Abstract: A method for generating power and a power supply for use in the atmosphere on Mars that use the Martian atmosphere as a working fluid. The power supply has an open Brayton cycle combined turbocompressor and turbogenerator that use the Martian atmosphere for their operation. The Martian atmosphere working fluid picks up heat derived from a nuclear heat source that transfers the heat to the working fluid by laminar flow heat exchange. The combined turbocompressor and turbogenerator have provisions for separating dust from the dust laden Martian atmosphere and for operating with any residual Martian atmospheric dust that is ingested into the combined turbocompressor and turbogenerator. Reliability of operation is achieved by having two functionally separate power operating units that each have their own combined turbocompressor and turbogenerator and by only using one power unit at a time.

Abstract: A variable speed transmission in which the output speed is infinitely adjustable within a given speed range and is accurately controlled. The variable speed transmission includes two pulley assemblies that are rotatably connected by an endless chain, control levers and a control screw for varying the effective pitch radius of at least one of the pulley assemblies and the associated chain. The output from one of the pulley assemblies serves as the elliptical ball bearing assembly input that serves to deform a nonrigid external gear of a flexible gear assembly. The output from the other pulley assembly through gears controls a round rigid internal gear that intermittently meshes with the nonrigid external gear. This arrangement provides extremely accurate speed control of the output from the flexible gear assembly that comes form the nonrigid external gear. The pulley assemblies, the endless chain, control levers, and the flexible gear assembly are located within the same compact hollow unitary housing.

Abstract: A method and composition for promoting the growth of bone that are particularly useful in treating bony defects in the human jaw. The method includes surgically exposing the bony defect, cleaning the defect and adjacent teeth, and implanting the composition in the bony defect. The bone growing composition includes two sizes of Hydroxyapatite for supporting the growth of new bone, Tetracycline for its antibiotic effect, freeze dried decalcified human bone for promoting bone growth, and Fibronectin for promoting connective tissue generation and for jelling the bone growing composition.

Abstract: A combined floor sink and strainer for removing solid particles contained in the fluid passing through it. The combined floor sink and strainer has a hollow substantially rectangular housing, a strainer basket for holding the solid particles or sediment removed from the fluid passing through the combined floor sink and strainer and a locating and support structure for locating and supporting the strainer basket within the housing. The support structure and strainer basket have perforations to permit the passage of liquid but prevent the passage of solid particles over a particular particle size. The housing has a removable lid with three inlets and an outlet in its lower portion and a locating and support flange surrounds the upper portion of the housing the permit the housing to be removably located in the floor.

Abstract: Plastic mold heater moisture detection and dry out apparatus for detecting the presence of moisture in the plastic molding heaters and for drying out the heaters. The plastic mold heater moisture detection and dry out apparatus includes a heater leakage current sensor, an analog to digital converter, a microprocessor, and a triac that are operatively connected to a heater temperature sensor and the heaters. The plastic mold heater moisture detection and dry out apparatus monitors the heater leakage current that is due to moisture or the like present in the heaters and depending upon the value of this leakage current either permits normal heater operation, dries out the heaters or shuts off power if an unsafe ground fault situation exists. In drying out the heaters a series of increasing voltages are applied to the heaters during successive loops or passes to avoid heater electrical arcing that could damage and degrade the heaters.

Abstract: A prosthetic implant attachment system for mounting a dental prosthesis on a root implant including a base member having a lower end sized to seat on the upper end of an implant cylinder and an upper end of outer diameter substantially equal to the average outer diameters of various teeth, a securing device for securing the base member on the root implant, and various straight, angled or variable angled prosthetic heads for securing to the prosthesis. The upper end of the base member and the lower end of the prosthetic head have interengageable and indexable locking formations for preventing rotation between the parts which can be engaged in any of a number of possible relatively rotated fixed, indexed positions. A releasable securing device secures the prosthetic head to the base member. The prosthesis can be mounted on the prosthetic head by cementation, screw fixation, or other techniques.

Abstract: A permanent magnet thermal generator having at least one stationary permanent magnet and a rotatable rotor assembly for producing and absorbing heat from the magnetic flux from the permanent magnet as the rotatable rotor is rotated. The rotor assembly serves as a heat absorber, an impeller to move a heat transfer fluid around the rotor assembly and to transfer heat to the heat transfer fluid that moves around the rotating rotor. In one embodiment the strength of the permanent magnets can be varied by adding or subtracting magnets and in another embodiment the rotor assembly is constructed in such a manner that the heat transfer fluid is recycled around the rotor assembly. Furnace, stream boiler and refrigeration systems incorporating a permanent magnet thermal generator are also set forth.

Abstract: A spacecraft connector for making an electrical or similar connection with a spacecraft. The connector has on board portion that is attached to or forms part of the spacecraft and an externally located portion. Both the on board portion and the spacecraft portion have paired hook shaped portions that are adapted to contact each other in a manner that permits the connection and disconnection of the connector. The connectors provide an interface without exerting undue forces upon the spacecraft.

Abstract: A recorder for recording and playing back information. The recorder is particularly useful in vehicles such as aircraft and space vehicles. The recorder has no moving parts and has a plurality of power levels. The recorder has the capability of detecting errors in its memory and to avoid using portions of the memory that have errors. The recorder has multiple channels that can be programmed for input or output use. On demand memory assignment capability permits maximum use of the memory array.

Abstract: A retainer for use in connection with injection molding that is used to retain a slide in its open position when the mold is opening. The retainer has two pivotally connected jaw members and a coiled compression spring that applies spring pressure to the jaw members as these members engage a pin that is connected to a slide when the mold is opening. The construction of the jaw members avoids undesired spreading when the pin engages the jaw members and the jaw members are constructed in a manner that enables the retainer to be easily assembled. The retainer jaw members completely surround the coil spring and protect it from dirt and only a portion of the ends of the coil spring exert a force upon the jaw members when the retainer is in use.