Abstract: An expandable intravenous catheter for the infusion of fluids into a blood vessel comprises a helically wound tube having a diameter that can be varied from a normal minimum diameter to a relatively larger diameter by axial movement of the ends of the tube relative to each other, after insertion of the catheter into the blood vessel.

Abstract: An imaging system (10) for a Head-Mounted Display (HMD) comprises a projection screen (22) integrally formed with a headgear structure of the HMD. An image source is projected onto the projection screen (22) as an intermediate image. An optical sub-system (24), such as a lens, re-images the intermediate image to form a virtual image as viewed by a user's eye (26). The present invention provides improved imaging while reducing the weight and manufacturing cost of the HMD. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an optical spatial filter (28) is utilized in an HMD imaging system to remove unwanted image artifacts, and increase the depth of focus of an intermediate projected image.

Abstract: An inflation system (10) for a gas-operated vehicle occupant safety restraint, such as an air bag (12), comprises an accelerometer (14) and an infrared transceiver (20) for receiving vehicle acceleration information (a) and occupant position information (x), respectively, for use by a processor (22) in selecting which of a plurality of gas generators (28) will be individually initiated, at selected actual times to fire, in a selected order, to provide optimal protection to the occupant in the event of a vehicle crash or marked vehicle deceleration.

Abstract: A gas generator comprises a propellant container having an igniter at one end thereof for igniting a propellant, a secondary propellant charge comprising a plurality of circular grains having a diameter to thickness ratio greater than 2.5, and a primary propellant charge disposed between said igniter and said secondary propellant charge comprising a plurality of circular grains having a diameter to thickness ratio less than 2.

Abstract: A pretensioner for a seat belt utilizes a relatively inexpensive gas-producing cartridge that is easily replaced after activation so as to condition the pretensioner for subsequent use. The cartridge is similar to a shotgun shell and is chambered in a breech block. The cartridge contains a gas-producing pyrotechnic and a piston. Upon ignition, gas produced by the pyrotechnic effects advancement of the piston which, through an associated mechanism, takes up slack in the seat belt.

Abstract: A three piece seal nut comprises an aluminum base having a workpiece engaging surface with an elastomeric seal ring thereon and an annular titanium torque accepting wrench pad that is seated on said base and has a threaded bore for the acceptance of a bolt.

Abstract: A captive nut comprises an internally threaded nut body having torque receiving wrench pads and an annular truncated conical surface terminating in a radially extending load transfer surface. The nut body is accepted in a complementary cup-shaped washer having a conical cylindrical wall portion complementary to the conical wall portion of the nut body so as to retain the nut body. An initially truncated conical retention element is disposed between the load transfer surface of the nut body and a radial portion of the cup-shaped washer. Torquing of the nut body toward a workpiece effects deformation of the retention element nut into a complementary annular recess in the bolt thereby permanently capturing the nut on the bolt.

Abstract: A nonabsorbing polarizing optical beam splitter is described comprising a transparent substrate supporting a layer of adjacent flat beam-splitting channels. Each of the beam-splitting channels abuts respective adjacent channels at a 90.degree. angle to form a contiguous alternating orientation relative to the substrate. Each of the beam-splitting channels reflects a first polarization component of a light beam oriented parallel to the beam-splitting channels, and allows a second remaining polarization component of the light beam to pass through the plurality of beam-splitting channels relatively unperturbed.

Abstract: A motorized vehicle anti-theft system which is passive by being automatically armed (i.e., does not require a vehicle occupant to set the system). Once power has been turned on to the vehicle, detection of an attempt to start the vehicle motor or the opening of a vehicle door starts a predetermined time cycle. If a first reset signal is not received before the end of the time cycle, a vehicle disabling circuit is set. After that, a detection of actuation of the vehicle brake will cause the disabling circuit to only permit the vehicle engine to operate properly near the engine idling speed, and set off an alarm. Only proper generation of the first and a second reset signal will allow the vehicle to be operated properly again.

