Abstract: A seam construction for a papermakers fabric in which mating seam components are molded onto opposite ends of the fabric. The seam is assembled by matingly engaging the seam components molded onto the respective fabric end to define a seam having a caliper substantially equal to the caliper of the fabric. Preferably, the seam components are male and female and become positively locked when the seam ends are joined together.

Abstract: An endless papermakers belt which is formed from a length of woven fabrics having its ends joined together to form the endless belt. The fabric has joining loops at each end of the fabric which are formed entirely from and are a linear continuation of the original woven fabric.

Abstract: A papermakers fabric and method of designing and manufacturing same which exhibits high tolerance to temperature and/or moisture variation and as a result, retains dimensional stability avoiding these problems. A specific fabric construction is selected having a defined machine direction (MD) and cross machine direction (CMD) yarn components. A mathematical model of the selected fabric structure is then defined in terms of the dimensions of the yarn components in relationship to the machine direction length of the fabric. The percent change in fabric length is then determined as a function of both the dimensions and the expansion characteristics of the MD and CMD yarns. The fabric is then designed to have calculated expansion characteristics within selected tolerances.

Abstract: A dynamic infrared simulation cell comprising a photoconductive layer, a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer, and an external energy source. The first conductive layer is affixed about one side of the photoconductive layer and is transmissive with respect to radiation of known energy. The second conductive layer is affixed about the other side of the photoconductive layer. The external energy source connects to the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer. The photoconductive layer is a plurality of segments of photoconductive silicon material. A dielectric material fills the areas between the segments of photoconductive material. The first conductive layer is a transparent layer of gold material. The second conductive layer is a layer of aluminum material. An enclosure is available for maintaining the cell in a darkened environment.

Abstract: A foot splint to be worn following surgery on the metatarsophalangeal area of the foot includes the sole having an upper foot supporting surface and a lower ground-engaging surface, and a leather upper which surrounds and embraces the foot and secures the sole in place. The foot supporting surface of the sole includes a recess or depression underlying a selected one of the metatarsal joints of the foot for floating the selected metatarsophalangeal joint or area. Other areas of the sole are formed with convex portions to place more pressure on the portions of the foot they support, thereby relieving pressure from the area where the surgery took place. In a preferred embodiment the ground-engaging surface of the sole includes an upwardly inclined area substantially underlying the ball and anterior portion of the foot and a substantially flat walking surface underneath the arch and posterior portion of the foot.

Abstract: An X-ray plate readout device comprising a generally light-tight housing, a holder for the X-ray plate within the housing, a light source located within the housing, scanning electronics for creating a generally raster pattern of light to the X-ray plate, and a display. The light source may be either a one- or two-dimensional cathode ray tube or light-emitting diode arrangement. Imaging optics are interposed between the light source and the X-ray plate. A plano-cylindrical fiberoptics plate is arranged in close proximity to the photoconductive layer of the X-ray plate. An amplifier is electrically connected between the layers of the X-ray plate. A video monitor is electrically connected to the output of the amplifier.