Abstract: A fluid coupling system is provided including a fluid coupling having a cooperative key coding system and latching mechanism, a valve biasing mechanism with corrosion resistance, and other advantageous features. The key coding system permits interconnection of only matched coupling members while preventing the inadvertent interconnection of mismatched coupling members notwithstanding the presence of many coupling, both matched and mismatched. The coupling includes first and second coupling members that are releasably slideably, axially interfitted with their passageways in fluid communication. The key coding system includes key coding elements on the coupling members that are axially movable into matched interengagement when the coupling members are matched but are precluded from moving into matched interengagement when they are mismatched, all without rotation of the couplings or the key coding elements irrespective of the relative rotational positions of the couplings members or coding elements.

Abstract: A latch inserted in an animal rigging and controllably releasable for quick unlatching. Such a rigging is normally cinched about the body of the animal for various purposes, but with the latch in the rigging, the rigging can be quickly released from the animal when desired. For a bull rigging, the latch is inserted in the rope that assists a rider in maintaining balance on the animal and allows the rider to be quickly separated from the animal if a limb of the rider becomes caught in the rope when the rider is thrown from the animal. The bull rigging includes a holder or handle interfittingly engaged by a limb of the rider while mounted on the animal to aid the rider in remaining balance on the animal.

Abstract: A portable mixing and dispensing apparatus, especially useful for spraying, including a fluid conducting, mixing and supporting framework for the hydraulic unit in the apparatus. The framework includes spaced end plates and a conduit assembly. Each end plate has a cylinder head portion forming part of the cylinder of the hydraulic unit, an upper mounting flange, and a lower flange. The conduit assembly includes an intermediate conduit/handle and a pair of end units. The end units are nearly identical and are secured to the end plates so as to constitute unitary structures therewith, releasably connected to opposite ends of the cylinder body of the hydraulic unit and to the intermediate conduit/handle, thereby enabling easy access to the cylinder body and piston in the body. Each end unit includes an outlet conduit and an end conduit.

Abstract: A picture frame assembly for enhancing the display of a picture and other viewable objects in a display frame and to a method of framing the picture and objects. The assembly includes a housing having a back wall, an annular side wall projecting from the back wall, a front opening circumscribed by the side wall; a two-dimensional background scene mounted within the housing adjacent to the back thereof; a two-dimensional picture mounted within the housing in front of and in viewing association the background scene; a three-dimensional motif mounted within the housing in front of and in viewing association with both the scene and the picture, the motif and the background scene suggesting a theme related to the picture; and a magnifying lens mounted in the opening of the housing and providing a common field of view for the scene, the picture and the motif.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing plumbing installations including a tool for making an opening through a test cap or other blockage in a fluid-carrying line of a plumbing system. The tool and cap make the testing method possible. During the rough-in plumbing phase of construction, a test cap welded in the drain pipe seals the drain line from the sewer line at the location of the clean-out. Thereafter, the rough-in plumbing system is tested by pressurizing the system through the clean-out on the building side of the cap. Following successful completion of this test, the top-out plumbing is completed, leaving the test cap welded in place. After the roof vents are in, the top-out test of the plumbing system is made, also through the clean-out. After final test and inspection, a special tool constructed in accordance with the present invention is inserted down the clean-out to penetrate and ream-out the test cap.

Abstract: A portable apparatus and method for dispensing fire retardant or other materials into relatively inaccessible areas. The apparatus and method are particularly suited for releasing an extinguishing agent on a fire that is burning under the hood of a vehicle or behind a wall or other barrier separating the fire from the firefighter or for dispensing other materials in like situations. The apparatus includes a tank and a nozzle rigidly attached to the tank. The attachment may be either separable by securing the nozzle to a jacket that fits around the tank, or integral by welding the nozzle to the tank. The tank, which conveniently may be the tank of a standard portable fire extinguisher, contains a fluent fire retardant, or other fluent material, and has an outlet through which the material can be dispensed. The nozzle extends from the tank and provides a penetrating end, a fluid-conducting passageway having an outlet opening through the penetrating end, and an inlet connected to the outlet of the tank.