Abstract: An electromagnetically shielded self-molding package for an electronic component comprises a pair of bags having an electrically conductive coating therebetween and disposed about the component and having a polymerizable resin completely filling the space between the bags and the component.

Abstract: A system for introducing a nasogastric tube into the stomach of a patient comprises a digestible weight capable of being swallowed by the patient, a digestible guide string having one end attached to the weight, and a tube telescoped about the guide string for guidance thereby into the stomach of said patient.

Abstract: A paint system utilizes a paint pumping station comprising a plurality of small paint pots, one for each color inventoried in the system. A pump is provided for each paint pot and is connected through a like plurality of lines to color changers at each paint station. Each color changer utilizes lighted push buttons that are energized by an encoder that tracks vehicles moving through the spray booth and directs the painter to the proper paint for the vehicle being painted.

Abstract: Composition and process for inflating an automobile or aircraft occupant safety restraint bag which reduces the toxicity of the gases produced by gas generants. A relatively low energy nitrogen containing fuel is combined with a burn rate accelerator, such as an alkali metal salt, to form an azide-free gas generant composition which lowers the combustion temperature of the gas generants while also maintaining a rapid burn rate, thereby reducing toxicity of the resultant gases.

Abstract: A reverse-flow cooling system for an internal combustion engine uses an aqueous, boilable liquid coolant, having a saturation temperature at least equal to water. The engine is provided with discrete combustion chamber and cylinder bore cooling chambers that are cooled by a coolant pumped from a heat exchanger first to the combustion chamber cooling chamber, thence to the cylinder bore cooling chamber. Gases found in the combustion chamber cooling chamber are condensed in a condenser and then returned to a relatively low pressure area of the cooling circuit.

Abstract: A reverse flow aqueous cooling system for an internal combustion engine, comprises a radiator having a gas outlet at a high point thereof, a gas condenser having a gas inlet, a conduit including a flow restrictor disposed between the gas inlet, and gas outlet for controlling the flow of fluid from said gas outlet to said gas inlet.

Abstract: Autoigniting compositions containing a hydrazine salt of 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazole-5-one for the gas generator of a vehicle occupant restraint system result in rapid autoignition at temperatures from approximately 150.degree. C. (302.degree. F.) to 220.degree. C. (428.degree. F.) thereby allowing the gas generator to operate at lower temperatures to facilitate use of an aluminum canister. The autoignition compositions of the present invention are relatively insensitive to shock or impact, are safe to manufacture and handle, and are advantageously classified as Class B materials.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor comprises a tube formed of an electrically-conductive, nonmagnetic material; an annular magnetically-permeable element, such as a iron washer, encircling a longitudinal portion of the tube; a magnetic sensing mass in the tube which magnetically interacts with the washer so as to be magnetically biased towards a first or "rest" position in the tube characterized in that a longitudinal portion of the sensing mass is situated within the portion of the tube encircled by the washer, the sensing mass being displaced from its rest position in the tube towards a second position therein in response to an accelerating force exceeding the magnetic bias thereon; and a switch operated by the sensing mass when the sensing mass is displaced to its second position in the tube.

Abstract: A geotechnical mat for stabilizing soil and controlling erosion comprising a plurality of flat strips of tire tread oriented in a planar array, and means for connecting said strips to one another in said planar array.

Abstract: A pressurized water closet operating system comprises an accumulator vessel having a flush valve assembly mounted internally thereof both of which are connected at all times to a source of water under pressure. A remote control valve hydraulically conditions the flush valve for the discharge of water under pressure from the accumulator vessel.

Abstract: A reverse flow aqueous cooling system for an internal combustion engine, comprises a radiator having a gas outlet at a high point thereof, a gas condenser having a gas inlet, a conduit including a flow restrictor disposed between the gas inlet, and gas outlet for controlling the flow of fluid from said gas outlet to said gas inlet. There is a check valve between the radiator and coolant pump.