Abstract: A drain cleaning apparatus has a remotely adjustable cable feed control. The drain cleaning apparatus includes a rotatable cable drum that carries a drain cleaning cable. Also included is a cable advancing mechanism. The cable is adapted to pass from the cable drum and through the cable advancing mechanism. The cable is also adapted to rotate about its feed or longitudinal axis when the cable drum is rotated. The cable advancing mechanism includes a plurality of rollers for engaging the cable. The rollers are selectively adjustable among a cable displacing position and a neutral position. A guide conduit assembly is coupled to the cable advancing mechanism. The rollers may be selectively adjusted between the cable displacing and the neutral positions by an operator remotely rotating the guide conduit.

Abstract: A system for detecting, monitoring and reporting physiological information includes a sensor device adapted to be worn on the upper arm that includes at least one of an accelerometer, a GSR sensor and a heat flux sensor and generates data indicative of at least one of activity, galvanic skin response and heat flow. The sensor device may also generate derived data from at least a portion of the data indicative of at least one of activity, galvanic skin response and heat flow. The system includes a central monitoring unit that generates analytical status data from at least one of the data indicative of at least one of activity, galvanic skin response and heat flow, the derived data, and previously generated analytical status data, a means for establishing electronic communication between the sensor device and the central monitoring unit, and a means for transmitting data to a recipient.

Abstract: Means and methods for measuring heat flux between a living body and an ambient atmosphere and for generating information related thereto. Means include a heat pipe configuration comprising at least one heat conduit in thermal communication with a heat flux sensor and a surface of a living body. Methods include employing such a heat pipe configuration. Heat pipe configuration may be used in a device included in a system for detecting, monitoring and reporting human physiological information.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for punching holes at any location along the length of an elongate hollow body comprising an expandable die which is insertable into the elongate hollow body. The elongate hollow body may have any shape and be of any length. In operation, the expandable die cooperates with the punch or punches of an external, conventional punch press. The expandable die self-aligns its die cavity or cavities with the punch or punches of the external punch press. The expandable die can expand to support the elongate hollow body during the punching operation to avoid denting or other damage to the elongate hollow body.

Abstract: A drain cleaning machine includes a housing and a cage member that is axially displaceable along and rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the housing. The cage member has an axial bore and is adapted to receive a cable. A plurality of jaw elements are inserted into and displaceable within the cage member. A rotatable cone member surrounds the first end of the cage member and is adapted to engage the jaw elements and displace the jaw elements radially inward within the cage member as it is axially displaced along the longitudinal axis. A motor is coupled to the cone member for rotating the cone member, wherein rotation of the cone member causes rotation of the cage member. The jaw elements are adapted to engage and grip the cable such that rotation of the cage member causes rotation of the cable about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A drain cleaning apparatus comprises an auger for insertion into a drain pipe or conduit which is adapted to rupture or dislodge debris therein; a motorized drive for causing rotational motion of the auger, which motorized drive is associated with a receptacle for the storage and distribution of the auger therefrom; and a remote power feed device affixed to the motorized drive by a guide tube in which the auger is extended. The remote power feed selectively engages the external surface of the auger and translates the rotational movement of the auger caused by the motorized drive into lateral movement through the interaction of angularly mounted or threaded engagement means. A guide conduit is rotatably mounted within the guide tube, encircling the auger therein. The guide conduit is mounted to the rotatable auger containment receptacle and the motorized drive, but is freely rotatably displaced within the guide tube.

Abstract: A system for securing a rail to a concrete railroad tie employing an improved insulator spacer that improves the resistance of the insulator spacer to the crushing deterioration induced by laterally-directed compressive forces during service. The improved insulator spacer has at least one composite insert located in an area that is subjected to high compressive loads in service. The composite insert or inserts are sufficiently electrically insulating to operably electrically insulate the rail the improved insulator spacer is in contact with from the shoulder insert the improved insulator spacer is also in contact with.

Abstract: An attachment surface for an implantable device has a random irregular pattern formed through a repetitive masking and chemical milling process. Additionally, an attachment surface for an implantable device has a random irregular pattern formed through a repetitive masking and electrochemical milling process. The electrochemical milling process is particularly well suited for use with substrate materials which have high chemical inertness which makes them resistant to chemical etching. Surface material is removed from the implant surface without stress on the adjoining material and the process provides fully dimensional fillet radii at the base of the surface irregularities. This irregular surface is adapted to receive the ingrowth of bone material and to provide a strong anchor for that bone material. The unitary nature of the substrate and surface features provides a strong anchoring surface with is resistant to cracking or breaking.

