Abstract: The needle bar (1) engaged in a pivoting cradle (2) is integral with a journal (3) connected by a connecting member (8) to a link (4) driven from the drive shaft (12) of the machine. In order to permit the head (23) of a loop holding member (25), mounted in the pedestal of the sewing machine, to engage in a loop (29) of the needle thread (27) during the ascending course of the needle (22), whatever may be its decentration, the connecting member (8) is formed by a bent extension of the crank pin of the link (4) engaged in a bore (7) of the journal (3).

Abstract: A relatively small water craft having a center of gravity and which when in the water, has a draft line. The craft comprises a hull having a fore portion and an aft portion, the fore portion including an engine compartment and two sides and the aft portion including an operator's platform. One of the two sides has motion-resistance means thereon in the area of the draft line when an operator is absent from the platform. The motion resistance means on the one side produces unbalanced resistances on the two sides, causing the boat to circle when running without an operator.

Abstract: A compact portable folding boat comprising a mid section with a wheel coupled to the front of the mid section. The boat has sections hinged to each side of the mid section which fold up over the mid section for storage. The boat can be rolled on the wheel in a folded position, then opened to a fully operative position and a motor may be clamped onto the transom of the mid section. The interior of each section may be used to store various components of a boat and a collapsible chair may also be provided.

Abstract: A composite structure of lightweight is used as a tensioned tether element for mooring of offshore facilities. The composite structure comprises bonded inner and outer tubular members having an annular space therebetween. Aramid or other fibrous, high strength material is bonded to the inner surface of the outer tubular member to provide additional tensile strength thereto. The remainder of the annulus between the inner and outer tubing may be filled with a foam material such as polyurethane foam. The composite structure can be made so as to be of neutral, positive or negative buoyancy. The composite allows greater tensile loadings than steel materials by themselves at greatly reduced weight.

Abstract: This invention relates to a modular float, which is in the form of an integral, closed shell, hollow float that is light weight portable and easy to use. It is intended to support marine devices such as docks, rafts and the like. The modular float has two side walls, two end walls extending between the side walls, and a generally rounded lower portion and generally rectangular upper portion, both when viewed from one side. The upper portion has a number of intersecting grooves, which are designed to carry standard sized support members, which in turn carry a deck. The grooves have resilient ridges for releasably engaging the support members.

Abstract: A cover for covering an opening such as a cockpit, hatch and the like in a watercraft includes an inflatable chamber. When the cover is in place and the chamber inflated, the upper surface is convex in shape. This causes water and debris to run off the cover and prevents the pooling of water in the cover. The cover is of a flexible sheet material. When the chamber is deflated and the cover unfastened from the opening, it is as easily stored as are conventional covers.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an amorphous metal sheet or ribbon which comprises extruding a molten metal from an orifice of a nozzle and directing the extruded molten metal onto a moving chill surface to rapidly cool and solidify the metal thereby forming said sheet or ribbon; said orifice being a rectangular slit defined by side walls and a front lip and a back lip arranged in front and behind the slit in the direction of movement of the chill surface below said nozzle; said chill surface moving a speed of 10 m/sec to 50 m/sec and being spaced from the front lip by a gap length of from 100 .mu.m to 600 .mu.m and the width W.sub.F of the front lip measured in the direction of movement of the chill surface being represented by the relationship W.sub.F .ltoreq.W, wherein W represent the width the slot in the nozzle.

Abstract: Apparatus removably mountable between the gunwales of a canoe and supporting a pad containing frame assembly therebetween. The frame assembly serving as an extra seat in a first position and as a carrying yoke in a second inverted position. In its various embodiments, the frame assembly mounts to the canoe gunwales in removable locking relation to permit reversal of the frame assembly between its seat and carrying positions. In the various embodiments, the locking mechanism comprises: spring loaded, notched, tubular clamps; channeled nylon blocks; pivoting cantilevered arms; and mating keyways, lockbolts and lockpins.

Abstract: A pen-like tire gauge includes a barrel body shaped as a pen, a guide cylinder secured in the barrel body, a plunger slidingly moving in the cylinder and carrying a semi-cylindrical scale having graduations marked thereon to dispose around the guide cylinder and resiliently tensioned by a restoring spring inserted in a bore of the barrel body, and an air adapter adapted to connect a tire inflating valve for measuring air pressure in the tire when the air is directed into the cylinder to force the plunger and to move the scale for its pressure reading and measurement through a transparent window formed on the body.

