Abstract: An apparatus is provided for supporting the head, the neck and the upper body. The apparatus includes a first assembly for supporting an upper portion of the head. In one preferred example, the first support assembly includes a headband to be fitted around the head for reducing lateral-rotational movements due to bio-mechanical thrust. A second support assembly is provided for supporting a lower portion of the head. In a preferred example, the second support assembly includes a chin support which is structurally separate from the first support assembly. A third support assembly is provided for supporting a portion of the upper body. In a preferred example, the third support assembly includes a vest which substantially encompasses the upper body. An interconnecting arrangement is employed to adjustably and detachably connect the first support assembly and the second support assembly to portions of the third support assembly.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a molten metal-resisting ceramic fiber composition includes mixing ceramic fibers, a frit, ceramic additives, a low temperature binder, and water. The mixture is formed into a desired shape, preferably by being extruded through a die. The shaped mixture is baked at low temperature, and then is fired at high temperature. During firing, the low temperature binder is oxidized and the frit is melted so as to substantially coat the fibers and fuse them into a porous matrix.

Abstract: A lightweight power tool includes a housing having a handle and an implement projecting form the housing. A drive mechanism is included as part of the housing for moving the implement relative to the housing. A power source that includes an electric motor is disposed at a location removed from the housing. A flexible power transmission line connects the housing and the power source. The housing includes a transmitter for generating an on-off signal, which transmitter is activated by a manual switch included as part of the housing. The power source includes a receiver for receiving the on-off signal generated by the transmitter. Because the power source is not included as part of the housing, the housing is very lightweight and maneuverable. Accordingly, the power tool can be manipulated conveniently by handicapped persons, those having small hands, or those having less than average strength.

Abstract: A planar coil construction, especially adapted for use in a force-producing device such as a de-icer, includes first and second sheet-like members, each defined by a continuous electrical conductor having a plurality of turns and first and second ends. The first end of the first conductor defines an electrical input to the coil, while the second end of the second conductor defines an electrical output from the coil. The second end of the first conductor and the first end of the second conductor are electrically connected. The sheet-like members are superimposed such that current flow through adjacent turns of the conductors is in the same direction. Within each sheet-like member, adjacent conductors also have current flow in the same direction. The invention includes a technique for spacing the conductors by means of a dielectric layer, and a technique for encapsulating the sheet-like members.

Abstract: A planar coil construction, especially adapted for use in a force-producing device such as a de-icer, includes first and second sheet-like members, each defined by a continuous electrical conductor having a plurality of turns and first and second ends. The first end of the first conductor defines an electrical input to the coil, while the second end of the second conductor defines an electrical output from the coil. The second end of the first conductor and the first end of the second conductor are electrically connected. The sheet-like members are superimposed such that current flow through adjacent turns of the conductors is in the same direction. Within each sheet-like member, adjacent conductors also have current flow in the same direction. The invention includes a technique for spacing the conductors by means of a dielectric layer, and a technique for encapsulating the sheet-like members.

Abstract: Ash from a fluidized bed combustor in which limestone particles are suspended in the presence of carbonaceous fuel being burned is pelletized. Lime-containing bed ash ("FBCR") is produced in the combustor, and fly ash ("FBC fly ash") is generated as a by-product of the combustion process. FBCR and FBC fly ash generated during the combustion process are obtained. Water is added to the FBCR so as to convert a substantial portion of the lime to hydrated lime. Water is added to the FBC fly ash and pellets are formed from the FBC fly ash. The FBC fly ash pellets are coated with the hydrated FBCR. The coated FBC fly ash pellets are cured in a curing silo for a minimum of 6-10 hours, preferably by nesting them in a bed of hydrated FBCR. The cured pellets then are separated from the bed of hydrated FBCR. New pellets are formed by mixing the separated, hydrated FBCR with FBC fly ash and water.

