Abstract: An improved device for cutting a single or multiple-layer continuous web is equipped with a closed-loop, fan-driven air system to "push" air onto the leading edge of the continuous web and "pull" air from about the knife edges to capture the waste material produced by the removal of blank portions. Chambers in the knife roll assembly direct positive air pressure continually to the leading edge for reliably guiding the web into subsequent machinery. Additional chambers direct suction to the waste material at the cutting operation to restrain the waste material within the knife roll assembly for most of the rotation of the knife assembly and to transport waste material to a disposal system including a cowl, which is maintained at a substantially greater suction.

Abstract: A control circuit (10) for an extrusion die (13) is operatively arranged to supply a command signal (e.sub.c) to an actuator (24,25) for controlling the movement of a mandrel (11) relative to a die head (12) as plasticized material is extruded through an orifice (14) to form a parison (15). The controller includes a memory (28) for receiving and storing a plurality of initial set points supplied from a keypad (29). A recalculation circuit (42) is operatively arranged to recalculate the magnitude of each set point according to the equation S.sub.n(r) =(S.sub.n(i) -G.sub.1)B+G.sub.2, where S.sub.n(r) is the recalculated value a particular set point, G.sub.1 is a first reference die gap, G.sub.2 is a second reference die gap, B is a scaling factor, and S.sub.n(i) is the corresponding initial set point stored in memory. The recalculation circuit is operatively arranged to supply each recalculated set point to the memory to replace the initial set point stored therein.

Abstract: A spray combining apparatus for use at the outlet of a fluid collection system (10) includes an outlet pipe (11) containing a diffuser and atomizer (15) adjacent an outlet opening (18). A conical rain cap (19) is mounted vertically above the outlet opening. A downwardly-facing nipple and spray nozzle (22) is positioned above the rain cap. The nozzle is supplied with a pressurized second fluid from a source (26). If first fluid is detected in the outlet, the second fluid is discharged through the spray nozzle in a selected enveloping pattern toward the outlet. As the atomized first fluid is emitted from the outlet opening, it is combined with the enveloping spray of the second fluid. The resulting neutralized or "washed" product is either suspended in the air, or is contained in the vicinity of the outlet.

Abstract: An inflatable balloon-type catheter (20) for use in performing an embolectomy, includes an elongated catheter (21) having a distal end (22) adapted to be inserted through an incision into a patient's blood vessel (V). A plurality of fingers (24) having first ends (25) are mounted on the distal marginal end portion of the catheter in circumferentially-spaced relation to one another. Each of the fingers has a second end (26) arranged farther from the catheter distal end than the finger first ends. Each of the fingers is configured as a leaf-spring and has an unbiased radius of curvature such that the finger second ends are normally spaced farther radially outwardly than the finger first ends. A balloon (28) surrounds the fingers and is operatively secured to the catheter so that the fingers are arranged with an inflatable chamber (29) defined between the catheter and the balloon.

Abstract: An adjustable converging-diverging nozzle (10) includes a body (11) having a flow passageway (14) therethrough. The passageway is configured to define an entrance section (18), a narrowed throat section (19), and an exit section (20). Two opposing vane members (12,13) are pivotally mounted on the body. Each vane member has a first surface (33,33') facing into the passageway to form a movable wall portion of the throat section. Each first surface is eccentric to the pivotal axis (38,38') of the associated vane member. A pair of actuators (42,43) are mounted on the body for selectively varying the angular positions of the associated vane members. The vane members may be moved to a closed position to reduce the orifice area of the throat section to zero, or may be moved to other angular positions to vary the magnitude and/or direction of the thrust vector of hot gas discharged through the nozzle. The invention also provides an improved method of operating the nozzle by selectively moving the vane member(s).

Abstract: The present invention 10 comprises a hollow main canister 11 having a series of anodes 25 and cathodes 29 interposed therein for the electrolysis of an electrolytic fluid F, such as potassium hydroxide. The electrolytic reaction is powered through the use of a current source 36 which positively charge the anodes immersed in the electrolytic fluid F. The produced ionized oxygen and hydrogen from the electrolytic reaction is directed through the canister through the combustion situs 45 of an internal combustion fuel/air mixture system through the use of a delivery tube 22. A flash arrestor 44 is used to ensure no flame or backfire migrates through the system and the level of fluid is optically monitored through the use of a liquid level sensor 46. The oxygen and hydrogen interposed within the combustion situs enhances combustion and the cleanliness of the same thereby producing a cleaner and more efficient burn of the hydrocarbon fuel.