Abstract: A support (2) which serves for fastening a pointer (1) on a pointer shaft has, towards the top, a holding part (12) which is developed as an expansion rivet. The pointer (1) has a central passage (13) through which the holding part (12) engages. A cap (3) is provided with an expansion pin (14) which is adapted to be pushed from above into the holding part (12) when the cap (3) is mounted. In this way, the expansion rivet is expanded and the pointer (1) is thereby attached firmly to the support (2). A projection (16) on the holding part (12) which engages into a recess (17) in the pointer (1) determines the exact angular position of the pointer (1) with respect to the holding part (12).

Abstract: An automatic spray coating apparatus for vehicle bodies comprises first and second cocating stations, said first coating station being provided with a coating robot for coating a front door on one of the sides and the vicinity thereof and a coating robot for coating a rear door on the other side and the vicinity thereof, said second coating station being provided with two coating robots for respectively coating the other doors and the vicinity thereof, and at least one coating robot which coats the insides of an engine compartment and trunk, while the vehicle body is standing still at least one of the first or second coating stations. According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the time required for coating vehicle bodies with a smaller number of coating stations and to efficiently coat vehicle bodies without interference between coating robots.

Abstract: A solution for crystal growth reserved in an upper chamber is taken from an opening formed in a slider mounted between the upper chamber and a middle chamber, and flown to the middle chamber containing a substrate, solid bodies in the solution being removed by two grids attached to a hole provided on the side of the middle chamber.

Abstract: An improved chemical vapor reaction system is described. The system is characterized by its light source which radiates ultraviolet light to a substrate to be processed. Before the light source, an obturating plate is placed so that the intensity of the light source is apparently reduced at the center position. With this light, the substrate is irradiated with light having uniform intensity over the surface of the substrate to be processed.

Abstract: Flooring for raising poultry and particularly broiler birds comprises a subfloor in the form of a grid formed by strips at right angles defining openings therebetween of the order of four inches across which will support the foot of a person but provides the openings for passage of waste material therethrough. An upper floor on top of the subfloor is formed of a molded grate or perforated flexible plastic sheet which is supported above the subfloor by vertical flexible pegs which are pressed into openings in the subfloor and are integral with the molded plastics floor. The pegs are resilient so that on compression by the foot of a person walking on the upper floor, the pegs compress completely so that the person walks effectively on the sub floor. The birds tend to sit between the pegs rather than on the pegs and thus flexible flooring cushions around them.

Abstract: The invention relates to nest boxes for birds or animals and proposes that the nest boxes comprise a sleeve with a body rotatable therein. The sleeve and body are in plastics material, and the sleeve has a cut-away portion while the body has bird or animal access apertures therein. The body can be rotated inside the sleeve to bring any one of several apertures into register with the cut-away portion so that the box can be adapted for the accommodation of different sized birds or animals. The invention also provides a C-shaped plastics material clip which is to be used for mounting the nest boxes, the clip being of resilient material such as plastics so that it can be sprung over a tree branch or a tree trunk or for example a fall pipe on a building. This clip may be of thicker material at the portion opposite the slot for reinforcing purposes and may be attached to a conventional nest box or to a nest box according to the invention.

Abstract: A valve mechanism for an intake valve has a cam block including a first cam comprising a base circle and a second cam having a lobe and a base circle the diameter of which is equal to that of the base circle of the first cam. A first rocker arm engaging with the first cam and a second rocker arm engaging with the second cam are provided. The first and second rocker arms are rotatably engaged with each other so as to be independently rocked by corresponding cams, and have holes in which a lock pin engages to connect the first and second rocker arms with each other so as to be rocked together by the second cam. The system is arranged to engage and disengage the pin with and from both the holes of the first and second rocker arms at a time when both the rocker arms engage with the base circles at the same time.

Abstract: A fluidized bed boiler is controlled by the processes of (1) setting a reference range of the installation height of the fluidizing medium and a reference range of the temperature of the fluidized bed within the fluidizing chamber; (2) sensing the installation height of the fluidizing medium, comparing the sensed height with the set reference range of the settled bed height, and supplying or discharging the fluidizing medium; (3) sensing the temperature of the fluidized bed, comparing the sensed temperature of the fluidized bed with the set reference range, re-setting the reference range of the fluidizing medium settled bed height at a higher height in accordance with the temperature difference by which the temperature of the fluidized bed exceeds the reference range, if any, and re-setting the reference range of the fluidizing medium settled bed height at a lower height in accordance with the temperature difference by which the fluidized bed temperature is below the reference temperature range, if any; and r

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling operation of a recovery boiler for compensating a predetermined reference temperature of black liquor by a compensation value in accordance with a type of an injecting gun provided in the boiler, a compensation value set by the properties of the black liquor, a compensation value set by the temperature of charbed and a compensation value set by an air flow rate to the boiler representing the magnitude of boiler steam output or load to control the black liquor temperature supplied to the boiler.