Abstract: A fluid coupling including coded and non-coded embodiments and a method for their use. The coded embodiment allows connection of such lines while preventing the inadvertent connection of mismatched lines in a system where there are matched and mismatched delivery and supply lines. Both embodiments of the coupling include axially movable first and second coupling members and a radially operating latch. The coupling members are releasably slideably, axially interfitted with their fluid passageways in communication, and the latch moves radially of the passageways to secure the couplings when they are interfitted. In the coded embodiment, key coding elements on the coded coupling members are movable into matched interengagement when the supply and delivery lines are matched but are precluded from moving into matched interengagement when the lines are mismatched.

Abstract: A fluid coupling system is provided including a fluid coupling having a cooperative key coding system and latching mechanism, a valve biasing mechanism with corrosion resistance, and other advantageous features. The key coding system permits interconnection of only matched coupling members while preventing the inadvertent interconnection of mismatched coupling members notwithstanding the presence of many coupling, both matched and mismatched. The coupling includes first and second coupling members that are releasably slideably, axially interfitted with their passageways in fluid communication. The key coding system includes key coding elements on the coupling members that are axially movable into matched interengagement when the coupling members are matched but are precluded from moving into matched interengagement when they are mismatched, all without rotation of the couplings or the key coding elements irrespective of the relative rotational positions of the couplings members or coding elements.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inputting data including controls to a computer, or other equipment, such as for CAD, three-dimensional (3D) modeling and animation systems and for motion control. Included are a two-handed, hand-held apparatus and a method for inputting data, including alpha-numeric information and control signals, while using the apparatus. The apparatus includes a plurality of input and/or control devices, each having input elements for inputting data to a computer or other equipment by the transmission of signals to such computer or equipment, and a pair of holders that mount the input devices and have holding portions and hand resting portions. The holders are releasably joined in back-to-back relation by a connector mechanism that allows the holders to be individually held in free space by and between the two hands of a user.

Abstract: Multipurpose medical clothing, such as a gown or robe, that safely accommodates medical appliances attached to a patient, affords privacy, and thus encourages the patient to be up and ambulatory. The illustrated gown embodiment includes rectangular front and back panels open at the sides, belting, inside and outside pockets, and inside and outside hangers. The panels are of equal width greater than average human shoulder width to provide sleeves when worn. The belting extends from the back panel around the sides lower and is tied in front. The front panel is slightly shorter than the back panel so that the panels are of about the same height when the gown is worn and belted. The pockets are attached to the inside and outside of the front panel below the belt line at substantially the same height and in transversely spaced relation to each other. The hangers are attached to the inside and outside of the front panel respectively below the inside and outside pockets.

Abstract: A sanitary device for the absorption of light anal and vaginal/urethral discharges and a method for its use and disposal. The device includes a towelette and an attached string. The towelette is a thin, soft, dry, flexible sheet of absorbent paper material permeable to gas, absorbent of small amounts of moisture, and folded lengthwise into a pair of wings. The string is also soft and flexible and has ends attached to the towelette inside the wings and providing a relatively short outwardly extending loop. For anal use, the device is inserted between the buttocks and pinched and held by the sphincter muscle at the exit of the anal canal. For vaginal/urethral use, the device is inserted and fictionally held between the labial folds at the exit of the vagina. In either use, the loop of the string extends outwardly from the body and is accessible for convenient grasp by the wearer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for polishing, especially adapted for polishing fiber optic connectors and similarly configured industrial components. The polishing apparatus includes a first stage having a first mounting member and a first staging member supported on the first mounting member for reciprocal movement along a first path; a second stage having a second mounting member supported on the first staging member and a second staging member supported on the second mounting member for reciprocal movement along a second path in angular relation to the first path; a polishing member mounted on the second staging member; and a drive mechanism operable to simultaneously reciprocate the first and second staging member along their respective paths so that the polishing member traces a predetermined pattern.

