Abstract: A novel self-brazing aluminum laminated structure is described, as well as a method of making the laminated structure and a brazed product produced therefrom. The laminated structure consists of a thin layer of a powder mixture consisting of eutectic-forming metal powder and a flux powder sandwiched between an aluminum alloy sheet and an aluminum foil. The laminate is fabricated by roll bonding to provide adequate adhesion of the foil to the underlying sheet through and around the powder layer. This can be done by arranging the powder layer into clusters of powder with spaces therebetween so that roll bonding between the foil and the aluminum alloy substrate takes place by way of direct metal contact between the clusters. These clusters may be created by the method of applying the powder, e.g. silk screen, or by providing depressions in the surface of the substrate by a process of roughening or of embossing within which clusters of the powder are located.

Abstract: An apodized acousto-optic polarization converter in which two acoustic waveguides are (14, 20) are formed in a substrate and are separated by a small gap (18) such that the two acoustic waveguides act as a directional coupler in which acoustic power is transferred back and forth. An interdigitated transducer (12) launches a surface acoustic wave in the first acoustic waveguide, and an optical waveguide is formed in the middle of the second waveguide. An acoustic absorber (26) is formed over both acoustic waveguides at a distance from the transducer such that the acoustic wave is transferred from the first to the second waveguide and back again. Thereby, the optical signal in the optical waveguide is exposed to an acoustic power density that slowly increases to a maximum and then decreases with the result that the side lobes of the frequency spectrum for the converted signal are greatly reduced.

Abstract: Apparatus, having an outlet port insertable within a user's mouth, has housed therein an automatically actuated commercially available and replaceable inhaler for discharging a medicated vapor through the outlet port into the user's mouth upon inhalation. The apparatus includes a housing having ribs for slidably supporting the inhaler, which inhaler is a cylindrical aerosol can containing medication under pressure. The housing is detachably attached to the apparatus to permit replacement of the inhaler and for cleaning purposes. A conduit extends from the housing for insertion into a user's mouth. On inhalation by a user, the apparatus will be actuated to slidably reposition the inhaler and effect discharge of a spray of medication through the conduit into the user's oral cavity and lungs.

Abstract: Apparatus, having an outlet port insertable within a user's mouth, has housed therein an automatically actuated commercially available and replaceable inhaler for discharging a medicated vapor through the outlet port into the user's mouth upon inhalation. A pivotable spring loaded plate within the apparatus bears upon the inhaler to actuate the inhaler upon operation of a trigger mechanism. The trigger mechanism includes a valve operable in response to a slight vacuum developed within the apparatus upon inhalation by a user. Operation of the valve anularly displaces a sear to release a cam associated with a pivot mechanism of the spring loaded plate. The released cam permits rotation of the spring loaded plate to effect discharge from the inhaler into the user's mouth. A manually operated rocker arm recocks the spring loaded plate and rotates the cam into engagement with the sear to retain the spring loaded plate in the cocked state.

Abstract: An injection valve for injecting chemicals into a well which is actuated by a piston having an upwardly and a downwardly directed metal cup seal with a resilient seal therebetween and a gas pressure charge above the piston acting to close the injection valve. Oil may be provided in the body between the gas charge and the piston for acting as a barrier. The gas charge may be placed in a closed gas container having a rupturable portion with a piercing means for opening the container. The container may include oil.

Abstract: Novel, unitary, full complement bearing components are described which comprise a plurality of rolling elements embedded in a solid, self-supporting lubricating matrix with at least one arcuate operative surface of each rolling element exposed for rolling contact with another bearing component, the rolling elememts being in side-by-side contact or only slightly spaced from each other, and the matrix being composed of a gel obtained by thermally curing a mixture of lubricating oil and a high molecular weight polymer, and being capable of exuding lubricating oil under sliding friction in operation after insertion of the bearing component into a bearing structure in a single assembly operation. Full complement as used herein means a cageless rolling element bearing with a maximum number of rolling elements wherein no additional rolling elements can be added to the complement of rolling elements and wherein the rolling elements are in side-by-side relation.

Abstract: A dual tapered dovetail shaped mortise is formed within a joist to receive a dual tapered dovetail shaped tenon extending from a beam. Laterally oriented cavities are disposed within opposite faces of the mortise to receive correspondingly configured ridges formed integral with the mating tenon. The resulting frictional interlock between the mortise and the tenon created by two forces acting in opposition to one another rigidly secures the beam to the joist without play therebetween. The ridges, mating with the corresponding cavities, affords use of the resulting joint in any plane from horizontal to vertical without danger of separation.