Abstract: An exercise machine mounted above one end of a bed, occupied by a bedridden patient or other supine user, has one or more double-ended ropes, each rope having a handle or a stirrup on each of its ends and a central loop tractively encircling a torque drum. Each torque drum is mounted for rotation against adjustably variable braking torque, which may be canceled in one direction of angular rotation by a one-way clutch. The handles and stirrups have adjustable rope engaging features, achieving infinitely variable rope lengths. Pulleys guide the ropes for substantially horizontal pulling reciprocation by the supine user, whose position may be braced or stabilized by torso-positioning rigid arms, such as adjustable telescoping spacer tubes, extending from the exercise machine to the user.

Abstract: An exercise machine mounted above one end of a bed, occupied by a bedridden patient or other supine user, has one or more double-ended ropes, each rope having a handle or a stirrup on each of its ends and a central loop tractively encircling a torque drum. Each torque drum is mounted for rotation against adjustably variable braking torque, which may be canceled in one direction of angular rotation by a one-way clutch. The handles and stirrups have adjustable rope engaging features, achieving infinitely variable rope lengths. Pulleys guide the ropes for substantially horizontal pulling reciprocation by the supine user, whose position may be braced or stabilized by torso-positioning rigid arms, such as adjustable telescoping spacer tubes, extending from the exercise machine to the user.

Abstract: A miniature potentiometer suitable for mechanical adjustment of microwave circuits is provided. Furthermore, there is provided a dual, ganged potentiometer also suitable for mechanical adjustment of microwave circuits. The dual, ganged potentiometer provides reliable tracking of tapers between the two variable resistance elements. Yet further, there is provided a complete, microwave, T-pad attenuator circuit which is mechanically adjustable. The T-pad attenuator uses two ganged potentiometers, whose tapers track in a known non-linear fashion. The tapers may be logarithmic.

Abstract: A universal heating system for footwear including shoes and boots in which an insole is provided with a heater element having leads extending therefrom to either the tongue area or a side area opposed to the arch of the shoe. A power source in the form of a battery pack is adapted to be mounted either in the tongue area or the side area by means of an enclasping means affixed externally of the battery pack.

Abstract: This invention describes a universal mounting bracket to mount a battery pack for electrical boot warmers. The mounting bracket is secured by a combination strap and clamp in such a way as to prevent the battery pack from being accidentally dislodged by pulling, pushing, lifting, rotating, or from vigorous activity while wearing the boot. Previous devices did not provide a secure mount to a boot and were easily dislodged.

Abstract: A battery pack for footwear heaters is shown employing spring like electrical contact elements wherein one element is brought into and out of contact with a fixed electrical contact by means of a sliding cam switch or a rotary cam switch, with means for inhibiting water penetration. The battery pack is provided with a trimmable skirt for conforming its contour to the mounting surface on footwear.

Abstract: A flexible conductor connector in the form of a flat metal foil laminated with alternate layers of adhesive and plastic, having a metal spade plug connector attached to its end. The metal foil may be exposed and bonded to the metal connector by means of a conductive adhesive. The spade connector may be provided with a pair of wrap-around arms having teeth at their ends and the conductor has a portion of one side of its laminate removed down to the bare metal foil. The arms are crimped around the laminated foil and the teeth engaged into a plastic layer but not penetrating to the foil. Further piercing teeth may be provided on a second set of arms to extend through the entire laminate and mechanically affix the conductor lead end to the connector.

Abstract: A ski boot heater includes a bracket adapted to be secured to the outside of a ski boot. A housing containing electrical batteries is detachably secured in watertight engagement to the bracket. The housing is shaped to carry at least one battery and electrical contacts for selectively electrically inter-engaging contacts in the bracket. A spring means normally maintains the housing and bracket in a watertight relation.

Abstract: A tunable inductor formed with a hard plastic tubular member having a low coefficient of friction. A length of wire is conventionally coiled about the outer surface of the tube or tubular member. A threaded tuning element is positioned in the tubular member. Holes formed in the wall of the tubular member each define a permanently deformed segment of the wall, with the segments projecting inwardly a distance sufficient to engage the threads of the tuning element. The thread engaging segments function as threads to engage and secure the tuning element. The holes in the wall of the tubular member are preferably filled with an epoxy plastic or the like. In a modification the tubular member is formed with deforming holes and preferably filled with cement to function as a strip proof or strip resistant nut.