Abstract: The gas cooler has a pair of coaxial flues for the cooling of a synthesis gas wherein the flues are resiliently mounted independently of each other. The gas flow connection at the top of the pressure vessel is sized to permit the inner flue to be lifted out of the vessel for cleaning and repair purposes. In addition, the outer flue can be constructed of interconnected wall elements which may also be disconnected for discrete removal through the top of the vessel for cleaning and repair purposes.

Abstract: In a marine drive having a wiring harness (14) connected between the engine (2) and the helm (8), an alarm sensing module (26) is connected to the harness (14) and provides a warning of one or more abnormal engine conditions, without altering the existing wiring harness or adding wires thereto. A temperature switch (30) and an oil pressure switch (32) are provided at the engine, and the sensing module (26) is connected to the engine temperature gauge (10) and engine oil pressure gauge (12) at the helm. The module activates an alarm (28) in response to high engine temperature or low engine oil pressure.

Abstract: A cooling system for an internal combustion engine, which includes a fan having a boss coupled to an input member, a plurality of blades projecting substantially radially from the boss and a thin cylindrical ring coaxial with the boss and integrated around the blades, and a shroud arranged around the fan with a clearance therebetween. The ring has a cylindrical portion in its intake side and is bent, with a curvature, outwardly toward its exhaust side. The relative arrangement of the fan with the ring and the shroud is such that a maximum diameter of the ring/(the diameter of the cylindrical portion of the ring+the clearance.times.2) is established in the range of 0.97 to 1.04, that the curvature/the diameter of the cylindrical portion of the ring is established in the range of 0.05 to 0.08, and that overlapping length of the shroud with the ring is established in the range of 0.17 to 0.70.

Abstract: An exhaust apparatus for controlling the timing of exhaust operation in two-cycle engines including a pivotally mounted plate positioned in a recess in the upper surface of an exhaust passage. The plate includes a shaft bearing portion above the pivot axis of substantial strength. A plate extending from that bearing portion is reduced in thickness with a upwardly extending ridge at the outer end thereof to define a control surface and sealing mechanism for the plate. The cooperation between the exhaust port and the end of the valve body may be arranged for maximum sealing and maximum wall thickness of the surrounding port.

Abstract: An arrangement for controlling a two-cycle marine engine having a fuel injection system wherein the firing frequency of the cylinders is reduced under low speed running so as to improve fuel economy and engine performance by improving scavenging while the firing intervals between the cylinders is maintained uniform. The invention is disclosed as being applied to a number of variations of multiple cylinder engines and may be employed with spark ignited or diesel engines since the ignition system of the engine per se is not affected.

Abstract: A valve mechanism for an intake valve has a cam block including a first cam and a second cam. Each of the first and second cams has a common base circle. A first rocker arm engaging with the first cam and a second rocker arm engaging with the second cam are provided. The arms have holes in which three pins engage to selectively connect the first and second rocker arms with the actuating arm so as to be rocked together with the actuating arm. The mechanism is arranged to engaged and disengage the central pin with and from both the holes of the first and second rocker arms at a time when both the rocker arms engage with the base circles at the same time.

Abstract: A tappet for an internal combustion engine includes a tappet body having a camface at one end thereof, which camface is positioned for contact with a rotating camshaft. The camface is formed essentially of zirconium oxide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pressurized ignition system for an engine. The service life of the igniter for the engine and high altitude operation of the engine are substantially reduced due to arc-over between the terminal of the igniter and the metallic shell of the igniter or the nearest ground. The service life of the igniter and associated components are affected by the hot, contaminated environment in which they operate. The present pressurized ignition system includes a chamber around at least a portion of the igniter and the chamber pressurized to a value of, for example, about two atmospheres for suppressing arc-over. The chamber is pressurized by an air compressor drivingly connected to the engine with the air cooled by an engine aftercooler. Pressurizing the chamber prevents contaminates from entering or collecting in the chamber and affecting operation of the system.

