Abstract: This invention relates to a novel apparatus which is useful for readily removing the fitting from a hose, particularly a hydraulic hose. An expansion guide for fitting on the end of a hose to enable a fitting at the opposite end of the hose to be loosened comprising a hollow cylinder open at both ends, the opening at one end being of a diameter greater than the outer diameter of the hose, and the opening at the other end being narrower than the outer diameter but greater than the interior diameter of the hose, the interior of the cylinder having an annular ledge at the narrower end, the ledge being adapted to fit at the end of the hose.

Abstract: A atmospheric pressure capacitively coupled plasma high intensity spectral lamp. The lamp generates atom line and ion line spectra from a substance to be analyzed. The lamp comprises a hollow means adapted for containing and sustaining an atmospheric pressure capacitively generated plasma discharge, a first electrode connected to a radio frequency power supply, electrically insulated from the plasma and enclosing at least a portion of the hollow means, and a second electrode constructed of the substance to be analyzed, connected to a radio frequency power supply, the electrode penetrating into the plasma discharge and being capacitively arranged with the first electrode.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electric power drill having a magazine containing a multiplicity of bits from which a single bit is selected using a bolt action. The magazine is cylindrical and is rotated about a central axis to select a bit. The bit is loaded into the chuck by forward motion of the bolt and is tightened into operating position by the chuck. The bit is removed from the chuck by retraction of the bolt.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a novel plasma detector that is useful for the detection of compounds separated by gas chromatography. More particularly, the invention relates to a novel radio-frequency, atmospheric pressure capacitively coupled plasma torch which can be used as an element specific, spectroscopic detector for gas chromatography. A method of detecting compounds separated by gas chromatography comprising passing the gas product of a gas chromatograph through a radio-frequency atmospheric pressure capacitively coupled plasma and anaylzing the results.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench having a handle through which a rotatable shaft extends. A bevel gear is coupled to one end of the shaft for rotation by the shaft about an input drive axis. A pair of concentrically aligned ring gears are coupled to the bevel gear for counter rotation of the ring gears, by the bevel gear, about an output drive axis perpendicular to the input drive axis. A drive member is mounted inside the ring gears for rotation about the output drive axis. A ratchet mechanism couples the ring gears to the drive member such that, for either direction of rotation of the bevel gear, one of the ring gears is coupled to the drive member and the other of the ring gears is decoupled from the drive member. The ring gears are further coupled to the bevel gear for unidirectional rotation of the ring gears about the output drive axis in response to pivotal movement of the handle about the output drive axis.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for suspending a double-ended paddle which is used to propel a small water craft. The device can be readily disassembled and stored and has particular application to kayaks. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the paddle is supported by an elastic member attached at its midpoint. The elastic member depends from a freely swinging overhead boom which projects from a mast mounted to the water craft in front of the paddler. The paddle location and paddle lifting force can be adjusted.

Abstract: A releasable slip cover for covering a tractor bearing plate to protect the bearing plate from abrasive residue when the tractor is driven detached from the trailer.

Abstract: A convertible drill apparatus for applying force to a probe capable of operating in either a vibratory drilling mode wherein the apparatus is adapted to drive the probe into the material to be drilled or a rotary drilling mode wherein the apparatus drives the probe into the material to be drilled by rotation of the probe. The apparatus comprises a drill stand, vibratory drive for imparting a vibratory motion to the probe, rotary drive for imparting a rotary movement to the probe, a vibratory drive probe coupling for coupling the probe to the vibratory drive, a rotary drive probe coupling for coupling the probe to the rotary drive, a support for supporting and containing the coupling, a carriage assembly for mounting the support to the drill stand in sliding up and down fashion, and carriage drive for lifting or lowering the carriage assembly. The invention can be easily converted from vibratory drilling modes to rotary drilling modes and back by exchanging the vibratory drive with the rotary drive.

Abstract: A self-propelled mechanical street sweeper comprising a production truck cab and chassis, the frame beams of which have been modified by removing rear portions thereof extending behind the rear axle. The sweeper comprises side brushes, a pick-up brush and a conveyor. The conveyor is mounted forwardly of the pick-up brush adjacent the rear axle of the chassis, and has a uniform width throughout its length, which width is substantially the same as the width of the pick-up brush. The street sweeper of the present invention also comprises a rear suspension mounted above and forwardly but not rearwardly of the rear axle, comprising a rubber pad mounted between the frame beams and the rear axle for biasing the rear axle away from the chassis, and a connecting arm pivotally mounted to the frame beams at a location forwardly of the rear axle for connecting the rear axle to the frame beams.