Abstract: Isocyanate prepolymer compositions can be cured quickly and thoroughly in the presence of atmospheric moisture by reacting them with a curing system that includes a mixture of (1) an oxazolidine moisture scavenger and curing agent and (2) a hydroxyl curing agent. The oxazolidine moisture scavenger/curing agent can be monocyclic oxazolidine or bicyclic oxazolidine. The hydroxyl curing agent preferably is a polyhydric compound. If desired, an organic solvent, a catalyst, and/or fillers can be used with the invention in order to speed the curing reaction or improve the physical and mechanical properties of the final polymer product. The present invention enables high quality polyurethane/polyurea polymers to be formed in thick layers under various environmental conditions, including humidity, that render the invention suitable for use in the field.

Abstract: A current monitor includes a DC isolating amplifier circuit especially adapted for adjusting the set point of a comparator. The isolating amplifier circuit includes an operational amplifier generating a first current in response to an input voltage received by the operational amplifier. The first current is transmitted to a first optocoupler and a second optocoupler which are characterized by a first CTR and a second CTR, respectively. An output of the first optocoupler is fed back to an input of the operational amplifier while an output voltage of the second optocoupler is communicated to a set point circuit. The output voltage of the second optocoupler varies as a function of the product of the input voltage of the operational amplifier and a ratio between the first CTR and the second CTR.

Abstract: A disposable surgical instrument holder for holding a number of surgical instruments, tubes and wires includes a narrow, elongate base member that can be attached adhesively to a patient's body or drape. A plurality of flaps are releasably attached to the base member by way of hinges and hook and loop fasteners. Each flap can be pulled back from the base member and then can be resecured once an instrument has been inserted between the flap and the base member. The holder can be provided with a sheet of abrasive material in order to permit surgical instruments to be cleaned during the course of an operation. The holders can be stored within sterile packages for use whenever convenient to the surgeon.

Abstract: A knock-down chair adapted to be set on a floor is provided. The knock-down chair includes a plurality of upright members and a seat member having a peripheral edge. The seat member defines a plurality of slots for receiving portions of the upright support members, which slots are preferably disposed proximate to the peripheral edge of the seat member. Ledges are configured on each of the upright support members for supporting the seat member and for spacing a seat member from the floor. Upon positioning the upright support members in a predetermined position and bringing the seat member into contact with the ledges by sliding portions of the upright support members through the slots of the seat member, the seat member is selectively maintained in a substantially horizontal position thereby allowing a person to comfortably and securely be supported by the seat member when sitting in the chair.

Abstract: The present invention is an eating utensil for the physically disabled. The invention comprises a handle, a shaft and an eating utensil head. The handle functions as both a grasping means and a base means. The handle comprises a vertical cylinder for grasping and a flat bottom surface adapted to rest upon a flat surface such as a table. This flat bottom surface enables the eating utensil to remain upright on the table so that the eating utensil may be easily grasped and picked up. In addition, the utensil head may be modified to increase the surface area available for the food and to increase stability of the food on the eating utensil. The new and improved eating utensil is capable of being used with individuals with a variety of disabilities, particularly those individuals with limited wrist movement.

Abstract: An adjustable chair includes a base having a pair of spaced, parallel, forwardly extending frame members and a vertically extending frame connected to, and projecting upwardly from, the base, the vertically extending frame having a pair of spaced, generally parallel uprights. The chair includes a seat, leg rest and knee rest that are connected to the base, and which are both vertically and pivotally adjustably connected to the base. The chair includes lower, middle and upper back rests, as well as a head rest that is disposed above the upper back rest. The back rests and the head rest are mounted for pivotal movement about laterally extending axes. The chair also includes a pair of vertically adjustable arm rests. The vertically extending frame is mounted for pivotal movement about a laterally extending horizontal axis located near the rear edge of the seat. The present invention enables the support portions of the chair to be adjusted to accommodate a person of any size or shape.

