Abstract: A denture is fitted with a magnetic assembly and an operatively associated keeper. The magnetic assembly is characterized by having a magnet sandwiched between two pole elements and the pole elements and keeper are shaped with mating curved surfaces. An occlusal stop located on the keeper prevents the magnetic assembly from sliding off the keeper and prevents air gaps between the magnetic assembly and the keeper.

Abstract: A high speed switching power supply for a laser system is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, proportional-plus-derivative feedback of the emitted light controls the duty cycle of the MOS-FET switching transistor to vary the d.c. voltage level applied across a storage capacitor from a d.c. power supply. The storage capacitor is connected across a laser tube to apply its stored voltage thereto. The MOS-FET transistor permits high speed switching. The derivative portion of the feedback damps out oscillatory tendencies in the feedback loop to permit increased loop bandwidth. The combination of the MOS-FET transistor and proportional-plus-derivative feedback permits the laser output to be controlled in a voltage-controlled mode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method and apparatus for efficiently capturing heat generated by gas logs and distributing the heat produced thereby into selected areas of a structure. In a fireplace environment having gas logs therein, the present invention entails a duct structure extending generally over the gas logs. A fan is provided adjacent the back wall and floor of the fireplace communicating with an inlet end of the duct structure. The fan produces a system of forced air which is introduced into the duct structure and moved therethrough. As the system of forced air passes through the duct structure it is heated by the gas logs underlying the duct structure, and the heated forced air is then exhausted from the duct into an adjoining structure.

Abstract: An improved support stocking exhibits a compression profile customized to the patient's needs and corresponding to a computer program determined profile.

Abstract: A badge for aid in identification of the owner of a particular stethoscope is removably mounted on the Y-connector of the stethoscope and comprises a pair of mated snap-fit cap pieces and with an identification portion thereon for bearing the owner's name.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for electrolytic etching of cast dental alloys and pre-existing amalgam restorations provides a DC source for etching of the selected metalwork and an AC source for removal of the oxide coating produced by the etching process. Metal framework so etched and cleaned facilitate resin bonding as in resin-bonded retainers for fixed bridgework, resin-bonded crowns, resin-bonded orthodontic brackets, resin-coated amalgam and cast restorations, resin-coated partial denture clasps, and the like.

Abstract: An improved creel useful for reeling and storing materials such as pile fabrics is formed from two spaced end assemblies connected by a tubular member. Each end assembly comprises a high-strength, relatively-flat, box-like structure which is folded from a prescored cardboard blank. Suitable hook strips are fixedly secured to the end assemblies to receive the convolutions of material. The box-like structure is also adapted to other applications utilizing strips without hooks.

Abstract: An improved, releasable fastener having molded interlocking male and female elements suitable for plastic bag closures, and the like, incorporates ramp surfaces in operative association with one of the elements, typically the female element, to facilitate alignment and closure.

Abstract: An auxiliary wood furnace for a bulk curing tobacco barn is arranged for installation in a basement immediately below the conventional oil or gas fired furnace for ease of barn modification and adaptation to burning wood as the source of heat.

Abstract: A segmented ceramic tube for an argon-ion laser is fluid cooled and constructed to avoid shunting of current through the coolant.

Abstract: An argon-ion laser achieves low output power by using a plasma guide and mirror configuration which restricts lasing action to a portion of the resonator cavity at relatively high conversion efficiency.

Abstract: An osmotic cervical dilator has a sponge-like synthetic plastic body in which all the residual void spaces in the body are filled with a salt composition and the body shaped for insertion and retention in the cervix of the patient. The dilator, once inserted and retained by the cervix, is adapted to draw and to expand by osmotic effect and to retain cervical fluids and particularly water contained in the cervix.

Abstract: An improved apparatus, for cooling hydraulic fluid in a small horsepower internal combustion gasoline engine powered hydraulic drive system, mounts the blower and oil pump concentric of and so that they are driven by the engine drive shaft and includes a finned tube heat exchanger mounted between the blower and oil pump through which hot hydraulic fluid passes and is aided in cooling by air forced over the fins by the blower. An operator controlled relief valve is incorporated into the system.

Abstract: An adjustable music/book holder is adaptable for being supported on a piano, organ, or conventional music stand. The holder comprises a pair of frame members which adjustably receive a pair of page holder members, a pair of hook/alternate page holder members as well as a central book safety or alternative accessory member.

Abstract: An improved argon-ion gas laser utilizes a dispenser-type cathode and within the cathode shroud mounts a preignition electrode and a heat shield enabling the cathode to be operated efficiently and within a 900.degree.-1050.degree. C. temperature range over an extended period of time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for efficiently capturing heat generated by a fuel source such as gas or gas logs and distributing the heat produced thereby into selected areas of a structure. In a fireplace environment having gas logs therein, the present invention entails a duct structure extending generally over the gas logs. A fan is provided about an inlet end of the duct structure and produces a primary system of forced air that is introduced into the duct structure and moved therethrough, generally over the gas logs within the fireplace. In an area overlying the gas logs, the duct structure is provided with an opening and a transverse restrictor plate disposed within the duct adjacent the opening. As the system of forced air passes the restricted area, warm or hot air heated by the gas logs underlying the duct structure is induced into the duct structure where the same combines with the already produced system of air passing through the duct structure.

Abstract: A knee protector/stabilizer is formed from tubular knit stretch material with stays attached to the exterior sides thereof and which has an internal covered pad arrangement attached at selected points on the inside of the protector/stabilizer in the area of the knee and at other selected points attached to straps which are adjustable from the outside of the protector/stabilizer.

Abstract: A package forming and filling machine of the type which forms sheet material into a tube and the tube into individual packages incorporates a pair of magnetizable bars which are suspended within the tube during filling and are magnetically attracted outwardly during filling so as to maintain the tube open for the fill material. Associated driven belts engage external tube surfaces and are timed to operate in coordination with the tube sealing, stripping and severing mechanism.