Abstract: Sheet cutting apparatus for severing a rapidly-moving web, such as printed paper, into cut sheets in two stages. In the first stage, spaced cuts are made along a transverse cutting line of the web. The web is trained between belts which support the cut portions of the web, and the uncut portions of the web are severed to separate sheets. The sheets are conveyed out of the cutting station and into further apparatus. Preferably, the belts for supporting the web during the second cutting operation are trained around the knife and anvil rolls which make the cuts. The purpose of the belts is to prevent the leading edge of the web or a cut sheet from being projected forward of its support, thus tending to become dog-eared or misfed. The cuts made at the first and second cutting stations can be arranged in various patterns to remedy mis-timing of the respective cutting stations.

Abstract: An improved locomotive crane boom generally indicated at 10 has of a first member 11, second member 12, and third member 13 each pivotally connected at various pivot points to one another and to locomotive crane 14. A series of pistons and cylinders, 19, 20 and 21, powered by hydraulic pump 23 and fluid source 34, may be selectively extracted or retracted thereby permitting the improved boom to be positioned at any point along the length of a typical gondola car 17 to be unloaded. In operation, locomotive crane 14 with the included improved boom 10 does not need to be uncoupled from gondola car 17 for unloading since the improved boom may be articulated such that unloading magnet 24 or any other appended appliance may be positioned across the entire length of car 17 through the selected extraction and retraction of the pistons and cylinders and pivoting of the boom members 11, 12 and 13.

Abstract: An improved valvulectome (10) is adapted for use in selectively excising the leaflets of a venous valve. The apparatus includes an elongated probe (11) having one tip end portion (12) adapted to be inserted generally longitudinally into a vein. An actuating rod (55) may be moved relative to the probe to selectively move a pair of blade members (45,46) between their respective fully-retracted positions, at which the blade cutting edges (51,51') will be concealed within the transverse profile or outline of the probe, and their outwardly-extending ready-to-cut positions. The probe has a lumen (38) for sensing the fluid pressure proximate the probe tip. The probe also has a piezoelectric sensor (29) for sensing and measuring the velocity of blood proximate the probe tip. In use, the probe is inserted into a vein, and pushed through a valve with the blades retracted. The blades are then extended radially, and the probe is pulled rearwardly to excise portions of the valve leaflets.

Abstract: A vibration isolator is operatively associated with a suspension having a spring (21) and a fluid damper (22) arranged in parallel with one another between two masses (23, 24) which are arranged to move relatively toward and away from one another. A restricted orifice (33) communicates the opposed damper chambers (30, 31). The vibration isolator includes a fluid pump (46) and an actuator (48) for operating the pump. The pump has a first chamber (51) communicating with the damper first chamber (30), and has a second chamber (52) communicating with the damper second chamber (31). The pump is selectively operated so as to create a pressure differential across the orifice to oppose and substantially cancel the dynamic force transmitted through the spring and damper and attributable to high-frequency relative vibration between the masses, while permitting the damper to damp low-frequency relative velocity between the masses.

Abstract: Two types of optical liquid level sensor are disclosed. In the first refractive-type (20,65), light is selectively refracted by the particular fluid(s) in a plug recess between primary and secondary detectors (D.sub.1,D.sub.2). The output signal from either detector indicates whether the sensor is above or below the liquid level. The signals of the respective detectors are cross-compared and used to corroborate one another. In the second absorptive-type (100), light at a particular wavelength is passed through a body chamber (86'), which is exposed to the liquid whose level is to be sensed. Such light is selectively absorbed by the liquid. A detector (D) is arranged to measure the intensity of such light as has passed through the chamber, and to indicate the level of liquid in said chamber.

Abstract: A device for abrading road markings along a road surface and for collecting the particulate therefrom. The device includes a frame 11 to which is appended a series of independently controllable abrading devices 18A-D capable of independent actuation by an operator in an enclosed selectively positionable cab 15. The abraders are adapted to rotate along the road surface to be abraded and effectively grind the present road markings into particulate. Thereafter, the collection system consisting of a collection tube 20, bag house 21 and disposal hopper 24 creates a suction force through the system through the use of suction fan 22. Accordingly, the abrading particulate is drawn through the collection system into the bag house where it is filtered by internal suspended filters 27 and is ultimately discharged through the use of an appended conveyor 25 into hopper container portion 77.

