Abstract: A liquid filling assembly includes a discharge nozzle arrangement which includes a closely wound spring operatively connected at its outer periphery to a diffuser chamber and including a plurality of coils adapted to retain a volume of fluid thereabove until the fluid is forced under pressure against the spring or an associated valve to urge the coils apart to provide clearances therebetween for the flow therethrough of the fluid.

Abstract: A process for producing a motor vehicle bumper includes the steps of depositing chopped glass fibers (19) and a curable binder (24) to a center section (38) of a preform (11) that is retained on a preform screen (14) by a vacuum draw from a suction fan (15). A ratio of shredded structural reinforced injected molded plastic (23) and glass fiber (19) is sprayed to form end sections (41) and flanges (39) of the preform (11) along with binder (24). The preform (11) is then cured on the screen (14).

Abstract: An apparatus (16) for preheating combustion fluids such as air, fuel or fuel-air mixtures upstream of the combustion chamber in an internal combustion engine (10). The apparatus (16) generally includes a heat exchanger (18) and an assembly (46) for heating the heat exchanger. The improvement involves constructing the heat exchanger (18) from a plurality of closely-packed beads (20) each having a spherical shape and each comprised of homogeneous aluminum filling the entire space within the outer spherical shape to provide a high surface area heat exchanger for heating the combustion fluid as the fluid passes around the beads.

Abstract: A method for resupplying a cassette assembly (14) for an ambulatory medical infusion pump (10) with a new reservoir bag (22a) includes the steps of substantially emptying a used reservoir bag (22) located within said cassette interior (27) of any fluid, supplying an access slot (40) to the interior (27) of the cassette large enough to withdraw the used drug reservoir bag (22) from within the cassette, removing a luer lock (34) located at the end of microbore tubing (32) attached to the reservoir bag, removing the tubing (32) from under a guide retainer (30) in a pumping plate (16) of the cassette, withdrawing the reservoir bag (22) from the access slot (40), inserting a new unused reservoir bag (22a) into the access slot (40) to the interior of said cassette, by inserting a tube (32a) of a new unused reservoir bag and pulling the tube (32a) such that the bag (22a) is pulled through the slot (40) and into the interior (27) of the cassette shell (18).

Abstract: A flat top thermoplastic coated container and blank including side edge panels, a front edge panel adaptable to being folded back onto itself and having an arcuate-shaped perforated line formed thereon, and a cover panel. The perforated line breaks upon the cover panel being opened to form a horizontal, arcuate-shaped pouring edge. The side edge panels are wider adjacent the cover panel than adjacent the front edge panel to effectively control film delamination upon the cover panel being opened and prevent seepage or "wicking" at the side seam upper edge.

Abstract: A trolley wheel assembly (10) securely sealed to prevent loss of lubricant therefrom and entrance of contaminants therein. The assembly (10) comprises an inner race (12) disposed about an axis of rotation (14) and an outer race (16) concentrically disposed in a spaced relationship about the inner race (12). A plurality of ball bearings (18) are disposed between the inner race (12) and the outer race (16). An outer sealing ring (20) extends radially inwardly from the outer race (16) toward the inner race (12). An inner sealing ring (22) is rotatably disposed about the inner race (12), extending radially outwardly and contiguous the outer sealing ring (20). A wave washer (24) disposed about the inner race (12) biases the inner sealing ring (22) into constant friction engagement with the outer sealing ring (20). A plurality of backup inner sealing rings (26,27) provide a secondary seal about the inner race (12).

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for producing a single color coded composite image from a plurality of multiparameter magnetic resonance image sets. The plurality of magnetic resonance image sets are spatially aligned and are acquired using different pulse sequences to contrast various parameters of anatomical, physiological and pathological features. The method includes acquiring the gray-tone images, and plotting a histogram of the average pixel signal intensities for selected regions of interest in each image. This provide quantitative data to support qualitative assessments of tissue contrast behavior in each of the images which acts as a basis for color coding. Based on the histogram, color coefficients of red, green and blue channels are assigned to each image so that the final combination of colors will produce a semi-natural appearing composite image. Monochrome images are created based on the gray-tone images and color coefficiency tables.

Abstract: A mirror swing lock mechanism comprises an arm mounted at one end to the outside surface of a vehicle and a mirror heat assembly. The head assembly includes a first planar surface supported on a second planar surface associated with said arms coacting detent elements are formed in said planar surfaces for locating said mirror head assembly in either a first laterally extended rear viewing position or a second non rearward viewing position generally folded against the vehicle surface.

Abstract: A mobile support frame for supporting radiation detection equipment used to detect radiation from material passed through the frame including a base structure and at least one support member extending substantially upward from the base with at least one detector mount movably supported along the support member such that the detector mount may be located at a plurality of positions along the support member. A radiation detector probe is operatively mounted on the detector mount. The detector mount is rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the support member such that the radiation detection equipment may be orientated in a plurality of positions about said perpendicular axis to monitor the radioactivity from material passed through the frame.

