Abstract: An all-purpose modular canopy system including a canopy frame formed of a plurality of interconnected sections, the sections being formed of welded tubular elements. The sections are modular in configuration including end and central portions whereby the sections may be selectively assembled to produce the desired length. The canopy frame includes transversely disposed brace elements associated with supporting columns and adjustable fittings to facilitate alignment of the columns and canopy frame, and the canopy frame is covered by a flexible covering using a lacing system between the frame and covering to maintain covering tension. The covering may include a skirt cooperating with skirt stabilizers formed in the canopy frame corners for maintaining the skirt properly oriented.

Abstract: A light source suitable for illuminating work pieces imaged by machine vision cameras. A beam splitter mirror is located within the camera optical axis, a uniform intensity light source provides light to a diffuser and the diffused light is reflected from the beam splitter to uniformly illuminate the object being observed by the camera with a minimum of stray reflections or glare. Stray and incidental light is absorbed by a light trap located in opposed relation to the diffuser.

Abstract: A training device for encouraging proper body characteristics during the striking of a ball, such as a baseball or a golf ball. In particular, the training device encourages immobility of the head during ball striking and swinging, and also aids in attaining proper head alignment to the ball. A frame mounted upon a cap visor includes spaced ends, and reference elements formed of a thin material are mounted upon the frame ends and define closed loops. The reference elements are located within the wearer's line of sight while viewing the ball to be struck, and the proximity of the reference elements to the wearer's eyes cause the closed loops to appear to define an enclosed alignment target in which the ball may be located during striking. The particular configuration of the alignment target is determined by the configuration of the reference elements' loops.

Abstract: A rotary joint for rotating heat exchangers of the drum or roll type having a journal wherein damage to the rotary joint by radial impact forces is minimized by mounting the joint housing upon the rotating journal, the joint nipple is stationary and mounted upon the fluid receiving head and spherical roller bearings are interposed between the housing and nipple. The primary fluid seal is located adjacent the heat exchanger journal and impact forces between the seal components and nipple, and their surrounding structure, is absorbed by the use of annular elastic glide rings which also function as fluid seals.

Abstract: A method of assembly of a foam seat cushion and rigid pan permitting high production assembly techniques. The cushion cover includes a flap which is tucked under a retainer. The retainer includes a plurality of lances which pierce the cover flap and enter holes formed in the pan to preliminarily position the tensioned cover flap prior to the installation of permanent fasteners connecting the retainer to the pan.

Abstract: A system for distributing a slurry of water and solids over a substantially large area wherein the solids may be distributed in a thin environmentally acceptable manner of uniform thickness or a land area or the bottom of a water area may be significantly raised in elevation. A plurality of aerial projectors in the form of nozzles mounted on vehicles distribute the slurry and the vehicle or vehicles move over the area in a predetermined manner and velocity to produce slurry distribution as desired.

Abstract: A fish line release using a pair of elongated jaw members interconnected at one end and having free ends movable between fish line holding and release positions. The jaw members are resiliently biased toward the closed line holding position by a coil compression spring and the spring is displaceable within jaw member recesses to adjust the distance of the spring from the jaw members' interconnected end and thereby adjust the line holding pressure or tension. Detent means located within the spring receiving recesses locate and maintain the spring as desired, and in an embodiment the spring is located within a carrier having handles to facilitate spring positioning. Convex jaw member engaging surfaces facilitate relative pivotal jaw movement.

Abstract: A drapery hanging system for "S" type pleated drapery of a sinuous folded configuation wherein the drapery is suspended from a traverse rod supporting a plurality of slidable carriers. Adjacent carriers are interconnected by a tension connector to equally space the carriers when the drapery is closed, and abutments evenly spaced on the connector adjustably attached to the carriers permit the desired spacing of the drapery folds wherein extensive variations in drapery material width can be accommodated within a given drapery extended dimension and additional carriers may be easily added. A drapery header tape utilizes a weight supporting lip whereby hangers depending from the carriers may be easily adjustably attached to the header tape at the desired location to permit support of the drapery at those locations most advantageous with respect to the drapery material width and drapery extended dimensions.