Abstract: A seamless steel-body cylinder, suitable for storing ultra-high purity gases, has an inert metal lining. The cylinder lining is preferably nickel and completely covers the interior surface of the steel cylinder body, preventing the stored gas from making any contact and reacting with the steel cylinder body. The surface of the inert metal lining is conditioned to be smooth, preferably to 15 R.sub.a or better. The cylinder body is preferably externally threaded to secure end closure devices to the cylinder body.

Abstract: A modular trailer utilizes a small trailer body capable of being pulled by the average passenger automobile. The trailer's interior is provided such that it may be utilized in a completely open fashion for the transportation of large, bulky items, or alternatively may be utilized with the addition of removal modular walls, shelves and restraints in a wide variety of configurations which provide particularized storage spaces for small items or items requiring special restraint during transportation. The trailer is provided such that the entire interior space may be utilized as a single compartment or it may be broken down into large compartments, small compartments or a combination of the two, according to the changing and varied needs of the operator. The device utilizes a plurality of movable walls and shelves which may be interlocked in a variety of configurations as well as providing a shaded interior space.

Abstract: A reagent for desulfurizing molten iron comprising calcium carbide and/or lime and an asphaltite. The reagent may contain, in addition, magnesium which is either uniformly distributed within the reagent mixture, or stored separately and added to the mixture during fluidized transport of the reagent just prior to injection to vary the addition of magnesium for any given injection.

Abstract: An attachment surface for increasing adhesion between two objects or materials and a method for creating such a surface is disclosed. A substrate, including articles such as particularly an implantable device and high performance aircraft parts, is provided with a random irregular pattern formed through a repetitive masking and chemical milling process. Surface material is removed from the substrate without stress on the adjoining material and the process provides fully dimensional fillet radii at the base of the surface irregularities. This irregular surface is adapted to receive the adjacent material to be joined thereto, such as the ingrowth of bone material, and to provide a strong anchor for that material. The unitary nature of the substrate and surface features provides a strong anchoring surface with is resistant to cracking or breaking.

Abstract: A cutting device and method for its operation are utilized to apply variably canted threads to a screw blank. A conventional cutting lathe is provided with a conventional hydraulically operated adjustable cutting support attached thereto. A guide plate is generally mounted upon the lathe adjacent the armature, which is guided therealong to produce a particular pattern in the workpiece. The armature is pivotable to permit cutting at particular angles into the surface of a workpiece. A secondary guide is utilized in producing a controlled variable pivot of the cutting armature during its progression along the body of the workpiece. The secondary guide is rigidly mounted to the adjustable cutting armature and precisely controls its movement during the cutting operation, producing a cutting operation having dual movement characteristics.

Abstract: An apparatus, which is utilized to secure loads to a number of pallets emanating from a plurality of sources, provides a relatively short, straight pathway from the point of construction of a loaded pallet to the wrapping station. The device further provides a plurality of stations to permit maximum utilization of a single wrapping apparatus. An improved swing arm is utilized to mount the stretch wrap on the stacked pallet and permits increased efficiency in pre-stretching and wrapping of the stacked loads. The wrapping apparatus is mounted at the end of a series of pallet conveyors. Each pallet transportation conveyor terminates in a wrapping station which is collinear with the other wrapping stations. A support beam extends longitudinally along the line of wrapping stations at a pre-selected height thereabove. A rolling transport is mounted upon wheels and rolls along the length of the beam. The transport contains the operating controls of the device as well as the swing arm which wraps the stacked pallets.

Abstract: A working cylinder is described which features a cylinder of compact construction. The openings provided for the tension member can be very well sealed by simple means. The tension element features a cross-section having a continuous circumferential line. The size of the cylinder is also reduced through the use of a generally elliptical piston. The tension element is preferably comprised of several plastic tension strands encased in a jacket of plastic material which also has a generally elliptical cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: A pulley having a spring loaded release mechanism is disclosed which provides a safety override under high torque conditions. The pulley is provided with a first flange which rotates in the conventional manner with a central hub. A second flange is rotatably mounted on the central hub relative to the first flange and a bushing is disposed between the two flanges and may rotate relative to both. A resilient member urges the three elements together under normal operating conditions. The resilient member is preset to allow a certain amount of force on the second flange, relative to its speed. When this torque is surpassed by a belt mounted between the two flanges, the second flange and the bushing separate from the first flange to allow the belt to continue to spin on the bushing and a second flange, relative to the first flange.

Abstract: The specification discloses an apparatus and method for repelling insects through the generation of only far infrared electro-magnetic waves in the range 50 microns to 1000 microns in length.