Abstract: A device for removing irregularities in or enlarging a buried duct comprises a cylindrical housing (10) corresponding approximately in diameter to the required diameter of the duct, a plurality of tapered leaf members (14) pivotally attached at their rear ends to the front of the housing, and a conical wedge (18) driven by an axial hydraulic ram (12) mounted inside the housing (10). In operation, the apparatus is drawn through the duct with the leaf members (14) in a retracted position in which they form a tapered nose portion, until an irregularity in the duct causes resistance to forward movement. The ram (12) is operated to force the leaf members outwardly against the wall of the duct to remove the irregularity. The leaf members (14) are then retracted as the apparatus is drawn forward to the next obstruction. The apparatus is particularly intended for preparing damaged sewers prior to fitting an inner, lining pipe.

Abstract: A machine readable document is disclosed with unknown variable data of a specified nature imprinted thereon in unknown, variable locations. The data is imprinted on the document in such a manner that it can be machine located, accurately read, and identified as to type for further use in creating a composite record. In one embodiment, the document is a negotiable instrument or bank check which can be machine read and used in the production of a composite image statement.

Abstract: A shock absorber and air spring assembly particularly adapted for use in a tilt cab suspension system. It provides the capability of remotely adjusting the amount of damping on the down stroke of the damper piston.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring material wound on a feed spool to a take-up spool such as in a ribbon cassette for a typewriter or word processor. The apparatus includes a base, a centerpost, a feed spool positioned to rotate about the centerpost, a take-up spool, and a generally circular coil spring attached at one end to the centerpost. The outer surface of the spring exerts a frictional drag force on the feed spool which resists rotation of the spool during a transfer procedure. The spring also deforms during the transfer procedure and exerts a force on the spool in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation thereby providing a minimum tension on the material to avoid problems common to conventional cassettes such as jamming.

Abstract: An electrohydraulic proportional valve wherein an electromagnetic force motor sends a mechanical signal to a pilot actuator which moves a main spool. The pilot actuator includes a pilot spool slidably received in a pilot sleeve. A feedback spool which is movable with the main spool has a camming surface against which the pilot sleeve rides. A load check valve is provided that isolates the load pressure from system pressure when desired.

Abstract: A mammographic device comprises an X-ray source for emitting X-rays along a predetermined path, a film holder disposed in the predetermined path of the X-rays for holding film to be exposed to the X-rays, a compression plate disposed in the predetermined path of the X-rays, and positionable for compressing, and holding in position, against the film holder a woman's breast to be X-rayed, and a suspension arrangement disposed between the X-ray source and the compression plate for holding the X-ray source and the compression plate in a fixed relative mutual position so that the distance between the X-ray source and the compression plate remains constant. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the compression plate holder and compression plate are formed into an integral structure made of plexiglass. Preferably, the compression plate contains a matrix pattern of holes or perforations for facilitating biopsy guidance and needle aspiration cytology.

Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus for polishing the edges of lenses, such as eyeglass lenses. The apparatus includes a lens holder, a motor for rotating the lens holder, a hand screw mechanism for opening and closing the lens holder, a polishing pad, a motor for rotating the polishing pad, a hand pivot mechanism for pivoting the polishing pad towards and away from the lens holder, a container for polishing abrasive, and a hand screw mechanism for translating the the polishing pad axially to bring different portions of the polishing pad into engagement with lenses gripped by the lens holder.

Abstract: Disclosed are occlusal splints and the method of manufacturing the same. The occlusal splints described are worn on the upper arch of the mouth over the teeth. They are formed of two layers. The first layer is formed of a soft material molded to conform to the shape of the upper teeth and to be resiliently retained thereon, and the second layer is made of cold-cure acrylic resin built up on the first layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a snap lock assembly which may be mounted on a shaft without passing over an end of the shaft. The assembly comprises two segments which are sized and shaped to encircle the shaft and which snap lock with each other. The shaft may be a rod, a bolt, or the like and; the assembly may be a nut, a washer, or the like.

