (15) with a closed end (20) and an open end (25), said open end provided with means for being radially stretched comprising a flexible collar (35) made in harder material than the thin flexible tube (15) and extending perpendicular to said tube so as to cover the vulva during intercourse.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a tumor to be surgically removed is coated with a tissue adhesive composition before resection thereof. Thus, the tissue adhesive composition functions as a protective membrane which aids to hold the tumor together during mechanical handling and resection thereof, thereby significantly reducing tumor spillage and the danger of subsequent implantation metastases.

Abstract: A cigarette holder utilizing the components of a rifle cartridge is disclosed. The rifle cartridge includes a tubular cartridge case having a bullet received therein at one end thereof. An elongated member is secured to the base of the bullet and extends therefrom for connection to an alligator clip. When the holder is not being used, the bullet is inserted into the cartridge case so that the elongated member and alligator clip are positioned within the powder chamber of the cartridge case. When it is desired to use the cigarette holder, the bullet is removed from the case and a cigarette is positioned between the jaws of the alligator clip.

Abstract: A cigar cutting device includes a rod with a bottom disk on an end and a kick member on the other end of the rod. A first tube with a first tubular blade is movably mounted to the rod and an operation disk is connected to the first tube. The first tube has a flange extending radially outward from the first tube and a second tube is movably mounted to the first tube. The flange engages with an inner periphery of the second tube. A second tubular blade is connected to the second tube and encloses the first tubular blade. The first tubular blade and the second tubular blade can be alternatively used to cut cigars with different sizes by moving the first tube and the second tube relative to each other.

Abstract: A hairbrush including a brush portion formed by implanting thick and hard bristles in at least two parallel, adjacent longitudinally extending lines on a brush base such that frictional resistance between the brushing portion and hair is reduced and that the hair can pass smoothly through the brushing portion and a tension applying portion formed by implanting bundles of thin and elastic bristles in at least two parallel, adjacent longitudinally extending lines on a side of said brushing portion in a circumferential direction such that frictional resistance between the tension applying portion and the hair is increased to apply tension to the hair.

Abstract: A cleaning unit (A) includes a movable cart (20) which carries a cleaning system for cleaning baked-on residues from walls (10) of a sterilizer chamber (12). Alkaline and acid cleaning solutions (180, 182), for removing organic and inorganic residues, respectively, from the chamber, are stored in a multi-compartment container carried by the cart and having two storage compartments (52, 54). The alkaline and acid solutions are sequentially sprayed over the chamber walls and returned to their respective compartments. After cleaning is complete, a wall (200) which separates the two compartments is punctured. The two cleaning fluids are thereby mixed together to form a neutral or near neutral solution which is disposable in a sanitary sewer system without further treatment.

Abstract: A foldable umbrella includes a control device on the handle of the umbrella and the control device includes a ring which has a projection that is engaged three aligned holes in three tubes of a shaft when the when the umbrella is folded. An end member is connected to a wire which reeves through pulleys on a finishing cap and a runner on the shaft. The end member is compressed by a compressing plate in the control device. The ring is pushed by pushing a control button at a first time to disengage the projection from the aligned holes to let the shaft expand. The control button is pushed at a second time to remove the end member from the compressing plate to fold the umbrella.

Abstract: A collapsible cane for aiding a user to walk. The collapsible cane includes an elongate member. The elongate member has a plurality of tubular members. The tubular members include a plurality of intermediate tubular members extending between a first tubular member and a second tubular member. The elongate member is telescoping. A handle means for carrying the elongate member includes a housing, which is coupled to the first tubular member. An extension system selectively secures the elongate member in an extended position. The extension system comprises a plurality of locking pins. The locking pins are adapted to selectively lock a tubular member in a fixed position with relation to an adjacent tubular member. A draw line is coupled to the locking pins and is adapted to selectively remove the locking pins and unlock a tubular member from the fixed position.

Abstract: A vacuum purge system is provided to protect the vacuum pump from becoming flooded with liquid that on occasion is purged with vapors from process equipment. The liquid is trapped in a vessel and then evaporated and exhausted through the vacuum pump as vapor. Evaporation of trapped liquid is effected by reducing or stopping the purge stream to the trapping vessel while continuing to operate the vacuum pump, thereby reducing the absolute pressure within the vessel. Evaporation of liquid can also be effected by supplying heat to the trapped vessel, either in cooperation with or instead of the pressure reduction. Use of a programmable logic controller enables a cyclic operation that traps liquid from entering the pump, removes the trapped liquid as vapor, and then resumes normal purge operation.