Abstract: A holder for use in building construction for holding anchor bolts, rebar, in-concrete plumbing, and the like, in predetermined positions during the pouring of concrete therearound. The holder is molded in one piece from a suitable plastic and includes an elongated base plate, the base plate having front and rear ends, opposite sides, a top surface, a bottom surface, and a hole extending through the front end of the plate from the top surface to the bottom surface; a sleeve integrally molded to the front end of the base plate in alignment with the hole and having a front, a rear, and opposite sides; and spaced reinforcing members integrally molded to one of the surfaces of the base plate, extending lengthwise thereof generally tangentially of the sleeve and having inside walls providing front ends which terminate in and are integrally molded throughout their heights to opposite sides of the sleeve in peripherally spaced relation therearound.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for riding an animal using a rope that assists a rider in maintaining balance on the animal but allows the rider to be quickly separated from the animal if a limb of the rider becomes caught in the rope when the rider is thrown from the animal and a latch in the rope that allows such release. The apparatus and the method of its use involve a rigging that can be cinched about the body of such an animal, that includes a holder or handle interfittingly engaged by a limb of the rider while mounted on the animal to aid the rider in remaining balance on the animal, and that further includes a latch that is normally closed but that can be released either by the rider if possible or by an attendant or otherwise if the limb if the rider is entangled with and caught in the rigging when the rider is thrown from the animal whereby the rider and the rigging can be pulled from or otherwise separated from the animal.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting heavy glass panels in a bathing enclosure without opaque metal frames or metal clips. The supporting apparatus includes transparent plastic support brackets and fasteners that attach to the heavy glass panels. These brackets and fasteners are used in a panel assembly to join an adjacent wall or pan to a fixed glass panel or panels and to join adjacent fixed glass panels to each. Although not relied on for support, clear sealant in the joints of the assembly enhances the overall integrity of the support. The combination provides dependable support while giving the enclosure a more transparent look. The brackets and fasteners are preferably molded of clear polycarbonate, which has the characteristics of transparency, strength, and moisture resistance needed, and the sealant is preferably silicone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a plumbing system in a more dependable and cost-effective manner. During the rough-in plumbing phase of construction, the drain pipe leading from the plumbing system in a building to the city sewer main or main sewer line is positively sealed off by a test cap or plug welded in the pipe at the location of the clean-out. Access to the test cap is maintained through the clean-out. Pressurizing the rough-in plumbing to test the same can then proceed knowing that if any leaks occur, they are in the branch plumbing on the building side of the test cap, and not at or in the test cap. Following successful completion of the initial test, the top-out plumbing job is completed, leaving the test cap welded in the clean-out or drain pipe. After the roof vents are in, the second test of the plumbing system is made, again knowing that if the system shows any leaks, they are the result of a failure in the plumbing work and not a failure of the test cap.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a pulse oximeter which is based on the concept of an electrical interface between the testing instrument and the oximeter rather than an optical interface. The pulse oximeter signal processor is tested separately from the probe, and still further, the optical elements, that is, the LEDs and the photodiode, of the probe are tested separately from the probe cable. With the probe disconnected from the oximeter, a modulated electrical test signal representative of SpO2 values and other parameters is generated in response to an electrical signal from the oximeter, and the test signal is applied to the oximeter signal processor, whereby the display of the oximeter shows a value of SpO2 which is compared with the SpO2 value represented by the test signal. Independently, the probe including the probe cable, the LEDs and the photodiode are respectively and separately subjected to continuity and optical sensitivity tests.

Abstract: A quick-connect coupling for interconnecting only matching fluid delivery and supply lines while preventing the inadvertent connection of mismatched lines where there are matched and mismatched delivery and supply lines. The coupling includes first and second coupling members that are releasably slidably, axially interfitted with their passageways in fluid communication. In the disclosed embodiment of a coupling for use in a chemical extraction system, one coupling member is a male member connected to the supply lines in the typical fifty gallon drum and the other coupling member is a female coupling member connected to the delivery lines. Key coding elements on the coupling members are movable into matched interengagement when the supply and delivery lines are matched but are precluded from moving into matched interengagement when the lines are mismatched.