Abstract: A carburetor for internal combustion engines has an automatic starting device comprising a choke valve based toward opening by the air flow and toward closure by a temperature responsive bimetallic spiral when cold. A device further comprises a stop member an electrically controlled movable stop member having at least one active position in which it permits complete closure of the choke valve and a rest position in which it prevents closing movement of the choke valve beyond a predetermined position, and means arranged to bring said stop member into said active position, responsive to closure of the ignition switch and for being inhibited if after a sequence of operation of the cold engine during a period greater than a first threshold value, then rest condition of the engine for a period less than a second predetermined value.

Abstract: A slitted tubular valve guide is provided with a substantially spiral groove along its entire length. At each point of intersection between the spiral groove and the slit, the ends of the groove segments immediately adjacent the slit are offset by an amount sufficient to create a discontinuity in the groove. The spiral groove is, therefore, divided into a number of inclined, decoupled groove segments incapable of flowing lubricating oil along their linear extent to the combustion chamber. The tubular valve guide is rolled from flat stock having inclined parallel groove segments preformed in the surface.

Abstract: A motor vehicle engine includes an operator controlled fuel injection enabling switch effective to disconnect electric fuel injection apparatus from an electric power source and thus initiate the cessation of engine operation when deactivated. However, the spark ignition system is still powered through an oil pressure switch so as to continue engine operation for a few extra crankshaft rotations to reduce the unburned fuel in the intake passage as the engine stops and thus reduce throttle bore coking. In a vehicle having a fuel pump relay activated by the fuel injection enabling switch with contacts connected across the oil pressure switch, the invention may be obtained by changing the power connection of the spark ignition system from the fuel injection enabling (ignition) switch to the fuel pump relay.

Abstract: A process and engine using a homogeneous mixture of fuel and air but ignited spontaneously by high mixture temperatures produced by heating and by compression of the fuel charge in which a controlled rate of combustion is obtained by adding exhaust products to the fuel-air mixture. A combustion chamber is connected to the cylinder head of an internal combustion engine which is provided with a fuel and exhaust products which remain therein as fresh air is introduced into the cylinder due to a restricted entrance. A heater element at the entrance heats fresh air entering the combustion chamber on the compression stroke to produce spontaneous ignition of the homogeneous mixture.

Abstract: Automatic control and fuel saving means for internal combustion engines, comprising: at least one centrifugal speed sensor having at least one pair of flyweights, which flyweights are disposed in the guide tracks on a holder, the said guide tracks are such orientated that the components of the centrifugal forces of the flyweights in the guide track directions substantially match the elastic forces of the spring exerting on the flyweights; a mode shifting device connected to the said speed sensor and to the manual operating mechanisms, the said mode shifting device alternately puts the engine into the automatic control mode by the said speed sensor or into the manual control mode.

Abstract: A throttle valve control apparatus with two electronically-controlled actuators is disclosed. A first electronically-controlled actuator has a first drive motor which opens and closes the throttle valve through gears. A second electronically-controlled actuator has a second drive motor which opens and closes the throttle valve by rotating the first drive motor about the axis of the shaft of the throttle valve. The throttle valve can be independently rotated by either of the actuators. A controller computes the optimal degree of opening of the throttle valve based on the operating state of the engine of the vehicle, the running condition of the vehicle, and the amount by which the accelerator pedal is depressed. The controller then controls the actuators so as to open the throttle valve by the optimal degree of opening.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for an engine cooling system with the coolant fluid maintained in a state of nucleate boiling at a selected location in the coolant passages of the engine. The cooling system comprises a radiator and a coolant reservoir with a variable speed circulating pump for circulating the coolant through the coolant passages in the engine and through the radiator. A coolant pressure pump with a servo motor is adapted to pump coolant between the radiator and the reservoir as needed and to adjust the static pressure of the coolant. The coolant flow through the radiator is adjusted to maintain the coolant at a selected location at a control temperature which will maintain a safe metal operating temperature for the engine. The static pressure of the coolant is adjusted to a value at which the saturation temperature of the coolant is near the control temperature so that nucleate boiling will occur at the selected location.

Abstract: A mixture control for an internal combustion engine with a lambda probe and with a memory device containing nominal values for the fuel supply dependent on operational values of the engine, as load, rotational speed and temperature. The mixture control renders it possible to optimize the consumption and/or emission, under consideration of the operating conditions, in the entire moving range of an internal combustion engine. The memory device comprises address positions selectable by the operating values of the internal combustion engine and also by the actual lambda value, and stores nominal values for the fuel supply in the form of a map for a characteristic field. The probe voltage and the internal resistance of the lambda probe are determined.

