Abstract: The present invention is directed to a compact heat exchanger having a permeable heat transfer element and an impervious heat transfer element. Fluid passes through the permeable element through passages which are substantially normal to the interface between the permeable and impervious elements. The fluid passes into channels which are provided at or near the interface between the permeable heat transfer element and the impervious element. Heat is transferred between the fluid and the permeable heat transfer element by convection as the fluid flows through the permeable element. Heat is transferred between the impervious element and the permeable element by conduction. The permeable element can be formed from one or more plates which bound one or more passages through which the fluid flows or can be formed from various porous material such as sintered powders, rods and metal foams.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a splint suitable for immobilizing a leg of an animal such as a dog or a cat. The splint of the present invention can be easily adjusted to the length of the leg of the animal. The splint has holes therethrough which engage the underlying bandage to prevent the splint from slipping and which allow for ventilation of the splinted area. The splint is transparent, which allows viewing the bandage or limb without removing the splint.

Abstract: The present invention is for an exercise device for strengthening the muscles of the lower back and a method for using the same. The device has hand rails provided which allow the user to vary the relative involvement of muscles of the lower back. The device has a protrusion with a ridge which supports the pelvic area of the user. Preferably the contour of the ridge is adjustable to ensure the comfort of the user. The device preferably has an ankle retaining means which is adjustable and into which the user's ankles can be slidably engaged with a pivotable motion of the body. This simplifies the positioning of the user on the device.

Abstract: This invention relates to a test specimen for generating data to provide a preliminary qualification of plastic materials for fabricated parts without requiring prototype development. The test specimen disclosed has two plates which are designed to be joined in various ways and the resulting joints evaluated. The plates are provided with latches and tabs to test mechanical locking. The test specimens are also provided with a series of grooves, a raised section, posts, holes and self-tapping lugs to allow the samples to be tested for the effectiveness of press fit, heat staking, ultra-sonic welding, adhesive bonding and the effectiveness of self tapping screws. The test specimen can be thermally cycled, held at elevated temperatures and exposed to other environmental conditions to determine the effect of these variables on the performance of the plastic.

Abstract: The present invention is for a sofa bed recliner that can be simply opened into a bed or closed to form a sofa. The mechanism allows the sofa to be opened or closed while being in close proximity with a wall.The mechanism also provides for the positive locking of the back frame element to the seat frame element both in the closed and open position to assure a rigid structure in both positions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hinge suitable for use in cabinets with inset doors. The hinge can be installed and adjusted on the door at the installation site. The hinge, is fully adjustable and will compensate for a cabinet and door distortion. The hinge has hinge wings which are concealed when the door is in the closed position. The hinge which employs a split cabinet wing into which the door wing folds on closing. Having the wings so configured results in reduced separation between the door and the mounting surface on which it is mounted.The hinge is suitable for a door closure unit wherein the dual catches are employed in the vicinity of the corners into which the door swings.

Abstract: A pneumatic rock drill which has a pneumatic percussion unit with a piston which slidably engages the cylinder in which it reciprocates. Preferably clearances of less than less than about 0.00125 inches per inch of piston diameter and greater than about 0.00075 inches where clearances are diameter are maintained to assure a fluid film between the piston and the cylinder wall. The clearances are based on diameters. The piston of the pneumatic drill has at least one stem section which slidably engages a distributor.The rock drill has a pneumatic motor connected to the percussion unit and engages a distributor of the percussion unit. A air motor gear in the pneumatic motor is rotatably mounted on the distributor.The exhaust is employed to lubricate the bearings and gearing which turn the striker bar.