Abstract: A portable seat assembly (10) includes a seat member (16) and a back member (18). The seat member has a forward hook portion (36), and the back member has a rearward hook portion (70). The rearward hook portion includes two spaced L-shaped arms (71,71), connected by a cross-bar (74) which functions as a carrying handle. The back member may be folded to lie adjacent the seat member for ease in carrying, or may be moved to an upright position at which a plank-like support (11) will be captured between the forward and rearward hook portions. In its operative position, the back member provides support for a person sitting thereon.

Abstract: An articulatable stapler (20) is arranged in the form of an elongated catheter having a plurality of segments (25,26,28) mounted on one end of a catheter main body (24). A stylet (64) is slidably received within the catheter main body and two intermediate segments, and may be selectively moved to articulate the segments such that the most-distal segment is either aligned with, or arranged at a substantial angle with respect to, the catheter main body portion. The most-distal segment (28) carries stapling means (30) by which the improved catheter may cause a staple to be inserted through a graft (89) into the wall of the blood vessel. The improved device also has means for selectively bending a staple (75) so as to prevent unintended separation therefrom.

Abstract: A silver alloy composition exhibiting the desirable properties of reduced fire scale, reduced porosity, reduced grain size and reduced oxide formation when heated, consists essentially of the following parts by weight: about 89-93.5% silver, about 0.02-2% silicon, about 0.001-2% boron, about 0.5-5% zinc, about 0.5-6% copper, about 0.25-6% tin, and about 0.01-1.25% indium. A master alloy composition adapted to be alloyed with silver, consisting essentially of the following parts by weight: about 5-35% zinc, about 5-80% tin, about 5-35% copper, about 0.05-14% silicon, about 0.01-1.25% indium, and about 0.05-17% boron.

Abstract: An improved portal-caval shunt (20) includes a male section (25) and a female section (26). A cutter (52) is first inserted through a patient's vena cava and is used to punch or cut an opening between proximate portions of the vena cava and portal vein. The female section (26) is then inserted through the opening. Once so inserted, spokes (36') on the female section move to their outward positions. The male section (25) is then inserted through the vena cava, is aligned with, and is joined to the female section, with its spokes (36) being aligned with the female section spokes (36'). The improved shunt is particularly useful in relieving a portal hypertension condition.

Abstract: A railroad tie replacing device (10) including a support frame (11) on rollers (22) for movement over a series of parallel railroad tracks (28) supported by railroad ties (29). A main piston or cylinder (15) is positioned such that the stroke of the piston rod is horizontally toward and away from the rails. A gripping mechanism (23) is arranged on the main cylinder rod and is capable of gripping a railroad support to be replaced. The main cylinder and an attached spacer (24) for securing the invention to the rail during operation are lowered over the rail by a lift cylinder (18). Upon operation, the grippers are closed over a tie to be removed and the main cylinder is activated. The outward stroke of the main cylinder piston rod with appended gripper mechanisms pulls the tie from beneath the rails.

Abstract: A side lock (20) for a roll-up door (21) mounted on a body includes a keeper (27) mounted on a jamb (23) adjacent an access opening (22). A hook member (28) is pivotally mounted on a panel (25) and is arranged to selectively engage a catch (59) mounted on the keeper. The hook member has an upper cam surface (76) and a concave surface (78). The hook member also has a lower cam surface (75) which is adapted to selectively engage the catch when the door is lowered to selectively displace the hook member against the opposing bias of a spring (91) to permit the tip (66) of the hook member to pass beneath the catch. The improved side lock is self-tightening.

Abstract: A device (10) for transferring an invalid includes a beam (11) comprised of two telescopically received tubes (12,13); a track (14), slidably engaged within said beam capable of supporting a rolling trolley (15) and connected winch (16) for providing a vertical lifting force. A seat (18) is appended to winch (16) by a winch yoke (19). The device is secured transversely to the roof surface of an automobile by clamps (21,22) mounted to the beam and track. The invalid is positioned within the seat and lifted vertically by the winch and is then slided into or out of the automobile as desired.

Abstract: An optical liquid level sensor has an optically-transmissive body (28) provided with a frusto-conical tip end portion (32). When the tip end portion is exposed to air, the angle of incidence (.theta..sub.i) of light at each of three points of reflection (b,c,d) is less than the critical angle (.theta..sub.c) such that substantially all light transmitted through the body will be reflected internally. However, when the tip end portion is exposed to a liquid, light is refracted, and the intensity of the reflected light is reduced. The intensity of the reflected light is used to indicate whether the sensor is above or below the surface of the liquid.