Abstract: A fuel supply control system for an internal combustion engine having a fuel injection valve arranged within a suction passage at a location upstream of an intake manifold and a throttle valve therein, and an air throttle valve arranged within the suction passage at a location upstream of the throttle valve and having a throttle opening disposed to be positioned opposite the nozzle of the fuel injection valve when the air throttle valve is fully closed whereby intake air flows through the throttle opening in the vicinity of the nozzle of the fuel injection valve at an increased speed. The system controls a quantity of fuel supplied to a plurality of cylinders of the engine in accordance with operating conditions of the engine. Further, the system increases the quantity of fuel when the air throttle valve is opened.

Abstract: A spacer, which is interposed between a cylinder head and an intake manifold in order to facilitate installation of a swirl control valve or valves, is made of thermosetting phenol or epoxy resin so as to prevent the transfer of heat from the cylinder head to the intake manifold. The spacer installs thereon a fuel injector or injectors and may be provided with a fuel supply passage, pressure regulator, fuel damper, etc. as an integral unit.

Abstract: A fuel injection system for an internal combustion engine having common intake manifold sections and branches communicating adjacent cylinders with each other via fuel-air intake valves of the cylinders. Fuel injection valves are disposed in the intake manifold sections in order to inject fuel. A fuel injection signal is provided for simultaneously opening all of the fuel injection valves for simultaneously injecting fuel therefrom while most of the intake valves of the cylinders are closed and not during the period of changing from the opening condition to closing condition of the remaining intake valves of the remaining cylinders.

Abstract: A fuel control apparatus comprises a hot-wire type intake air quantity sensor disposed in an air intake passage for an internal combustion engine to detect the quantity of air passing therethrough, a fuel control valve placed in the air intake passage and injecting fuel, a burning-off section for heating a hot wire at a temperature higher than a temperature in a normal operation, after the engine has been stopped, so as to burn off a deposit on the hot wire, wherein the operation of an injector is stopped by detecting an output of the sensor for a predetermined time to thereby prevent undesired firing of the fuel.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for the adaptation of mixture control for an internal combustion engine which is set up from operating quantities of the engine such as throttle flap angular position .alpha. and rotational speed n. The characteristic field provides a precontrol quantity governing the quantity of fuel to be metered or injected. The method includes the steps of: influencing the precontrol quantity by at least one adaptively changeable corrective quantity (structural adaptation, global adaptation); detecting the negative change velocity (-d.alpha./dt) of the throttle flap position angle (.alpha.); comparing the negative change velocity (-d.alpha./dt) with a predetermined threshold value [-d.alpha./dt(SchAd)]; evaluating a quantity (.DELTA..alpha.) indicative of the throttle flap change in angular position when the threshold value [-d.alpha./dt(SchAd)] is exceeded, the quantity (.DELTA..alpha.

Abstract: A fuel supply control system for an internal combustion engine which is capable of precisely controlling the amount of fuel to be supplied to an engine so as to provide a predetermined air/fuel ratio irrespective of the provision of an EGR system or the amount of EGR in the case of EGR control. Fuel is supplied to an engine by fuel injection valves, and a part of exhaust gas discharged from the engine is adjustably recirculated to a location downstream of a throttle valve in an intake pipe. In a memory that is stored data detemining the amounts of fuel to be supplied to the engine in the absence of the exhaust gas recirculation corresponding to the respective engine operating conditions which are determined by the manifold pressure of the intake gases at the downstream side of the throttle valve detected by a pressure detector and the engine RPM detected by an engine RPM detector, and which are classified in a two dimensional manner.

Abstract: A fuel line cooler (34) is provided for a marine propulsion system (2) having a water cooled internal combustion engine (4) in a heat retentive compartment (5). The fuel line cooler (34) has an inlet (36) in communication with the source (14, 12) of cooling water for the engine (4), and has an outlet (38) for discharging water. The fuel line cooler (34) is cooled by sea water during running of the engine (4). Upon turn off of the engine (4), the cooled water in the fuel line cooler (34) is in heat transfer relation with the fuel and prevents vaporization and or spewing of the fuel.

Abstract: An arrangement for heating the blow-by gas system of a water cooled type internal combustion engine by providing engine coolant conduits in heat exchange relationship with the blow-by gas hoses and PCV valve. In one embodiment a water jacket surrounds the PCV valve. The heat exchangers between the blow-by gas system hoses and the coolant hoses are parallel adjacent conduits in one embodiment and concentric conduits in another embodiment.