Abstract: The present invention is a display case designed to show small objects which are suitable for card mounting. The case has a transparent conduit with a closed end and an open end. Cards on which jewelry or other merchandise is mounted are inserted into the conduit through the open end.In one preferred embodiment a clip having a slot is employed to hold the cards. In another preferred embodiment a second spaced apart slot is provided for insertion of a second set of cards which doubles the display capacity.Support for the card array is provided in one embodiment by one or more protrusions extend into the tube on which the card array rests. These protrusions extend into the tube and provide maximum distance to the wall of the tube which is less than the width of the card array. The protrusions provide support for the vertical array of cards and can be indentations in the wall of the tube.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a compact heat exchanger having a permeable heat transfer element. Fluid passes through the permeable element to passages which are provided at the interface between the permeable heat transfer element and a high thermal conductivity impervious element. Heat is transferred from the fluid to the permeable heat transfer element as the fluid flows through the permeable element. Heat is transferred to the impervious element from the permeable element and from the fluid as the fluid flows through the passages. Optionally a second fluid is in thermal communication with the impervious element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control system for tethering an airborne object such as a kite or an airplane. The system in its simplest form has an anchor which attaches to a pair of lines which in turn pass through a control bar. The control bar has a first end and a second end and centrally engages the lines. The lines pass through the control bar and are separated and directed to said first end and said second end of said control bar from which said lines advance to the airborne object. The present invention is to provide a control system for controlling kites and airplanes that will allow the lines to be altered in length without destabilizing the kite or plane being controlled and will provide a controller which serves as an accelerator assisting in the process of launching a kite thereby allowing the kite to be flown in winds otherwise too light to make flying possible.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dual purpose device which can be used as a swing type seat and as a harness which can be worn by sportsmen and used to assist the wearer in towing materials.The harness can also be worn by children. In which case the device can be used to prevent a child from straying from a parent.The device has a pair of elongated pads which serve as a set for a swing type seat when the device is employed as a seat and as shoulder pads when the device is employed as a harness. The elongated pads are connected to a series of straps and strap segments which complete the sling and the harness configurations.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a toothbrush and in particular to a combination folding toothbrush-toothpaste system. The system is compact and can be readily made tamper resistant. The folding toothbrush is readily carried in one's pocket or purse.The toothbrush of the present invention in its simplest form has a two section handle. A first handle section having a brush end with bristles and a second handle section having a terminal end with a protrusion containing a reservoir. The reservoir is contoured to conform to the profile of the brush.Means for connecting and pivotally rotating the first handle section with respect to the second handle section are provided. It is preferred that the pivotable motion be limited between the first handle section and the second handle section such, that when the toothbrush is in the open position the protrusion and the bristles of the brush are diametrically opposed. When the toothbrush is in a closed position the reservoir encompasses the bristles.

Abstract: The present invention is for a kite which in its simplest form has a first edge spar and second edge spar which are equal in length and attaching to a flexible coupling such that when the coupling is in its neutral position the attached spars are substantially orthogonal. A header spar shorter than the first edge spar and the second edge spar engages the flexible coupling such that at the rest position the angle between the first edge spar and the header spar is equal to the angle between the second edge spar and the header spar. A sail covering the spars forms a central delta sail surface with a first triangular elevator panel and a second triangular elevator panel attached thereto. The first and second edge spars bound two sides of the central delta sail surface. The first and second triangular elevator panels have one of their sides bounded by an edge spar and a second side bounded by the header spar.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for producing a multi-lumen needle suitable for administrating spinal anesthesia. The method will provide a needle that will allow the simultaneous administration of spinal and epidural anesthetic from a single site. A preferred needle made by this method can optionally be made with a stock configuration which has means for holding a catheter during the insertion of a spinal needle and is configured so as to provide gripping sites to assist in positioning the needle. The preferred needle of the present invention has a lumen which can serve as a spinal introducer. The introducer lumen sheaths the spinal needle until the spinal needle is in the epidural space. This assures that the spinal needle will not be bent or fractured in use by impingement with bone or hard tissue.

Abstract: A pneumatic rock drill which has a pneumatic percussion unit with a piston which slidably engages the cylinder in which it reciprocates. Preferably clearances of less than less than about 0.00125 inches per inch of piston diameter and greater than about 0.00075 inches where clearances are diameter are maintained to assure a fluid film between the piston and the cylinder wall. The clearances are based on diameters. The piston of the pneumatic drill has at least one stem section which slidably engages a distributor. The rock drill has a pneumatic motor connected to the percussion unit and engages a distributor of the percussion unit. An air motor gear in the pneumatic motor is rotatably mounted on the distributor. The exhaust is employed to lubricate the bearings and gearing which turn the striker bar.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hair highlighting capsule which confines the hair and the coloring solution for a time sufficient to effect the desired coloration of the hair. The hair highlighting capsule is preferably transparent so that the stylist can observe the process. The capsule of the present invention is reusable and easily sealable. The hair highlighting capsule has a female side which is provided with a central cavity and a male side which is provided with a projection. The projection is contoured to be accepted by the central cavity. The depth of the cavity and mating projection are preferably about 0.125 inches. A hinge connects the female side and the male side and is positioned so that the projection and central cavity will register when the capsule is closed. The capsule is sealed by locking the projection into the central cavity. The seal limits flow of the chemical coloring solution from the capsule and excludes the flow of water and other fluids into the capsule.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of identifying and selecting medical equipment, medication doses and/or medical supplies; and to the equipment used to carry out the method. The present invention measures a specific anatomical dimension: this dimension is correlated to a code which can be a color and/or pattern. The color and/or pattern in turn is used to identify and select medication dosage, medical equipment and/or medical supplies. In one embodiment a linear strip is divided into regions of color and/or pattern. The color and/or pattern associated with the patient's length is used to identify and select medication, medical equipment and/or medical supplies. The equipment, medication and supplies can be group by code, contained in a package bearing the code, or marked by the code. In a preferred embodiment an ultrasonic measuring device is used to determine the code associated with a patient's length. In another preferred embodiment the patient is provided with a coded identification bracelet.