Abstract: A lightweight horseshoe particularly suitable for competitive events requiring high maneuverability, the horseshoe including a body having a plurality of sharp ribs extending from the shoe ground engaging face. Four ribs are employed across the shoe body width, the front rib constituting a deeper penetrating grab. The ribs are configured to be self-cleaning, and the shoe includes homogeneous reinforcing bars to resist outward shoe deformation under lateral stress. The reinforcing bars intersect the shoe outer and inner sides, and clearance slots formed in the shoe outer side adjacent the reinforcing bars facilitates the self-cleaning of the shoe adjacent the bars.

Abstract: A barrier assembly for swings or similar recreational or exercise equipment is mounted by means of a split-clamp bracket on the top crossbeam extending vertically outward from the beam to prevent the throwing over of swings which would result in a winding up of a flexible suspension strand such as a chain around the crossbeam.

Abstract: A geothermal heat converter for converting geothermal heat to steam. The converter is mounted in the lower end of a geothermal well conduit and includes a cup portion in direct engagement with the geothermal brine or medium. The cup portion is sealed with respect to the conduit, and the upper region of the converter includes a tubular housing constituting a heat exchanger having longitudinally extending tubes extending therethrough in communication with the cup. The cup is formed of a tungsten carbon composition, and is coated with platinum to reduce corrosion.

Abstract: An apnea monitoring system which utilizes a portable data storage cartridge for storing the monitored events and waveforms of a patient's respiration, ECG and the like. The cartridge is easily carried or mailed to a remote location and connected to a transfer unit to provide a cost-effective and time-efficient method of transferring the stored information to a computer for displaying selected events and waveforms. The monitor includes provisions for indicating the available memory space on the cartridge, and the cartridge is replaceable to provide an unlimited amount of memory space and permit continued use of the monitor during transferring of information to a computer.

Abstract: A golf putter suitable for use by either a right or left hand favored person employing the principle of the pendulum as its primary operating concept, is provided for putting in either a modified croquet style of putting or the conventional across the body style. The invention comprises a mallet portion consisting of a shaft having a head and a flexible universal pivot portion from which the mallet portion is suspended. A grip is provided on the shaft to aid in positioning the head face perpendicular to the desired direction of ball travel and the grip may be axially translatable along the shaft. The universal pivot portion comprises a pivot cord flexible in all lateral directions which extends from the elongated shaft's upper end having a finger grip attached to the pivot cord at its terminus.

Abstract: A disposable patient heating or cooling blanket having three layers of flexible sheeting two of which form an air chamber, the third of which is a comfortable layer for contact with the patient and which, having a greater friction characteristic, aids in keeping the blanket in place on the patient. The patient is bathed in conditioned air through a multiplicity of orifices in the bottom layers of the blanket and the size and location of the orifices are such that sufficient pressure exists within the blanket to prevent crimping blockage and to insure a uniform flow of air through the orifices throughout the blanket area. Conditioned air is introduced horizontally through an external nozzle which is inserted into a low cost foldable fitting plate bonded to the blanket which permits the blanket to be concisely folded and packaged.

Abstract: Knee orthosis measurement apparatus for attaching to the leg including a linear column having measurement probes mounted thereon for engaging the leg. The probes are mounted upon a scale connected to the column whereby the position of the probes to the columns may be readily determined to compare the position of various locations of the leg to the column.

Abstract: A caster wheel consisting of a pair of one-piece hub portions adapted to be releasably secured together to support a polyurethane tire and permit replacement thereof. The inner portion of the tire is trapped in a cavity which permits the tire to expand, or flow, axially under load bearing conditions. The tire's side walls are supported by a pair of outwardly divergently disposed support surfaces which substantially engage the entire length of the side walls to form a solid radial column of tire support and incorporate radial projections to prohibit relative rotation between the tire and the hub portions.

Abstract: The invention pertains to apparatus for evenly distributing food particles over a base food, and in particular is directed to apparatus for evenly distributing a predetermined quantity of cheese particles upon a pizza. The apparatus includes a conical screen supported above the pizza upon which cheese is to be distributed and comminuted cheese particles located within a hopper above the screen are dropped in a mass upon the screen and distributed by gravitational force in an even pattern over the pizza.