Abstract: Synthetic rutile is prepared from titaniferous slags containing alkaline-earth metal impurities, such as magnesium oxide, by a method comprising contacting the slag with chlorine at a temperature of at least about 800.degree. C., and then leaching the chlorine-treated slag with hydrochloric acid at a temperature of at least about 140.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention is an eating utensil for the physically disabled. The invention comprises a base, a handle, projecting from the base, a shaft and utensil head. The handle is irregularly shaped, comprising a curved front surface, a first side surface, a second side surface, and a curved back surface; and a flat back surface which extends from the curved back surface. The base has flat bottom surface of the base enables the eating utensil to remain upright on the table so that the eating utensil may be easily grasped and picked up. In addition, the utensil head may be modified to increase the surface area available for the food and to increase stability of the food on the eating utensil. The new and improved eating utensil is capable of being used with individuals with a variety of disabilities, particularly those individuals with limited wrist movement.

Abstract: The present invention is an eating utensil set for the physically disabled. The invention comprises a handle, a shaft and an eating utensil head. The handle is in the shape of a multi-sided geometric solid five surfaces: a flat bottom surface adapted to rest upon a horizontal surface such as an eating table, a back surface; a first side surface; a second side surface; and a front surface, preferably curved. The upper portion of the back surface serves as the point of attachment for the shaft. The shaft terminates in the eating utensil head. In addition, the utensil head may be modified to increase the surface area available for the food and to increase the stability of the food on the eating utensil. The new and improved eating utensil is capable of being used by individuals having a variety of disabilities, particularly those individuals with limited wrist movement.

Abstract: Apparatus for making ceramic tubes from a mixture that includes ceramic powder. The mixture is extruded through a die to form a tube. The tube is passed through an open-ended dryer, calciner, transition zone, sintering furnace, and cooler. Thereafter, the tube is cut to the desired length (which may be very long). The quality of the tube is enhanced by applying a vacuum to the mixture prior to extrusion. For tubes made of non-oxide ceramics, an inert atmosphere is maintained both inside and outside the tube in all sections of the equipment that operate above 200.degree. C. A controlled tension is applied to the tube by means of first pinch rolls disposed downstream of the dryer and second pinch rolls disposed downstream of the cooler.

Abstract: The filtration of molten ferrous metal is accomplished by providing a porous ceramic filter preferably comprising particles of alumina and partially stabilized zirconia that are spaced by interconnected cells to form circuitous and tortuous pathways throughout the ceramic body. The filter is a disc-like structure that can have different surface configurations such as corrugations or a waffle design. The filter can be flat-surfaced with an array of cylindrical openings or counterboard openings extending completely through the filter, or with openings extending partially into the filter from the upper and lower sides of the filter. Several relatively thin filters can be arranged in tandem, if desired.

Abstract: A heavy duty punch for piercing armor plate and the like has a shank by which the punch may be held when in use and a piercing end projecting axially from the shank. The piercing end terminates in a sharp-edged tip. The tip is connected to the shank by a reduced-diameter portion defined by a curved sidewall extending axially from the tip toward the shank and a straight-sided sidewall extending axially from the curved sidewall toward the shank. The straight-sided sidewall is spaced from the tip a distance slightly greater than the thickness of the workpiece being punched; the diameter of the straight-sided sidewall is slightly less than the diameter of the tip.

Abstract: A cardiovascular retractor is provided which is adapted to be mounted on a thoracic retractor. The cardiovascular retractor includes a clamp support which is mounted along an axis of a thoracic retractor and a retractor blade clamp adjustably secured to a rod of the clamp support. The clamp has a blade grip which grasps a retractor blade. The clamp also includes locking means. When the clamp locking means is not locked, the clamp is adjustable along the clamp support rod, the grip is rotatable in the clamp, the retractor blade is axially adjustably in the clamp, and the retractor blade is rotatable in the clamp. However, when the clamp locking means are locked the clamp locking means securely fix the retractor blade relative to the clamp support so that the retractor blade resists movement and will counteract the tension applied as the cardiovascular retractor is used.