Abstract: A degas tank for the cooling system of an internal combustion engine wherein the degas tank is formed from two plastic parts each of which has a plurality of cavities formed therein that are defined by ribs and in which certain of the ribs are provided with open-ended slots so when the two parts of the degas tank are joined together, pairs of open-ended slots cooperate to form an opening through which coolant can flow between adjacent cavities.

Abstract: A speculum cover for a speculum blade has a smoke tube associated therewith. The speculum cover may be removable from the blade.

Abstract: An inflatable neck support is a U-shaped collar comprising an inflatable bladder and a decorative cover that provides a wide range of styling choices. The inflatable neck support is attached to a seat back or a head restraint in a variety of ways so that it is easily adjusted by the seat occupant to meet the seat occupant's comfort needs. When not in use, the inflatable neck support is deflated and stored in a number of convenient ways.

Abstract: A tote box style container (10) including a base (12) defining the bottom of the container (10), a pair of sidewalls (14) and a pair of end walls (16) extending upwardly from the base (12) to define an interior (18) of the container (10). A pair of lids (20) are hingedly connected to the upper portion of the sidewalls (14) of the container (10) along one edge of each lid (20) and moveable between a closed position barring access to the interior (18) of the container (10) and an open position where access to the interior (18) of the container (10) is not barred. At least one of the sidewalls (14) includes offset portions (22) extending along the vertical expanse of the interior of the sidewall (14) and in spaced parallel relation with respect to each other; At least one of the offset portions (22) terminates at its upper end so as to from a shelf (24) on the interior of the sidewall.

Abstract: A rehabilitation device for conditioning the lower extremity joints of a user includes a platform having an upper surface with spaced apart enhanced friction regions for stabilizing the users feet on a variety of side to side locations on the platform whereby tipping movements about a pivot plate connected to the platform will produce a closed chain kinetic exercising of such joints.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an automobile trim component includes the step of coextruding a plastic unfoamed material and foamed material into a multilayer parison, which is thereafter blow molded to a desired form. After the layers are cured, the article is removed from the blow mold and sectioned into multilayer skin halves, and one skin is placed in an injection mold. The core resin, either thermoplastic or thermoset in nature, is then injected into the injection mold and onto the skin, and then compresses the resin against the skin to produce a shell comprising a resin core layer, intermediate foam layer, and decorative outer layer.

Abstract: A sprue and valve assembly (22) delivers a curable liquid material to a mold cavity (26) and thereafter is easily cleaned of the cured residual core (52) remaining from the liquid material. A sprue (34) having a flow passage (36) extends between the exterior surface of a mold (24) and a runner (30) in the mold (24). A valve body (54) is connected to the exterior face of the sprue (34). A coin slide type closure element (56) within the valve body (54) is controlled by a lever mechanism to selectively open or close the flow passage (36) to the curable liquid material flow. The flow passage (36) is tapered to permit easy removal of the cured residual core (52). PTFE seals (74) are disposed on opposite sides of the closure element (56). A bayonet fitting permits quick connection and disconnection of a supply line (18) to the valve body (54).

Abstract: A process for producing a preform (44) includes pretreating roving by submerging it in a tank (18) and cooling the binder (20) on the glass fibers before the glass fibers are chopped. The fibers and solidified binder are then chopped and deposited onto a preform screen (32). Heat is applied to soften the binder that is on the chopped glass fibers and cooled to set the binder and form the preform on the screen.

Abstract: The reciprocating floor conveyor (10) includes a plurality of parallel guide tube assemblies (46) that are attached to cross beams (28). A single bearing (54) extends the full length of the guide tube assembly and is attached to each guide tube guide tube assembly (46). A floor slat (50) is supported by each bearing (54). A floor slat drive assembly (48) is attached to the floor slats (50) to reciprocate the floor slat (50) back and forth and to convey cargo supported by the floor slats (50). The bearings (54) have an upwardly facing bearing surface (60) and side walls (64 and 66) with floor slat retainer surfaces (80 and 82) that cooperate wit the floor slats (50) to restrain vertical movement of the floor slats relative to the bearing and which protect and shield the upwardly facing bearing surface (60) on the bearings and the bottom surface (98) on the floor slats from liquids and solid materials.

Abstract: A female condom has a pouch with an unlubricated surface without spermicides to prevent vaginal infection and a lubricating and retention member is provided having voids therein filled with a lubricant and spermicides to lubricate the interior of the pouch when the sponge member is inserted into the pouch; the retention member includes a tip for piloting the retention member into the interior of the pouch and the retention member further includes a recessed head portion that is compressible to permit insertion of the retention member into the pouch and that is expandable to force the outer surface of the pouch against the surface of the vagina for holding the pouch against withdrawal during coitus; the recess in the head portion is located in axial alignment with an erected penis to accommodate the penis during use.

Abstract: An electromagnetic relay having contacts formed as integral parts of the core and armature of the relay. The contacts are formed by electroplating or cladding ferromagnetic core and armature parts with low resistance material such as copper, silver, gold or platinum.