Abstract: An idling system for a multi-cylinder two-stroke engine as used in an outboard motor. Through a porting arrangement in the carburetor of at least one of the cylinders, the fuel supplied to that cylinder at idle and off-idle speed is reduced to a value so that the fuel-air ratio is too lean to fire. On rapid acceleration from idle speed, a charge of fuel is injected directly to the non-firing cylinder to provide smooth acceleration.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating a liquid by circulating combustion products comprises a housing having a liquid-containing reservoir compartment and a burner compartment thereabove containing a fuel burner for burning a mixture of air and combustible gases, liquids or particulate solids. An electric motor mounted above the burner has a shaft extending downward into the liquid in the reservoir with an impeller on the lower end submerged in the liquid. Rotation of the impeller produces suction in the liquid drawing hot combustion gases into the liquid and disperses the same as hot gas bubbles which heat the liquid efficiently. A portion of the liquid is conducted from the reservoir and discharged close to the burner to cool the burning mixture. The heated liquid may be reycled through a hot water supply piping system for industrial usage. A coil submerged in the reservoir allows a second liquid to be heated thereby for use in a hot water supply system for residential or industrial usage.

Abstract: A handpiece connector cooperates with the logic control circuit in an ultrasonic surgical system to distinguish types of handpieces, to indicate types of handpieces, to control differing operating frequencies for such differing handpieces, and to provide logic signals for controlling other system parameters dependent on the type of handpiece selected. A handpiece connector is prewired in a manner which is electrically indicative of one of several parameters to identify the selective handpiece. A logic control circuit, when connected to the handpiece, indicates that a handpiece is connected, indicates the type of handpiece so connected, indicates and controls the frequency of operation pertinent to that handpiece, and controls other system operating parameters related to the selected handpiece.

Abstract: A rocking platform for wheelchairs includes a platform pivotally attached to a base housing, and sized to hold a standard wheelchair thereon. A retractable ramp on the forward edge of the platform allows a wheelchair to be easily rolled onto the platform. A lock bar with clamping devices on each end is attachable to the sides of the platform forward of the large rear wheels of the wheelchair to further secure the chair. A motor mounted in the housing powers the rocking action of the platform. The platform is easily stored and transported by tipping it up onto casters mounted on the rearward end of the housing.

Abstract: A device to relieve traction from a patient, the traction imposed by a weight connected to a harness on the patient through a flexible element strung over a pulley wheel, the device including a reversible motor which turns a pulley wheel mounted on a shaft through a one-way clutch, the motor being freely mounted on the shaft and raising the weight when it turns in one direction to produce slack in the flexible element, and lowering the weight to impose traction force on the patient when it turns in the reverse direction.

Abstract: A back and stomach supporting belt has an unpadded central panel of 1/4 inch leather which is placed in the small of the back to cover the five lumbar vertebra and the sacrospinalis muscles on both sides of the lumbar vertebra, but not over the large lower portions of the latissimus dorsi muscles. The ends of the belt extend from the central panel so that when fastened together around the user's abdominal muscles, the central panel bears against the lumbar area, pressing forward into a position restricting the sacrospinalis muscles and the lumbar vertebra from relaxing into a position which may cause pain to the lower part of the spine.

Abstract: An athletic knee protector is disclosed wherein a bowed leaf spring hinge structure is supported on load distribution pads or cuffs attached to the thigh and shin of the wearer and is spaced laterally from the lateral side of the knee to protect the knee of an athlete against injury from lateral forces and impacts such as are likely to occur in football. The bowed leaf spring hinge structure absorbs such forces and impacts and redistributes them at locations spaced substantially above and below the knee proximate the strong bones of the leg. Preloading of knee ligaments in the lateral/medial direction is avoided, and lateral forces and impacts are better distributed, by connecting the pads or cuffs to the hinge structure with a free rocking or pivoting action in the lateral/medial direction.

Abstract: The disclosure is of a method of forming a waterproof seal about the cast or dressing on a patient. An air- and water-impervious flexible membrane is placed over the cast or dressing to a position where the membrane's edge margins overlie the patient's skin along the perimeter of the cast or dressing. A vacuum is created between the membrane and skin by evacuating air through a suction tube or valve. The vacuum creates a close, snug fit of the membrane over the entirety of the cast or dressing and over a relatively large surface area of skin to provide a waterproof seal.