Abstract: This invention concerns a semi-submersible marine platform comprising an above water deck, a support structure extending downwardly from the deck into the water and supporting the deck on pods providing buoyancy for the platform, and stabilizer legs spaced around the support structure and outrigged underwater thereby or therefrom, each stabilizer leg preferably being free to pivot under environmental forces about an underwater universal pivot and extending upwardly therefrom to project substantially above mean water level and provide a cut water plane area for imparting a righting moment against environmental forces acting on the platform.

Abstract: The single room interior space of a compact motorvan for most daytime living converts quickly into three private compartments by simply opening a set of dual function folding doors (movable partitions) exposing a toilet and bigger than average shower stall area (latter doubling as coat closet) and at the same time forming a central compartment, thereby automatically creating two more private compartments in front and rear. The kitchen facilities located in the central compartment, opposite from the toilet and shower/coat closet area, are used when the doors cover that area from view. This central utility compartment is always available for active use and never occupied by seats, table or beds. The four seats in the instantly creatable front compartment rapidly convert to two, wide single beds, with ample space between them for quick exit or access to the central privacy compartment. There is also an easily and quickly stowable overhead double adult size bed in this front compartment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a seal for a rotary hydraulic valve having an inner surface which is concave and spaced from the recess in the rotary core in which it is received. Two parallel troughs are formed in the inner surface between the edges thereof and the central flow passageway. In use, fluid under pressure enters the trough and distorts the seal both radially outwardly against the valve body and circumferentially outwardly against the sides of the seal recess.

Abstract: A reinforced filament tape for securing and releasing meeting edges of a container or articles within a container, comprises a flexible backing ribbon with a pressure sensitive adhesive on one side. On the other side of the backing ribbon is a binding layer overlayed by a plurality of reinforcing filaments and a releasing layer. The filaments are contacted with a filament coating and remain securely positioned in the binding layer.

Abstract: A disposable device for utilizing an exothermic or endothermic reaction for heating or cooling drinks and foodstuffs, substantially comprising a single piece metal container, having two rooms and being enveloped within a protective insulating plastic covering, the reactants being contained in separated sectors and closed by diaphragms, which are heat-sealed and impermeable to outer agents, the covering being provided with a locking system for locking therein the metal container and with a device, so-called outer breaker, which is manually controlled for starting the exothermic or endothermic reaction by mixing a solid reactant with a liquid one.

Abstract: A warning and braking device for use on a power cutting tool such as a circular saw or a lawnmower comprises a generator, a drive shaft and a pulley connected by a lever to the power tool on/off switch. When the power tool is in the working "on" position, the generator assembly does not contact the power tool drive belt and no electric current is produced by the generator. When the power tool switch is shifted to the off position, however, the pulley on the generator drive shaft is brought into contact with the drive belt, exerting a braking force on the drive belt and producing an electrical signal from the generator which is connected to a warning device such as a light or a siren.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for measuring deviations in vehicle bodies or frames in connection with inspection of damage or alignment of deformed vehicles. The measuring apparatus comprises gripping means which are attached to reference points on either side of the vehicle, transverse beams having graduated scales thereon, a center beam, a measuring beam and at least one measuring rod for direct or cross measurement. The device is relatively light weight and compact, and the beams are provided with quick couple attachments so that the measurement can be performed in a relatively short time period.

Abstract: A device that contains a pocket wherein checklist cards can be inserted that match with pushbuttons that are used to indicate completion of certain steps in a series of steps.

Abstract: Disclosed is a suspension system for a tilt cab truck in which the shock absorber assemblies adjacent the tilt axis are collapsed to their minimum stroke prior to the initiation of the tilt cycle and held there by hydraulic lock throughout the tilt cycle.

Abstract: A disconnect/connect mooring system for a turret moored drillship is disclosed including an anchor, a first mooring line connected at one end to the anchor, including a length of wire rope and a mooring line chain, a submersible buoy connected to the mooring line chain and a second mooring line connected to the buoy chain and extending to the turret moored drillship.