Abstract: Existing electrical outlet tracks require that the outlet be slid from one location to another along the track. The present invention provides a readily movable electrical receptacle which also discourages contact with the conductors. The receptacles of the present invention can be readily installed at any location along a baseboard conductor without sliding of the receptacle. This is accomplished using a T-shaped element which is inserted through the lengthwise groove of the continuous track and rotated into place. Screw-mounted bars are used to tighten the receptacle into place at the chosen location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for mixing or agitating fluids using vortex rings in which a tube of inside diameter d is inserted into the fluid with an open end in the fluid. Fluid is drawn into the tube, and a slug of fluid is propelled a distance L down and out of the tube to create a vortex ring at the exit of the tube for propagation through the fluid. The ratio of L/d is between 0.8 and 3.8. The propelling means preferably involves a pulser cylinder communicating with the tube and a piston positioned in the pulser cylinder for reciprocating motion towards and away from the fluid to be mixed or agitated, or a bellows serving a similar function. The propelling means provides a generally square wave pressure impulse to the fluid to eject it from the tube in the form of a vortex ring.

Abstract: A method of linearizing an amplifier to produce an amplified output sample v.sub.a in response to a predistorted input sample v.sub.d derived from an input modulation sample v.sub.m, such that v.sub.a .perspectiveto.Kv.sub.m, where K is the amplifier's desired constant amplitude gain. The squared magnitude x.sub.m of the input modulation sample v.sub.m is first derived. A table entry F.sub.i is then selected from a table containing N.sub.t values F.sub.i where i=0, 1, . . . N.sub.t -1. Each table entry corresponds to a squared magnitude value x.sub.mi ; and, for each table entry, F.sub.i G(x.sub.mi .vertline.F.sub.i .vertline..sup.2).perspectiveto.K, where G(x) is the complex gain of the amplifier. The table entry selected is the one for which the absolute value .vertline.x.sub.m -x.sub.mi .vertline. is minimized with respect to the table index i. The predistorted sample v.sub.d is then derived, in rectangular coordinates, as v.sub.d =v.sub.m F.sub.i, viz:Re(v.sub.d)=Re(v.sub.m)Re(F.sub.i)-Im(V.sub.m)Im(F.

Abstract: A hand-held ultrasonic probe for measuring the thickness of a conduit, such as a boiler tube, from the tube inside surface. The probe is slidable and rotatable relative to the longitudinal axis of the tube under investigation. The probe may also be manually skewed relative to the tube longitudinal axis to measure corroded regions which are not parallel to the centerline of the tube.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus for treatment of snoring and apnea. The method provides the steps of regulating the flow of air through the mouth of the user to an extent comparable to the volume of air which flows through the user's nasal passages. The apparatus provides a device having a body portion sufficiently wide to separate the user's teeth and provided with an air passsage comparable in area to the area of the user's nasal passages. In a preferred form of the invention the user is able to seal the air passage with his tongue to completely suppress the flow of air through the mouth and to control the turbulence of the air meeting the nasal inspiration.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a novel pressure relief device for a container which is under pressure or becomes pressurized. In one aspect, the invention is directed to a pressure relief vent for a battery which, due to adverse chemical reaction, may become pressurized to a hazardous level. A pressure release vent for a container comprising: (a) a container having a wall; (b) an indentation formed in said wall, the indentation being interrupted by a flat-topped fold which extends across the indentation and reduces the depth of the indentation at a specific location; and (c) a score formed in said fold, the score providing a point of weakness whereby excessive pressure buildup in the container ruptures the container wall at the score location, thereby permitting pressurized gases to escape from the container.

Abstract: A skateboard axle mounting apparatus having a base, a support element attached to the base for securely receiving a skateboard axle, and a mounting bracket for attaching the base to a friction-reducing accessory, such as a snow ski or a roller/belt assembly. The support element includes a guide located on the base and a pair of vertical end plates which slidably cooperate with the guide. Each end plate has a bore hole for securely receiving the skateboard axle. The base includes a graduated scale for use in adjustably aligning the end plates on the guide.

Abstract: A work support bracket is improved by providing it with brace members having a cross sectional shape. The brace members are fixed to first and second horizontal socket members respectively such that the upper horizontal segments of the brace members extend away from one another. The lower, central regions of the vertical segments of the brace members are notched to straddle the first and second horizontal socket members respectively. The outward, central regions of the upper horizontal segments are notched to define elongated pathways extending through first and second generally vertical socket members respectively and through said notched outward central regions respectively. The lower horizontal segments of the brace members are first and second pairs of tab members which extend from opposed ends of the first and second brace members respectively.